SUFFIELD [Fall 2013]

suffield

BOARD OF TRUSTEES Daniel R. Tisch ’69, P’02, President | New York, New York Jackson W. Robinson ’60, Vice President | Boston, Massachusetts Frederic B. Powers III ’83, P’14, Secretary | Greenwich, Connecticut

MANAGING EDITOR Maeve Ryan CREATIVE DIRECTOR Tobye Cook Seck ’88

Charles Cahn III, Headmaster | Suffield, Connecticut Susan W. Autuori P’06, ’08, ’10, ’13 | West Hartford, Connecticut Nancy A. Brooks ’87 | Boston, Massachusetts Cindy Burke P’13, ’15, ’17 | East Longmeadow, Massachusetts Dennis W. Chalke P’08, ’12 | Longmeadow, Massachusetts Andrew C. Chase | Deerfield, Massachusetts Kate O. Cleary ’88 | Cambridge, Massachusetts Michael J. Daly ’59, Trustee Emeritus | Longmeadow, Massachusetts George B. Daniels ’71 | New York, New York Andrew Fabricant P’14 | New York, New York Samuel S. Fuller ’41, Trustee Emeritus GP’04, ’05, ’06, ’08, ’09 | Suffield, Connecticut Robert C. Graham, Jr. P’11 | Stamford, Connecticut Valisha Graves ’81 | Brooklyn, New York Matthew W. Greene | Wilton, Connecticut Walter Harrison | Hartford, Connecticut Kathy G. Hoffman P’13 | Avon, Connecticut Christopher M. Houlihan P’05 | New York, New York Christopher T. Jensen P’07, ’09, ’11 | Riverside, Connecticut Kenneth H. Landis P’16 | New York, New York Karen L. McDonald P’12 | New York, New York Jeffrey K. McElnea ’67, P’12 | New York, New York Patricia Q. Moore P’09, ’14 | McLean, Virginia Tracy Orr O’Keefe ’85 | Westfield, New Jersey Steven R. Sheresky P’12 | Rye, New York Hope G. Smith P’12 | Locust Valley, New York John M. Tremaine ’66, Trustee Emeritus P’94, ’03 | New Canaan, Connecticut H. P. Van Ingen, Jr. P’06 | New York, New York Suzy B. Vogler P’11 | Cornwallville, New York and San Francisco, California Jeffrey White ’65 | Westport, Connecticut Jacqueline R. Williams P’04, ’07, ’08 | New York, New York

ART DIRECTOR / PHOTOGRAPHER Hillary Rockwell Cahn ’88 EDITORIAL STAFF Charlie Cahn, Hillary Rockwell Cahn ’88, Tobye Cook Seck ’88, Linda Colo, Thomas Foote, Alison Vigneau PHOTO CONTRIBUTORS Hillary Rockwell Cahn ’88, Tobye Cook Seck ’88, Khadim Deouf ’07, Andrew Greto, John Marinelli, NOLS, Greg Putnam ’69, Elise Riegel ’87, Stephen Roe, Kim Wiggin, Erica Wynn ’10 CONTRIBUTORS Bill Butcher, Thomas Foote, Beth Krasemann, Betsy McComb P’04, ’06, Gerry Parsky ’60, Greg Putnam ’69, Elise Riegel ’87, Phil Riegel ’87, Erica Siver ’08, Frank Siver ’69, Roger Siver ’14, Kim Wiggin, Erica Wynn ’10 SUFFIELD is published by the Marketing and Communications Department of Suffield Academy for alumni, parents, and friends of the school. All publications rights reserved. Contents may be reproduced or reprinted only by permission of the editor.

Opinions expressed do not reflect the official position of Suffield Academy.

COMMENTS May be addressed to Maeve Ryan mryan@suffieldacademy.org SUFFIELD is printed by Allied Printing Services, Inc.

MISSION Suffield Academy is a coeducational, independent secondary school serving a diverse community of boarding and day students. Our school has a tradition of academic excellence combined with a strong work ethic.

A commitment to scholarship and a respect for individual differences guide our teaching and curriculum. We engender among our students a sense of responsibility, and they are challenged to grow in a structured and nurturing environment. The entire academic, athletic, and extracurricular experience prepares our students for a lifetime of learning, leadership, and active citizenship.

NON-DISCRIMINATION Suffield Academy does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship, physical attributes, disability, age, or sexual orientation. We administer our admissions, financial aid, educational, athletic, extracurricular, and other policies so that each student is equally accorded all the rights, privileges, programs, and facilities made available by the school.

About Allied: FSC Certified, EPA Partnership & ISO 9001. The fundamental principle of Allied’s environmental policy is to minimize any negative impact to the environment, while conserving natural resources.

Using educational and administrative controls, we continuously assess our processes and practices to identify areas for reduction in energy, waste, and emissions. www.suffieldacademy.org

FALL 2013 SUFFIELD 30 14 4

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10 COVER The cover shows the green roof on Holcomb Science Center’s terrace.

The environmentally friendly design is not only beautiful to look at, it improves the efficiency of the building by absorbing rain water and regulating the temperature, saving us energy and cost. The roof is also a habitat for birds, butterflies, and insects.

FEATURES

CAMPUS NEWS

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Headmaster’s Column

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Master Plan Update

A Tribute to Sandra D. Johnson ’88 and Courtney C. Robinson ’88 SUFFIELD looks at the impact of scholarship funds established in memory of Sandy and Courtney

10 Dorm Life at Suffield

An overview of life inside

Suffield’s residence halls 18 Uncovering Identity

A look at Suffield’s 2013-2014

school theme 24 Ghana

Ten Suffield students have an

unforgettable summer experience 38 Finding Identity by Land and by Sea

Faculty members Bill Butcher and

Beth Krasemann’s summer sabbaticals

CLASS NOTES 60 Alums from the classes of

1935-2013 tell us what they

have been doing

14 Reunion 2013 28 Color Course 30 Fall Chapel Speakers 42 Fall Athletic Season Overview 56 Parents’ Weekend

and Grandparents’ Day

56 Alums in the News 58 Thank You, Class Agents

PROFILES Alumni 36 Erica Wynn ’10 52 Gerry Parsky ’60

Class Agent 49 Greg Putnam ’69 Legacy 54 The Sivers:

Frank ’69, Erica ’08,

and Roger ’14

EDITORIAL CORRECTION In Phil Riegel’s article “Building on Tradition,” published on page 53 of the spring 2013 issue of SUFFIELD, all references to the “Suffield Historical Society” should have been to the “Suffield Historic District Commission.”

HEADMASTER’S COLUMN CHARLES CAHN III

KEEPING IT SIMPLE Since I was a young boy I have wanted to be a baseball radio announcer for the Baltimore Orioles. I love baseball, especially on the radio. I love the imagery and sense of anticipation.

While the Orioles are my favorite team, I focused more last season on a single player—Mariano Rivera, a Yankee. Rivera’s nineteenyear major league career ended in October when he retired as one of baseball’s best-ever pitchers.

Rivera was a closer, coming in to pitch during the final moments of games. The closer’s demanding role has high rates of failure.

Rivera’s success was tied to an unwavering commitment to a single pitch, a “cut fastball,” combining intense velocity and movement.

It was a one-of-a-kind pitch. A recent New York Times piece noted, “In a game in which perfection is elusive, he was remarkably sublime. Rivera understood what Steve Jobs, Lao Tzu, and Bruce Lee understood: that simplicity is an art and a strength, a source of joy and beauty and power.”

I love the notion that simple is better. Everything we do at Suffield is tied to one overarching philosophy: combine rigor with encouragement. This is what we think works best. The philosophy dictates which families join us, who works here, and how we allocate our time and resources.

Ten years ago when I became Suffield’s headmaster, I heard a talk by Barbara Strauch, science editor of the New York Times and author of The Secret Life of the Grown-Up Brain and The Primal Teen. The theme of her remarks was that new findings in neuroscience—the scientific study of the brain—indicate that many assumptions and stereotypes about adolescents actually have a biological foundation. As Strauch writes, “Teenagers may, indeed, be a bit crazy, but they are crazy according to a primal blueprint; they are crazy by design.”

“ADOLESCENCE IS FAR MORE THAN AN AWKWARD STAGE OF BODILY GROWTH AND SOCIAL ANGST. IT IS A PERIOD OF BRAIN DEVELOPMENT THAT RIVALS EARLY CHILDHOOD.”

MRI studies of brain component size and activity highlight that adolescent brains are unfinished, are full of neurological and hormonal changes, and work differently than adult brains. Relatively new research— within the past fifteen years—yielded the surprising discovery that in early adolescence the brain’s outer layer thickens and then dramatically thins out. Scientists were previously aware of this rapid synaptic re-organization from birth until early childhood, and only recently realized it again happens during adolescence. As prominent child psychiatrist and neuroscientist Jay Giedd notes, “the adolescent brain undergoes a massive remodeling of its basic structure in areas that affect everything from logic and language to impulses and intuition.”

So adolescence is far more than an awkward stage of bodily growth and social angst. It’s a period of brain development that rivals early childhood.

Great strides have been made during the past decade in understanding our brains, yet the vast number of publications annually released on this topic will likely lead to the same claim 10 years from now.

On an absolute basis we still know quite little. The emerging field of educational neuroscience—how understanding of the brain can enhance education—is filled with debate and challenge. So what are we to do? How does Suffield use understandings about teenage brain development to best reach and inspire our students? This is the essential question.

My claim centers around an old saying about adolescents that now has a modern scientific foundation: they’ll grow out of it. Knowing we work with people who are changing in rapid, fundamental ways helps guide the philosophy and culture of our school. We see first hand that when students know we believe in them and care for them, they respond well to significant challenge.

Suffield embraces the notion that simple is indeed better. We blend rigor and high expectations with genuine concern. This leads to a wonderful school environment, one that encourages the academic and social development of students during a critical time in their lives.

SUFFIELD HELD A COLOR COURSE FUNDRAISER THIS FALL, AS OUTLINED ON PAGES 28-29. HEADMASTER CHARLIE CAHN JOINED STUDENTS AND FACULTY FOR THE EVENT, WHICH HAD PARTICIPANTS TRAVELING THROUGH AN OBSTACLE COURSE WHILE ONLOOKERS THREW PAINT ON THEM.

MASTER PLAN UPDATE

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SUFFIELD IS MAKING EXCELLENT PROGRESS IN EXECUTING THE CAMPUS MASTER PLAN ENDORSED BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES IN 2011. THREE MAJOR PROJECTS HAVE BEEN COMPLETED—A NEW 17,000 SQUARE-FOOT SCIENCE FACILITY, A PERIMETER ROAD ON THE NORTHERN TIP OF CAMPUS, AND HOFFMAN COLLEGE COUNSELING CENTER. THE SCIENCE FACILITIES OPENED FOR USE ON SEPTEMBER 20, 2013.

School leaders are now focused on fundraising and planning with Tecton Architects for a major renovation and expansion of Brewster Hall, which houses Suffield’s dining facilities and student center. Preliminary plans call for a 13,000 square-foot expansion of Brewster Hall, making the entire facility slightly larger than 40,000 square-feet.

Constructed in 1960, and timeless in beauty, Brewster Hall needs to be expanded to best meet the needs of Suffield’s 410-student enrollment. Brewster rests in the very center of Suffield’s campus—linking the academic and residential quadrangles. A new and improved Brewster Hall is Suffield’s highest campus priority.

The goals of the expansion are to better accommodate family-style lunch for a 410-student school, to modernize the building, and to enhance the student center with more versatile space, a modern snack bar, a day student locker room, and more centrally located offices for faculty and staff members.

The current dining room has 43 ten-person tables and various food servery areas outside of the kitchen. The new plan will enable the school to have between 55 and 60 tables and will provide increased space between the tables for pedestrian traffic. Serving areas will be more conveniently located and a new kitchen will be in the addition to the building.

The Brewster Hall project also includes a re-purposing of Stiles Lane. This area will be turned into a central campus walkway that essentially connects the academic and residential quadrangles. The utilities along this area will be placed underground.

The school is working on plans with landscape architecture firm Raycroft/Meyer and civil engineering firm Close, Jensen and Miller, P.C. President of the Board of Trustees Dan Tisch ’69, P’02 said, “These new buildings and spaces beautifully complement Suffield’s historic campus. The Board is very pleased by the school’s positive momentum.”

Below are the preliminary designs of the Brewster Hall addition.

WEST EXTERIOR FROM STILES LANE

EAST EXTERIOR FROM NORTH MAIN STREET

DINING HALL INTERIOR

STUDENT LOUNGE INTERIOR

FOR MORE IN DEPTH INFORMATION ON EACH PROJECT VISIT US ONLINE AT SUFFIELDACADEMY.ORG/MASTERPLAN

HOLCOMB SCIENCE CENTER’S LIVING WALL ONE OF THE MOST UNIQUE ASPECTS OF THE HOLCOMB SCIENCE CENTER IS ITS NEW LIVING WALL—A VERTICAL GARDEN THAT GREETS GUESTS AS THEY WALK THROUGH THE FRONT DOORS OF THE BUILDING. THE PLANTS IN THE LIVING GARDEN SERVE TWO MAIN PURPOSES: THEY ARE AESTHETICALLY PLEASING TO LOOK AT AND THEY CLEANSE THE AIR. ACCORDING TO SCIENCE DEPARTMENT CHAIR VOLKER KRASEMANN, THE LIGHTS THAT SHINE ON THE WALL ARE TIMED TO SIMULATE SUNRISE AND SUNSET, QUITE LITERALLY BRINGING THE OUTDOORS INSIDE THE BUILDING. ALL LIGHTING AND NUTRIENT INPUT IS CONTROLLED BY A COMPUTER. THE LIVING WALL’S PLANTS ARE MADE UP OF FIVE DIFFERENT LAYERS OF INORGANIC, SOILLESS MATERIAL THAT CAN NEITHER BREAK DOWN NOR DECAY. THEY WERE PREGROWN IN POCKETS OF THE FIRST LAYER OF INORGANIC, UV-RESISTANT MATERIAL. THE WALL HOLDS 20 DIFFERENT VARIETIES OF PLANTS THAT WERE CHOSEN BASED ON THEIR COMPATIBILITY AND SIMILAR PHYSIOLOGICAL NEEDS SUCH AS LIGHTING, TEMPERATURE, WATER QUALITY, AND NUTRIENT REQUIREMENTS. PLANTS WERE ALSO SELECTED TO DEMONSTRATE A DIVERSE RANGE OF COLORS, TEXTURES, AND DEPTH OF GROWTH. WHILE SOME OF THE PLANTS FLOWER, OTHERS LIKE THE STAGHORN FERN WILL GROW LARGER AND CASCADE DOWN THE WALL WITH TIME. THE LIVING WALL IN HOLCOMB REPRESENTS MORE THAN A BEAUTIFUL INSTALLATION; IT’S A PIECE OF ART THAT CONTINUALLY CHANGES AND EVOLVES.

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a tribute to

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Cour tney

Two members of the Class of ’88 whose legacy continues to shape the lives of Suffield students

A Tribute to Sandy & Courtney

The Sandra D. Johnson ’88 Memorial Scholarship Fund and the Courtney C. Robinson ’88 Scholarship Fund were established to honor two very special women in Suffield’s Class of 1988. While these are two of the 40 endowed funds that Suffield uses to help financial aid, we chose to highlight them as this year marks the 25th anniversary of Sandy and Courtney’s class. To honor their memory, SUFFIELD reached out to past recipients to examine the benefit of these scholarships and the effects they have had on Suffield students and the school. The responses were unanimous; the scholarships have helped shape these students’ lives in remarkable ways and motivated them to be exemplary citizens at Suffield and beyond.

Sandra D. Johnson ’88 Memorial Scholarship Fund Sandy Johnson was a two-year boarding student at Suffield Academy. She loved the school, and those who knew her speak of her shy smile, her accepting and kind friendliness with everyone, and her thoughtfulness in class. She sang in Suffield’s chorus, played soccer and lacrosse, and was always surrounded by friends. She was loyal, sensitive, and cheerful.

Current Sandra D. Johnson ’88 scholar, Carly Drew ’16

“Receiving the [Sandra D. Johnson] scholarship was one of the best things that ever happened to me.

Without it, I would not be where I am today.”

Kara Goings ’12

On April 10, 1989, Sandy tragically died in an automobile accident. She was a freshman at the University of Denver and was returning from a lacrosse tournament in California when the accident occurred. When members of Suffield Academy convened to remember Sandy’s life on May 28, 1989, Sandy’s parents—Barbara and Mickey Johnson of Bermuda—announced they had established a scholarship fund in memory of their daughter for the purposes of financial aid. Candidates for the scholarship must be in good academic standing, be eager to learn, and accept new challenges. Additionally, the students must have a commitment to community, sportsmanship, and service to others. Priority for the award is given to boarding students and students with demonstrated financial need. Since 1989, many of Sandy’s classmates and friends of the Johnsons have supported the fund, including major commitments from the Bacardi Family Foundation as well as the foundation of classmate Andrew Pilaro ’88’s family, which matched the grant for five consecutive years.

Recipients of the Sandra D. Johnson ’88 Memorial Scholarship Fund have been: Lauren Roginski ’93 (1988-1993), Jennifer Forbush ’96 (1993-1996), Andrea Rodgers ’98 (1996-1998), Crystal Compton ’01 (1998-2001), Melissa Hernandez ’04 (2001-2004), Shirley Garcia ’07 (2004-2007), Kyle Vigneault ’09 (2007-2009), Kara Goings ’12 (2009-2012), and Carly Drew ’16 (2012-present).

Kyle Vigneault ’09, the only male recipient of the fund so far, expressed gratitude over having been selected as a recipient, saying, “Although I was never able to meet Sandy, I’ve had the pleasure of hearing wonderful stories about her life and what an amazing person she was. If there’s one thing I’ve learned about Sandy, it’s that she was a selfless person who always put other people’s happiness before her own. I will be forever grateful for the generosity of the Johnsons and will never forget how lucky I was to be able to attend Suffield Academy and follow in their daughter’s footsteps.”

Recipient Kara Goings ’12 is a sophomore at Bentley University and also works as an assistant in their Human Resources department. She said, “Suffield Academy and the Sandy Johnson Scholarship Fund really taught me the importance of giving back to the community. I continue to uphold the mission of the award by frequently performing community service at the local nunnery, where I teach adults and elderly people how to use the computer and understand technological concepts. Receiving the scholarship was one of the best things that ever happened to me. Without it, I would not be where I am today.”

A Tribute to Sandy & Courtney

Courtney C. Robinson ’88 Scholarship Fund Courtney Robinson was a four-year Suffield student who made a lasting impact on her friends and teachers. In addition to excelling academically, Courtney was a gifted and accomplished athlete and leader. She was captain of Suffield’s soccer and lacrosse teams, a dormitory proctor, and photography editor of the school yearbook. She graduated in 1992 from the University of Pennsylvania. Courtney also died tragically in an automobile accident, only four years after Sandy.

To honor Courtney’s memory and her association with Suffield, Courtney’s parents, then-Trustee Susan Evans and George Robinson, established the Courtney C. Robinson Scholarship ’88 Fund in 1996 with the purpose of giving financial assistance to worthy students. The fund provides merit-based scholarships for Suffield applicants with proven academic achievements and leadership potential. The fund’s two goals have been beautifully accomplished: keeping Courtney’s memory strong at Suffield and attracting outstanding student leaders to the school.

In 1997, a foundation of classmate Andrew Pilaro’s ’88 family made a large commitment to the scholarship fund as well.

“The Courtney C. Robinson ’88 Scholarship inspired me to strive for excellence in my academics and athletics during my time at Suffield Academy.”

Lucas McComb ’06

Recipients of the Courtney Robinson ’88 Scholarship have been: Kate Dineen ’01, Kara LaMay ’02, Hannah Wolcott ’04, Sarah Moore ’04, Ashley Brown ’05, Lucas McComb ’06, Sydney Greenberg ’07, Garrett Lasnier ’08, Maureen Wyse ’09, Katherine Sacco ’10, Harry Land ’11, Emily Doran ’12, Paul Metscher ’13, Denison Smythe ’14, Abigail Blyler ’15, Garrett Wolff ’16, and Jason Louro ’17.

Recipient Hannah Wolcott Reid ’04, now a faculty member at Fay School in Southborough, Massachusetts, spoke about how receiving the scholarship allowed her to rethink her community involvement. “Receiving the Courtney Robinson ’88 Scholarship was a great honor. It helped me be more conscientious and reflective about my decisions during my four years at Suffield. I especially tried to lead by example and have the enthusiasm and commitment to academics, athletics, and leadership that I wanted all students to have.”

Recipient Lucas McComb ’06, now a freelance photographer in Colorado, added, “The Courtney Robinson ’88 Scholarship inspired me to strive for excellence in my academics and athletics during my time at Suffield Academy. I am appreciative every day of the work ethic I developed while pursuing the level of greatness Courtney achieved during her Suffield career.

I’ve come to realize that attending SA was a tremendous opportunity, and I am forever grateful to have been a recipient of this honor. Susan Evans was a wonderful mentor and friend throughout my time at Suffield, and it was always a pleasure to discuss the happenings of my Suffield experience with her when she would come visit the scholarship group throughout the school year. I would like to thank Susan and George for creating this award because it had a profound and positive impact on my life.”

Courtney’s step-father, Shell Evans, and mother, Susan Evans, with Courtney C. Robinson ’88 scholarship recipients, Garrett Wolff ’16, Abigail Blyler ’15, Denison Smythe ’14, and Paul Metscher ’13.

dormlife at suffield

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“Having the huge support system that Suffield offers makes boarding easier and completely worth it. Apart from the social aspect of boarding, going for extra help with teachers or asking any academic question is as easy as walking to their apartment in the dorm. How many other people can say that they spent an hour in their math teacher’s house last night because they needed help on the homework? Suffield students get that privilege, and that adds to the personal teaching style offered here. My dorm parents always have their doors open past study hall hours for dorm bonding. It isn’t unusual to see a group of girls huddled around a kitchen table chatting before bed.” –Kim Meunier ’15

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ormitory life at Suffield has evolved quite a bit over the last several decades. There are few current faculty members who remember what life was like in the 1980s, when dorm duty meant that you were “on” every other night and every other weekend. This was also back when there was no such thing as a “dorm associate,” when Nathena Fuller was still a private faculty home, and when dorm parents had to make due with two-burner kitchenette mini-stoves in their apartments. Since then, residential life at Suffield has changed dramatically.

In the mid-1980s, then business manager Leon Waskiewicz sat down with the faculty-including current teachers Bill Butcher, Dave Godin, Andy Lowe, and Brett Vianney—to find out what changes they could make to the dorms to make living there more enjoyable. Their one request? “Full-sized kitchens.” When the new dormitories (Rockwell, Hornick, Kotchen, Tompkins, Roe, and Samii) were built in the late 1990s, creating bigger faculty apartments with spacious kitchens was an integral piece to the design. Since kitchens are often the center of a home, Suffield naturally made them a priority.

When we sat down with several dorm parents, dorm associates, and students to ask them what made Suffield dorm life unique, we discovered that it all came down to food and a sense of family. Students commented that dorm life is, by far, their favorite part about Suffield. Others felt it was the foundation of the school. Because Suffield realizes just how important it is for students to feel at home while they’re on campus, it’s no surprise that residential life at the Academy is considered one of the most enjoyable, memorable, and fundamental elements in the overall Suffield experience.

montgomery street house Language teacher Erika Picciotto-Zanussi, who has been dorm head of Montgomery Street House since 2007, and her husband, assistant academic dean Nick Zanussi, have a three-tiered cake stand in their apartment that is continually stocked with snacks.

The girls are invited to take food whenever they feel like it. Erika adds, “Food is so tied to the idea of home. We want to take care of them by providing them with food, cooking their favorite meals, or letting them cook for all of us.” Each year, Erika and Nick try to think of something special to do for their dorm. This year they plan to host dinners in honor of each girl’s nationality.

Fall 2013 | 11

“Last year, being a dorm head in Brewster was different with only nine boys. We were like a little family.

The small group allowed for a lot fun activities like Secret Santa and pancake breakfasts during exams.

This year, as dorm head in Samii (with 19 boys), there is still a comfortable feeling in the dorm. The boys show up at my apartment every night after study hall to sit around my kitchen table. Sometimes they’re there to talk or have a snack before bed, but mostly it’s to feel like they have a home on campus. My approach to being a dorm head has always been to let the boys know that I’m there for them, whether it’s for advice, to listen to a story, or just to chat. I want to make sure the boys have a comfortable place to live and know that they have someone looking out for them.”

-Ali Vigneau, dorm head of Samii 2013-14

spencer hall Faculty member Dave Pillsbury, who has been dorm head of Spencer Hall since 2011, says, “Simple stuff keeps the boys happy. Feeding them consistently works.” With 39 boys in the dorm this year, Dave expects his residents to create a sense of community. “You can’t just grab a slice of pizza and go back to your room. You’re expected to hang out and chat. We keep our door open because we want them to come in, see our home, and know that we care about them.” For Spencer resident Jamie Semple ’14, it’s not just about the food. “Mr. Pillsbury has some really good ideas for activities including laser tag, barbeques, and other communal dorm activities. All of these factors create that home away from home feeling, a place of both learning and relaxation, and of extraordinary experiences.”

fuller hall History teacher Dave Kayiatos faces the challenge of being the dorm head in the largest dorm on campus: Fuller Hall. With its position directly above the headmaster’s and admissions offices, Dave emphasizes respect with his boys. “The challenge is how do you encourage them to make their individual presence known, while asking them to channel their energy and respect the fact that people are working below their dorm rooms.” He says that he’s learned it’s about finding the balance between taking the reins off just enough and providing them with structure so they’re not in shock when they get to college and experience “total freedom.” Fuller resident Chad Malcolm ’14 says his favorite part about living in the dorms is being around his friends all the time. “The dorm life is one of my favorite parts about living at Suffield. There’s never a dull moment in Fuller because we’re always hanging out, ordering food, and watching Sunday football, even getting together and helping each other with work during study hall. I can honestly say I enjoy every day spent in the dorm.” Joe D’Amico ’14 agrees. “Living at Suffield means living with your best friends. By far, the best part about being a boarder in Fuller is the location. You can go from bed to the dining hall in about a minute, and it’s also the easiest dorm to get to between classes.”

hornick dorm At Suffield, it is clear that the relationships formed in the dorms are reminiscent of families. Jono Nelson’ 14, who lived in Hornick his freshman and junior years, commented on how living with faculty members Joe and Lisa Hernick and their two children was the best experience he could have asked for. “The Hernicks are like a second family to me. And this year the Caginalps are just as phenomenal.” Director of Academic Technology Joe Hernick reflects on his five years as dorm head of Hornick with a great sense of pride and nostalgia. “We weren’t prepared for how much we enjoyed moving into the dorm and working with the boys.” Over the years, he, like so many other dorm parents, has kept in touch with students after graduation. “Seeing them leave Suffield and become successful in their lives makes us proud.”

nathena fuller house, tompkins dorm, rockwell hall & kotchen dorm Creating a family atmosphere in the dorm helps when there are small children living there. Max Depelteau, son of Brooke and Jeff Depelteau, often runs down the hallway before study hall and yells, “Time to study!” Brooke, who has been dorm head of Nathena Fuller since 2009, says that the environment they create in the dorm is supportive and welcoming. “We want each girl to be her best self and have her best year ever, so we work hard to make that happen.” With only 10 girls in the dorm, she and Jeff are able to spend quality time with each one.

Faculty member Liz Warren, who lives with her husband Ricky and their two children in Tompkins, follows a similar model to dorm parenting. She wants the girls to know they can come to her for anything, saying, “I treat the girls how I’d want other people to treat my kids. I think of my own family values and try to offer that to the girls.” Tompkins resident Cecilia Arntzen ’16 adds, “My dorm parents bake us treats, give us snacks, help us with homework, and make sure we are happy. They are the best…you always have someone that you can go to, no matter what.”

Faculty member and dorm head Tom Dugan lives with his wife Heather and their two children in Rockwell Hall. He says that his kids absolutely consider the girls a part of the family. “My three-year-old son drew a picture of our family, and in it he drew me, my wife, his sister, and then included all of the girls in the dorm. So yes, they’re our family. Our door is always open and we’re always cooking and baking together.”

Justin Pepoli, who lives with his wife Megan and their daughter Lucy in Kotchen, is in his fourth year at Suffield. He says that it all comes down to teaching the girls in his dorm how to care for one another. “We all share a living space so it’s important to respect the space by keeping it clean and treating one another how we would want to be treated. I know that sometimes it’s the smallest things that can have the biggest impact on someone’s life.”

“Brewster is an awesome dorm most of all because of how close it is to everything on campus, especially the dining hall and student union. Because it’s a small dorm, it has allowed us to become really close to one other.

We’re like a big family.” -Will Robidoux ‘16

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REUNION

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Over 250 alumni came to campus for this year’s Reunion Weekend.

The program kicked off with a reception at Gay Mansion on Friday, October 4, 2013, and Saturday events included the Courtney Robinson ’88 Memorial 5K Run, student-led campus tours, a Class Agent meeting, Headmaster Cahn’s State of the School address, an alumni tailgate, and Tigers athletic competitions. During Saturday’s formal dinner in Brewster Hall, retired faculty member Gerry LaPlante P’04, ’06 was honored.

The following prizes were also awarded: First to Register: John Boozang ’83 Furthest Traveled: Carl Erik Hagen ’08 (London, England) Courtney Robinson ’88 Memorial Run: (Women) Lee Baldwin ’88, Kate Cleary ’88, and Carly Keeley ’08; (Men) EJ Zebro Trustee Award: Class of 1958 for donating the most dollars to the 2012-2013 Annual Fund Fuller Cup: Class of 1963 for having the highest percentage of donors to the 2012-2013 Annual Fund Reunion Attendance Award: Class of 2008

Reunion 2013 featured classes (from left to right)

1: 1958 Doug Greene, Ed Cordis, and Mike Sheridan 2: 1963 1st row John Van Arsdale, George Closson, Dick Anthony, Denis Moonan; 2nd row Bill Breslau, David Schulz, Norm Keeney, George Hathaway III, John Hayes; 3rd row Row Peter Hayman, Jeff Merrill, Barry Scherr, Sandy Prouty, Gary Whitney, Frank Palmer 3: 1968 Seth Whitaker 4: 1973 1st row Jim Knight, Jim McClure, Ned Higgins; 2nd row Roofus Hoffman, Ken Turnbull, Jeff Prudden. 5: 1978 1st row Lisa Longo, Muriel Magauran Benton, Candace Gore Bittner. 2nd row Ed Palomba, Ben Davol, Jay Cook, Bud Drapeau.

6: 1983 1st row Nikki Kerwin Atkins, Deanna Cook McDonald, Judy Killam Campbell, Marybeth DiBuono Riley, Caroline Pettegrew Anderson; 2nd row David Nye, David McAusland, Todd Wilson, John Boozang, Steve Clark; 3rd row Bob Churchill, Arthur Shettle, Robert Dahms, Chris Aventuro.

7: 1988 1st row Karen Knapps Suller, Rich Rotman, Lee Baldwin, Jen Yamzon, Aya Murata, Tom Hodgkins, Robin Miller, Hillary Rockwell Cahn; 2nd row Heather Collins Raymond, Sarah Wheeler Chingos, Tobye Cook Seck, Andrew Pilaro; 3rd row Keirnan Flynn, Frank Molander, Kate Cleary, Sarah Glover, Patrick Dorsey, and Gerry LaPlante.

8: 1993 1st row David Bowser, Todd Szwed, Jamison Skiff Hanway, Michelle Boozang Hanson, Lauren Roginski-Strelec; 2nd row Chris Mosko, Ulrike Kjellberg, Tony Minalga, Chris Eio; 3rd row Kevin Corridan, George Wingard, Ali Williams Collentro, Sarah Eio Smithson.

9: 1998 Ely Fretz. 10: 2003 1st row Andrew Dalecki, Louise Neslin, Alexandra Tremaine, Mike Athas, Colin Henderson; 2nd row Matt Weaver, Lisa Deedy Horan, Lydia Pillsbury, Bronya Shillo; 3rd row Gavin Crescenzo, Jordan Hart, Spencer Kunath 11: 2008 1st row Emily Mejer, Reagan Teed, Kaela Keyes, Becca Bathrick, Isi Montero, Krystle Corallo. 2nd row Harrison Kramer, Kelsey Tuthill, Hannah Frank, Becca Joslow, Barbara Kaplan, Kelly Slattery; 3rd row Amar Khalsa, Frank Sambor, Hannah Arntzen, Thomas Drummond-Hay; 4th row George Gomez, Mike Vallides, Chris Yuan, Chris Wheeler, Joel Glassman, Abbie Schuster, Isy Zellweger, Carl Hagen; 5th row Evan Boyle, Shea Clark, Mike Mara, Nick Gomes.

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REUNION 2013

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IDENTIT Y

BY MAEVE RYAN

UNCOVERING

During the past decade, Suffield has pursued a school theme program. The annual theme is selected each year by the academic dean, headmaster, and academic committee. Past themes have included creativity, marginalization, excess, borderlands, faith, courage, gratitude, and resilience. A required community text is assigned over the summer to help students and faculty begin exploring the theme, and the community then examines the complexity of the concept through programs in academic departments, a film and discussion series, and several guest speakers.

“

Think about who you

were before Suffield and who you became after Suffield. How do the people, culture, physical environment, and your sense of belonging influence your current identity?

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UNCOVERING IDENTITY

“

Yet, many of us, like Walter, receive confusing messages early in our lives, preventing our true identities from having a chance

to form.

”

Suffield’s 2013-2014 school theme is identity. The concept is centered on understanding who we are as people. It is the distinguishing characteristic belonging to an individual or shared by members of a particular group. Identity is our set of attributes, beliefs, desires, or principles of action that leads us and shapes our self-image and who we are. Our identity helps us relate to others and identify with certain groups. Identity is not a boundary; it is a construction of how we identify ourselves that evolves and shapes who we want to be.

What is Identity?

Who are you? How would you describe your identity? What formed the identity you now have? Is the identity you have today not the same identity you had several years ago?

Identity is clearly a complex issue, shaped by people with whom we identify and the many situations in which we find ourselves.

It is made up of many factors—ethnicity, race, religion, gender, family, and friends—all of which can be simultaneously intense and influential. As David Buckingham writes in Youth, Identity, and Digital Media, “…who I am (or who I think I am) varies according to who I am with, the social situations in which I find myself, and the motivations I may have at the time.” As we discover throughout our lives, our identities morph and change as we enter into different environments and relationships.

Think about who you were before Suffield and who you became after Suffield. How do the people, culture, physical environment, and your sense of belonging influence your current identity?

Early Identity In order to understand who we are in this moment, we must first make sense of our early identity—or the identity we formed as children. As we move from childhood into adolescence and become more independent, it’s often difficult to let go of the labels that used to define us. Who are we apart from the identity that was assigned to us at an early age (e.g., “daughter, son, brother, sister, youngest child, oldest child”)? As we grow older, our ability to self-identify can become so enmeshed in our family dynamic that we may often have a hard time distinguishing what we are told about our identities from what we know to be true about our identities.

In her article “How to Be Fierce,” meditation teacher Sally Kempton addresses the issue of family identity with one of her clients who never gave herself permission to process the negative emotions she had regarding her early identity. Sally’s client finally

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saw “how much of her identity was a series of socially conditioned roles and responses and stories about herself taken on in childhood.” This is often why our high school and college years are so difficult. We are given more opportunities to separate ourselves and view our early identity from afar. We can start to see ourselves objectively and reexamine who we thought we were against who we want to be.

As psychologist Erik Erikson theorized in Identity: Youth and Crisis, identity formation is particularly critical during adolescence when “the ideological structure of the environment becomes essential for the ego, because without an ideological simplification of the universe the adolescent ego cannot organize experience according to its specific capacities and its expanding environment.” Erikson draws attention to the fact that without the ego—and a safe, structured environment like Suffield—adolescents have a harder time forming their new identities.

Walter Littlemoon, the author of Suffield’s 2013 community text They Called Me Uncivilized, spoke on campus on September 30. A humble Lakota man from Wounded Knee, Walter had a false childhood identity. When he was only four years old, he was taken from his mother and sent to the Oglala Community High School—a U.S. government boarding school in South Dakota— where he suffered a dysfunctional educational system intended to “Americanize” hundreds of Native American children. For Walter, the experience was brutal and traumatic. After spending several of his formative years confused, scared, and victimized, he returned home numb and unexpressive. Unable to relate to people or trust them, Walter’s new identity consisted of denial and depression. Walter spoke at Suffield about his lifelong struggle to heal…and subsequently accept all parts of his identity. When asked what he was most proud of in his life, Walter responded, “That I was able to figure out that a healthy life is about finding your self-worth.” In They Called Me Uncivilized he writes, “To know who you are and to face your fears and conquer them frees you to become a strong, contributing individual.”

Yet, many of us, like Walter, receive confusing messages early in our lives, preventing our true identities from having a chance to form. Tan Le, a Vietnamese-Australian entrepreneur featured on NPR’s “Identities” (October 11, 2013) points out that every experience we have—in childhood, adolescence or adulthood—is just one layer that helps form our overall identity. While it may take longer for our true identities to take shape when we receive confusing messages early in our lives, we are not stunted. As Brené Brown says in her book, Daring Greatly, “I’ve found that what makes children happy doesn’t always prepare them to be courageous, engaged adults.” Some may argue that those of us who have overcome significant obstacles in our lives have a stronger sense of identity.

Group Identity The group identity that Suffield establishes among its students is essential to their well being on campus. As Paul Tough writes in How Children Succeed, “Group identity can have a powerful effect on achievement.” Tough refers to a study by psychologist Claude Steele who discovered that students performed better academically when they believed their intelligence was malleable; in other words, “those who believe that people can improve their intelligence actually do improve their grades.”

Group identity among adolescents is also extremely influenced by their online identity. David Buckingham points out in Youth, Identity, and Digital Media that despite the dangers of the digital world (i.e., “the media’s destruction of childhood innocence”)

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UNCOVERING IDENTITY

and teens’ proclivity for social media, technology can be “a force of liberation for young people…by offering communication with different aspects of the self, enabling young people to relate to the world and to others in more powerful ways.” Our online identities are continually validated by the number of “likes” we receive, instilling us with more confidence and a sense of empowerment, however temporary that may be.

Part of the success of social media is the fact that it’s a forum for storytelling. Just as Academic Dean Sara Yeager spoke at Suffield’s 2013 Convocation about how a piece of her identity is shaped by an American flag that was found in her family’s attic, social media allows us to reminisce and share our story with the world. Reminiscing, according to Sonia Lyubomirksy, is a crucial tool for both long-term identity formation and validation. In The How of Happiness, Lyubomirksy writes, “Focusing on positive aspects of past experiences may prompt you to feel that you are attaining your ideals or dreams and help reinforce your sense of identity.” When we reflect back on our lives—whether alone, at family events, or reunions—we acknowledge our failures and achievements and learn to appreciate how far we’ve come. Lyubomirksy also says that retelling our story has the ability to increase our self-esteem and give us a more positive self-image.

Suffield’s identity is shaped by an emphasis on community and a commitment to shared values. These are consistently articulated by Headmaster Charlie Cahn, most especially Suffield’s combination of challenge and encouragement, and the emphasis on the distance each student travels during his or her years on campus. As he said during October’s Reunion Weekend, “While the Suffield campus is always evolving, our core beliefs remain steadfast and shape our school’s identity.”

“

When we reflect back on our lives—whether alone, at family events, or reunions—we acknowledge our failures and achievements and learn to appreciate how far we’ve come.

”

NEW TRUSTEE

RECEPTIONS NEW YORK (Hosted by President of the Board of Trustees Dan Tisch ’69, P’02)

CINDY BURKE P’13, ’15, ’17 Cindy Burke is the mother of three Suffield students: Hailey ’13, Kelsey ’15, and William ’17. A graduate of Bentley University and Northeastern University, Cindy has two decades of experience in information technology. She was director of applications for Ryland Homes and director of operations for Systems Support Alternatives. In 2000, she launched her own consulting company that focused on developing technology and business process reengineering strategies for the Environmental Protection Agency and United States Army. Cindy’s husband Bill, is chief operating officer for Newell Rubbermaid, a global maker of consumer products. The Burkes live in East Longmeadow, Massachusetts, and Cindy is an active volunteer for several organizations. We welcome Cindy as the newest member of our Board of Trustees.

Top left: Katie Hoffmaster ’03, Charlie Cahn, and Gavin Crescenzo ’03. Top right: Brinley Ford Ehlers ’86, Trustee Tracy O’Keefe ’85, and Joe O’Keefe. Bottom left: Hannah Arntzen ’08, Thomas Drummond-Hay ’08, and Grace Sickles ’09.

Bottom right: Hillary Rockwell Cahn ’88 and Amy Terceira ’99.

BERMUDA (Hosted by Rees and Donna-Mae Fletcher P’09, ’15) From left to right, top to bottom: First row: Host, Rees Fletcher P’09, ’15, Catherine Marshall P’15, Host, Donna-Mae Fletcher P’09, ’15, Mickey Johnson P’88, Sallie Singleton P’99, Mary Faulkenberry P’04, and Senior Associate Director of Admission, Sean Atkins Second row: Jennifer West P’07, Judy Shrubb P’07, Carol Gutteridge Hulst ’88, Annette Bosch Budge ’86, Terry Faulkenberry P’04, and Derek Singleton P’99 Third row: Director of Development, Phil Riegel ’87, Jenny Rego, John Singleton ’99, Katie Flath ’00, and Roger Marshall P’15 Standing: Ernest Morrison P’08, ’12, former Trustee Barbara Johnson P’88, the Petty family, Gigi Barit P ’15, Buddy Rego P’07, Alison Morrison P’08, ’12, Debbie Moura P’08, Gail Miller P’11, ’11, Peter Shrubb P’07, and Hugh Barit P’15

LEGACY STUDENTS First row Arianna Katsoulis ’14, Caroline Vianney ’14, Hayden Childs ’15 Second row Caroline Pape ’16, Annabelle Pape ’16 Third row Olivia Stanley ’16, Riley Miles ’17, Megan Varney ’17, Susan Mellekas ’16, Caroline Mellekas ’14, Roger Siver ’14, Casey Kaplan ’17 Fourth row Nick Alfano ’15, Anthony Deni ’15, Harry Hildreth ’17, Kyler Armata ’15, Alex Dufresne ’15 Fifth row Kyle Reddish ’16, RJ Suller ’15, Owen Hern ’15, Miles Johnson ’16, RJ Currey ’14, Alfonso Fernández Vílchez ’15 Missing: Matt Powers ’14, Amelia Hern ’17, Colin Pittorie ’16

GHANA SUFFIELD TAKES 10 STUDENTS TO GHANA IN SUMMER OF 2013

BY ELISE RIEGEL ’87

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PERHAPS TRAVEL CANNOT PREVENT BIGOTRY, BUT BY DEMONSTRATING THAT ALL PEOPLES CRY, LAUGH, EAT, WORRY, AND DIE, IT CAN INTRODUCE THE IDEA THAT IF WE TRY AND UNDERSTAND EACH OTHER, WE MAY EVEN BECOME FRIENDS. -Maya Angelou When Kim Wiggin and I began our journey to Ghana with 10 adventurous Suffield students, we never anticipated how much we would be impacted by this trip. Ours was a service mission— we travelled to Old Ningo to spend time with the orphaned children of the JoshKrisDan Home of Refuge, the flagship program of Hearts of the Father Outreach (HFO). What we found was an extraordinary place run by extraordinary people who provide for, cherish, and inspire close to 30 children who have suffered the heartbreaking loss of family. These children are being raised as members of a new loving family, one that cultivates optimism, industry, a profound appreciation for education, and a deep, collective sense of belonging.

HFO was founded by John Moritz ’74 and his wife Libby in the wake of their own incomprehensible personal tragedy, the loss of their three children: Joshua, Kristen, and Daniel. With astonishing courage and a remarkable clarity of vision, John and Libby dedicated themselves to changing the lives of thousands of children around the world through their Christian-based outreach programs, which are currently in India, Uganda, Mexico, and Ghana. The Moritzes—which happily includes daughter Lily whom they adopted from China and is now a senior in high school—have worked tirelessly on behalf of these children, building networks of local support to provide homes for orphans in some of the most impoverished and hopeless places in the world.

A few years ago, John’s work was recognized by Suffield Academy with the Alumni Leadership Award, an honor bestowed on alumni who have shown an exceptional ability to lead and inspire others.

John, a soft-spoken man with a terrific sense of humor and infinite patience, accompanied us on most of our trip and became a beloved figure to the Suffield students. They found John’s gentle presence and deep sense of purpose not only soothing but also emboldening, as they processed daily what they were seeing and feeling throughout the trip with both courage and honesty. It is quite fitting that Suffield has recently been exploring the school-wide themes of resilience and identity, complex concepts that our young Suffield contingent rigorously examined over the course of our stay.

One of Kim Wiggin’s roles at Suffield is to lead the school’s overseas trips in March. For over a decade, she has travelled with hundreds of Suffield students, and invariably returns each year with testimonials from others about how well behaved and respectful Suffield students are abroad. True to fashion, our students in Ghana were remarkable with respect to their graciousness in dealing without the creature comforts of Western living, their curiosity about an unfamiliar world, and their humility in the presence of those who have far less than they.

Perhaps most refreshing to Kim and me was to see that once all the accessories that define the sophisticated lives of American teenagers (technology, media, etc.) were removed, our students were excited to be kids just like other kids—playing soccer, dancing, making bracelets, blowing bubbles, and simply looking for friendship. We are extremely proud that our students were so willing to dig in, appreciate, enjoy, laugh, and help.

THE TRIP TO GHANA WAS THE TRIP OF A LIFETIME. WHEN I SIGNED UP FOR IT I REALLY HAD NO IDEA WHAT I WAS IN FOR. I LOVE TO TRAVEL, SO I THOUGHT IT WOULD BE A GOOD EXPERIENCE BUT NEVER REALIZED THE TRIP WOULD HAVE SUCH A PROFOUND IMPACT ON ME. THE CONNECTIONS WE MADE WITH THE CHILDREN AT THE JOSHKRISDAN HOME IN SUCH A SHORT TIME WERE AMAZING AND INDESCRIBABLE. I PLAN TO GO BACK TO GHANA THIS JUNE TO CONTINUE THE CONNECTION I HAVE MADE. THERE IS NOT ONE DAY THAT PASSES IN WHICH I DON’T THINK ABOUT OUR TRIP AND THE CHILDREN OF THE HOME. -Sarah Apkin ’15

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OUR TRIP CHANGED MY MINDSET AND MADE ME REALIZE WHAT INCREDIBLE OPPORTUNITIES I HAVE BEEN GIVEN. I NO LONGER THINK ABOUT WHAT I HAVE TO DO, BUT RATHER WHAT I GET TO DO. -Zach McCormick ’14

THE CHILDREN OF THE HOME SHOWED US UNCONDITIONAL LOVE, AND THAT IS A FEELING THAT NOTHING CAN REPLACE. RIGHT AWAY WE WENT FROM BEING SO FAR FROM HOME TO HITTING A SPOT SO CLOSE TO HOME, SOMETHING SO HEARTFELT. WE FELT LIKE WE HAD KNOWN THEM FOR MUCH LONGER THAN WE HAD. THE EXPERIENCE I HAD ON OUR TRIP IS SOMETHING THAT I WOULD NEVER GIVE UP FOR ANYTHING. -Livvie Caligiuri ’15

AN EXCERPT BY JOHN MORITZ ’74 FROM THE HFO NEWSLETTER Many years ago, I was fortunate enough to attend an excellent prep school named Suffield Academy. I was a day student from a middle class family, but my parents valued education, and so they sacrificed to send my brothers and me there. It was a rich experience that helped form my present worldview and brought me into contact with many people from diverse backgrounds. Students from Gambia and Japan visited our home on weekends. I skied the best mountains in Colorado, rubbed elbows (on wrestling mats) with descendants of American legends, and had friends from Venezuela and inner city Philadelphia. I will always be grateful for my experience at Suffield. Writing this now reminds me of how fortunate I have been in my life. Years after graduation, I was honored to receive a leadership award from Suffield for the work we do to help orphaned children in Ghana, India, and other places. In my acceptance speech, I focused on the importance of “giving back.” I used some quotations from the Bible where Jesus said, “I came to serve, not to be served,” and “it is more valuable to give than to receive.” I invited the students to choose a path of service as a career, and to consider helping the orphaned and less fortunate children of the world.

This summer, I was invited to help lead a team of students and faculty from Suffield on a trip to Ghana. It was my opportunity to “give back.” Many people had given to my life at Suffield, and now was my chance. I did not have money to give, but I had my heart and soul as well as principles that Suffield and God helped me form, such as respect, compassion, service, and the foundation principle of a love for all.

The day for the trip finally arrived and we all assembled in London. Students came from Norway, Bermuda, and the U.S. It was the start of an adventure that words cannot accurately describe. It was a life-changing experience where destiny and opportunity came together. I am grateful for the team from Suffield Academy and so proud of them. They opened their hearts to everyone they met and showed a depth of compassion and a sensitive respect that was beyond their years. They have left a lasting impression on our children in Ghana, and I am sure they have received much from them that they will carry with themselves for life. Well done, team, and well done, Suffield Academy. Let’s do it again next year!

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DAY 1 JOURNAL ENTRY: I HAVE NEVER FELT SO MUCH UNCONDITIONAL LOVE IN MY LIFE. THE EXCITEMENT AND HAPPINESS I HAVE RECEIVED IN RETURN FOR GIVING JUST ONE WAVE HELLO HAS BEEN THE BEST GIFT I HAVE EVER GOTTEN. THINKING ABOUT THE EXPERIENCES THAT I HAVE HAD FROM JUST ONE DAY, IT IS SURREAL. -Carly Drew ’16

More significantly, these students did not forget what they learned and saw. Upon their return to school, they managed to convince the Suffield community to select HFO as the recipient of this year’s fundraising efforts. Under the guidance of Suffield’s Dean of Students Greg Lynch, the student body will be hosting three different fundraising events—a Color Course in the fall, a telethon in the winter, and a game-a-thon in the spring.

The proceeds of these events will be directed to two projects at the JoshKrisDan Home in Ghana: building a well to provide drinking water to the home and starting a primary school for the children of the home and local community. As John explains, “At present, drinking water is trucked in and stored in poly tanks, and rainwater is collected in a cistern. The municipal water line into Old Ningo broke many years ago, and despite many promises, the line has never been repaired, and so the whole area suffers. Bathing and toilet usage is very limited because of this, and plans for crop irrigation or future expansion are not possible. Furthermore, with a good well for water, we would be able to start a primary school where children from the home and the local community can receive an excellent education, as well as one nutritious meal per day. We have adequate land and electricity, and our school plan is complete. Our goal is to educate and impart leadership qualities to children so they cannot only succeed but also help their country have a better future. We believe a school will also give opportunities for international participation in the educational process both in a physical classroom and through an online internet portal.”

It is John’s hope and ours that this year marks just the beginning of a long and meaningful relationship between Suffield and the JoshKrisDan Home. In particular, John is delighted that his alma mater will play a central role in the creation of a primary school and is hopeful that many more students—and faculty and alumni will want to visit one of the HFO homes. He has already hosted a few Suffield classmates of his, and planning for the student trip in June 2014 is well underway.

There is certainly a great deal to be proud of at Suffield these days, and the people involved in this Ghana project are a perfect example of this. The committed, ambitious students who mobilized themselves after their return from Ghana; the encouraging leadership of the school who supported this trip; the selfless, conscientious, and enthusiastic Suffield community who will fundraise all year; and the compassionate alumnus with an extraordinary vision and mission. These are the wonderful people of Suffield Academy.

MOST OF MY JOURNAL ENTRIES REPEATEDLY USE WORDS LIKE ‘INCREDIBLE,’ ‘ASTONISHING,’ AND ‘INEXPLICABLE’ TO DESCRIBE THE TRIP TO GHANA. THESE WORDS ARE THE ONLY THINGS I CAN SAY TO CAPTURE WHAT I FELT INTENSELY, BECAUSE THROUGHOUT THE WHOLE TRIP I HAD A FEELING THAT WAS TRULY INDESCRIBABLE. I HOPE EVERYONE IS ABLE TO FEEL THAT WARMTH AND AFFECTION THAT I FELT ON THE FIRST DAY. THEY UNINTENTIONALLY LEFT US WITH THE PASSION AND AMBITION TO HELP AND STAY CONNECTED WITH THEM, MAKING AN IMPACT ON OUR LIVES THAT WE WILL TREASURE FOREVER. -Rhiannon Fletcher ’15

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COLOR MAKING CAMPUS A LITTLE

As part of a year long initiative to raise money for Hearts of the Father (HFO), Suffield hosted its first Color Course on Sunday, November 17 on Bell Hill. Event co-organizers Denny Smythe ’14, Stevie Eagan ’14, and Sam Feldman ’14 arranged for t-shirts and packets of paints to be sold at various obstacle stations and invited all students, faculty, staff, and their families to participate.

The profit made from selling the cornstarch-based paints will go directly to HFO, a not-for-profit organization that provides food, shelter, and education for less fortunate children all over the world. HFO was founded by Suffield alum John Mortiz ’74 and his

COURSE MORE COLORFUL FOR CHARITY

wife Libby and currently has refugee houses for children—in Ghana, Uganda, India, and Mexico. The Suffield Academy Color Course event was such a huge success that many students are excited for its return. Student Council president Denny Smyth ’14 commented, “I have never been more grateful to be a member of the Suffield Academy community, for both the participation from both students and faculty and the overall enthusiasm that everyone brought to the event.” Headmaster Cahn who took part in the Color Course added, “I was so proud of our students and impressed by their commitment and energy.

It was a wonderful event supporting a great cause. Denny, Stevie, and Sam showed excellent leadership skills in working with Mr. Lynch and others to organize and execute the event. We are looking forward to the winter and spring events, as well.”

CHAPEL In keeping with Suffield’s 2013-2014 school theme of identity, the seven speakers who visited campus during the fall Chapel series left an indelible mark on the community. While some talked about the obstacles they faced early in life and others gave moving performances about the internal and external forces that help shape us, they all shed light on the fact that we have the power to control our identities. We have the ability to improve ourselves, help others, and change the world. To learn more about our speakers this fall, visit www.suffieldacademy.org/chapel.

WALTER LITTLEMOON In 2009 at the age of 58, Walter Littlemoon wrote They Called Me Uncivilized. Chosen as Suffield’s 2013 community text, it is Walter’s story of the trauma he suffered as a child, and of his efforts to overcome the pain and help his people. Walter was born in Wounded Knee, South Dakota, home of the Oglala Lakota. As a five-year-old, Walter was taken from his home to the Oglala Community School in Pine Ridge, South Dakota. This was one of many U.S. government boarding schools created on reservations throughout the United States to assimilate Indian children into ways of the dominant, white society. According to Walter, the driving philosophy was to “Kill the Indian and Save the Man.” Like thousands of other Indian children, Walter experienced the ridicule of his culture, endured beatings for speaking his native language, and was made to feel like he didn’t belong in either world. As an adult, Walter eventually sought help in an attempt to understand why his life had spiraled out of control, and was ultimately diagnosed with Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD). While acquired during childhood, the symptoms of this disorder only manifest themselves in adulthood. Walter’s story was made into an award-winning documentary film by Randy Vasquez, titled The Thick Dark Fog. Walter’s journey to discover his true identity is an inspirational story of a man who took it upon himself to go back into his painful past to heal himself and become whole again.

When Walter and his wife, Jane Ridgway, visited Suffield to give the September 30 chapel presentation, they also spent two days with David Rockwell’s ’58 Native American Studies class. The class had the opportunity to listen to Walter narrate stories about his life and the Lakota Indians.

At the conclusion of Walter’s chapel presentation, one student asked him to name the source of his greatest pride. Walter commented, “I am most proud of the fact that I was able to figure that a healthy life is about finding your self-worth.” He added, “When you leave this school, leave it with dignity, pride, and determination.”

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CHAPEL

JOHN MORELLO Detroit native John Morello performed a one-of-a-kind one man show as part of Suffield’s Chapel series. Raised in Boston, John considers himself a survivor of a high-risk childhood, which included abuse and addiction. After receiving a degree in theater and communications from Evangel University in Missouri, he spent several years touring as a comedian. In 2012, he wrote a critically acclaimed graphic novel entitled Dirt, which chronicles the story he tells onstage—four characters whose lives are interwoven by the struggles they face.

While John spends most of his time making people laugh, the topics he addresses in his show are quite serious. With subtle grace, John portrays each of the characters (Hank, David/Pi, Jason, and Melissa), using different mannerisms and voices for each one to talk about everything from bullying to segregation. As he seamlessly transitions from one character to the next—depicting a rebellious high school student in rehab at one moment to his 80-year-old grandfather the next—John clearly understands what it means to be a teenager and how to talk about issues like addiction, self-esteem, and depression.

SHABANA BASIJ-RASIKH Born and raised in Kabul, Shabana returned to Afghanistan after receiving her degree from Middlebury College in 2011. Her appreciation for education knows no bounds. The government forbade girls like Shabana and her sister from receiving an education, so their parents sent them to a “secret school” hidden from the Taliban. Shabana is now the co-founder and president of the School of Leadership, Afghanistan (SOLA).

SOLA is both a nonprofit organization that helps young Afghan women access education worldwide and the only girls’ boarding school in Afghanistan. Founded in 2008, SOLA means “peace” in Pashto, one of the official languages of Afghanistan. A tuition-free boarding school educating girls ages 12-19, SOLA has already helped 32 students from 15 provinces obtain scholarships. Shabana’s courage helps young women find their identity and their freedom, despite the obstacles they face.

CHAPEL

DR. ALAN GIBSON As part of an endowed grant from Suffield Academy’s Grandparents’ Association, Dr. Gibson gave this year’s Chapel presentation on American history. His interdisciplinary approach to the discussion included images of George Washington and the Battle of Bunker Hill to demonstrate how different artists—including Connecticut’s own John Trumbull—depicted the events of that time and shaped our identity as a nation. In connection with this year’s school theme of identity, Dr. Gibson asked students to think about manifest destiny, moral culpability, and egalitarian ethos. His complex questions about the importance of personal morals and responsibility in leadership tied in with the school’s mission. Dr. Gibson is the author of several articles in Polity, History of Political Thought, The Review of Politics, and The Political Science Reviewer. He has also written two books: Interpreting the Founding: Guide to Enduring Debates over the Origins and Foundations of the American Republic and Understanding the Founding: The Crucial Questions. He is currently a professor at California State University, Chico.

MICHAEL KIM Despite being a Korean-American, Mike Kim admitted that he once knew very little about the Korean culture or how to speak the language. Born and raised in Chicago, he led a fairly conventional life, receiving his MBA from Georgetown University and later becoming a financial planner. Yet something prompted Mike to abandon everything and book a one-way ticket to China. He arrived on New Year’s Day in 2003. With little idea of what his long-term plans were while he was there, Mike found himself helping North Korean refugees escape from China via a 6000-mile modern day underground railroad. His identity was instantly transformed; Mike was forced to change his name and lead an undercover life as a tae-kwon-do student.

“When the ‘what if’ voice reaches a certain threshold, you have to act on it,” he told the Suffield community.

“Serving others is when you find yourself the most,” he continued. Mike’s book, Escaping North Korea, tells the story of his amazing journey and the lives he helped save.

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CHAPEL

SOHAIB AND ARSHE SULTAN Sohaib Sultan, the Muslim life coordinator and chaplain at Princeton University, spoke to the Suffield community about the challenges that he and his wife have faced as Muslim Americans. A native of Indianapolis, Sohaib became aware of his differences early in life when he was asked about his religion by classmates in the third grade. As an adult, he now works to educate the world about Islamic culture, focusing specifically on those who have already made up their minds about what it means to be Muslim. His wife Arshe grew up in Brooklyn and experienced a similar dichotomy between how she viewed the world and how it viewed her. She said she never felt out of place until September 11, 2001, after which people suddenly noticed her only for her hijab, forming opinions about her before getting a chance to know her. “Our identity is not fixed,” Sohaib said, “yet so much of our identity is something put on us by other people.” Sohaib and Arshe hope that they can teach people to look beyond stereotypes and be more receptive to learning about different religions, while honoring their individual identities.

DR. MICHAEL FOWLIN Dr. “Mykee” Fowlin received his Ph.D in clinical psychology from Rutgers University and has been giving powerful presentations on bullying, suicide prevention, gender, and racial profiling for over 17 years. An actor, psychologist, and poet, he portrays various characters—a sixth grade boy with ADD, a college football player, and a high school female talking to her psychologist—with incredible skill throughout his performance, tackling the difficulty of the topics at hand in a relatable way. Dr. Fowlin’s honesty and brave portrayals even brought many Suffield students to tears. “I saw a lot of people crying during his performance. I’ve never talked to any of the Chapel presenters before, but it really touched me. It touched everyone, and I wanted to let him know that,” said Amanda Baildon ’15. Throughout his presentation, Dr. Fowlin asked the Suffield community to think about their own identities and how their actions impact others. “Know the difference between what you’re supposed to do and what you need to do,” he advised.

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Performing Arts

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THIS FALL’S THEATER AND MUSICAL PERFORMANCES HIGHLIGHTED THE MANY TALENTS OF OUR SUFFIELD STUDENTS. Fall Parents’ Weekend Performing Arts Showcase / October 4 Featuring the Women’s Choir, Chamber Singers, AVTS, Chamber Ensemble, Jazz Band, and the Advanced Jazz Band Fall One-Act Festival / November 15 Spamalot / December 12-14

UPCOMING EVENTS Winter Guitar Show / January 18 Winter Dance Concert / February 28-March 1 Arthur Miller’s The Crucible / April 17-19 Spring Guitar Show / May 2 Spring Vocal Concert / May 16

Page 34 Top: Alexis Sarris ’14. Bottom left: Maia Doerner ’16; middle: Alex Manolfi ’15, Griffin Manos ’14; right: Frances Bingham ’15 This page Left to right: Shivang Jhunjhnuwala ’14, Iza Ugarte ’14, Jesse Phillips ’15, Nicole Matysaik ’14, Harrison Moore ’14, Daniel Berchuck ’14.

“Everything that I have done is through the support of other people.”

Erica Wynn ’10

by Thomas Foote

Erica Wynn ’10 comes from a family that values education, but she “wasn’t doing so well” at her Queens public high school. Recognizing she needed more structure, her older sister Jennifer connected her with Dan Tisch ’69 P’02, the President of Suffield Academy’s Board of Trustees. With Mr. Tisch’s guidance, Erica came to Summer Academy, then arrived at Suffield as a repeat sophomore.

At Suffield, Erica found a community that urges people to push themselves. Although she had no experience on the stage, Erica quickly threw herself into the performing arts. She earned the role of Juliet in her first performance and appeared in a play every year after that. And while she didn’t consider herself particularly athletic, she played volleyball and joined the dance company.

Erica has fond memories of meditation sessions with Patrick Shanahan, an “awesome” dorm parent and counselor, and she appreciates the work of her advisor, Terry Breault.

Erica also took Leadership classes and participated in SOLO with Dave Rockwell ’58. “I enjoyed it,” she says, “but didn’t think it was anything to pursue.” To her own surprise, however, it was the SOLO program that had the most significant impact on her future.

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After graduation, Erica attended American University, where she is currently working toward her degree in psychology. During her sophomore year, Erica was introduced to GirlTrek, a nationwide non-profit that promotes health and fitness in black women and girls. GirlTrek encourages teams of women to complete walking challenges as part of an effort to make fitness culturally relevant.

For a population disproportionately affected by America’s obesity crisis, Erica explains, even the simple act of walking together can be effective in reducing preventable disease.

Through GirlTrek, Erica began to participate in fitness challenges, and she enjoyed them as something different from her usual routine. Erica credits GirlTrek with inspiring her to cultivate a healthy lifestyle, something she says is “part of my identity now.” She also became a GirlTrek Trailblazer Fellow, providing leadership training in exchange for a year of service to GirlTrek.

Trailblazers have a “health adventure” funded through the program, so Erica went on a month-long expedition in Alaska’s Talkeetna Mountains through the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS).

Her outdoor experience through SOLO had given her a boost in the program, but this was her first time camping. Erica wholeheartedly enjoyed the experience, calling it “by far the best time of my [her] life,” but she didn’t expect to have other NOLS opportunities.

Just one month later, NOLS’s plans for Expedition Denali, an effort to put together the first all African-American team to summit Denali, were announced. Denali, also called Mount McKinley, is North America’s highest peak at over 20,000 feet. Erica had been named to the team and was thrilled to take on the challenge. As part of her preparation, she participated in another NOLS course, this one in Patagonia.

Erica points out that the actual climb is just a small piece of Expedition Denali’s goals. Aiming to “inspire diversity in the outdoors,” Expedition Denali hopes to encourage youth of color develop a relationship with the wilderness. Before the climb, this took the form of “10,000 Steps to Denali,” as Erica’s team invited organizations to host running and walking events to generate camaraderie and support.

The climb itself occurred in June of 2013, to coincide with the 100th anniversary of the mountain’s first ascent. Erica, eight other team members, their instructors, and a film crew spent over three weeks on Denali. On the day scheduled for the summiting, the group was just 700 feet from the top when a freak lightning storm forced them to turn back. Although the group was dissapointed, Erica makes it clear that participants were proud of their success and mindful that safety was the highest priority.

Since the outing, the final phase of Expedition Denali has been Project Inspiration, to promote their efforts as well as to inspire lasting changes in attitudes toward the outdoors. The year-long campaign has seen the team members travel the country stressing the importance of the outdoors. Erica gave a keynote address at the International Climbers’ Festival in Wyoming in July, and she spoke at Colorado’s Green Leaf Expo in June. The group was also featured on NBC News, and a documentary is in the works.

Erica’s personal accomplishments are impressive, but she gives significant credit back to Suffield. While she didn’t know it at the time, she now recognizes the huge impact the Academy had on her confidence and her willingness to explore. Her SOLO experience paved the way for her eventual appreciation of the outdoors, for, as Erica explains, “had it not been for Suffield, these opportunities would not have been accessible to me.”

“There were also aspects I needed to develop on my own,” Erica explains, and Suffield provided the encouragement to solidify her own identification. “I was able to invest in my own future at Suffield. Without Suffield, I might not have finished high school… everything that I have done is through the support of other people.”

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FINDING IDENTITY

BY LAND & BY SEA

When faculty members Beth Krasemann and Bill Butcher set out on their summer sabbaticals on opposite sides of the Atlantic Ocean, they had little idea just how moving their experiences would be on a personal level. While Beth took her research to museums in Berlin and Paris, Bill stayed in Suffield to restore his custom sailing vessel, Solomon Gundy. With a combined 45 years of service at Suffield, Beth and Bill’s work demonstrates that a successful teacher must have patience, perseverance, and an eagerness to teach others about history.

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BILL BUTCHER When Bill Butcher first came to Suffield in 1980, he and many of his students worked together to construct a custom sailing vessel, Solomon Gundy. After many years of hard sailing and racing where multiple gold medals were won, Bill used his summer sabbatical grant to restore Solomon Gundy. Not only was he able to restore a piece of Suffield history, but he also plans to utilize his experience as a learning point for his students, which includes construction techniques and problem solving.

THAT BOAT IS PART OF MY IDENTITY, AND IT’S A METAPHOR FOR MY LIFE. WE ARE BOTH SPAWNING TO BE REBORN.

The son of a Yale admissions officer and an architectural engineer, Bill began working on ships when he was just a young boy in Branford, Connecticut. As a student at Branford High, Bill credits “the wonderful art teachers” he had for helping him find his career path. Upon graduating from high school, Bill studied art as an undergraduate student at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. He continued his graduate studies at Drake and worked under renowned artistsin-residence Cornelis Ruhtenberg and Jules Kirschenbaum, whom Bill credits as two of his most influential mentors. When you see Ruhtenberg’s art, it’s easy to draw the direct connection between her art and Bill’s. Since Ruhtenberg’s art never quite fit into any one particular style, some have referred to it as “spiritual art.” It’s not surprising then that Bill described his boat building process as “spiritual” in the spring 1985 issue of SUFFIELD magazine.

Upon graduation, Bill returned to the shipyard. “I did wood sculpture all through high school and college, so building boats seemed like the natural path for me,” Bill explained. However, Bill soon found out that Suffield Academy was looking for an art teacher. He subsequently signed on to teach woodworking, photography, architecture, and sculpture under the guidance of long time faculty member Mario Vincenti. Of Mario, Bill says, “We had an incredible bond despite being a generation apart. We worked together for 16 years, and he truly was an inspiration to everyone who knew him.” The year was 1980, the same year that he married his wife Jill and honeymooned with her in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia.

It was there that they first heard of Solomon Gundy.

“It was listed as one of the items on the menu,” said Bill. “When I asked the waitress to explain what it was, she told me it’s their name for pickled herring. And believe it or not, it’s pretty tasty.” Solomon Gundy (a.k.a. “the Friendship Sloop”) is also the name of the traditional fishing boat that was used to catch herring off the coast of Maine in the 1880s.

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FACULTY SABBATICAL

The design makes it unique. At 6,000 lbs., the vessel is 25 feet-long and is anchored by a 1,200 lb. oak and lead keel. “The hull shape is like a wine glass, and the mast is very far forward,” Bill explains, “so that if you let go of the rig and ‘hove to,’ it will circle in place. It’s as faithful as an old dog.” This was clearly influential in helping Bill decide what boat he would build behind Seymour Dormitory, where he and Jill were dorm parents, and that his boat would be a friendship sloop named Solomon Gundy.

Over the last 33 years, the Solomon Gundy has required various repairs, and slowly but surely, Bill has made sectional repairs to refasten the bottom of the boat. But it wasn’t until Performing Arts chair and good friend Tom Gotwals gave him the idea to apply for a sabbatical that Bill realized he could dedicate some serious time to rebuilding his boat. While the Solomon Gundy has been on land for five years now, the plan is to get the ship back in the water in the spring of 2014.

At this year’s faculty meeting, Bill gave a PowerPoint presentation entitled “The Return Home for a Rebuild,” showing pictures of the process, including the 12,000 bronze screws holding the boat together.

“That boat is part of my identity, and it’s a metaphor for my life. We are both spawning to be reborn.”

BETH KRASEMANN Beth Krasemann used her summer sabbatical grant to travel in an effort to expand her knowledge of historical events for her freshman class, “The Roots of Our Global World: Cross Currents of Interaction Since 1492.” Beth’s travel included visits to Berlin, Paris, and Frankfurt. Additionally, Beth attended a seminar called “Facing History and Ourselves” to further her studies.

Beth is no stranger to travel abroad. While an undergraduate student at Williams, she studied abroad in Rome. Since then, her summers have been spent traveling to Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and the Caribbean. Now in her 12th year at Suffield Academy, Beth continues her quest for world history answers.

In December of 2012, Beth explains that she was greatly impacted by Holocaust survivor Inge Auerbacher’s speech during Chapel. After discussing the topic with her students that afternoon, Beth had the sense that this generation of school-age children has become desensitized to large-scale devastation, especially when these events occur on foreign land and are not necessarily covered by mainstream media. As a result, Beth decided it was time to dig deeper into her students’ perception of—and emotional reaction to—historical events and ask them to think about the question: “How do we perceive other races and ethnicities as individuals and as a collective whole?” She wanted them to also think about genocides like the Holocaust and further investigate how one event can cause chain reactions that have the potential to wipe out an entire race.

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After submitting her proposal for a summer sabbatical during the 2012 winter break, Beth attended a seminar at the Facing History and Ourselves Center in Brookline, Massachusetts. The center offers resources to educators who want to inform their students about how to combat racism, anti-Semitism, and prejudice. It was there she heard Carl Wilkens speak about his experience in Rwanda in the mid-1990s.

I DIDN’T KNOW WHAT MY SABBATICAL LENS WAS GOING TO BE UNTIL I SAW THE STARK CONTRAST BETWEEN BERLIN AND PARIS.

“He is my inspiration,” said Beth, “because he exhibits how one person can change the course of history.”

Carl’s book, I’m Not Leaving, tells his story as the only American to stay in East Africa during the 1994 Rwandan Genocide. [It’s no surprise that Beth immediately approached him to speak at this year’s Chapel series centering on the theme of identity; he spoke on December 16th.]

Beth’s travel plans were already in the works when she received word that she’d been awarded the summer sabbatical. She traveled to Berlin first, which she describes as “the best four days of my summer.” Among her stops were the German Historical Museum—where she met extremely informative outreach educators—the Topography of Terror Museum, and the Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp. From Berlin, Beth traveled to Paris, where she was shocked by how little their museums acknowledged their country’s respective collaboration in World War II. “I didn’t know what my sabbatical lens was going to be until I saw the stark contrast between Berlin and Paris,” said Beth.

Beth traveled to the United States Holocaust Museum Memorial in Washington, D.C. during Thanksgiving break and has already booked her plane ticket to Israel for March break.

She plans to compare how the museums in the United States, Germany, France, and Israel interpret and educate people about the historical events surrounding the Holocaust. “I’m going to keep researching before I teach this to my students,” she says. “I want to be able to explain to them how all four countries perceive ‘the other.’”

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FALL SPORTS

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FOOTBALL The football team captured its third straight New England championship and fifth in the last six years, with a thrilling 50–42 win over Avon Old Farms in the NEPSAC Arthur Valicenti Bowl. The victory capped a second consecutive perfect 9–0 season for the Tigers, who also added another Colonial League title to the trophy case. Senior Brice McAllister had a league-high 21 touchdowns on the year, but success was a total team effort for a Suffield squad that recorded four defensive scores in the first half of the championship game. Juniors Drew Mahoney, Christian Wilkins and Michael Yerardi joined McAllister on the All-New England team, while CJ Moore ’14 earned First Team All-League honors. Trent Bellows ’15, Jermaine Frazer-Phillips ’14, Alec Turer ’15, Endy Sanchez ’15, and Bryan Vieira ’14 received Second Team All-Colonial nods. Seniors McAllister, Moore, Frazer-Phillips, Vieira, Kevin Barry, Charlie Steele, Drew Glennon, Matt Powers, Alex Cruz, and Jamie Semple will graduate, but the returning Tigers—a group that also includes Endy Sanchez ’15, Tahj Herring ’15, Tucker Newman ’15, and Hunter Newman ’16—are eager to defend their crowns.

LEFT: COACH GAMERE WITH ENDY SANCHEZ ’15. TOP MIDDLE: MATT POWERS ’14 AND TRENT BELLOWS ’15. BOTTOM MIDDLE: BRICE MCALLISTER ’14, CJ MOORE ’14, ALEX CRUZ ’14, TRENT BELLOWS ’15, CHRISTIAN WILKINS ’15, TAHJ HERRING ’15. RIGHT: CJ MOORE ’14.

FALL SPORTS

CAMILA ROCHA ’14 & KELLY TAYLOR ’15

KATIE KUZMESKI ’16 & JENNA RUBIN ’14

VOLLEYBALL The volleyball team finished with an 11–6 record and a trip to the New England quarterfinals. The season saw the Tigers run off an eight-game winning streak and notch victories over Worcester Academy twice, rival Williston Northampton, and eventual New England finalist Ethel Walker. Sophomore setter Katie Kuzmeski distributed the ball to a host of hitting options, including Ryder Mosby ’17, Camila Rocha ’15, Ann E. King ’15, and Jenna Rubin ’14, while libero Alexis Sarris ’14 was the team’s top defensive player. In addition to Rubin and Sarris, the Tigers graduate Julie Doten, Brittney D’Oleo, and Anne Ling, but look to make another tournament run next year.

WATER POLO In what was expected to be a rebuilding year following the graduation of several strong players, the boys’ water polo team recorded a 7–8 mark that included wins over Hotchkiss, Williston Northampton, and powerhouse Staples High School.

Goaltender Phon Leeswadtrakul ’15 backstopped a Tiger squad that proved game for the many challenging opponents on the schedule, and junior Ralph Koo was chosen for the All-New England team.

The team graduates Ben Cooper, Jono Nelson, Robert Douglas, Allen Chen, Joe D’Amico, and Mark Shelankas, but Koo, Leewadtrakul, Riggs McDermott ’15, and Quinn Egan ’15 are among those who will carry the torch forward.

QUINN EGAN ’16 & RALPH KOO ’15

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FALL SPORTS

FIELD HOCKEY A senior-heavy field hockey team took steps in the right direction this year, and some talented underclassmen will look to build on those efforts. Captains Jasmine Brooks ’14, Stevie Eagan ’14, Jackie Nicoletti ’14, and Denny Smythe ’14 provided strong leadership, with Jasmine and Jackie reciving All-Star honors. Other seniors were Dory Butcher, Camille Laursen, Micaela Martini, Caroline Mellekas, Schyler Murray, and Izzy Thompson.

Sophomore Angela Vecchiarelli was the team’s leading scorer, and junior Kimmie Meunier will return to anchor the defense. First-year coach Ali Vigneau and the Tigers look ready to carry the momentum forward into next season and continue to improve the program.

DENNY SMYTHE ’14

MIKE BARIT ’15

EMMA TRYON ’16

BOYS’ SOCCER The boys’ soccer team finished on a high note, winning its final four games and capturing the inaugural Cheshire Invitational Tournament to close the season. The Tigers also earned an early season road victory over rival Deerfield en route to racking up a 9–7–4 record. Seniors Zach McCormick and Jordan Williams received invites to the Western New England All-Star game, while Chase Crean ’14 and Mike Barit ’15 were All-New England honorees. In addition to McCormick, Williams, and Crean, the Tigers lose seniors Thomas Ianello, Nate Keyes, and Ricky Ball, but with top scorer Oyikwan Asante ’16 leading a strong group of returners, Suffield soccer looks ready to make its mark.

GIRLS’ SOCCER Under new coach Kristin Runey, the girls’ soccer team ripped off four straight victories to open the season. Though injuries derailed the momentum, the groundwork has been laid to re-establish the team as a Western New England powerhouse. Captains Kat Gazis ’14 and Beanie O’Shea ’14 and classmates Julia Miller ’14 and Coleen Flynn ’14 proved valuable and versatile contributors, as the four seniors buoyed their team and filled in wherever needed. Top scorer Emma Tryon ’16 was joined at the New England All-Star game by center midfielder Abby Blyler ’15, and the two will lead a strong returning group that looks to build on this season’s progress.

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FALL SPORTS

HALEY LEISHMAN ’14

KIERSTEN NESS ’16

KAISON IFILL ’15

GIRLS’ CROSS-COUNTRY The girls’ cross-country team flew to a 10–2 record and its second consecutive runner-up finish at the New England Division II championship. Senior tri-captain Jillian Haywood, who placed third at New Englands, paced the Tigers all year, but a deep and talented roster carried the team to wins at the Gordy Glover Invitational and Williston’s Seven Schools Meet. Kiersten Ness ’16 joined Haywood at the New England All-Star race, and senior tri-captains Haley Leishman and Amanda Leonard, and freshman Julia Mandirola, were key contributors throughout the season. Ness, Mandirola, Andrea Brundin ’16, and Emily Lowe ’15 are among the returning runners who will look to carry on the team’s streak of four straight top-three New England finishes. In addition to the captains, the Tigers bid goodbye to seniors Annie Osiecki, Hannah Katz, Henriette Lingelem, and Hannah Donnelly.

BOYS’ CROSS-COUNTRY The boys’ cross-country team notched two sweeps of Salisbury in addition to a pair of wins over rival Berkshire, en route to a 5–5 record. The squad was led by tri-captains Kaison Ifill ’15, Hayden Childs ’15, and Chad Malcolm ’14, as well as seniors Josh Hillman, Shivang Jhunjhnuwala, and Brendan Donahue. Ifill and Aiden Clark-Long ’15 were the top two Tiger runners throughout the year, with Ifill finishing sixth at the New England championship and Clark-Long frequently nipping at his heels. Though the team will miss its four seniors, a solid core will return.

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M C ALLISTER ’14

BRICE 4,478

all-purpose yards. 51 touchdowns. Three All-New England selections, including two Player of the Year honors. The football statistics of Brice McAllister ’14 in his three years at Suffield Academy are very impressive, but it was far more than the opportunity to play on the gridiron for Coach Drew Gamere that brought Brice to Bell Hill.

“When I first stepped on campus,” Brice says, “I felt a sense of family and wanted to be a part of it. I also saw that coming to Suffield could open up many more opportunities in my future.” Opportunities have arisen, and Brice has a host of options for school and football next year.

While he’s excited to move on to college, Brice leaves an impressive legacy on the Suffield community. He led the football team to a 26–1 record and three Super Bowl titles, and though the team’s success this year meant Brice rarely played late into games, he still notched an impressive 19 rushing touchdowns on just 85 carries. And as the captain of the defending New England champion Suffield basketball team and a top sprinter for the track team, Brice has made his mark in several athletic arenas.

But Brice isn’t just a talented athlete. He’s also served as a proctor in Spencer Hall, a student leader in the Orange Goes Pink Breast Cancer Awareness campaign, a tour guide leader, and a leader of the multicultural group Kaleidoscope. He is also a member of Torch Society and a consistent presence on the honor roll.

Despite his remarkable run, Brice is quick to deflect praise. “I give 100% of the credit for my awards and accomplishments to the offensive line and the receivers who block for me,” he says. While Brice attributes his success to those who give him a clear shot, he wouldn’t be where he is today without his tenacity and humble spirit.

will your class win?

r u o y f o

best of your decade alumni challenge classes compete against other classes in your decade score points for your class between now and june 30, 2014 You can earn a maximum of 4 points: Donate to the 2014 Annual Fund = 2 points Attend a Suffield sponsored event or visit the SA Alumni Office = 1 point Submit a class note or photo for magazine = 1 point Track your class’s progress: www.suffieldacademy.org/decade Only one Annual Fund donation, one event / campus visit, and one class note / photo per person is counted in the challenge.

Submit class notes and photos to: Harry Melendez III ’07 hmelendez@suffieldacademy.org Check out the schedule of Suffield events: www.suffieldacademy.org/alumni Donate to the Annual Fund: www.suffieldacademy.org/donate

CLASS AGENT BY BETSY MCCOMB P’04, ’06

Greg Putnam ’69 When Greg Putnam was in the ninth grade at Eaglebrook, his soccer team came to Suffield to play the Lightweights (now called Tiger A).

“As I put on my soccer cleats just outside the main door to the Field House, I looked around and I knew that this was the place for me. This was exactly what I had always envisioned a prep school would look like. Now I had seen other prep schools—Deerfield, Choate, Northfield Mount Hermon, Williston—but nothing compared to Suffield.”

Greg’s experience at Suffield was “a class act from the beginning. It all fit together—faculty, academics, social life, athletics, challenges, and opportunities—all mixed up with a big helping of compassion, caring, and concern. Faculty for students, students for faculty, students for students.”

The faculty members who influenced Greg the most were Paul Sanderson, Gordy Glover, and Ap Seaverns. Paul Sanderson, director of admissions at the time, was Greg’s varsity soccer coach.“He was also a supporter and a confidant, always available for counseling and encouragement. Remember that soccer game between Eaglebrook and Suffield? Well, Mr. Sanderson saw me play, and when I applied to Suffield, he felt I could make a contribution to Suffield on and off the soccer field. We won the WNEPSSA Soccer Cup that fall.”

Gordy Glover was Greg’s English teacher, track coach, and advisor. “Gordy kept me focused. He was a shoulder to lean on and a giver of wisdom who never gave up on me. He helped me develop my English writing skills, inspired my brief yet fun-packed acting career with the Cue & Curtain, and he pushed me to higher levels of achievement on the track. I think of him often.” Ap Seaverns and Greg shared stories about Greg’s hometown of Santa Barbara, California. “I’ll never forget his concern for my welfare and his faith in my abilities, many of which I didn’t know I had. But he did.”

After Suffield, Greg “reluctantly strode” into the working world. “I learned that hard work does bring reward. I learned that if you want something bad enough, you have a pretty darn good chance of getting it.” Eventually Greg started his own business, acquired several retail locations, and had a family. After 16 years of hard work and long hours, he sold his retail stores and went to college. In 1990, Greg earned his bachelor of arts from Westmont College in Santa Barbara. Since then, he has “experienced more diversified opportunities.” Today Greg works and lives with his wife Mimi in Carpinteria, California.

Greg is very grateful for how Suffield has helped shape his life, adding, “Suffield gave me courage, faith, and trust in myself. I colored outside the lines and thought outside the box. The challenges, the defeats, the successes all contributed to shaping my life. The quality and caliber of my teachers and the strength of friendship with my classmates only enhanced that achievement.

Suffield had a job to do and it did it for me. One of the most positive residuals of my time at Suffield was when I graduated because then I could use and actually see all the benefits and all the rewards of my Suffield education. I left Suffield a welleducated person.”

His advice to current students: “Treat people as you want to be treated, be comfortable in your skin, always be grateful for your blessings, do more than you were asked, and leave it better than how you found it.”

Since 2006, Greg has been the Class Agent for the Class of 1969. He wanted to “give something back” to a place that gave so much to him. “Suffield is an exceptional learning environment and deserves to be supported and promoted.” Greg enjoys being able to stay in touch with lifelong friends, to reminisce, and to be current with their lives. “I have reunited with a bunch of classmates and have gotten to know other classmates on a whole new level. It’s the joy I feel at what my classmates can and have achieved in their generosity to Suffield that keeps me coming back. They haven’t forgotten Suffield. They believe in the cause, the purpose, and the mission. We are the Class of 1969, a literal cornucopia of unique talents and personalities, a class diverse yet genuinely united. These guys make my job easy. It’s an honor, a privilege, and a great pleasure to be their Class Agent.”

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GORDON G. GLOVER

INVITATIONAL Sarah Glover, while on campus to celebrate her 25th Reunion with classmates from 1988, started the Gordon G. Glover Invitational Cross-Country meet. The race was named after Sarah’s father and legendary faculty member Gordy Glover, for his years of dedication to the cross country program at Suffield. Gordy coached from 1964 to 1996.

ALUMNI SPORTS DAY Alumni came back to campus on September 7, 2013, to participate in this year’s Alumni Sports Day. Contests included a soccer game, water polo match, and a cross-country meet. Alums had an opportunity to catch up at the reception immediately following the games, as well as to see some of the new additions and changes to campus, including the new science facilities.

1 Back row: varsity coach Ricky Warren, Brendan Moriarty ’04, coach Ababacar Seck, Brian Hetzel ’97, Khadim Diouf ’07, Eddy Akel ’75, Jordan Dubey ’04, Juan Arreaza ’06, Adam Pistel ’08, John Watson ’71, Kevin Kinne ’84; front row: Erich Seifert ’11, Mateo Gaviria ‘10, Jim Knight ’73, Scott Owsiany ’84, Geoff Hoyt ’84, Bobby Artioli ’90. 2 Suffield cross-country team and alums run in the annual alumni sports day cross country race. 3 Khadim Diouf ’07. 4 Back row: Gerry LaPlante P’04, ’06, Denny Kinne ’89, Andy Lowe P’11, ’13, ’15; front row: Sarah Ellerton ’06, Chris Stafford ’06, Kristen LaPlante ’06, Tommy Cyran ’08, Anthony Rousseau ’04 Garison Beale ’01. 5 Chris Pugliano ’07, Steven Root ’06, Andrew Rarus ’79, Keller Glass ’01.

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ALUMNI GOLF OUTING The Suffield Academy Alumni Association and Parents’ Association hosted another successful golf outing at the Crumpin-Fox Golf Club in Bernardston, Massachusetts, on Friday, October 11, 2013. The tournament was played in a scramble format on a beautiful, fall day. Tournament winners were Anthony Rousseau ’04, Chris Stone ’03, Steve Creanza ’02, and Richard Han; the group shot an impressive 58 for the afternoon. An anonymous donor also dedicated each hole on the green to the memory of Suffield student Iheany Anyanwu ’17.

1 Lucy Sheresky ’12. 2 Kevin Kinne ’84, Paul Dean ’84, Geoff Hoyt ’84, and Scott Owsiany ’84. 3 view of golfers on Crumpin-Fox Golf Club course 4 Bob Clark ’77, Tom Landers ’77, John Routh ’77, John Geary ’77, and Chris Childs ’77.

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SOCCER FIELD DEDICATION TO

BRADFORD C. GOOCH Suffield named the varsity girls’ soccer field in honor of legendary faculty member Brad Gooch. Brad was a member of the Suffield faculty from 1960 to 1996. He taught English and art history. He particularly enjoyed teaching postgraduate students. Brad advised the Kent-Davis speaking competition and led the singing group COGS. He coached girls’ and boys’ soccer and had always been very proud of his teams’ successes. His tenure was highlighted by an undefeated New England and WNEPSSA championship boys’ team in 1983. Headmaster Charlie Cahn said, “Brad’s passion for teaching, coaching, and advising Suffield students led to truly outstanding success as an educator.

His contributions to our school were significant and profound. Brad has also made Suffield a major priority since he retired from teaching.

For all of these reasons, we are very pleased to name the girls’ varsity soccer field in his honor.”

GERRY PARSKY ’60

BY PHIL RIEGEL ’87

Gerry Parsky ’60 mentioned at the beginning of our conversation that he truly loved teaching during his one-year stint in the English Department at Suffield in 1965, and that he sometimes missed it over the years. At the end of our time together, however, I was sure that throughout his fascinating career, Gerry never really stopped teaching, or for that matter, learning. My hour-long meeting was nothing less than a seminar in history, philosophy, education, and risk management.

Gerry grew up in West Hartford, Connecticut. His parents, Isadore and Nettie Parsky, strong believers in education and athletics, were determined to provide the best possible education for their son. Gerry commented, “Character mattered a great deal to my father in everything we did. Whether it was school or sports, he wanted me to give my all, but always to treat people fairly.

He taught me never to gain ground by pulling someone else down, and I have stuck to that credo in both my professional and personal life.”

The Parskys placed Gerry in the capable hands of Suffield Headmaster Ap Seaverns, who shared their convictions about the importance of education, athletics, and fair play. By all accounts, he flourished at Suffield and ended his four years with many accolades, including the Williams Book Prize, Cum Laude, the Faculty Award for Citizenship and Service, the Emmett Kent Public Speaking Prize, and captain of the soccer team.

When remembering Suffield, though, Gerry doesn’t speak of his accomplishments but of the individual attention he received and the faculty members who took a special interest in his life and the lives of his classmates. Gerry commented, “The leadership of the school—especially Ap and Paul Sanderson—paid attention to the unique development of each student. When it came time to apply to college, Ap looked at the class and helped find the right fit for each senior. I know that he personally wrote to and called Princeton on my behalf. That level of attention and caring are distinctive and were extremely important in my development.”

Gerry also speaks of the mentorship he received while at Suffield and how the mentor role would have an important impact throughout his life. Gerry remembers, “I experienced at Suffield just the right combination of praise and challenge. It was Wasky who took the lead in this area! He never liked the fact that I switched from football to soccer and reminded me of it regularly, but he always used just the right amount of ‘carrot and stick.’ He made a point of telling me I had passed his test when it came time to graduate, and that meant the world to me.”

Gerry left Suffield in the spring of 1960 and enrolled at Princeton University. It was a transition similar to his introduction to Suffield four years earlier, but Gerry acclimated early, with the help of his boarding experience and the camaraderie of the soccer team. He would go on to captain the Princeton team as a senior.

Upon graduation from Princeton, Gerry returned to Suffield to work in the English department. He remembers, “It was interesting to learn the challenges for a school like Suffield from a faculty member’s perspective. A school needs leadership, and Ap provided that. It was Ap’s school! He literally built the Suffield we know today by concentrating on the physical plant, the quality of the faculty, and the quality of the students. What impresses me now is how Headmasters David Holmes ’60 and Charlie Cahn have taken Suffield to the next level by institutionalizing Ap’s form of leadership. Suffield is now positioned to survive any one person and is stronger than it has ever been.” Gerry left Suffield to gain his J.D. from the University of Virginia Law School in 1968. He then worked in New York City for a leading Wall Street law firm for several years until a phone call came that changed the course of his life. Edwin Cohen, a former professor at UVA’s Law School, who had gone on to become assistant secretary of the treasury for tax policy, was looking for an assistant, and he asked Gerry to take the job. “It has been my philosophy that the most important decisions in life are people decisions—deciding whom to associate with is crucial. I took a chance with Ed Cohen, who was another mentor to me, and never could have imagined what lay ahead.”

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Gerry went on to work for George Shultz in the Treasury Department, and when the oil embargo of 1973 hit, he was asked to help establish an office to deal with the impending crisis. “We literally created the Federal Energy Office from scratch. The embargo was the number one issue for the country, and we were able to manage through the crisis.” In part, because of the job he did, in June of 1974 at the age of 31, Gerry became the youngest-ever assistant secretary of the treasury under William Simon with over 1,500 people reporting to him. Gerry observed, “It was the most fascinating two-and-a-half years. I was working constantly with the White House, dealing with international finance and traveling to the Middle East, Latin America, and Asia.

In 1977, Gerald Ford lost the White House, and it was time to go.” Gerry commented, “My experience in Washington was unbelievably rewarding. However, the one thing I disliked was the way people treated people. Too many were willing to pull others down in order to advance, and I found that really disturbing.”

Gerry returned to law, working with Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher in Washington and later in Los Angeles. He became a senior partner and remained with the firm for 14 years. This did not prevent him from staying involved with public policy. Gerry was an advisor to three more presidents and served on Ronald Reagan’s transition team and his President’s Council on Productivity.

He also served on George H. W. Bush’s President’s Export Council and the President’s Commission to Strengthen Social Security for George W. Bush.

Captain, Gerry Parsky ’60 holding ball

“EDUCATION IS THE CATALYST THAT CAN CHANGE THE TRAJECTORY OF ONE’S LIFE. FOR ME, TEACHING, AT ALL LEVELS, IS ONE OF THE WAYS I HAVE TRANSITIONED FROM BEING MENTORED TO MENTORING.”

In 1991, Gerry felt it was time for something new, and he struck out on his own to create Aurora Capital Group, a Los Angelesbased investment firm. He has been there ever since, growing the firm into a powerhouse with $1.8 billion in assets. Throughout all of this, Gerry has continuously looked for ways to give back to his community, and his involvement in the field of education has been central. Gerry commented, “Education is the catalyst that can change the trajectory of one’s life. For me, teaching, at all levels, is one of the ways I have transitioned from being mentored to mentoring.” In that regard, Gerry served as a board member of Suffield Academy from 1976 to 1984 and was one of the first recipients of the Alumni Leadership Award in 2003.

He also served as a trustee of Princeton University and most recently served a 12-year term as a Regent of the University of California, including a unanimous vote by his peers to serve as Chairman. He has established scholarships at several institutions to help qualified students receive the education they deserve. As Gerry said, “Financial aid is crucial in both public and private education.” Gerry also serves as a trustee of the Ronald Reagan Foundation, the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library, the Salk Institute, and on the Advisory Council of the Woodrow Wilson School at Princeton University.

Like any good teacher, Gerry interwove overarching themes throughout his fascinating narrative: work hard, play fair, take chances on people, and, most importantly, give back to a society that has been good to you. His clarity of thought and his focus on these maxims, rather than his accomplishments and heralded career, left me feeling inspired. These are the hallmarks of a life well lived, and Gerry Parsky is a tremendous example to us all.

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sivers the

legacy profile

frank ’69 / erica ’08 / roger ’14

WHY SUFFIELD? Frank: For me, I don’t really know what prompted my parents to send me to Suffield. Neither of my brothers went to prep school. My older brother graduated from Longmeadow High School and my little brother from Suffield High. The real reason was probably the proximity. I could attend as a day student. The reason for four years was that the benefits of Suffield Academy quickly became apparent: the academic rigor, the small class size, the required athletics, and the strength of the faculty.

Erica: My dad went to Suffield and wanted us to have the opportunity. I wasn’t sure about it when I started, but I’m glad I went.

Roger: Suffield was the only school I applied to. It was Suffield or public school. I applied because of high praise from my father and sister.

WHAT IS THE BEST PART OF THE SUFFIELD ACADEMY EXPERIENCE? Frank: I’ve really enjoyed seeing the differences between the SA of 1965-1969 and the current SA. I wouldn’t have been able to send Erica to my SA, as it was a boys’ school back then. It was also a very polar place—boarders versus day students. The new SA has ‘Chill on the Hill’ and Tiger Games and works on student involvement. I had dinner at the Academy only for sports banquets and never had breakfast there. My kids both have stayed at the Academy until late most nights and gotten to school early to eat with their friends. The day students are more integral parts of the student body than in the 60s. The faculty is also much more diverse. The only female teacher I had was Mrs. Picard for typing.

Erica: Suffield has a wonderful sense of community. I’ve never been anywhere else where I could just sit down with any student or teacher and have a great conversation.

Roger: Music. Being a part of guitar show and the theater, even stage crew. The PAC [Jeanice Seaverns Performing Arts Center] is my home away from home.

WHAT WAS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE AT SUFFIELD? Frank: My most memorable experience at the Academy has to have been attending Erica’s graduation. I especially like the fact that Dan Tisch, one of my classmates, handed Erica her diploma.

Erica: The guitar show is my favorite memory. The energy in the room was so incredible. I’m so glad my brother plays now and I get to come back and watch him.

Roger: Performing in the guitar show or heated class discussions in my smaller, more discussion-based classes. It enhanced learning more than anything, especially in Mr. Eckhardt’s history class.

WHO HAS BEEN THE MOST INFLUENTIAL FACULTY MEMBER? Frank: Mr. Powell, who taught me for three years in Holcomb, probably influenced me the most. I had chemistry, physics, and advanced chemistry with him and with the cadre of math/science geeks that included my best friend, Mark Robbins—another day hop from Enfield. Mr. Fuller and Mr. Samii and their classes were also very important to me.

Erica: Mr. Butcher and Mr. Gotwals always inspired my creativity, but Liz Kay was probably the most influential faculty member to me. She and I have continued to be friends since I graduated, and we went to each other’s weddings this summer. She’s always been someone I could talk to. That’s a special relationship to have with a faculty member.

Roger: It’s a toss up between my advisor, Mr. Caginalp, and chair of the Performing Arts department, Mr. Gotwals.

Mr. Caginalp is the best advisor I ever could have asked for…always insightful and the perfect rock to have on campus.

Mr. Gotwals, on the other hand, has been there for every musical step I ever took here at Suffield and is part of the reason I love it so much.

WHAT IS/WAS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE ON CAMPUS? Frank: My favorite place on campus was probably the card table in the butt room, where we all played setback.

Erica: I loved sitting out on Bell Hill and having picnics or studying. It’s beautiful at all times of the day and year out there.

Roger: The PAC, no contest.

PARENTS’ WEEKEND The parents and families of Suffield students visited campus from October 3-5, 2013, for Fall Parents’ Weekend. Parents had the opportunity to visit classes, meet with teachers, watch athletic contests, and attend the annual Performing Arts Showcase on Friday.

In Headmaster Cahn’s State of the School presentation on Saturday, he reminded parents, “The main reason for our success is our shared sense of values. We are always focused on ways we can continue to strengthen Suffield.”

Top to Bottom, left to right: Joohyun Kim ’16 with father Sangyeon Kim, and mother Seong Yeon Won; Jordyn Gonsor ’15 with father John, and mother Beth; Charlie Steele ’14 with mother Heidi, sister Anna, and father Peter; Tahj Herring ’15 with mother Dianne Turner

GRANDPARENTS’ DAY Suffield Academy had a spirited Grandparents’ Day as more than 130 people came to campus on September 24, 2013. This marked the eighth year of Grandparents’ Day at Suffield under the leadership of Harvey and Arline Steinberg GP’09.

Grandparents began the day by joining their grandchildren for breakfast in Centurión Hall and then visited classes, including those held in the newly renovated Holcomb Science Center.

The program concluded with a presentation by Headmaster Charlie Cahn, lunch in Brewster Hall, and a viewing of historian Dr. Alan Gibson’s Chapel presentation. Dr. Gibson addressed the Suffield community the previous day, and his talk was sponsored by the Grandparents’ Association.

Top to Bottom, left to right: Monique Gadson, Ellis Christmas ’16, and Ernestine Christmas Joan Minicucci and Joe D’Amico ’14 Sandy Fiedler and Riley Miles ’17 Allen Frank, Jack Frank ’14, and Nancy Frank Walter Yasinsky, Olga Yasinsky, Emily Ferguson ’14, and Peggy Ferguson Herb Pavel, Joan Pavel, Chase Crean ’14, and Carol Biagini

ALUMS BRIAN GREEN ’79

THE CARDIFF SKATE COMPANY In 2004, Brian set out to change the skating industry.

Fellow Suffield Academy alums and faculty (Thomas Flagg ’74, William Shipley III ’74, Marty Sbriglio ’74 and Suffield legendary wrestling coach Frank Peraino) stood behind his dream to create a more innovative and convenient way to skate and became investors. The result? Cardiff Skates, based out of Cardiff, California. The one-of-a-kind skates use a triskate wheel design and retail for around $160. Cardiff also sells apparel and products and are now sold at Brookstone and Sport Chalet and are featured in the Sharper Image catalog. For more information, visit www.cardiffskate.com.

JUDE GEORGE ’85 AUTHOR OF TRUE CREATION: ON MATTER’S OF FAITH AND SCIENCE Jude’s online book, True Creation: On Matters of Faith and Science was born out of discussions Jude had with fellow Christian friends as well as his research into anti-science educational materials in churches and in popular culture. The book states that the Bible is true, though often misunderstood, and supports the idea that our belief in, and understanding of, theories such as the Big Bang and evolution can solidify our faith in God. For more information, visit http://truecreation.info.

CHARLIE STRID ’54 (DECEASED) RED ZONE HALL OF FAME Before coming to Suffield as a postgraduate in 1953, Charlie was a four-year member of the Torrington High School football team. After Suffield, he attended Syracuse University, where he was the running guard for legendary running back Jim Brown his junior year. Despite being drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the 1958 NFL draft, Charlie decided to enlist in the Army and get married instead. He went on to graduate from the Tuck School at Dartmouth College and took a sales position at Anaconda American Brass. He and a partner eventually created Ansonia Copper and Brass in Ansonia, Connecticut. Charlie passed away on January 1, 2011, and he was inducted into the Connecticut Republican-American Red Zone Hall of Fame in September 2013.

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IN THE NEWS ROSHARD BRYANT ’09

JIM KRAYESKE ’54

COMMUNITY ORGANIZER

HALL OF FAME PERFORMANCE

Roshard, now a senior at Amherst, grew up in the Bronx as one of nine children. He credits his home life for keeping him grounded, as he moved through schools, two of which would eventually change the course of his life. In the fifth grade, Roshard attended the East Harlem School at Exodus House (EHS), an independent school designed to teach children from lowincome families to develop a passion for education and integrity. He later transferred to Suffield, after discovering that public school was not providing him with enough of an academic challenge. While Roshard had excelled at basketball before Suffield Academy, it was here where the Amherst men’s basketball coach took notice of his talents and subsequently recruited him to join their team. After two knee surgeries kept Roshard off the Amherst court, he immersed himself in volunteer work and re-ignited his enthusiasm for K-12 education by becoming a community engagement orientation trip organizer at the college. His current plans are to pursue a master’s in education and become a high school principal. In the meantime, Roshard is leaving a lasting impression on his classmates and professors for his remarkable leadership skills and his commitment to education.

On October 18, 2013, Jim was recognized at Western Connecticut State University’s 10th Athletic Hall of Fame Induction for his efforts as a football coach. Jim was appointed as Western’s first football coach in August 1969. He was just 31 years old at the time. Resources were lacking in 1969; the football team had no equipment, locker rooms, or trainers. However, Jim and the three assistant coaches he hired, made due with what they had. They met challenges head-on and were eventually able to obtain equipment and uniforms for the team. In their first year, the team achieved an impressive 2-2-1 record.

Jim was honored for paving the way for WCSU football and leaving his mark on Connecticut’s sports history.

PETER GANEM ’11 MICHAEL E. BORUS MEMORIAL SCHOLAR Peter had every intention of playing football at Trinity College, but in his first year he suffered a back injury that put him on a very different path. As an intern at a Hartford law firm, Peter has become involved in both student government and the college’s writing center. He volunteers his time tutoring students at McDonough Expeditionary Learning School and as a writing tutor at Hartford Magnet Trinity College Academy. He even spent his spring break traveling to New Orleans to perform a community service trip and now has his sights set on teaching English in a developing country after graduation.

Peter was a recipient of the Michael E. Borus Memorial Scholarship Fund, which was established in 1990 in memory of Dr. Michael E. Borus of South Orange, New Jersey.

Fall 2013 | 57

THANK YOU, CLASS AGENTS. This year 232 alumni have volunteered their time to help the school. These Class Agents come from 66 graduating classes, spanning 1946 through 2013. Our Class Agents are full-time professionals, retirees, stay-at-home parents, and students, but they still find time to give back to Suffield Academy. Class Agents play a vital role for Suffield Academy, contacting classmates to communicate school news, encouraging them to submit class notes, asking for Annual Fund support, and thanking them for their donations.

A HEARTFELT THANKS TO OUR 2013-2014 CLASS AGENTS: 2013

Georgina Blakeley Andrés Fernández Vílchez Jay Fields Jamie Johnson Wynn Mason Chris McCormick Paul Metscher Noel Nakamura Jay O’Brien Emilio Rocha Mike Simmons Jordan Stanley Anna Strzempko

2012

Reed Barbe Katherine Battle Colin E Dowd William Evangelakos Jameson Everett Josh Galant David Huang Taylor Jett Connor Kaplan Caroline Leonard Izzy McDonald Alex Porter Carly Smith

2011

Joe Begley Serge Derby Kachenta Descartes Colin E Dowd Karoline Hegbom Didi McDonald Shamier Settle Lester Taylor

2010

Ben Adams Michelle Autuori Justine de Chazal Mariah Gonzalez Tom Leonard Alyssa Palomba Lucas Traber

2009

Tom Casey Rosemary Chandler Liz Monty Amy Samenuk Sam Stone Kyle Vigneault

2008

Becca Bathrick Kirsten Chalke Thomas Drummond-Hay Joel Glassman Rebecca Joslow Barbara Kaplan Kaela Keyes Isy Zellweger

2007

Mike DiPietro Sydney Greenberg Katy Heydinger Charlie Huck Matt Jones

Harry Melendez Catherine Mis Erik Osborne Meredith Rarus Tyler St. Pierre Rob Zammito

2006

Alison Leonard Eric Litmer Luke McComb Gina Petrone Steve Root Chris Stafford

2005

Rick Devlin Dan Fisher Steph Shaker Casey Shanley

2004

Kate Braden Jake McComb Alex Naboicheck Anthony Rousseau Andrew Scully William Taylor

2003

Lindsey Pell Lydia Pillsbury Lindsay Rousseau Eric Yale

2002

Sari Biddelman Alison Carey Hilary Golas Rouse Lynx LaCroix Erin Orr Ligay

2001

1996

Tabitha Bliven Heidorn Ryan Dowd Sarah Knapps Saven

1995

Leigh Murphy Bryson Tillinghast

1994

Alison Kennedy Auciello Scott Sartwell Chris Saven

1993

Alexa Economou Rice Pam Eisen Lauren Roginski-Strelec Marla Zide

1992

Marigrace Canter Morris Ntsekhe Moiloa Wadiya Peterson Wynn

Mickey Allen Sarah Fletcher Sarah Hotchkiss

1997

Amy Blake Cook Lewis Dunn Brian Hetzel Danielle Therriault

1981

Jack Ferraro Susan Goodwin Fera Valisha Graves David Spitzler Alison Welch

1980

Jim Hagan Graham Lewis Linda McCullagh O’Leary Joe Palomba

1979

1978

Kelli Chamberlain Tosone Peter DaPuzzo Amy Newman Vaughn Courtney Wilson Nixon

1989

Tom Burton Michelle Motta Stewart Jed Nosal Aimee Scherer Hodgkins Rose Yap Thomas

1987

1998

1967

David Carangelo John Cook Margaret Figueroa Hern Madeline Phillips

1990

2000

Steven Darling Maura Deedy Larry Griffin Mark Soticheck Patrick Stone

1982

Kim Ames Ide Pat Kennedy Andy Roebuck

1991

1988

1999

1968

Bob Churchill Marybeth DiBuono-Riley

Matt Cartmell Ruth Kennedy Renee McDaniel Margolis Lisa Palomba Deni Bob Stanley

Paige Diamond Kate Dineen Greg Hearn Russ Hearn Ashton Jones Michael Coleman Carmine Petrone Andrea Rich Manny Simons Meagan Ward Jenkins

1983

Beth Buoniconti Fernandez Kate Cleary Patrick Dorsey Jack Warren Betsy Coughlin Tod Jeff Martini Phil Riegel

1986

Sean Federowicz Brinley Ford Ehlers Kristin Hostetter Pandit Niko Mosko

1985

Chris Harlambakis

1966

Charlie Claggett Bruce Fletcher Chris Frost

1965

Tim Hemingway Bill Kelly

1964

Tom Webster

1963

Sandy Prouty

1962

Paul Connor Andy Spector

1961

Jerry Kargman Miller Longbotham Mike Menzies

Lisa Longo Ed Palomba

1960

1977

1959

Charlie Alfano Ed Kaplan Beth Tyler

1976

David Holmes Paul Grimmeisen

1958

Mike Sheridan

Scott Craig Sharon Fischer Grubaugh

1957

1975

1956

Carey Fiertz Jim Plante Mark Teed

1974

Blair Childs Bud Hancock Tom Leonard

Ralph Jennings Bob Houghton

1955

Al Gesler Bob King

1953

Dick Landers

1973

1952

1972

1951

Jody Cranmore Jim Knight Chip Spear John Therriault

Andy Glover Michelle Hashioka Lord Jinnie Lee Schmid Jack Way

1971

1984

1970

Shelley Frazier Pelletier Michelle Kaminsky Lisa Paolini Schmidt

Tyler Bumsted Bob Morris

Pierre Genvert Leo Letendre Doug Rebert Kit Warner Chris Weeden

1969

Greg Putnam

Dave Johnston Gary Miller Sam Marks

1950

Bob Marcus

1949

Bob Harrison

1948

Gene Spaziani

1946

Sandy MacNabb

Fall 2013 | 59

Class Notes 1950

1955

DAVID POVERMAN

AL GESLER

Living 43 years on the “real” Jersey Shore—survived Sandy! I have 3 children and 6 grandchildren. Though I retired in 1986 after selling my marine engine business, my wife Rosemarie still works as a private practice clinical social worker and continues to give motivational speeches around the US. We’ve been married for 60 years.

Visited the campus and was blown away by the changes!

1952 DAVE JOHNSON

Mildred Edmonds Riley’s ’35 dedication to Suffield in her book River Madness

1935

1941

MILDRED EDMONDS RILEY

JUNE MONTGOMERY PARKER

Mildred, a Suffield native, has written more than a dozen historical romance novels featuring African-American love stories. Mildred began writing fiction in 1989 after she retired from a 40-year career in nursing. Six years later, the Boston Globe wrote a feature article on her, detailing the rigorous research she conducts and her numerous appearances and book signings around the Boston area. Mildred says she writes to educate people about the black experience. “Someone once told me I’m righting the wrongs,” she said in the article. In 2012, Mildred’s most recent novel, River Madness, was published. Her sister, Evelyn Edmonds Sharp ’39, sent a copy of the book along with a handwritten note to Headmaster Charlie Cahn and pointed out that Mildred dedicated the book to “the memory of Jesse Fowler Smith, English teacher at Suffield Academy.”

The Reverand Smith taught both Mildred and Evelyn when they were students at Suffield.

I am 90 years old, a widow, and my brother Spencer is 99. I have five children, 17 grandchildren, and 12 great grands. I play golf, ride my bike six miles a day, and swim 18 laps in our wonderful indoor pool. This retirement home is great, and I know almost everyone. God has blessed me in every way.

1939 ERNEST E. BALL

1948 ROBERT FLAXMAN

Moved into an independent living facility.

FRANK KLAY

My last year at Suffield was by far the most rewarding school experience in study and varsity sports. St. Lawrence University and the Rhode Island School of Design also gave me a fine professional life in industrial design.

I have a great family, am retired, and still skiing in New Hampshire at the age of 84.

Recently on my daily walk, I spotted a mailbox with “Colangelo Huber” on it.

I met Mr. Huber and asked him if he knew Wade Huber and his brother, Dr. Joseph Huber, who lived in Waterbury. He said he was their nephew and that they moved to Texas and had a very successful business.

I asked him to say hi for me. Wade Huber was our baseball coach at the Academy where he taught chemistry, biology, and physics.

1954 NORMAN VESTER

Go to Florida Gulf Coast University’s website: www.fgcu.edu/vestermarine to learn more about the Vester Marine and environmental science field research stations.

HANK WHITFIELD

Yes, I am still alive and married. I have six children, five girls, and one boy.

I have seven grandchildren and one great grandchild. I retired two or three times and was a professional helicopter pilot for 38 years (over 23,000 hours).

Enjoying life with my wife Phyllis.

ROGER VARNUM

I retired in 2006 as chairman of Quabaug Corporation in Massachusetts, manufacturer of Vibram soles and heels. I have four daughters, a daughter by marriage, and six grandchildren. My wife Sandy and I enjoy summers in Cape Porpoise, Maine, and winters at what she calls Camp AARP in Bonita Springs, Florida.

We enjoy golf, time with friends, reading, the fitness center, and travel.

Recent trips include Alaska, Hawaii, Italy, and this year a river cruise in France. I speak Italian and French, so those trips are truly made all the more enjoyable. Kind regards and best wishes to my classmates.

1956 CHIP BEERS

I am a retired school and college psychologist. I have a granddaughter who is now 10 years old. I do consulting work in psychology. I also bike, canoe, and swim in our lake at camp.

RICH BRENNER

My son, Dr. Jeff Brenner, has been named one of the 2013 MacArthur Fellows by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation for his work in developing new healthcare delivery models to meet the medical and social service needs of the most vulnerable citizens in impoverished communities.

WILLIAM J. WALDRON

Retired after 48 years in the insurance industry.

I am now 93 and have moved to The Colonnades, a retirement community in Charlottesville, Virginia. My daughter, Sarah Doran, lives Virginia.

She graduated from the University of Virginia, and works there.

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Jack Locke ’57 during a Nicaraguan building project this past summer.

1958 JOHN S. RODGERS

We are trying to sell our home with barn and antique business. Hopefully downsizing to a condo during the summer months.

MIKE SHERIDAN

Last year was my first as a Class Agent and it gave me an opportunity to talk with several classmates on the phone and meet with a few of you in person, some for the first time since graduation.

I will fill you in on some news in this letter but I hope to have information from more of you during the next year.

My news is pretty much the same as the past few years. I have been involved in raising and showing llamas as my main activity, but I still travel to active volcanoes (Italy and Colombia this year) as a part of my continuing research associated with the University at Buffalo Center for GeoHazards Studies. In February, I had dinner with Bob Lewitt and his wife in Niagara Falls, New York. They traveled from their home in New Jersey to western New York to watch a tournament basketball game between Northwestern State University (LA), where their son Bill is an assistant coach and Niagara University. Bob and I reminisced about a Suffield vs. Deerfield game in which we were both involved in a last second game-winning play. Ask Bob about the details. In July, Jan and I took a trip to Niantic, Connecticut, to visit Ed and Elsie Cordis. They had moved from their long-time residence in Suffield to their home at the shore, where they are closer to their children. We talked about our remembrances at Suffield Academy, Amherst (MFS) and Williams (EC) rivalry, and our different biblical interpretations.

Ed is very active in the religious life of his shore community. The 55th Reunion in October was a highlight of the year as a Class Agent. A few of our classmates had a chance to renew our acquaintances and view the changes in our alma mater. Your agent was pleased to chat with Ed Cordis, Doug Greene, and Bob Peck at this event.

Doug and his wife Heather traveled from Washington State to the meeting.

Doug and Heather have been active in supporting Southeast Missouri State University where they created a scholarship fund to support 10 students per year and established the Douglas Greene Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. It was a good opportunity for the Class of ’58 alums and their wives to meet and reminisce at the reception and banquet. I hope to see you all again for the 60th Reunion in 2018! Classmates: Please remember to contribute some information for our class notes to bring us up-to-date on your lives.

PAUL WILSON

Just got out of fourth surgery for foot.

They found another 2-inch splinter they missed eight weeks before. Feels better now. Maybe will heal faster too.

I am still creating watercolors and photos—old habits continue. Life is good, but I’m sorry I missed Reunion; next year. I hope all is well with the other ’58ers.

1959 FRED FARNHAM

My two years at Suffield remain most special. My brother Alan ’61 came behind me and went on to Stetson University, becoming an officer in the Army. He passed away in Vietnam in December 1968. We grew up in Gaylordsville, Connecticut, and the local Historical Society awards an annual $500 scholarship to an outstanding student in his honor.

Although I was only there for two years, it was the most significant time in my life. Those two years provided the foundation that would continue to serve me throughout these many years.

RICH GERMAN

I’m still in surgery and pal around with my Navy Seal buddies, riding my Indian motorcycle down to Big Sur for Sunday Jazz. My daughter, Lauren German, is the lead actress on NBC’s television show “Chicago Fire.”

ELIOT MAG

As a proud member of the Class of ’59, I can credit Suffield Academy as responsible for launching my future.

The academics at Suffield prepared me for my college career at Penn, where I majored in sociology and economics.

After two years active duty in the U.S. Army just as Vietnam was heating up (after four years of ROTC), I had briefly considered making the military my career. I decided instead to pursue a career in the retail business and followed that path for over forty years.

From owning and managing my own retail stores to serving as a partner in a national consulting practice, to serving as an executive in a major women’s wear chain, I retired in 2009. Since then I have been active volunteering in several organizations, making my week go by and giving me a reason to “get up in the morning.” I spend two days a week at Hartford Hospital in the Patient Relations department: one day serving as a patient advocate, interviewing patients regarding their experience and the other as a “family liaison” at the Surgical Lounge, taking family members for a short visit to patients in the Post Operative Care Unit (PCU). In addition, I am a Mentor with SCORE, the volunteer agency of the SBA, which works with small and new business owners giving them the advice and practical tools

Mike Sheridan ’58 and Ed Cordis ’58 at Brewster sign

necessary to succeed in this tough business environment. And, just for fun, my wife and I serve as volunteer ushers at the Bushnell, where we get to see many more great performances than we would otherwise see. I was married in 1969 and my wife and I raised two children. We have been living in Rocky Hill, Connecticut, since moving back from San Francisco in 1967. My daughter is a graduate of Penn (Class of 1993) and earned her master’s in education at University of Hartford. She is a primary school special ed teacher in the Coventry school system and has blessed us with two active boys, now ages 10 and 9. My son, a 1996 graduate of Ithaca College, is living in the Boston area and works for a major investment house.

1961 FRED FERREIRA

For the past several years, Kim and I have been in Wyoming, where we have been running our oil business. We have decided to retire, again, and have sold our company and are headed back to warmer days in Gilbert, Arizona, where we just bought a house. Life is good.

TOM WALKER

Retired as a fundraiser for United Way. I am now working part time for the New England Patriots in Foxboro, Massachusetts. I work in the private Putnam Club on home game days as a concierge for the VIP sales department. It’s great! I get to see the game live, get free parking, a free meal, meet former Patriot players as they sign autographs, help set up for five Patriot cheerleaders to sign autographs, and they pay me! Also worked two nights at the Taylor Swift concert with 55,000 people each night.

I’m hoping they ask me to be Tom Brady’s backup quarterback. Go Pats!

Bill Galvin ’60 showing his Suffield pride in Adelboden, Switzerland

1962 TONY HULL

I enjoyed returning to the Academy in 2011 with friends John Tinker ’61 and Boots Wardinski ’61, although we faced an epic blizzard as we left later that day. While close to many in the Class of 1961, my only regret was that there were many I did not see, especially in my class. In 2009, I completed the responsibility as director and program manager for the optical fabrication of the James Webb Space Telescope mirrors, NASA’s next flagship space mission after Hubble. JWST is much larger and more powerful than Hubble and is scheduled to launch in 2018. When these duties were finished, I moved from the Berkeley area to the mountains of Northern New Mexico. I had fallen in love with Northern New Mexico after almost two decades of visits to Chaco Canyon, where I am co-investigator of an ongoing archaeology survey. I have been pleased to join the faculty of the University of New Mexico as adjunct professor of physics and astronomy. In 2011, I chaired a national conference on “Astronomy and Ceremony in the Prehistoric Southwest” at UNM’s Maxwell Museum. Life in New Mexico has become eclectic and ever interesting. In the last two years in addition to my academic work, I have found myself producing music Fall 2013 | 61

Tim Hemingway ’65

concerts in New Mexico with a good friend Jennifer (check out Wendy Colonna of Austin, Joe West of Santa Fe for example). I have also continued doing field research in archaeology, and even one summer farming two acres of land with five friends. On the technology side, I have developed a concept for making lightweight mirrors for space telescopes far less expensively and faster than other approaches. I have been sponsored by the German glass company Schott to write scientific journal papers on this and to make presentations on the concept to scientists, at NASA centers, and at professional conferences in astronomy and optics. I’ve just returned from the European Southern Observatory near Munich, where I lectured on both making lightweight spaceborne mirrors, and on a mission concept I am working on with Goddard Spaceflight Center for the Galaxy Evolution Spectroscopic Explorer.

GESE will produce spectra from space of 1,000,000 galaxies as they were at half the age of the Universe. Earlier this summer I spent several weeks lecturing in France, Germany, Belgium and Holland, as well. Even got to see the Paris Air Show. A vignette from my last year at Suffield: In 2011, I gave a talk at the 100-year anniversary meeting of American Association of Variable Star Observers on the 50-year anniversary meeting in October of 1961 at Harvard College Observatory, which I attended. Again how strange to look at the things we have experienced as history! However, attending the 50th AAVSO meeting had its price. I missed a football game, and Wasky threw me off the team. Since my football career as a 175-pound tackle was not going anywhere, this was not a bad price to pay, but the Suffield athletic emphasis was established. I did go on to wrestle and row for Penn and later compete in whitewater.

DAVE KAPLAN

I’m still at Loyola University-Chicago, where I’m a professor in the English Department, teach fiction writing, and direct our creative writing program.

62 | www.suffieldacademy.org

Tom Webster ’64, Headmaster Charlie Cahn, and Ned Smith ’64 at the NEPSAC Super Bowl this November

A big shout-out to Mason Nye, wherever you may be—you got me into all this!

ANDY SPECTOR

To the Class of 1962: With Suffield’s success comes growing pains, and with the expansion of Brewster Hall, it necessitates a genuine need to raise funds. Hopefully, our class can step up and help out. Thanks for your support.

1963 DICK ANTHONY

Reunion was great. It was nice to see two of my old instructors, George Pervear and Dennis Kinne. It was nice to see that aside from gray or lack of hair, many of us have aged rather well. Of course there are still some of my daughter’s and son’s faculty about. Susan and I left for Normandy and Paris on Sunday. The American Cemetery was closed due to the government shutdown, so we walked up Omaha Beach through the bluffs and to the cemetery. Several of us veterans would not be denied our patriotic pilgrimage. It was very moving.

BILL BRESLAU

My wife Susan and I live in Vernon, Connecticut, and enjoy summers at our lake house in Woodstock, Connecticut.

We have twin sons, both married and living in Boston. We also have five grandchildren. I am a partner at Kahan, Kerensky, and Capossela where I have practiced law for 41 years.

PETER HAYMAN

Retired this year after 28 years as a supervisory psychologist with Veterans Administration. Looking forward to exciting new opportunities.

DENIS MOONAN

I have been cruising since 2006 (Camden, Maine area) during the too short summers, and most winters in the western Caribbean. Mid-Coast Maine has been home since 1971.

Most of our time is spent in vocational education, with sheep farming and home building thrown into the mix.

Stephen Nathan ’66

1964 NED SMITH AND TOM WEBSTER

As the 1960 Challenge Decade Chairs, we encourage all alumni to participate in the “Best of Your Decade Alumni Challenge.” Submit a class note or photo for the magazine, attend a Suffield event or visit the SA Alumni Office, and donate to the 2014 Annual Fund. We had an amazing time at our recent visit to Suffield. The school is in a great place at this time and we are proud to be Suffield alumni. We are all fired up about Suffield football.

They beat Avon Old Farms 50-42 in the New England Championship.

Go Tigers!

JON BOOTH

Thanks to Jim Lo Dolce ’65, I saw the best ever fireworks show at the Oswego, New York, Harborfest in July.

Jim has a beautiful 40-foot sailboat from which we watched the fireworks, sent off from multiple launch points on the breakwater. Then in September, I had what has become an annual dinner in Wellesley, Massachusetts, with Franklin Hardy, my junior and senior year roommate. Looking forward to seeing lots of Suffield Tigers at our 50th Reunion in 2014!

PETER SYMASKO

Enjoyed a fine evening with Tijan Sallah in Washington. He is still very much enjoying the life of a retired diplomat and sends his hello in Wolof to all.

1965 LARRY ANDRE

We are looking forward to closing our year with a successful two months. Happy holidays from warm South Florida.

JOHN GAVITT

Three weeks ago I retired. Hard to realize that after 44 years of telling electrons where to go, the only time I’ll do that now is with the TV remote.

Busier than ever, as I no longer can put off major household projects with the excuse “I’ll do that when I retire.”

I’m also putting in a couple of days

a week as a volunteer doing aircraft restoration work at the New England Air Museum at Bradley Airport.

TIM HEMINGWAY

I visited with Larry Hyde this past July, just before he and Molly moved to Tucson, Arizona. For the first time in years, he beat me in golf at one of the most beautiful courses I have seen, Black Mesa, just outside Santa Fe, New Mexico. Anne and I completed our hike across England in April, a great way to see a country and get to know the people. It is called the “Coast to Coast” hike; not strenuous, we stayed in B&B’s every evening. We are enjoying time with kids and grandkids. Class of 1965, if you are in my neck of the woods (Michigan), give me a call and we can catch up.

LARRY HYDE

Molly and I have moved to Green Valley, Arizona, and are really enjoying the weather, hiking, golf, great amenities in our community, great landscapes for Molly to paint, and the outlook of no real winter.

JAMES LO DOLCE

Still working full time as a family doctor. Met with Len Renery ’67 at our 45th Columbia soccer reunion. Still sailing Ontario.

1966 MICHAEL O. BRAUN

I have two kids and two granddaughters who live in Brooklyn. My son, the author, lives at my house in Salisbury, Connecticut, after teaching for two years in Japan. My daughter will soon start a photography studio.

JOHN DININ

I am retired, doing some volunteer work, and relaxing.

BRUCE FLETCHER

Retired after 39 years as a general dentist. Just got back from Japan and China in September. Saw Marshall Collins, Frank Sparks, and Kent Carlson recently, as they came to our 50th in October.

STEVE NATHAN

I continue to write and produce television; currently executive producing Bones, which is in its ninth year. This means I have planned and executed almost two hundred murders, all of which, I am happy to say, have been successfully solved. Aside from being the oldest show runner in television, this year I won the Humanitas Award for best writing in an hour television series. I must give Mason Nye most of the credit for his guidance and inspiration at Suffield.

Trumping the show and award is the fact that I became a grandfather. Our daughter Zoe gave us Milo, who will be turning three in December. Our son Oliver presented us with Jude, who just turned one. Lucas, our youngest, lives in NYC and is a musician whose first album will be released this winter under the moniker Jerry Paper Zoe who has four restaurants in Santa Monica, has written a cookbook (Huckleberry Breakfast Book), which will be coming out next fall. Oliver continues to travel the country as a DJ making sure the partying never stops.

A warm hello to all in my class. I hope to make it to a reunion someday.

1967 KIRK PARKER

After 34 years, I retired from teaching and coaching in the Agawam, Massachusetts, schools in June 2008.

I am enjoying my grandchildren, Emma Rose Parker (6), and Derek Parker (4 months).

1968 BOB MORRIS

Still living happily in Virginia Beach.

My wife Maka loves her profession as an IT guru and took up golf this year.

My older daughter Kelly (28) is living her dream, residing in Manhattan and working as an executive in digital media. My son Brian (26) lives in Chattanooga, dividing his time as an entrepreneur in the cigar brokerage business and pursuing his passion as a hang-gliding instructor. My younger daughter Sasha (16) is a high school junior, an excellent student (takes after her mom), runs cross-country in the fall, and will be captain of the tennis team in the spring, while beginning to look at colleges. As for me, I am trying to stay healthy, beginning to work on my second book, and assisting my son in his business.

All in all, life is good.

1969 GEORGE M. FERRIS III

Splitting time between Baltimore and Los Angeles, promoting Sconset Films—a package of family films for the cable networks, starting with

Skybound, an award-winning comingof-age story set in the early days of aviation by yours truly. Aside from that, traveling with girlfriend Fendi and living the part-time agrarian life at Mary’s Mount, her farm south of Annapolis. Been in touch with Ted Dudley. Saw Don Bickford at the HBS reunion. Others—drop me a line.

Special greetings to Sandy Orr, Archer Mayor, and Ken and Betsy Lindfors.

1971 STEWART ALSOP

Forty years later, still in the technology business, with three grown kids and one grandson. I have a view of Alcatraz from my home, reminding me of what it could well have been like…

Stewart Alsop ’71

Stewart Alsop ’71 grandson

PIERRE GENVERT

Still practicing urology in Maryland.

I’m getting together this fall to play golf with Doug “Erbs” Rebert. We were roommates at Colgate. My two daughters are grown and gone. Lauren is a lawyer in Baltimore, and Margot ’07 works for a digital marketing firm in New York City. Hoping to do more sailing in the future.

LEO LETENDRE

Sitting in a restaurant across the street from Philips Andover after an all-day Pfizer workshop, David Cirelli ’97 and I realized that we had something else in common other than working for Pfizer. David, an analytical biologist who works in Andover, Massachusetts, and I, a process chemist who works in Pearl River, New York, were able to compare notes on Suffield life some 26 years apart. Just as our work touches the same products—I develop the manufacturing processes for Pfizer’s biologics, while Dave develops the tools to characterize these same products—our time at Suffield was remarkably similar. We were amazed at the number of faculty members we had in common. After the workshop ended the following day (where we were randomly assigned to the same table), we were wondering if there were any other Suffield graduates who work for Pfizer. If you are out there, please drop us an email.

1972 JOHN ADLER

I miss Suffield, especially during the fall, and would love to attend Reunion, but my life is busier than ever, as I suffer from a wealth of irresistible personal and professional opportunities. I became an emeritus professor at Stanford last year so that I could dedicate my time to two start-ups. One, a medical device company and the other an online medical journal for academic physicians and patients, named

Carl Miller ’70 finishing a bicycle race for “Best Buddies”

John Woodruff ’73 with his pharaoh hound Juno

cureus.com. I urge you all to check out the latter and register as a user as we conspire for world domination!

1973 RICHARD WAHLE

I apologize to all of my fellow ’73ers for not being able to attend Reunion.

I am teaching a field course this fall that is pretty intensive and requires a lot of weekend prep and grading, just to keep up. And that’s on top of my other research projects. If there are any Suffield alums or students heading to Maine, I’m happy to give you a welcome and show you around our lab if you are interested in marine science.

ROGER WILLIAMS

Life rolls along. Concur is in the process of implementing software to every single government agency, which is both exciting and daunting. All of my free time is spent coaching youth baseball right now—very rewarding!

Donald Bard ’71

JOHN WOODRUFF

Reunion was good; spent time with Matt Degarmo and Jim Knight. I am still doing architectural photography and competing with the hound.

1974 ROBERT COLE

I have taken a respite from Hollywood work and enjoyed an enlightening visit to Istanbul with my wife Karen this summer. We detoured to Santorini for a sunny and gastronomic adventure and explored the Grand Bazaar, Hagia Sophia, and most of the other ancient sites in the Sultanhamet area on our return to Istanbul. I have been busy with corporate visualizations of major international infrastructure and security projects, restoring an overgrown pasture, and preparing for the New England winter.

Fall 2013 | 63

In Memoriam The Honorable William R. Crosbie ’41 on 10/21/2013 Robert Ellis ’43 on 8/9/2013 Charles Howe ’48 on 6/13/2013 John Edmonds ’48 on 7/1/2013 Edward T. Fitzgibbons ’48 on 8/30/2013 Joseph A. Miller ’49 on 7/27/2013 Paul J. Wooddell ’51 on 7/10/2013 G. Emerson Sartain III ’58 on 5/22/2013 Raymond B. McKay ’61 on 9/30/2013 Gerald A. Cordis ’65 on 10/4/2013 Jeffrey Kiely ’74 on 8/22/2013 Bruce Soltis ’80 on 9/5/2013 Darrell S. LaCross ’05 on 6/12/2013

John Edmonds ’48

The Honorable William R. Crosbie ’41

Iheanyichukwu Anyanwu ’17

Members of the Class of 1975, from left to right: Mark Teed, Brian Holmes, and Joe Campanelli

JOHN KENNEDY III

I’m living in Stamford, Connecticut with my wife Carol, twin 13-year-old sons Jack and Gerard, and 11-year-old Ryan. I am still working at Lippincott, a leading brand strategy firm.

at the University of California, Santa Cruz. I also teach Human Anatomy and Physiology at Monterey Peninsula College in Monterey, California, and General Biology at Cabrillo College in Aptos, California.

PAUL SANDERSON III

JOE CAMPANELLI

I am still making documentary films for television, as well as educational and corporate videos in the New York metropolitan area. My wife Kathleen is an accomplished chef, so we eat well. Our two boys, Will and Jack, are all grown now and mostly out of the house, so things are quieting down. My father, former Suffield headmaster and soccer coach Paul G. Sanderson Jr., was inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame several years ago, and I was very proud to give his acceptance speech at the event. Hope my classmates from the Class of ’74 are doing well.

PAT SCANLON

This was my 25th year hosting the U.S. Open Championship International broadcast for the USGA. Got to pose with the trophy at Merion this summer. Enjoying work with our Shamrock Communications Digital Production Company.

1975 DON BARD

I am currently living in Santa Cruz, California, with my wife, Rebecca Levy-Bard, and my two children Laurel (15) and Jacob (10). I work part-time as a program manager in an NSFfunded education program called SCWIBLES,

I finished up a three-year stint commuting to Michigan to turn around a troubled bank.

Enjoying being close to home with my wife Carolyn and three children in Wellesley, Massachusetts. Working on putting a group together to buy a community bank in Boston.

Best to all my Suffield friends. I keep in touch with Brian Holmes, Mark Teed, and Clark Hood on a regular basis.

JEFF MCGOWAN

Greetings from Charlotte, North Carolina.

Traveled to Ecuador in May to visit my wife’s family. I am still the business manager for IKEA Charlottte. Hi to all of my ’75 classmates.

1977 JIM BAKER

I retired from Unilever in May after 32 years of work. I am playing a lot of golf and spending quality time with my wife Diane and daughters, who are both employed close to us in New York and Delaware (Carolyn and Kristina).

MEGAN KAMPMANN REDDISH

It was great to participate in Parents’ Weekend at Suffield this fall. My son Kyle is a sophomore, Class of 2016. It was fun to

Iheanyichukwu Anyanwu ’17, from Irvington, New Jersey, passed away following a tragic accident on September 13. Iheanyi was an exceptional student and charismatic young man. In a very short period of time, Iheanyi made many friends on campus. He is sorely missed and our deepest prayers and sympathies are with Iheanyi’s wonderful family.

Pat Scanlon ’74 holding trophy from U.S. Open Championship International broadcast 64 | www.suffieldacademy.org

Jeff McGowan ’75 and wife Gloria in Ecuador

Rick Smith ’77 with grandson Sebastian and son, Daniel

Chuck McCullagh ’78, Martha McCullagh (former faculty), Anne Emselle, and Kenneth Emselle (former faculty)

run into classmates and especially Donna Hayden ’78 who also has a child at Suffield. Kyle is active in football, wrestling, and lacrosse—all wonderful opportunities to keep visiting Suffield.

great to see classmates Lou Aurichio, Bob Stanley, Andy Raurus, Sherman Hawkins, Ruth Kennedy, and Chris Coates among others.

RENEE MCDANIEL MARGOLIS

RICK SMITH

Still enjoying life in South Florida. All the kids are grown and out of college.

My wife and I enjoy the empty nest with visits from all of the kids and grandkids.

1978 JOHN ASHER

I have been a mortgage loan officer for 23 years now with no end in sight. Our girls are 14 and 12 and are growing up fast.

1979 BRIAN GREEN

I am married to Shanen and living in San Diego, California. A few years ago with the support of Thomas Flagg ’74, William Shipley III ’74, Marty Sbriglio ’74 and Suffield legendary wrestling coach Frank Peraino, I set out to create a more convenient and comfortable skating experience for all ability levels, and this year we accomplished our goal!

Our Cardiff Skates (cardiffskate.com) are being rented all over the beaches of southern California and we will be in major sporting goods chains this fall and next spring. I see my buddy TR Goodman at his home in Venice Beach from time to time. The friendship bonds we create in our short time at Suffield follow us through life!

SHEILA MCCORMACK

Since 1991, I have been settled in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where I met my husband, Tod Wyn. We have two children, Jessica (16) and Mac (14).

I have been practicing as a licensed psychologist in private practice for the past twenty years. I made it back for my 25th Reunion, and it was

My husband is now president of GirardPerregoux, USA. We have two kids in college and a third about to graduate high school. So three in college next year! The next one is a sophomore in high school. My kids are still very busy musically, and Michael still travels extensively. It’s a very busy lifestyle.

1980 BRUCE BURDGE

I am writing this while flying back from the West Coast, having just dropped off my daughter Taylor to start her second year at Stanford University out in Palo Alto, California (2,900 miles from home!). Although this is now twice for “drop off,” it still seems strange to now be a “parent” on campus and help moving in boxes and lofting beds!

I am very happy for her, but it sure is bittersweet having her gone so far away. It is great fun being back on a campus walking around, and I have such great memories of my time on the Suffield campus. Our house is not quiet though—we still have a 16 year-old son, Spencer, back at home who, like his sister, has taken up rowing with a great passion. We continue to live in Tampa, Florida, and wife Katherine and I celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary in August with a trip to Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons to visit our daughter in Bozeman, Montana. Although we have been in Tampa for 21 years, we still come to Mystic, Connecticut, for the summer, where I often see Chuck Alfano ’77 running and still looking fit. I catchup with Will Gourd ’81 as well. Look me up if you are in Mystic during the summer or on the west coast of Florida the other months.

Brian Green ’79 (middle) promoting Cardiff Skate Co. on Venice Beach with Perry’s Beach rental owner, Richard Chacker (left), and son, Cameron Chacker (right)

GRAHAM LEWIS

Sheila McCormack ’79 with husband Tod and children Jessica (16) and Mac (14)

1981

I am living in Hyde Park, Illinois, with my wife Elizabeth and sons Brynn (15) and Rhys (13). We are within walking distance of the University of Chicago and our sons currently attend The University of Chicago Laboratory School. Living near or almost on campus has it pluses and minuses.

Our dog Jack is good friends with Cora Hansen, pet of a recent Nobel Laureate in Economics, and our sons used to be classmates of Sasha and Malia. I will leave it to your discretion to categorize. On a more serious note, my son Rhys accompanied me on a visit to Suffield this summer. Outside of the swag he received from the Alumni Office, he was quite impressed with the posh facilities. I regretfully had to inform him that the physical plant of the school was much improved, unlike tthat of his father’s day. If you’re in Chicago, please look me up.

My wife Susan and I cannot believe that our daughter Arianna is a senior at SA going through the college admissions process. We are so pleased that SA has invested so many resources into the excellent college counseling department. Arianna’s counselor has been so helpful with the entire process.

Still see Frank Galleshaw from time to time in Rhode Island. My wife Susan is a Rhode Island native and talk about a small world; turns out my father-inlaw and Frank’s father were long time friends. My in-laws were invited to Frank’s wedding to Susan Alfano ’82 on August 25, 1990, but missed it to attend my wedding. Hard to believe we were both married on the same day in Rhode Island!

MARIA SUEHNHOLZ

BILL EAGAN

I am working as a contractor at AT&T, which I enjoy. Our older son, George, is looking forward to finishing his sophomore year in high school. Our youngest son, Michael, is getting ready to start high school this year.

HELENE LANDERS TOOMEY

NICK KATSOULIS

1982 Got together with Suffield classmate Steve Abramson in Boston back in May. It was the first time we had seen each other since Graduation Day in 1982.

While traveling to Connecticut this summer, my family stopped for a visit with Margaret Figueroa Hern and

Helene Landers Toomey ’82 and Margaret Figueroa Hern ’82 with their children this past summer having their own SA Pep Rally

1983 JUDY KILLAM CAMPBELL

I just finished my sixth year of teaching at Cannon School in Concord, North Carolina. My daughter Jane just finished her freshman year in college and my son Ben will be a junior in high school next year—time flies! I loved seeing all of my friends from the Class of ’83 at our 30th Reunion in October.

LUCY PEDERSEN HAZARD

A beautiful time of year to be on campus! I love receiving the magazine and catching up on all the terrific happenings at Suffield. I especially enjoy reading about fellow alumni. My husband Scott and I are as busy as ever chasing after our 14-month old twins Win and Max! Never a dull moment over at the Hazard house.

JINNIE SCHMID

1984 KEVIN KINNE

Tim Arnold ’81 with his son Jonas and wife Heike Schuster

her family. With two of her children picking up the ball at SA (Owen ’15, Amelia ’17), we had much to reminisce about and share. As you can see from the picture, we were in full SA spirit and had our own private pep rally— Go Tigers! I also had the pleasure of being back at Suffield in the fall and saw Owen and the boys’ varsity soccer team play a heated match in the rain. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to catch the match against Wilbraham & Monson to see John Boozang ’83 coaching against his alma mater. I would’ve loved to see him, but sent a shout out to him instead. I’m still living in Los Angeles with my husband and two children. I recently had a brief text exchange with Tor Peterson via his brother, while watching Tor’s nephew play football—he and my son are on the same team and in the same grade. Small world! I loved seeing the beautiful fall colors at Suffield this September, something I miss being in California. I would love to hear from anyone who decides to venture out West!

BILL MURDZA

I have been at Biogen for more than a year now working in information technology. The company has had great success introducing drugs that help people afflicted with multiple sclerosis, and I am grateful to be participating in such a worthy endeavor. My son Andrew has begun high school, enrolling in senior level AP Calculus and chemistry classes, and he is loving the challenge.

My son Eric is in his second year of middle school and is also gifted in math and loves soccer and skiing. I enjoyed experiencing the campus changes on Reunion weekend, and for me, the Suffield spirit remains alive and well.

I had a wonderful discussion with Gerry LaPlante and his wife.

My wife Tracy (whose sister is Michelle Cormier-Boeckle ’80) and I just celebrated our 19th wedding anniversary. Our son Owen, who is thirteen, is in the National Honor Society. Thank God he got my wife’s and parents’ DNA! He loves his academics and is an avid golfer.

I am pleased to announce that I just received my national rating for women’s collegiate lacrosse as an official. I would like to give special thanks to Molly Vianney, who introduced me to the sport ten years ago. I just completed another successful golf season with my long time partner of twenty-five years, Steve Mercik ’84. I recently played in the Suffield Academy golf outing with my brother-in-law Geoff Hoyt ’84, Paul Dean ’84, and Scott Owsiany ’84. We live in Somers, Connecticut, and often find ourselves back at Suffield.

1985 JUDE GEORGE

I am living in California with my wife and two children. Although we are not teachers, we have a heart for education and for God. I have written an online book called True Creation with the intention of helping fellow Christians have a healthy attitude toward science, and in particular, evolutionary biology. The book can be found at http://truecreation.info.

It’s been the best of times and the worst of times. My beloved Grammy (who, with Poppy, sent me to SA as his legacy) died in January 2013 at age 96. Because I had been actively taking care of her here in Atlanta, this was a big change in my life; I’ve really struggled with the grief and depression related to this loss.

After taking a somewhat long “summer vacation,” I have tried to focus on some of my favorite activities and reconnect with friends, old and new. As of midOctober, I started a new work project, which promises to be fun, challenging and rewarding—check out this cool new startup at www.mindmarker. com. I think I’ll be staying on a while as their instructional designer and implementation manager—the one who takes all the content from the client, massages it into our technology, and brings the product to fruition! I hope all of you are well and that 2014 brings more opportunities to connect with old SA friends, like this year did for me.

1986 DAVE ECKHARDT

I returned to Vermont with my family after eight years at SA and am now working as the Social Studies Department Chair at St. Johnsbury Academy. St. Johnsbury is an independent school with students from over 25 nations and more than 20 states. The Northeast Kingdom of Vermont is beautiful, and there are many great places to hike and mountain bike. I am looking forward to the winter, as Burke Mountain is nearby. Our son Peter is thriving as a

Jude George ’85 with wife Katherine and children Elijah (6) and Rebecca (7) 66 | www.suffieldacademy.org

sophomore at St. Johnsbury Academy, and Elsa is attending the Riverside School, where she was elected school president as a new eighth grader!

Kristen is teaching pre-school at two local schools. While moving was difficult last summer, we are very happy in our new location.

BRINLEY FORD EHLERS

Andy Davenport, Sean Federowitz, and I attended Reunion. Although not a big one for us, we came back to celebrate the retirement of Gerry LaPlante, who was our class advisor, coach, science teacher, dorm head, and friend. The school has never looked better and we look forward to 2016, our 30th Reunion!

1987 JESS LORENZO

Graduated with a business degree from Cornell, but find myself working for a non-profit. I work towards public health development, but I am not a doctor. I do a lot of leadership development. I help elected government officials and career public health doctors improve service delivery on the ground. I also engage medical students in conversation about governance and public health.

It is really wonderful how our lives unfold despite all of our plans. When things go wrong, I still remember what Headmaster Ken Lindfors said during our graduation keynote at Suffield, “You need to have faith to put order in the chaos around you.”

KARIN SNOW MCCANN

I am teaching third grade in New Mexico. I married Greg McCann four years ago, and we have four children between us. Both my boys are in a science and engineering high school.

In my free time, I lead an American Heritage Girls Tenderheart unit.

We love hiking the mountains of New Mexico. I hope all my classmates from 1987 are healthy and well!

Jess Lorenzo ’87

Steinman family (of the late Alex ’87) celebrated the wedding of Alex’s sister, Jessica Shoenholtz, to Mark Murphy in Staten Island on September 29. Tracy Orr O’Keefe ’85 is on the far right with husband Joe

Connors brothers; Jon ’88 and Joe Connors III ’86 cleaning up Hurricane Sandy aftermath

EJ Zebro, Lee Baldwin ’88, Gerry LaPlante P’04, ’06, Kate Cleary ’88, Donna-Mae Fletcher P’09, ’15, and Carly Keeley ’08 during Courtney Robinson ’88 5K at Reunion 2013

(Clockwise from top left): Dino Mosko ’89, Allyson D’Amico Cayce ’89, Tara Klonaris Holcombe ’89, Kristina Klonaris Felix ’90 at the Alantis Resort in the Bahamas

1988 JON CONNORS

Hurricane Sandy Aftermath, A Year Later A year ago, Superstorm Sandy hit New Jersey. We made out easy up here in Jersey City Heights, but every single person we know in Jersey was affected, some worse than others. For us, the hardest hit was my big brother Joseph ’86. His house and his little town were completely demolished.

Initially, he had to ride in the back of a National Guard truck and was allowed a few minutes at his house to try and salvage whatever he could.

In his case, there was nothing to save. When the village finally did let people back into the tiny strip of land that is Sea Bright, the destruction was overwhelming. After almost ten days of plowing roads, there was barely enough sand and debris cleared to allow any vehicles on it. Armed National Guardsmen were posted at both ends of town, the only way in or out. The Coast Guard had to patrol the ocean side and the riverside, as looters actually showed up in boats to take whatever they could. I’ve been around the world in some terrible situations, and the devastation in Sea Bright was right up there with the rest. I was lucky enough to be able to stop what I was doing in life and go down and try to help Joseph out. And for two months, that’s what we did.

Truth be told, what 2012 served Joseph was truly awful, and the storm was the icing on the cake. His boys were safe, but when “everything” you have is wiped away in an instant, what do you do? We started by cleaning out the sand. Then we cleaned out the mud.

Then we cleaned out all the ruined stuff. Then we tore down the walls.

Then we tore up the floors. Then we moved to the next house and helped them. And we moved to the next house after that and helped them. And we just kept going. We worked in filth. We worked on warm days. We worked on freezing days. We made friends with the guys who came by four times a day, every day for months, to pick up the contaminated filth we were pulling out of homes. We ate our meals prepared by volunteers at the fire station, and it was good. We helped his neighbors.

We saw the best in people. It was the most time I’ve spent with my brother in more than a decade, and it is some of the best times I’ve ever had. Thanks to that storm, Joseph has come out on top. One year later, and he still doesn’t have a house to live in (hopefully he will soon!), but his boys are still wonderful, and now he has a great girl who loves him. And to top it off, he has a great job working for a great guy who still, to this day, is putting the storm victims first. I am so happy that damn storm hit him. Connors Bros.

Demolition for Life!

AYA MURATA

Still at Andover finishing up eight years as dean and will embark on a new adventure as a college counselor.

I enjoyed seeing everyone at our 25th.

1989 LT COL OREN LEFF

In August, I returned from my sevenmonth tour in Afghanistan to my beautiful wife Gloria and our three girls, Saadyiah, Rochell, and Aviyah.

Aviyah was born on May 11, 2013, in my absence. Everyone is doing wonderfully well. Together again at last! We are now awaiting our next assignment.

Home is where the Air Force sends us! Best wishes to everyone. Hope to see you at our 25th next year.

1990 STEPHEN CANTER

Looking forward to an SA visit soon!

All is well on our end.

SAM LADAH

I’m living in Tokyo now.

1991 DIANNE MARIANI BURKE

Sarah Emselle Shaw was in the U.S. in June with her family, and we were able to visit while she was in Los Angeles and Anaheim. Joey and Sarah’s son Dan made fast friends, and now we are making plans to go to Australia to visit them.

1992 MARIGRACE CANTER MORRIS

A warm hello to the Suffield community! All is well with my family.

Hard to believe how old my three children are now: William (10), Laura (8), and Grace (5). We finished up the school year and have had a great summer. If you are ever in NYC, please reach out—I would love to see friends from Suffield.

KERRY LOUGHLIN

I recently moved from Halifax, Nova Scotia, to Prince Edward Island to manage our consulting office of 70 consultants here, plus work on my golf game and tan. Hope things are going well at Suffield!

1993 MEGHAN ALLEN

I was sorry I couldn’t make it to Reunion in October, but I’ve happily kept in touch with many alumni on Facebook. It was nice to see their pictures and share their memories. I had the chance to visit campus shortly before Reunion, and I am glad I got to see the Bell in the fall. I’m currently working on a new web series. For all you hashtaggers, you can follow #makingmeghan. I’m also gearing up to run my first 5K ever. And Christopher Mosko ’93 is already encouraging me to come down to the Bahamas for a triathlon! Next SA event in the Bahamas? Hmmm...

Fall 2013 | 67

Kinne Family after Olivia (daughter of Denny ’89) sang “God Bless America” at a Red Sox game this summer

Sarah Emsell Shaw ’91 with kids Tara and Dan and Dianne Mariani Burke ’91 with son Joey at Disneyland in California

ESPERANZA ANDRADE HARPER

amazing times we all had together.

Come visit; any of you have a place to stay in Charleston.

So sorry to have missed Reunion. I’ve been living in North Carolina for five years and loving the warm climate.

Keeping busy as an architect and doing some architectural research and writing. And yes, still singing.

As you can see from the photo, my 24-month old Christopher also keeps me very busy. My training as a head lunch waiter has come in handy at the dinner table when we need it to be a little quieter. I wonder where he gets all that personality? Next time we visit Grandma and Grandpa in Enfield, we will stop by and check out the campus.

MEREDITH WILSON DOTY

My husband Ken and I are thrilled to announce the birth of our son, Nathan Thomas Doty, on February 19, 2013.

1995 JAIME FERNANDEZ

Hi, Suffield and all old friends! I hope everyone is well. I’m still working in interior design, but am now doing all the marketing. I’m really enjoying this new position as it still allows me the flexibility to spend time with my family.

I have two beautiful children now. My son Angel turned four in August and my daughter Hartley will be two in April. I think of you all often and the

Christopher (2) son of Esperanza Andrade Harper ’93

1997 ALI AL-GHANIM

Hey Class of ’97—I hope everyone is doing well! As for me, I just got back from Yemen. My next trip is to Saudi to get a visa for my trip to Denmark in September. The guys at the local military simulation club asked me to join them at a competition on the border of Belgium and France sometime at the end of October.

Hopefully it will all work out, as I have to see if I can get time off from work.

Keep on, SA Pride!

1998 RICK GEMME

I still live in Suffield. I actually own a house that abuts the JV soccer field at the Academy. I was hired by the Watkinson School in Hartford as one of the youngest physical plant managers at a Connecticut private school and am going on my second great year here. I also checked out the Alumni Sports Day (soccer and water polo) last month but only for a brief stop, unfortunately.

Jaime Fernandez’ ’95 children Angel (4) and Hartley (2)

David Cirelli ’97 and Leo Letendre ’71 at a Pfizer workshop

BECKY PAPPAS

Hi all—my husband and I are still living on Block Island, Rhode Island, and have a restaurant there, and we recently bought TC’s Restaurant from his family in Mt. Snow, Vermont. If anyone is visiting the Mt. Snow area, please stop by. We are gearing up for my sister-in-law Kelly Clark’s fourth Olympics for snowboard half-pipe this year in Russia. Help us cheer her on for Team USA!

2000 MARGIE HINCKLEY STEBBINS

My husband and I moved to San Francisco in late June following a promotion I received to run West Coast strategy for Ropes, in addition to managing its global life sciences practice. We are loving it out here and just celebrated our first wedding anniversary. I am looking forward to connecting with several of my classmates who are in and around the Bay Area.

JON WOODS

Hi Suffield! I finally convinced Lynn to marry me back in February in Ridgefield, Connecticut. Took about 10 years! It was great to celebrate with James Dachos, Mike Durette, Dan

Heecheon Lee ’96 with his wife Miru and son Er-Jene Lee visiting campus last summer

Promo Shot for Making Meghan with Tom Dahl and Meghan Lynn Allen ’93 (Photo by Kimberly Hatch Photography)

Stillman ’01, Steve Carrabba ’01, Chris Colli ’01 and of course, my best man, Brandon Woods ’98. We live in Newton, Massachusetts, so if anyone is in the Boston area, let us know!

2002 SARI BIDDELMAN

After skiing in Argentina this summer, I’m back and still teaching middle and high school special education in NYC. I hope to run into more Suffield alums soon!

2004 DAVE DUFF

After living in Baltimore for five years, I’ve recently moved to the San Francisco Bay Area. It was an amazing 17-day road trip out West, where I got to see some beautiful parts of the country. I’m continuing my career in construction management for a great firm called XL Construction (check us out at www.xlconstruction.com), and have been busy every weekend exploring the area. So far it has been a great start to my new chapter. Hope everyone is doing well. Go, Sox!

Ntsekhe Moiloa ’92 and daughter Ella (1) enjoying their version of an autumn walk in Germany wearing classic Suffield colors

Anthony Rousseau ’04 runs Hartford Half Marathon on October 12th

Suffield alumni gather at the Yardhouse before the July 24th Suffield at Fenway event

DAVID MCCONAGHAY

JAKE SHEA

Hello, everyone. I’m still living in beautiful Boulder, Colorado, working for TumericALIVE and GaiamTV, while continuing to write for elephantjournal.com.

Recently I launched my own project, www.masteringmetaphysics.com, to document the process of earning a master’s degree in metaphysics, followed by a doctorate in divinity, and becoming an ordained minister along the way. Looking forward to seeing everyone next year for the Reunion of the decade. Until then, be well, play safe, and breathe carefully.

I left Apple in the spring after a few great years to lead the business development efforts at a venturebacked EdTech startup here in NYC called Neverware. I am helping underserved schools get affordable access to technology. We’re featured in Popular Science’s Best of What’s New 2013 and have been covered by a number of other great media outlets such as Forbes and BBC. I think of Suffield often and will be forever grateful for the amazing experience! Go, SA!

CAROLINE MECKEL

My husband and I purchased our first home in my hometown of Simsbury, Connecticut. I am working full-time in the insurance field and attending Quinnipiac University School of Law in the evenings. I am still playing rugby for the Hartford Wild Roses.

WILLIAM TAYLOR

I recently joined the boys’ varsity lacrosse coaching staff at St. Anne’s-Belfield School (STAB), an independent school in Charlottesville, Virginia, and one of the top prep teams in the state. I attended STAB for over thirteen years, leaving after ninth grade to attend Suffield. I am thrilled to return to my old stomping grounds.

Go, Saints!

2005 TED FULLER

I married My Nguyen in July and enjoyed seeing Andrew and Chris Yuan ’08, Brad Crescenzo, Brett Boucher, Kip Moncrief ’02, Demetrius Toutounas, Phil and Elise Riegel ’87 at the wedding, among others. We live in Northampton, Massachusetts, where I work as an energy consultant at the Center for EcoTechnology.

2006 STEPHANIE FOX

Julianna proposed to me in July after being together for almost five years!

I was totally caught off guard with a beautiful beach proposal and then brought to a surprise party on a rooftop restaurant to celebrate with all of our close family and friends.

I couldn’t be happier! We have set our wedding date for September 13, 2014, at Whitecliffs Country Club in Plymouth, Massachusetts.

CHRISTIN PETERS

I moved to California in June to start an orthopedic residency in Palo Alto.

Loving the weather, the job, and the people! Excited for Amy Clark and Greg Rewinski to come see me in February!

2007 THOMAS BLAKELEY

Just moved to Westborough, Massachusetts, and purchased a home—beginning a new life involving hammers and lawn mowers. Still working for the same company, enjoying the travel and a new dog, Kipper. Best to the Class of 2007 and the rest of the Suffield community.

Addison (3) and Catherine Carillo (1), daughters of Jared Carillo ’00

Top row (left to right): Etienne d’Otreppe P’02, ’03, Kip Moncrief ’02, Phil Riegel ’87, Brad Crescenzo ’05, Brett Boucher ’05, Abby Wolcott P’04, ’06, ’09, Caroline d’Otreppe P’02, ’03, Hannah Wolcott Reid ’04, Chris Yuan ’08, and Nate Fuller ’05 Bottom row (left to right): Stephen Yuan P’05, ’08, ’10, Elaine Sarsynski P’05, ’08, ’10, Andrew Yuan ’05, Elise Adib-Samii Riegel ’87, Melinda Fuller P’05, ’06, Zach Fuller ’08, Ted Fuller ’05, My Nguyen Fuller, Grace Wolcott ’09, Worth Wolcott ’06, Jim Fuller P’05, ’06, Demetrius Toutounas, Sam Wolcott P’04, ’06, ’09, Mary Fuller P’05, ’08, andTom Fuller P’05, ’08

CHRIS DIAMOND

I am still living in NYC in Tribeca. I was previously working at Bloomberg, but as of late I have been working at Houlihan Lokey, a decently large investment bank. I work in Financial Advisory Services as a structured product analyst. I spent much of my summer in Montauk (the Hamptons) and Belmar, New Jersey. I have connected with a few Suffield alumni in recent months, including Mariama Perry, Brie Beaudette, Bill Cargill, Charlie Reetz, Taylor Williams ’08 (via fantasy football league), Anna Childs, Steve Marangos, and Miki Dipietro. I am planning on connecting with Rob Zammito soon, as he should be visiting. If I ever am not busy with work, I intend to come to Suffield for a visit.

KHADIM DIOUF

Coming back to Suffield has been very refreshing. It brings back good old memories that make me feel like I never left. No matter where you come from, what you have done, you will always be welcome. Meeting new

people, seeing new faces, and having the opportunity to work with them has been a pleasure. Suffield will always be a part of me because of the positive impact it has had on my life.

LAUREN OKANO

Greetings, Suffield! I just finished my M.S in urban education at Hopkins, and (somewhat sadly) left teaching middle school science here in Baltimore at the end of the school year in June. Seeing as I just can’t seem to leave school, I started a Ph.D program in Public Health at Johns Hopkins this fall. I’m studying adolescent health and working on several educational curriculum initiatives to improve health outcomes among inner city youth. I like to think that I’m currently in the 19th grade.

I have to say that grades 9-12 at Suffield were most certainly the best and can never be surpassed. They had everything to do with setting me up for the awesome life I lead now. Love ya, Suffield!

Fall 2013 | 69

Peter Aldrich ’07, Callie Aldrich ’10, Ben Rego ’07, Nick Lines ’08, Chelsea Lines ’10, Michelle Autuori ’10, and Mark Fruce ’07 in Boston

LEXI WALSTON

Hi, Suffield! So far, 2013 has been treating me well. I completed my first marathon in March, which took place in Washington, DC. I can’t wait to start training for another one and am planning on running the 2014 NYC Marathon. Shortly after the marathon, I started working for SNY, which is the broadcast channel for the New York Mets. I hope everyone is enjoying fall semester. Until next time!

2008 BECCA BATHRICK

Krystle Corallo, Verona Tam, Isi Montero and I enjoyed dinner together at a favorite spot in West Village!

Verona was in town from Hong Kong to take a nutritionist qualifying exam, which she passed. Krystle just took the MCATS for med school; Isi just started her dream job as a paralegal; and I just handed in the fashion designs for a new label, which will launch next spring ’14. Needless to say, there was much to celebrate. It was also amazing being back and seeing everyone at our 5th Reunion. I continue to work as an RN at Yale-New Haven Hospital, while

2007 alumni in Bermuda for Cupmatch Holiday: Harry Melendez III, Mark Fruce, Trevor Dalglish, and Ben Rego

Nicola Violich ’09 and Lucy Morgan ’09 at their graduation from Santa Clara University

studying for my master’s at Sacred Heart University for patient care administration. Hope all is well!

MARIANNE DANIELS

Still enjoying life in London while working at the American School. Just started a master’s degree in literacy difficulties at the University of London and loving every second of it.

BARBARA KAPLAN

I came back for Reunion in October and had the most amazing time! I was so happy to be with some of my fellow 2008 grads. Being back on campus brought back so many great memories and reminded me how lucky I was to go to Suffield and be part of such a great community. I was happy to see some of my favorite faculty, especially Mr. Vianney and Mrs. Selvitelli, as well as my role model and right hand man, Mr. Patterson. I hope everyone is doing well and comes back for our 10-year Reunion in 2017! #08DOMINATE AMAR KHALSA

I am entering my second and final year of graduate school to get my master’s in social work. Part time, I work in the Patient Family Housing program at

Dave Duff ’04 at Arches

Peter Aldrich ’07, Matt Shrubb ’07, Ben Rego ’07, and Trevor Dalglish ’07 reunite in Boston

Boston Children’s Hospital. I will also be doing a year-long internship in the NICU at Boston Children’s Hospital as a part of my graduate program. I am very excited!

CARTER MANOS

Graduated from the University of Miami in May of 2012. I am working as a public relations associate at Katherine M. Rothman (KMR) Communications in Miami. It is a public relations firm specializing mostly in health, fitness, and fashion.

2009

this year. Maybe she can reunite the Tiger Lillies?

ROSHARD BRYANT

I’m off to Chile for the next four months for SIT’s Comparative Education and Social Change program.

I hope to open my heart, mind, and body to whatever is in store for me during this transformative period. I hope all is well with my classmates and everyone back at SA! LEAH DELANEY

I am moving to Bangkok, Thailand, to teach English and am very excited about my new adventure!

CORDELIA BRADY

I graduated this May with my bachelor’s in social work from NYU. I needed a break from the city, so I started traveling. I just returned from a one-month road trip around the United States. In September I leave for a backpacking trip across Europe and beyond. I’ve been saving for this trip since I was at Suffield! I hope everyone is doing well at SA. I actually ran into Mr. Edwards recently while walking my dogs. And a huge good luck to my chorus buddy, Chelsea Kane, who is working with the Chamber Singers

Alison ’06 and Tommy ’10 Leonard at the Yardhouse before the Suffield at Fenway event on July 24th

PATRICK HARRIS

These past few months have been a very eventful time in my life. In May, I graduated from Tufts University and received my bachelor’s degree in political science. I have since begun working in government relations for Norfolk County Sherriff’s Office. Over the summer, I also got engaged to my beautiful fiancé Amanda Mullarkey.

We are very excited to announce that we are expecting our first child in February. Suffield has played a very large role in getting me to where I

Matt Shrubb ’07 visits campus.

Lisa Ersoff P’08, ’12, ’15 with Headmaster Charlie Cahn at the cross country NEPSAC Class B Championship

am today. Best of luck to all former, future, and current Tigers.

2010 NICHOLAS ALLEN

I was named the 2012 MVP in Division 1 water polo and have been selected as the 2013 water polo captain at Fordham University.

MICHELLE AUTUORI

Hi, everyone! I spent my spring semester working in NYC at Bank of America Merrill Lynch in their Global Banking and Markets department. It was such an incredible experience!

After completing my co-op, I went straight to South Africa for the summer to take classes. It was one of the most beautiful places I have ever been, and it was an action-packed trip. We went on a safari and had the opportunity to go shark cage diving with great whites. I am finally back in Boston at Northeastern taking classes and am looking forward to starting my third and final co-op at Ernst and Young in January. I have been thinking of Suffield during all the beautiful fall days we have had, and I am looking forward to visiting soon.

MACK COOK

Just finished my six month co-op at Harpoon Brewery!

BRITTANY COXE

I am currently in my senior year at St. Lawrence University (thanks to Suffield).

TAYLOR ENDRESS

Hey, everyone! So this last year has been a total whirlwind for me. I left Allegheny College and enlisted in the Navy. I absolutely love serving our country. I’ve been so lucky to be a part of such an amazing force.

I am currently stationed in Everett, Washington, on the nuclear aircraft carrier CVN68 USS Nimitz. I work in the air department, so I deal directly with our military aircraft. Right now we are on a Westpac deployment in

2008 alumni in NYC, clockwise: Verona Tam, Krystle Corallo, Isi Montero, and Becca Joslow

Brooke Tashjian ’10 with her adopted baby baboon, Kimi

support of troops on the ground in the Middle East. We left mid-March for a seven-month cruise. It’s been an amazing journey and has tested every part of me—mentally, physically, and emotionally. You don’t truly appreciate what life has to offer until you are living on a floating city with 5,400 other military members, working 14+ hour days everyday for months on end. So far on this cruise we have been to South Korea, Thailand, Dubai, Bahrain, and are set to hit Hawaii before returning to Washington. I hope everyone from 2010 is doing well.

Take care!

CORY CROSBIE-FOOTE

I have one more year of school at Lafayette College, then on to working.

I’m looking forward to graduation, and I wish everyone at Suffield my best!

BILLY GLIDDEN

Since May, I’ve been campaign manager for the re-election campaign of the mayor of Holyoke, Massachusetts. Glad I can represent Suffield in this positive way!

BROOKE TASHJIAN

I spent the past two months in Namibia, Africa, volunteering at N/a’an ku se Wildlife Sanctuary. I am currently majoring in wildlife biology at the University of Vermont, so working hands-on with cheetahs, lions, baboons, and tons of other animals is a really great experience for me. I have been there two years in a row now, and this time I left having “adopted” a baby baboon named Kimi.

BRIDGET WALSH

This past year has been a whirlwind.

I studied abroad in Cuenca, Ecuador, and Santiago, Chile, from JanuaryJuly. My program also took me to Argentina and Uruguay. I can’t thank Harrison Kramer ’08 enough for convincing me to go; he did the same program two years before me, also at Syracuse. We reconnected to trade Chile stories in NYC this summer and also saw Everest Wein, Xavier Pollard,

Tyler Arnold ’10 and brother Jeremy Arnold ’06 riding camels in the desert on a ten-day birthright trip to Israel in August 2013

and Jamel Torrence ’12, which was a very pleasant surprise. While I was abroad, I had an internship teaching modern dance (in Spanish!) to local college sophomores and juniors and absolutely loved it. I also met up with Roshard Bryant ’09 while in Santiago, which blew my mind. Now I’m trying to finish up senior year strong. I have two jobs here in ’Cuse: teaching hiphop and contemporary dance at a local studio and working on the Two Row Wampum Renewal Campaign with the Native American Onondaga Nation of upstate New York. After graduation, I’m headed to Peru with one of my archaeology TAs to work on an excavation for two months, and I can’t wait! I also had a blast visiting my sister, Frankie Walsh ’09, this summer and reuniting with all the summer academy TAs and some ’09ers. I also still see the wonderful Steff Yuan, Hang Yu, and Billy Glidden regularly, who are all doing amazing things. I will always appreciate all Suffield has done for me: encouraging us to pursue our

passions, and giving me the chance to meet some outstanding friends who I believe will make significant differences in the world.

2011 DIDI MCDONALD

I am abroad in London for the fall! I just finished my ten-week internship in HR at Ralph Lauren, which was incredible. I learned so much, and the people reminded me of Suffield—inclusive, warm, and thought provoking. I plan to meet up with Kara Glassman, Katherine Perry, Erica Robbie, and Shelter Wein!

JOEY PALOMBA

It has been a whirlwind fall in Boston.

A lot going on in Beantown from a new coach of BC football, to the Red Sox winning the World Series right down the road. It is great to see pictures from Suffield Academy friends studying abroad. I have been busy studying chemistry and riding my bicycle, as I Fall 2013 | 71

Riley Henderson ’11 and Karoline Hegbom ’11 in Norway this summer

am the president of the club team here at BC. The fall brought a visit from my sister, Alyssa Palomba ’10, and hopefully holds a trip up to Middlebury for her senior year. I think I speak for the whole family when I say that we are excited to have my youngest cousin, Anthony Deni ’15, at Suffield for his junior year.

VICTORIA SCHIRMER

I am going into my junior year at Gettysburg College, and I spent the summer working at Harper’s Bazaar fashion magazine. Everything has been great! I look forward to seeing the new developments at Suffield.

MAX WARNER

Hope all is well. I was at Suffield recently and was amazed at the renovations done to Holcomb. I’m still focused on my schoolwork and aim to get into radio. Hope to visit soon.

CHARLOTTE YORDON

I am in my junior year at the University of Vermont and frequently see lots of familiar Suffield faces. I’m so excited to be attending the Sotheby’s Institute of Art “Art and Business Program” in London this spring. I will be spending my summer working in Jackson Hole.

Mike Lisi ’11 and Trevor Niemann ’11

Alumni Harry Melendez ’07, Matt Shrubb ’07, Kevin Armata ’74, Montana Armata ’13, Riley Henderson ’11, Luke Morrison ’12, Lindsay Moura ’08, Brendan Doyle ’10, and Conor Morrison ’08 gather in Bermuda

2012 FRANK BOLELLA

I’ve been very productive since my graduation from Suffield Academy.

Boston University ended up being the ideal college choice for me.

I joined a fraternity, Chi Phi, of which I was elected the historian. I am a member of the BU Finance & Investment Club as a junior analyst and was elected the co-director of BU Student Government’s Department of Communications. I volunteered for the BU Student Food Rescue (similar to Meals on Wheels) and was elected as transportation chairman for the 2013-14 school year. This summer, I had an internship at UTC in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, as a supply chain and materials analyst. My sophomore year will hopefully prove to be as successful and productive as my freshman year. Thanks to SA for laying the bricks and preparing me for my college journey.

JACLYN CHALKE

I visited rural Panama with Penn State’s Global Business Brigades Chapter in March.

ERIK SANDERS

I completed my freshman year at Bloomfield College, playing Division II basketball. Our team won the CACC in our region. I had a wonderful experience at Bloomfield, but I decided to transfer to Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, New York. I worked at a basketball camp and attended a summer program at Skidmore over the summer and look forward to my fall semester there.

MOLLY STROMOSKI

You will never find a community quite like the one at Suffield Academy. I am very lucky to have been part of such a warm, welcoming group of people.

I will be forever grateful for the time I spent at SA and the relationships I formed there. I am truly lucky to be able to attend my top choice school, Pratt Institute. I am surrounded by classmates who inspire me to work hard at my art daily. I have learned so much at Pratt: about people, photography, New York City, and the arts. I am looking forward to my years ahead.

2013 ERIN FERRARO

I am having a great time studying nursing at Villanova and getting to

Maire Casey ’12, Izzy McDonald ’12, and Eleanor Kelly ’12 before Suffield at Fenway event

Peyton O’Connor ’11 and Tara Keady ’11 at St. Michael’s College as Orientation Leaders

Matt Powers ’14, Harrison Philipps ’12, Reed Barbe ’12, and Russ Grotto ’12 at a New York Giants game this summer

experience Philadelphia. I went to one of the first basketball events with classmate Georgina Blakeley and I am really looking forward to March Madness. Missing all my classmates and cannot wait to visit again soon!

ADAM LEIBOWITZ

I had a wonderful summer! I took a family trip to Greece and Turkey.

I’m looking forward to starting my freshman year at George Washington University School of Business. I cannot wait to come back and visit Suffield!

BOZHOU LUO

I hope all is well back at Suffield. I miss Suffield a lot (especially the fall view on the top of Bell Hill). College is a lot of work, but I love what I am doing. NYC is full of energy and fun. I am enjoying my life in the city. I am discovering something new about myself everyday.

I went to lunch with Jackie Zhang ’15 and Amy Hong ’15 this past fall when they were in New York City for long weekend. I also had dinner with Eric Chen the following weekend. It is really nice to be reunited with friends from Suffield.

VICTORIA PAGE

I am currently taking college classes for my major in arts management.

Georgina Blakeley ’13 and Erin Ferraro ’13 at a Villanova basketball event

1

2

Births 3

4

5

6

7

1 08/16/12 to Lucy Pedersen Hazard ’85, twins, Win and Max

5 04/25/13 to Ryan Burrell ’98, a son, Reed Parker Burrell

2 05/28/13 to Alexa Economou Rice ’93, a son, J. Holden Richards Rice

6 07/20/13 to Bryson Tillinghast ’95, a daughter, Hope Motley Tillinghast

3 08/15/13 to Ntsekhe Moiloa ’92, a son, Leo Moiloa

7 07/28/12 to Steve Carrabba ’99, a daughter, Giulia Catherine Carrabba

4 09/8/13 to Peter Sedgwick Snedeker ’02, a daughter, Grace Elizabeth Snedeker

Not shown 02/19/13 to Meredith Wilson Doty ’93, a son, Nathan Thomas Doty

Class of 2012 (left to right): Billy Regan, Luke Schachter, Jameson Everett, Josh Galant, Alex Michel, Dan Bailey, Frank Bolella, and Zac Czikowsky

1

2

Engagements 3

4

5 1 Matthew Capone ’07 engagement party this past July 2 Carla Franciose ’04 engaged to Christopher Woldt 3 Sarah Fletcher ’98 engaged to Doug Meaney 4 Stephanie Fox ’06 engaged to Julianna Eagles 5 Patrick Harris ’09 engaged to Amanda Mallarkey

Fall 2013 | 73

Weddings 1

2

3

5

6

8

9

1 Matt Dow Allen ’02 to Pamela Adams on June 22, 2013 2 Katherine Harvey ’99 ringing Bell after her wedding 3 Tiffany Yee ’03 to Dave Yee on June 28, 2013 4 Erica Siver ’09 to Alex Taupier on July 27, 2013 5 Lindsey Marie Leech ’06 to Frederick Edwin Gerber IV

on November 3, 2012

6 Ted Fuller ’05 to My Nguyen on July 28, 2013

(photo by Catherine Rhodes)

4

7

10

11

7 Jena Page Greaser ’04 to Ryan O’Hara on July 28, 2013

on the Suffield Academy campus (photo by Shana Surek Photography)

8 Andrew Konopacki ’96 to Katherine Harvey ’99 July 12, 2013 9 Lydia Pillsbury ’03 to Jesse Drummond on June 22, 2013 10 Jonathan Woods ’00 to Lynn Magill 11 Jeff Witkowski ’01 to Vanessa Burns on October 5, 2013

(photo by Laura Dee Photography)

Submit class notes for the winter edition of SUFFIELD www.suffieldacademy.org/classnotes Or send your class notes and photographs to Harry Melendez III ’07, Development Associate Email: hmelendez@suffieldacademy.org. Mail to: Harry Melendez, 185 North Main Street, Suffield, Connecticut 06078 Deadline for winter submissions: March 1, 2014 Note: If submitting digitally through email, please send a high-quality JPEG file (preferably 1MB or larger) to suffield.magazine@gmail.com.

If submitting prints through the mail, please send a photo-lab quality print.

74 | www.suffieldacademy.org

ENTER TO WIN 2014 AUDI Q5

SUFFIELD ACADEMY PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION AUCTION Number of tickets _________ @ $100 each $ __________________ 2014 Annual Fund tax deductible donation $ ______________________ Total amount enclosed: $ __________________ Name ______________________________________________________________ Phone (state regulations require one name only) Address City ___________________________________ State ____________ Zip

PCheck (payable to Suffield Academy) PCharge my PVISA PMC PAMEX PDISCOVER Card # __________________________________________________________________________ Expiration Date Name on card (print) Billing Address Signature

PLEASE MAIL TICKET REQUEST TO: Auction Committee Suffield Academy 185 North Main Street Suffield, Connecticut 06078 FOR ALL RAFFLE INQUIRIES OR TO ORDER TICKETS BY PHONE: please call Penn Sullivan at 860.386.4465 or psullivan@suffieldacademy.org Tickets cost $100 each / Drawing to be held on Friday, April 25, 2014, at 9:00 PM at Suffield Academy / Winner need not be present / Tickets are limited to 1,000 and will be sold on a first come, first served basis / All ticket monies received after the 1,000 will be returned to purchaser / All federal, state, and local taxes, fees, and surcharges are the responsibility of the winner and must be paid before winner takes receipt of the car / Winner is responsible for vehicle transfer and registration

CAR NOT REDEEMABLE FOR CASH Fall 2013 | 75

social media

sa ALUMNI

@SuffieldAcademy presents #Spamalot December 12-14 #getyourtickets #highschoolmusical twitter.com/suffieldacademy

Holcomb Science Center is now open! Classes had a great time touring the building this week and exploring all it has to offer, including the living wall made out of plants. facebook.com/suffieldacademy

Girls volleyball wins again! #suffieldacademy #ringingthebell #suffieldstripes #gotigers! #suffieldacademy on Instagram

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everything you need to know about our school at suffieldacademy.org

Suffield Academy Yankee Candle (available in-store only)

Orange SA Hat $28

14.5 ounces $24.99 22 ounces $29.99

Black Suffield Tigers T-shirt $28

iPhone 5 cover $27

suffieldacademy.org/bookstore

Leather handled canvas bag $45

Black Dri-fit Suffield sweatshirt $55

Suffield Academy 185 North Main Street Suffield, CT 06078