SUFFIELD [2012-13 Winter]

suffield

winter 2013

EDITORIAL STAFF

MISSION

Charlie Cahn, Hillary Rockwell Cahn ’88, Linda Colo,

Suffield Academy is a coeducational, independent secondary school serving a diverse

Tobye Cook ’88, Thomas Foote, Maeve Ryan,

community of boarding and day students. Our school has a tradition of academic excellence

Alison Vigneau

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

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

of responsibility, and they are challenged to grow in a structured and nurturing environment.

Tobye Cook ’88

The entire academic, athletic, and extracurricular experience prepares our students for a lifetime of learning, leadership, and active citizenship.

ART DIRECTOR & PHOTOGRAPHER Hillary Rockwell Cahn ’88

NON-DISCRIMINATION Suffield Academy does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, creed,

CONTRIBUTORS Sean Atkins, Georgina Blakeley ’13, Bryan Brissette, Charlie Cahn, Thomas Foote, Miriam Ibrahim ’13, Beth Krasemann, Jay

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.

O’Brien ’13, Susan O’Brien ’84, Jay Prasad ’13, Russ Allen Prince, Paul Metscher ’13,

TRUSTEES

Phil Riegel ’87, Maeve Ryan, Ron Schildge

President Daniel R. Tisch ’69, P’02 | New York, New York Vice President Jackson W. Robinson ’60 | Boston, Massachusetts

PHOTO CONTRIBUTORS Tobye Cook ’88, Lindsay Furman ’00, John Grush P’15, Louis Heilbronn ’06, Lev Saltonstall ’06, Alexandra Tremaine ’03, Alison Vigneau

SUFFIELD is published by the Marketing and Communications Office 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.

Secretary Frederic B. Powers III ’83, P ’14 | Mamaroneck, New York Headmaster Charles Cahn III | Suffield, Connecticut Susan W. Autuori P’06, ’08, ’10, ’13 | West Hartford, Connecticut Paul Blakeley P’07, ’10, ’13 | Orleans, Massachusetts Nancy A. Brooks ’87 | Boston, Massachusetts Dennis W. Chalke P’08, ’12 | Longmeadow, Massachusetts Andrew C. Chase | Deerfield, Massachusetts Kate O. Cleary ’88 | Cambridge, MA Michael J. Daly ’59, Trustee Emeritus | Longmeadow, Massachusetts George B. Daniels ’71 | New York, New York Guy L. de Chazal P’10 | Brookville, 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

COMMENTS

Valisha Graves ’81 | Brooklyn, New York

May be addressed to Maeve Ryan

Matthew W. Greene | Wilton, Connecticut

mryan@suffieldacademy.org

Walter Harrison | Hartford, Connecticut Kathy G. Hoffman, P’13 | Avon, Connecticut

SUFFIELD is printed by Allied Printing Services, Inc.

Christopher M. Houlihan P’05 | New York, New York

About Allied Printing FSC Certified, EPA Partnership

Christopher T. Jensen P’07, ’09, ’11 | Riverside, Connecticut

& ISO 9001. The fundamental principle of Allied’s

Karen L. McDonald P’12 | New York, New York

environmental policy is to minimize any negative

Jeffrey K. McElnea ’67, P’12 | New York, New York

impact to the environment, while conserving natural

Patricia Q. Moore P’09, P’14 | McLean, Virginia

resources. Using education and administrative

Tracy Orr O’Keefe ’85 | Westfield, New Jersey

controls, we continuously assess our processes

Steven R. Sheresky P’12 | Rye, New York

and practices to identify areas for reduction in

Hope G. Smith P’12 | Locust Valley, New York

energy, waste, and emissions.

John M. Tremaine ’66, P’94, ’03 | New Canaan, Connecticut H. P. Van Ingen, Jr. P’06 | New York, New York Suzy B. Vogler, P’11 | San Francisco, California Jeffrey White ’65 | Westport, Connecticut

www.suffieldacademy.org

Copyright © 2013, Suffield Academy, Suffield, Connecticut 06078

Jacqueline R. Williams P’04, ’07, ’08 | New York, New York

WINTER 2013 HIGHLIGHTS CAMPUS NEWS

PROFILES

CLASS NOTES

Winter Chapel Program Sustainability at Suffield Faculty, Staff, and Student Profiles Winter Athletics Regional Studies Projects Performing Arts Suffield Receptions

ALUMNI PROFILES Lev Saltonstall ’06 Marion Pattillo ’87 Jared Dubey ’00

Alums from the classes of 1940 to 2012 tell us what they have been doing.

CLASS AGENT Eric Yale ’03 LEGACY PROFILE The O’Briens Susan ’84 and Jay ’13

2

Headmaster Charlie Cahn highlights some key moments in Suffield history.

4

6

Joseph Alsop ’63 honors faculty legend Mason Nye.

23

Update on Suffield’s Campus Master Plan.

Do you love winter? SUFFIELD highlights reasons to love this season.

Headmaster’s Column CHARLES CAHN III

Ap Seaverns was a legendary Suffield headmaster, leading the school from 1952 to 1972.

Ap passed away in 2005, and Hillary and I have been lucky to remain close friends with his daughters—Ginny and Mary—and Ginny’s husband Dave Hilyard (a former Suffield faculty member). Hundreds of alums remember seeing the wonderful sight of Mary and Ginny around the all-boys Suffield Academy of the 1960s and early 1970s.

Ginny and Mary recently visited us on separate occasions and shared stories of growing up on campus. They also reminded me of the vital role their mother played in leading Suffield. Jeanice Seaverns was involved in every facet of school life, but always so quietly that few recognized her contributions in time and talent.

I have learned a great deal in the past decade about this crucial role of the headmaster’s spouse. Put simply, the position comes with unseen responsibility and stresses. While the headmaster is often in front, the intense commitment of the entire family in leading a boarding school is frequently overlooked. It is a unique lifestyle with no real separation between personal and professional. So I will never forget when one of our trustees said to me nearly a decade ago, “One of the main reasons we asked you to be Headmaster at such a young age was because we were worried about losing Hillary.”

I’m biased, of course, but even the term “far reaching” does not cover Hillary’s impact here. From teaching photography to coaching our champion alpine ski team, from serving as school photographer to overseeing our marketing and special events, from being the arbiter of questions of taste to a wise, trusted guide for hundreds of students and parents, Hillary is a primary reason for Suffield’s strong position and momentum. She is the type of person you want leading your team.

To me, this is another reminder that even as we proceed with the 180th year of our school, much of Suffield’s essence remains somewhat timeless. The core purpose—effectively educating adolescents in a challenging, safe, supportive environment—is not overly sensitive to evolution. This is why our fascinating history and the many dedicated people involved never cease to interest me. Here are some brief highlights from this journey.

1833

1939

1952

1974

The year our school started as the Connecticut Literary Institution. The original mission was to train young men for the Baptist Ministry, but by 1843 the purpose had expanded to serve as the high school for young women and men from the town of Suffield. Suffield, therefore, was coeducational from 1843 until the mid 1930s. The school’s name changed to Suffield School in 1916 and Suffield Academy in 1937.

Suffield High School opened, jeopardizing the future of Suffield Academy. We returned to being an all-boys boarding and day school, housed largely in Old South Hall (which stood where our library is now located), in Ladies Building (where Fuller Hall now stands), and in Middle Building (now Memorial, built in 1854). The student enrollment dropped to under 100.

The year Ap Seaverns was appointed as headmaster. Ap hired a loyal and talented faculty and led efforts to raise funds for many of our campus buildings—Brewster Hall, Perry Gymnasium, Holcomb Science, Spencer Hall, and the purchase of residences, including Montgomery Street, Nathena Fuller, Barnes, Academy, and the faculty apartment building. Enrollment grew and the modern Suffield Academy took shape.

Suffield Academy returned to coeducation with the first female students on campus since 1939.

The school now has approximately 5,000 living alumni and just over 70% are male. This ratio will evolve over time, with our graduating classes now equally divided by gender.

2 | www.suffieldacademy.org

1992

2009

2013

David Holmes ’60 returned to Suffield as headmaster. His partnership with classmate and Board President Bill Kotchen ’60 led to a series of important investments in programs and in the physical plant.

Suffield successfully completed the most ambitious, comprehensive fundraising initiative in its history. It led to many parts of our beautiful campus—Tisch Field House, Guttag Music Center, Rockwell Hall and our Health Center, Williams Performing Arts Studio, our photography lab, turf field, and renovated swimming pool. Gifts to the school’s endowment provided more financial aid and support for faculty and staff. The campaign helped position Suffield for a new era and raised the confidence level of our community.

Today, Suffield is in one of the finest periods of its 180-year history. In large measure, this is due to an unwavering focus on fostering and genuinely supporting each student’s growth.

For our family—Hill, Peyton, Harrison, and me—the unique, unusual lifestyle that accompanies leading a residential secondary school works great. We feel very fortunate to work with a talented faculty and Board of Trustees and help Suffield ambitiously pursue the future and honor its remarkable past.

Winter 2013 | 3

CAMPUS MASTER MASTER PLAN 2011

UPDATE

Suffield is making rapid progress in addressing the projects identified as top priorities in the 2011 Campus Master Plan. The plan, executed in consultation with Centerbrook Architects, identified two overarching goals: (1) better integration of the academic and residential quadrangles and (2) modernization and enhancement some essential spaces including areas for college counseling, science, and dining.

The school has completed one of these projects (Hoffman College Counseling Center opened the spring of 2012) and two more will be finished during the 2013-2014 academic year. All of this construction has been funded by gifts to Suffield.

CAMPUS PERIMETER ROAD During the winter of 2013, Suffield was successful in completing the approval and design processes for a new campus perimeter road. This will redirect the current entrance on Stiles Lane to behind the northern-most dormitories and will connect to the center of campus by Tisch Field House. It will help Suffield better integrate the academic and residential quadrangles by enabling the school to convert the space where Stiles Lane currently rests into a more pedestrian-friendly, central campus walkway.

The project also helps Suffield begin planning for an addition to Brewster Hall to the north of the existing building, where the entry to Stiles Lane is currently located. Construction of the perimeter road will begin in the summer of 2013 and be executed by Spazzarini Construction.

4 | www.suffieldacademy.org

PLANNING NEW SCIENCE FACILITIES Construction of new science facilities began this winter. In the master planning process, the Board of Trustees and faculty concluded that the existing site of the science facility—on the southern part of the academic quadrangle—is the ideal location and generally the right scale for the school’s long term vision for the science program. Yet the existing building (Holcomb Hall) was too small and not modern enough to meet current and future needs of the program. The number of students studying science has increased dramatically, as nearly all 410 students take science every year, and many take more than one science course. The new building will enable Suffield to significantly increase the number of science sections, reduce class size, and add needed flexibility to overall academic scheduling. The new building will feature eight “Clabs” (classroom-labs in one space)—an increase of four from the previous building—as well as two traditional classrooms and department office space.

Suffield has been working with Harvey Kaufman Architects and FIP Construction on this project. Harvey Kaufman designed the Tremaine Visual Arts Center, which rests directly opposite to the science building on the northern tip of the academic quadrangle. The new science building will have several similar architectural features as the arts center, including a terrace at the entryway and large windows. The facility will also be energy efficient, with a substantially improved building envelope, vast natural light, and a highly efficient, updated climate control and distribution system. The new science building—which will cost $6 million—will open in the fall of 2013.

North Elevation of Science Building

Winter 2013 | 5

JOE ALSOP ’63 honors faculty legend MASON NYE

by Thomas Foote

Few current Suffield students were even born when Mason Nye retired from the Academy, but all who grow and learn here feel his impact in some way. In his 37 years as a teacher, coach, administrator, and dorm parent, Mason’s thoughtful nature, passionate teaching, and abiding love for his students profoundly permeated the culture of Suffield Academy.

In 1995, Mason retired to Palm Harbor, Florida, a quiet suburb of Tampa, but he is still clearly on the mind of his former students.

Last year, Joe Alsop ’63 and his wife Christiane endowed the position heading Suffield’s English Department as the Mason Nye Chair in English. This is the second teaching chair the Alsops have endowed at Suffield, following the Leon Waskiewicz Math Chair.

To learn more about the man who inspired this generosity, and perhaps with the hope that his insights would help me in my own teaching vocation, I traveled to Palm Harbor for a visit with Mason in February.

Mason lives with his wife of seven years, Joy, a former elementary school literary arts teacher. Of Joy, Mason says, “I hit the jackpot again.” Joy taught for years in southern Florida, in an environment very different from Mason’s experience at Suffield.

Like Mason, though, she relayed anecdotes that spoke to a deep love for helping her students.

Just as he once enjoyed his time in the Air Force “because it gave me time to read,” Mason is taking advantage of retirement by getting back to devouring both works of fiction and non-fiction. He is always working on two or three books at once and has taught in several settings in the Palm Harbor community. Mason currently leads a group dedicated to contemporary literature at a local library, though he says, “They are such good readers, I do no teaching at all.”

Stories of Mason’s hockey coaching at Suffield—and the duties that went with it, like watering the outdoor rink until three in the morning to ensure it stayed frozen—are legendary. And while recent injuries have curtailed the former tennis coach’s thrice-weekly games, Mason’s mind for teaching is as sharp as ever. We spoke at length about his experiences before, at, and after Suffield, and I was fortunate to learn about Mason’s detailed teaching philosophy.

Christiane and Joe Alsop ’63

One of Mason’s formative experiences was his time in the Wesleyan M.A.L.S. program. This included both literary background and student teaching opportunities. Mason calls Ernest Stabler’s History of Education course, with a particular emphasis on the practical teaching methods of John Dewey, “one of the best things I ever did,” and he also found his time teaching in Hartford and Portland, Connecticut, quite rewarding.

Mason finished the Wesleyan program in 1958, and, like many of Suffield’s long-time faculty members, was then hired here by the dynamic young headmaster, Ap Seaverns. Together with his close friend Gordy Glover, Mason designed the entire English program, laying out what books students would read and when they would read them. “Everything,” he says, “was like that.

We were very lucky to be teaching at Suffield. What could be better? It was a little, growing school.”

Mason speaks fondly of these early days as incredibly exciting. “As you grew,” he says, “the school grew around you.” Mason feels strongly that a school’s morale is determined in large measure by its students, and in the early days especially, he says, “There was an incredible spirit.”

Among those spirited students was Joe Alsop, a young man with an intense interest in learning and technology. Joe’s enthusiasm, combined with those passions, had run him into a bit of trouble in the past: he was asked to leave his previous school after planting electronic listening devices in the headmaster’s office. Despite the warnings the old headmaster sent around the boarding school community, and perhaps recognizing an implied risk to his own privacy, Suffield Headmaster Winter 2013 | 7

Joe’s gift spurred a reconnection, as Mason was sure to reach out and extend his gratitude. Mason has an interesting message for those like Joe, who had not seen him for many years. “What I want people to do is think of me as I am, in my present life. That’s who I am.”

Ap Seaverns accepted Joe as a junior, and both Joe and the Academy benefited from the decision. He went on to MIT after Suffield and has had a distinguished career in technology. Joe feels a deep sense of gratitude toward Suffield and also thinks some of his teachers at Suffield, like Mason and Wasky, were among the finest he ever encountered.

Mason remembers Joe as a “very good student,” and one who was “very responsive” to his teaching style. He also speaks with pride about Joe’s more recent success in the technology field. “So many of my students have done so well, it’s a source of pleasure. Joe is a great example.”

Joe’s memories of Mason’s course are similarly positive. He remembers it as very different from the classes he had taken before, many of which were characterized by teacher-driven attempts to search for esoteric meanings. English class with Mason, Joe says, “was as much learning about yourself as about literature.” Mason didn’t ask students to play “guess what the author was thinking,” but instead encouraged them to look at readings from their own perspective. This “voyage of self-discovery,” as Joe puts it, was far more rewarding and impactful. This trust and sincere belief in his students exemplified Mason’s teaching for nearly 40 years. “You have to expect that students can do the work,” Mason says. “Kids sense and respond to that, and they will succeed. Students can be and deserve to be successful.”

When speaking of his own student days, Mason self-deprecatingly describes himself as “marginal, or even worse.” He “always felt behind.” It should come as no surprise, then, that Mason’s teaching was well-known for its conversational, encouraging style.

Mason enjoyed the “academic diagnosing,” mulling over the question “What is holding this student back?” before working to correct it.

8 | www.suffieldacademy.org

honoring a FACULTY LEGEND

It is clear this attitude lives on in the “distance traveled” mantra that has characterized Charlie Cahn’s tenure as headmaster.

A Suffield education, then as now, is one defined by measuring students against their own potential, and providing the structure, challenge, and encouragement to help them excel.

Mason’s four-decade Suffield career is not one he initially intended. “It was not the plan to spend 37 years at Suffield,” Mason says, “but you need to give yourself 100% to everything you do. I loved it.” That’s not to say everything was easy, though.

Mason named some of the years in the late 1960s as challenging ones. “There was rebellion in the air, and it was a tough time.”

Mason’s career included many years as English department chair and time as dean of studies and assistant headmaster, as well as a year as headmaster.

Of the last role, Mason commented, “I was no good at that; for me, it was awful.” In true Mason Nye fashion, being responsive to the needs of the entire school was more challenging than maintaining his natural loyalties to individual students. Even during this time as headmaster, though, Mason always made sure he could have an English class because he wanted to maintain a connection to teaching.

Mason particularly loved teaching poetry. “Poetry,” he says, “delivers basic fundamental truths of culture in a beautiful and memorial way. A good teacher is able to help students experience reading carefully and slowly. Poetry can reach the imagination in a way prose will not.”

Joe shares Mason’s feelings about the importance of educators in the classroom, explaining, “I wish as a society we had more support for teachers.” Strengthening Suffield is also obviously important to him. These gifts have enabled Joe to inspire great teaching, help a school to which he feels a real debt of gratitude, and permanently honor Mason Nye and Leon Waskiewicz. Joe has made staying connected to Suffield a priority, attending alumni events and even being presented with an Alumni Leadership Award in 2011. Joe did, however, fall out of touch with Mason, and his decision to honor Mason was made without speaking to him first. It was something he had discussed for a while with Charlie Cahn, and the opportunity seemed right last year.

In our conversation, Mason was quick to answer and gregarious all afternoon. The one question that left him at a loss for words, however, was when I asked about his reaction to the call Charlie Cahn made to tell him of Joe’s gift in his honor. Eventually, with Joy’s help, he explained it was a great thrill, one that took him by surprise. Though he was proud, he says it was also an occasion for feeling humility. It was obvious he was deeply touched.

Joe’s gift spurred a reconnection, as Mason was sure to reach out and extend his gratitude. Mason has an interesting message for those like Joe, who had not seen him for many years. “What I want people to do is think of me as I am, in my present life.

That’s who I am.”

Retired people tend to think of themselves, Mason says, as “formers”: former lawyer, former doctor, former teacher. This is a big mistake he insists with confidence. “Everything has changed; everything is different. I’ve developed a life apart from my past.

It took me a while to think of it that way. It’s very hard to retire from 37 years of the same thing.”

Similarly, many things at Suffield Academy have changed over the years. The incipient all-boys school of Ap Seaverns is now a mature school thriving under Charlie Cahn’s leadership, Mason’s hockey team is no more, but newer Suffield teams like skiing, squash, and water polo regularly compete for New England titles. Many of Ap’s great faculty pillars have retired or passed away. The core elements of a Suffield education still remain, though: close interpersonal relationships between a caring faculty and an enthusiastic student body, an environment dedicated to helping young people find success, and an education that provides a foundation for the future. The legacy of Mason Nye and the support of people like Joe Alsop ensure these values are here to stay.

Winter 2013 | 9

GEORGINA BLAKELEY ’13

TELL US ABOUT THE SCHOOL SEARCH THAT LED TO YOUR CHOOSING SUFFIELD. DID YOU LOOK AT OTHER SCHOOLS? WHY DID YOU SELECT SUFFIELD? WHAT WAS IT ABOUT THE SCHOOL THAT APPEALED TO YOU? I have two older brothers who attended Suffield, and I saw first hand what a great time they had. After hearing and seeing so many great things about Suffield, I did not have to look at other schools because I knew it was my first choice. I have always attended a small school and wanted to continue at a high school with a tight knit community, and Suffield Academy offered that opportunity. My brothers got to know their teachers and classmates so well, and there was always a real pride that everyone had in the school. It was exactly what I was looking for.

WHAT CAN YOU RECALL ABOUT YOUR FRESHMAN YEAR AND YOUR ADJUSTMENT TO SUFFIELD? I had previously attended the same school (Renbrook)

from three years old until eighth grade, so Suffield was my first “new” school. I was nervous coming in, but I was able to attend preseason for the soccer team, and tryouts really helped me meet people and begin to make friends. It wasn’t until orientation weekend that I really started to meet people and make friendships that have lasted through my senior year.

FROM YOUR PERSPECTIVE, WHAT MAKES SUFFIELD A SPECIAL PLACE? I really believe that there is no other community like Suffield Academy. I know everyone in my grade and nearly everyone in the school. That’s what makes Suffield special, the fact that you can get to know and rely on so many people. The close-knit community is what makes the athletic games that much more exciting and studying for exams so much easier. I have an amazing group of friends, many of whom I know are friends for life.

CAN YOU LET US KNOW ABOUT ANY LOW POINTS OR CHALLENGES DURING YOUR FOUR YEARS HERE? I never really experienced any low points during my time here. Applying to colleges and balancing a full course load can definitely get challenging your senior year, but with the help of friends, teachers, and college counselors, everything becomes easier.

WHAT WILL YOU REMEMBER MOST WHEN YOU THINK BACK ON YOUR YEARS AT SUFFIELD? Where to begin? Besides the classic sports victories, New England championships, and themed dances and weekend events like the hypnotist, my best memories at Suffield are probably the first days of spring. It’s time when the weather warms up, the grass finally peeks through, and everyone is hanging outside on the Student Union terraces. Small memories of people throwing around Frisbees and footballs and talking together on the grass create my fondest recollections. I am definitely going to miss Suffield when I graduate and head to college.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR COLLEGE SEARCH. WHEN DID IT BEGIN? HOW DID YOU PICK YOUR LIST OF SCHOOLS AND WHERE WILL YOU ATTEND NEXT FALL? I guess my search began with watching my brothers select their own colleges.

They both attended business schools and I saw both how they enjoyed it and how valuable a business education is, so it seemed inevitable that I would want to do the same. I also have seen what their education has enabled them to do outside of school. I knew I wanted to study business and be in a big city in the Northeast, so I created a short list of schools from Boston, Philadelphia, and New York. I am looking forward to attending the Villanova School of Business in the fall.

TELL US SOMETHING ABOUT YOURSELF THAT WE DON’T KNOW. My parents are both English. George Bernard Shaw is reputed to have said, “Britain and America are two nations divided by a common language.” This has made for some amusing misunderstandings. For example, the time that I asked my friend for a flannel to wash my face and she said, “What, you mean a shirt?” In England, a flannel is a washcloth. It may just seem like a small difference in my vocabulary, but it can definitely lead to confusion and some humorous debates.

Winter 2013 | 11

PAUL

METSCHER ’13

TELL US ABOUT THE SCHOOL SEARCH THAT LED TO YOUR CHOOSING SUFFIELD. DID YOU LOOK AT OTHER SCHOOLS? WHY DID YOU SELECT SUFFIELD? WHAT WAS IT ABOUT THE SCHOOL THAT APPEALED TO YOU? I felt like I had no idea what to look for when selecting a school. I looked at Deerfield, Phillips-Andover, Middlesex, Lawrence, and Suffield. Candidly, through all my tours and interviews, Suffield was probably my third choice after my visits, and I became apprehensive at the prospect of going to boarding school. My mom pushed me to go to Revisit Day, and everyone was friendly to me and to each other. It was then that I realized what a warm and welcoming place Suffield was, and I saw myself fitting in. After that day, coming to Suffield was an easy choice.

WHAT CAN YOU RECALL ABOUT YOUR FRESHMAN YEAR AND YOUR ADJUSTMENT TO SUFFIELD? My adjustment to living away from home for the first time was atypical for a 14 or 15 year old. I never got homesick, didn’t resist study hall, and tried my best to meet as many of my peers as possible. My situation, however, was unique. My two older sisters had lived away from home from the time I was ten, and I have divorced parents who both work. I think these factors gave me a lot of independence and made my transition to Suffield smooth.

FROM YOUR PERSPECTIVE, WHAT MAKES SUFFIELD A SPECIAL PLACE? The first thing that comes to mind when asked what makes Suffield special is the phrase “sense of community.” Everyone seems to use this phrase when describing Suffield’s personality. To me, Suffield’s sense of community starts with the faculty. Most faculty members are always on campus and are incredibly accessible. It’s great to be able to walk to a teacher’s apartment and get help on an assignment or even just hang out. The students obviously are a major contributing factor to this community, as well. Everyone is so friendly and willing to meet other people. While any place you go will inevitably have groups of people that stick together, there aren’t “jocks,” “geeks,” or whatever other stereotypes you can think of at Suffield. Everyone is unique, and knowing this forces you to expand your horizons and change your perspectives.

CAN YOU LET US KNOW ABOUT ANY LOW POINTS OR CHALLENGES DURING YOUR FOUR YEARS HERE? During my sophomore year, I made some social choices that alienated me from people I wanted to be around. I spent a lot of time with one person and many relationships I built during my freshman year deteriorated.

I distanced myself from a lot of great people, but having said that, I do not regret anything about sophomore year. It may not have always been fun, but I did learn a lot. I have been fortunate enough to correct my mistakes and reintegrate myself with my classmates.

WHAT WILL YOU REMEMBER MOST WHEN YOU THINK BACK ON YOUR YEARS AT SUFFIELD? I will remember most the relationships I have built at Suffield. Whether they are relationships with teachers or classmates, these are what have been most memorable. I cannot take Suffield with me wherever I go, but keeping in touch and maintaining relationships is the next best thing. I’ll also certainly remember being part of four New Englad Super Bowl football teams and winning three championships.

12 | www.suffieldacademy.org

TELL US ABOUT YOUR COLLEGE SEARCH. WHEN DID IT BEGIN? HOW DID YOU PICK YOUR LIST OF SCHOOLS AND WHERE WILL YOU ATTEND NEXT FALL? I started looking at colleges last March. March break was a perfect time to get some college tours out of the way. I saw about 14 college campuses in total last March. My mom went to Ohio State so I grew up a Buckeye fan. I have been to quite a few Ohio State football games, and there really is nothing like a stadium filled with 100,000 people. So having grown up with the culture of a large state university, I knew that I wanted a big school with a lot of spirit, tradition, and Division I athletics. The places that fit this description best are mostly in the Midwest and South. I spent one whole week touring Midwestern schools, and one week touring Southern schools. I ended up falling in love with the University of Wisconsin. I got a similar feeling at Wisconsin that I got when I revisited Suffield. I saw very friendly students who all had a ton of pride for their school and were genuinely excited to be there. I couldn’t be more excited to move on to UW-Madison next year.

TELL US ABOUT THE SCHOOL SEARCH THAT LED TO YOUR CHOOSING SUFFIELD. DID YOU LOOK AT OTHER SCHOOLS? WHY DID YOU SELECT SUFFIELD? WHAT WAS IT ABOUT THE SCHOOL THAT APPEALED TO YOU? I looked at a number of schools during the process, approximately seven or eight, but ultimately picked Suffield for a number of reasons. First, my tour guide at Suffield was without a doubt the most enthusiastic and knowledgeable of all my tour guides at various schools. On my Revisit Day, everyone went out of their way to meet me; students were not only incredibly welcoming, but also showed a genuine love for the school that I found infectious.

MARIAM IBRAHIM ’13

WHAT CAN YOU RECALL ABOUT YOUR FRESHMAN YEAR AND YOUR ADJUSTMENT TO SUFFIELD? I remember my freshman orientation quite vividly; the people in the group I was assigned to remain some of my best friends today. It is these bonds we formed that helped us through the transition of the first week, which included busy days filled with so many activities. But we all quickly settled down and felt as though we were easily accepted into our new community.

FROM YOUR PERSPECTIVE, WHAT MAKES SUFFIELD A SPECIAL PLACE? The faculty—they are experts at what they teach, as well as being enthusiastic about explaining their material.

They challenge us, push us, encourage us, help us, and ultimately celebrate with us when we succeed. This attitude inevitably filters down through the students, who then enjoy their classes so much more, especially because they know they have a special, supportive community that a lot of other schools can’t offer.

CAN YOU LET US KNOW ABOUT ANY LOW POINTS OR CHALLENGES DURING YOUR FOUR YEARS HERE? The beginning of my junior year was difficult. I had taken on a reasonably challenging schedule and was simultaneously attempting to figure out exactly what I wanted in a college and start the entire process. In short, there weren’t enough hours in the day.

Junior year itself is a daunting task made easier by best friends, a fantastic advisor, and understanding teachers. Yet, the view at the end of the road is so rewarding.

WHAT WILL YOU REMEMBER MOST WHEN YOU THINK BACK ON YOUR YEARS AT SUFFIELD? People at Suffield will never forget the bonds they form with friends from around the globe, faculty who teach subjects you never thought you’d master, and staff who brighten your day. It’s the people we have on campus that make it a truly special place. I think what’s most amazing about Suffield students is how multifaceted they are—you learn that even though they’re great at Spanish, they’re also a fantastic artist, or a force to be reckoned with on the track or in the pool. Talents here are in a never-ending supply.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR COLLEGE SEARCH. WHEN DID IT BEGIN? HOW DID YOU PICK YOUR LIST OF SCHOOLS, AND WHERE WILL YOU ATTEND NEXT FALL? Technically, I guess you could say the college search started and ended when I was about six years old, the first time I set foot on Princeton’s campus. Having recently started the Harry Potter novels, I felt as though the buildings before my eyes were actually a part of Hogwarts’ campus, and my journey began.

The college list I worked with (though not since I was six) was predominantly composed of medium-sized liberal arts schools with prominent mechanical engineering programs. I wanted to maintain a broad curriculum, while still focusing on a specific major. I was fortunate enough to be accepted to Princeton during their early action round of admissions but am also considering Dartmouth and Brown, where I was accepted during the regular decision process.

TELL US SOMETHING ABOUT YOU WE DON’T KNOW. If I could do anything, I would either be a lunar astronaut or play first violin in an orchestra. Sadly, I have neither the 20-20 vision for a moon mission nor the talent of playing the violin so well.

Winter 2013 | 13

JAY

PRASAD ’13

TELL US ABOUT THE SCHOOL SEARCH THAT LED TO YOUR CHOOSING SUFFIELD. DID YOU LOOK AT OTHER SCHOOLS? WHY DID YOU SELECT SUFFIELD? WHAT WAS IT ABOUT THE SCHOOL THAT APPEALED TO YOU? Coming from a public school background, my family and I did not really know of many boarding schools.

We hired an educational consultant who thought Suffield would be a great match for me, and Suffield was my top choice in the search. From the amazing facilities to the superior teaching staff, I could tell Suffield had it all. The Leadership Program also led me here. I thought it would really help me.

WHAT CAN YOU RECALL ABOUT YOUR FRESHMAN YEAR AND YOUR ADJUSTMENT TO SUFFIELD? I had a great roommate my freshman year which helped ease the adjustment. Although there were some challenges getting used to boarding school, I remain very close to the friends I made that year. I also recall the teachers and dorm parents being extremely friendly and eager to help with any challenges I had.

FROM YOUR PERSPECTIVE, WHAT MAKES SUFFIELD A SPECIAL PLACE? I think the faculty and staff genuinely care about the students, and this is really what makes the Academy such a special place. Teachers will keep pushing until they have helped their students reach the best of their abilities, and even then they don’t let up. The commitment of the faculty and their living at school make success achievable for every student.

The Leadership Program is also really unique, something not found at other schools. Lastly, the college counseling is great at Suffield. The college admission process is demanding, but Suffield makes it a major priority with time and support.

CAN YOU LET US KNOW ABOUT ANY LOW POINTS OR CHALLENGES DURING YOUR FOUR YEARS HERE? It took me a while to learn how to manage all of my obligations here. Suffield’s rigorous academic program was also a challenge, but I have been able to reach higher levels of success than I would have elsewhere.

WHAT WILL YOU REMEMBER MOST WHEN YOU THINK BACK ON YOUR YEARS AT SUFFIELD? I will always remember the great times with my friends and classmates, and the amazing teachers I have had. The bonds that were created during my freshman year were some of the best I have ever made.

The excessively spirited sports games are also highlights, as well as some crazy feats in the snowstorms.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR COLLEGE SEARCH. WHEN DID IT BEGIN? HOW DID YOU PICK YOUR LIST OF SCHOOLS, AND WHERE WILL YOU ATTEND NEXT FALL? My college search started full force in my junior year.

I tried to narrow down my college list according to both my parents’ and my preferences, which included location, academic rigor, and experiential opportunities. I was really fortunate to be accepted early decision at New York University and am excited to attend in the fall.

DO YOU HAVE ANY FINAL THOUGHTS TO SHARE? Suffield has been an extraordinary experience for my whole family. My brother (Neal ’15) is also a student here. We have been fortunate to be part of such a prestigious school, and I would encourage anyone to enroll here if they have the chance.

IS THERE SOMETHING THAT WE DO NOT KNOW ABOUT YOU? Ever since I was a child I have loved to travel.

I am eager to visit as many countries as I can. Traveling not only gives me insight into other cultures and rituals, but it also allows me to be open-minded and accepting as well.

14 | www.suffieldacademy.org

Winter Final Assessments Regional Studies Projects

&

Three years ago, Suffield decided to incorporate a variety of final projects and assessments at the end of the winter term, in lieu of term exams. The assessments include oral presentations, extensive essays, and multimedia projects. Exams are still held at the conclusion of the fall and spring terms.

Along these lines, in early February the history and language departments hosted their Regional Studies Museum Projects. These are comprehensive research assignments that are exhibited to the Suffield community by students in Latin American Studies, China/East Asian Studies, and European Studies. Viewers cast ballots for those projects they judge to be most creative, most scholarly, and best overall.

The Regional Studies Program began in 2009 through the vision of the history department faculty and financial support of Gustavo ’63 and Patty Cisneros. Required for all eleventh graders, these courses employ a theme-based methodology emphasizing a region’s history, political and economic structures, philosophical and religious traditions, expressions in literature and the arts, and contemporary society. The curriculum emphasizes the complex development of cultural identity.

WINTER

CHAPEL SERIES Suffield Academy’s chapel series continued throughout the the winter term with six remarkable speakers and two outstanding performances that expanded upon the school’s theme of resilience. Camille Laursen ’14 said, “The chapel speakers this winter had a big effect on me.

They make you think and reflect. There have even been times when I’ve gone home and talked about them with my parents.” Another Suffield freshman said, “We learn just how fortunate we are after hearing their stories.”

TY HOWARD www.motivationmagazine.com The Suffield community celebrated the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday with Ty Howard. Ty highlighted facts about Dr. King’s life and delivered an inspiring message by calling on Suffield Academy volunteers to demonstrate what it means to chase after their dreams despite setbacks and distractions. “True greatness is as true greatness does!” he shouted before asking the Suffield students, faculty, and staff to do the same. In addition to being MLK Jr. Day and the second inauguration of President Barack Obama, it was also Ty’s birthday. He chose to spend it speaking at Suffield about being G.R.E.A.T.—Gifted, Resilient, Educated, Action-Driven, and Triumphant.

16 | www.suffieldacademy.org

YVONNE HARVEYWILLIAMS www.speak2inspire.com Yvonne Harvey-Williams speaks to inspire. She moved the Suffield community with her honesty and fearlessness, explaining the suffering she endured as a child and how she became homeless as an eighth grader. “Negativity became so common in my life, I thought it was okay.” At 16, Yvonne gave birth to a son who suffered multiple learning disabilities and almost died after being hit by a truck. But after he healed, she pushed him even harder to succeed and defy the statistics that had been a constant in her family for so long. Why? In one word: education. Yvonne’s message was not only about resilience and compassion, it was about getting through one of the toughest periods in life and recognizing the education Suffield students are receiving is a gift that should be appreciated every day.

“Shine despite what others may think about you,” she said.

Yvonne is a true example of the tenacity we all must carry with us to be successful in life, and her gripping remarks earned her a standing ovation.

MARC ELLIOT www.marcelliot.com For the past 20 years, Marc has struggled with Tourette syndrome (TS). Now, almost tic-free, Marc dedicates himself to spreading the word about the facts vs. myths associated with TS and the importance of tolerance. His motto “live and let live” reminds everyone to be kind and compassionate because we never know what issues others deal with or the pain they may suffer in silence. Marc is a true example of how resilience and perseverance can overcome any adversity and he is a true inspiration to everyone he meets. Marc clearly had a big impact on Suffield students including, Amanda Mancuso ’14.

“Marc was great,” she said. “He talked about finding yourself, knowing who you are, and embracing it.”

Winter 2013 | 17

WINTER

CHAPEL SERIES

INGE AUERBACHER www.ingeauerbacher.com Holocaust survivor Inge Auerbacher was one of the few children to survive the Theresienstadt concentration camp in Czechoslovakia where she was held prisoner from 1942-1945 during World War II. On May 8, 1945, Inge and her parents were miraculously liberated by the Soviet Army. A year later, they emigrated to the United States. Inge’s childhood doll, Marlene, stayed with her throughout her ordeal and is now part of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum. She is the author of three books: I am a Star-Child of the Holocaust, Beyond the Yellow Star to America, and Finding Dr. Schatz. Inge’s visit was supported by an endowed fund for an annual genocide speaker, established in memory of Barbara Cahn, mother of Headmaster Charlie Cahn.

JOSH GUNDERSON www.joshgunderson.com Josh isn’t your average educational speaker; he covers every topic from social media to zombies. His speech “Hooked on Facebook” was a serious presentation about the perils of using social media inappropriately, cleverly masked with humor and pop culture anecdotes. In reference to the bullying epidemic that has spread across some schools nationwide, Josh told the Suffield community, “Think not only of yourselves but of how you’re affecting other people.” His seven tips for tackling online bullies are don’t respond; don’t retaliate; save the evidence; “block” the bully; talk to a trusted adult; be a friend not a bystander; and take time to think.

18 | www.suffieldacademy.org

HAL ELROD

yopalhal.com

BY MAEVE RYAN

Hal Elrod (“Yo Pal Hal”) was at the top of his game. At the age of 20, he had just bought a brand new Ford Mustang and was a successful sales representative. It was a job he loved. On his way home from a sales conference in which he received a standing ovation for his presentation, he was hit head on by a drunk driver and pronounced dead-at-the-scene. “I was sandwiched between two cars on the freeway,” he said in a matter-of-fact tone, “and clinically dead for six minutes.” Hal sustained 13 broken bones and brain damage. When he produces a picture of his mangled car, you realize just how unbelievable it is that anyone could walk away from that kind of twisted metal. Yet, he did.

HAL’S “ABCs of taking life head on”:

p ACCEPT

all THINGS you

can’t

CHANGE

p Be GRATEFUL for EVERYTHING

p CREATE consistent PROGRESS towards the LIFE of your DREAMS

When I spoke to Hal on January 14, 2013, I was surprised to learn that his accident was not the darkest period of his life. It was seven years after the incident that he fell into a depression as a result of the 2008 stock market crash. He was in debt so deep, he couldn’t pay his mortgage.

A friend of Hal’s encouraged him to start waking up early in the morning to exercise. He initially rejected his friend’s recommendation. ‘How could running possibly pull me out of this funk?’ he thought. Reluctantly, Hal put on his headphones and went out for an early morning run. He remembers listening to Jim Rohn on his iPod and hearing him say, “Your level of success will rarely exceed your level of personal development.” Jim’s words made something click in Hal and before too long, the aspiring entrepreneur was waking up earlier and earlier each day to run, read, journal, say affirmations, meditate, and visualize his dream. Hal now does two hours of what he calls “self-care” every morning before work. Hal’s new book, The Miracle Morning: The Not-So-Obvious Secret Guaranteed to Transform Your Life (Before 8AM) was born out of his second wave of misfortune and inspires others to take time for themselves each day.

Hal was given a second chance at life, and his recovery is nothing short of a miracle. As a result, he lives every day to the fullest and encourages others to do the same. Hearing his story, you can’t help but get emotional. Yet he assures his audiences that his life would not be what it is today if not for that pivotal moment that steered him in a new direction. Slater Fuchs ’14 sums up the impact he had on the Suffield community by saying, “Hal presented things in a way that high school kids could relate to. He spoke about resilience and how our community should act and behave in a respectful manner.” To say that Hal is inspirational would be an understatement; he’s a true testament of what it means to pick yourself back up and keep going after your dream.

Winter 2013 | 19

2013 IN 2013 ALUMNI DONORS

=40%

One thousand ninety-two alumni have already donated this year. We need 921 more alumni donors by June 30, 2013 to reach 40% participation.

Alumni, you have helped reach this milestone for the past two years.

LET’S DO IT AGAIN THIS YEAR!

THANKS, ALUMNI

WWW.SUFFIELDACADEMY.ORG/DONATE

CLASS AGENT

ERIC YALE ’03 WHEN ERIC ENROLLED AT SUFFIELD IN THE FALL OF 1999, HE HOPED FOR A SENSE OF COMMUNITY. BY THE TIME HE GRADUATED, HIS EXPERIENCE AT THE ACADEMY HAD PROVIDED HIM WITH ALL THAT AND MORE: A GREAT UNDERSTANDING OF HOW TO BUILD RELATIONSHIPS, COMMUNICATE EFFECTIVELY, AND DEVELOP FRIENDSHIPS THAT WOULD LAST MORE THAN A DECADE. Eric Yale remembers when he moved into New Dorm #1 (now Hornick Dorm) with 19 other freshmen boys in the fall of 1999. Originally from Fairfield, Connecticut, Eric was familiar with independent school life (both of his siblings attended private schools) yet he never could have imagined the kind of impact Suffield would have on his life. When Eric was in the eighth grade, he recognized that he needed more of a challenge socially and academically. He also craved a sense of community that he wasn’t getting in public school. A self-proclaimed “middle-of-the-road” student, he noted, “When I got to Suffield, I loved that there was a mix of every level of student. In general, a community thrives on a variety of different skills, and Suffield does an excellent job blending these skill levels to build a solid sense of community.”

After Suffield, Eric went on to graduate from Babson in 2007 with a degree in finance and strategic management. “College was an easy transition for me,” Eric says, “mainly because Suffield taught me how to communicate effectively.” He is especially grateful for the strong writing and Leadership programs that, he says, were “critical for succeeding in life.” Eric also credits his Suffield education for helping him master the art of building relationships, something that he applies daily in his line of work.

Eric became a class agent in 2005. Each year he donates both his time and money to the school, explaining, “My donation to Suffield is different than my contributions to other schools simply because my experience here was so great.” His advice to current Suffield students is to take risks and get involved in as many extracurricular activities as possible. “Don’t be afraid to reach for what you think you cannot achieve. If you fail, at least you can say you tried.” While a student at Suffield, Eric was a proctor, vice president of his senior class, and a member of the Torch Society.

Now 28, Eric is still very close with a handful of men from that freshman dorm. “The bonds I have with my Suffield classmates are closer than with anyone else,” Eric says. The friendships he formed that fall not only shaped his time at Suffield but have also had an influence on him as an adult. Eric also remains close with many faculty and staff members such as the Cahns, the Riegels, Kathy Nai, and Kim Goodwin.

Eric currently lives in Boston and works as a management consultant at Accenture while pursuing his MBA at Northeastern University. He is looking forward to his upcoming 10th Reunion this fall and reconnecting with faculty and classmates.

Winter 2013 | 21

at suffield by ron schildge

22 | www.suffieldacademy.org

At Suffield Academy, “thinking globally” is more than a slogan. While the school’s annual participation in the Green Cup Challenge during the winter highlights the importance of being a sustainable community, faculty at Suffield educate students throughout the school year about our natural world and our impact on the planet. Physics students learn where our electricity is generated, while history classes discuss where the food that comes into the dining hall is grown. Sustainability, therefore, isn’t just a trend here at Suffield; it is an integral part of student and academic life.

The Principles of Good Practice from the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) encourage institutions like Suffield to “incorporate environmental sustainability into all aspects of their institutions, including curriculum.” The Green School Alliance, of which Suffield is a member, similarly supports weaving environmental issues into students’ coursework.

By examining these current topics, students learn how they can address issues like climate change, species extinction, and non-point source pollution.

Three teachers at Suffield share how they made their syllabi more “green” in order to integrate sustainability into everyday classroom learning: Bill Sullivan, English Bill helped create and set the tone for the way Suffield Academy celebrates Earth Day. Through digital media, he makes the topic of sustainability accessible and relevant to the students. His page (http://placebaselearning.wikispaces.com) outlines the history of Earth Day, as well as an itinerary for the day, available workshops, and other insightful links providing sustainability resources. Bill adds “Rethink” as the fourth R in the familiar phrase, “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.” He urges students to think critically and devise alternate solutions to problems they face. During his class, he employs a project-based learning strategy and capitalizes on teachable moments to enlighten students about alternate ways of thinking.

Dave Eckhardt ’86, European Studies Students in David’s class have been learning about the many effects of the Industrial Revolution (IR).

Students have spent time discussing the reasons for the IR and how it not only changed people’s lives but their physical environment. As part of the culminating activity, students have been asked to design a model factory that conserves resources, limits pollution, and gives back to the community, after analyzing modern factories that employ these practices.

Amy Bauchiero, Environmental Science Honors Amy’s course also endorses the concept of sustainability through discussions about the environment and society; human population growth and its consequences; renewable resources and energy; waste management; and sustainable solutions. A blog set up by students offers insights about the information covered in class through students’ postings, which discuss current topics in environmental science (http://whosavedtheearth.wordpress.com). Regular field trips explore different ways companies are using sustainable technologies, green marketing, and the economics of manufacturing with regards to environmental costs and benefits. Amy also stresses the importance of a global understanding of environmental science so that international students can relate local topics and issues to those they might face in their home nations.

These are just three examples of how Suffield teachers are implementing the core values of sustainability into the curriculum here at Suffield Academy. As the Green Cup Challenge proves, we are becoming a more cohesive community through our efforts to “go green.” We look forward to the future, knowing that our students will carry these values with them into the world.

Winter 2013 | 23

GREEN CUP CHALLENGE

SUFFIELD TOOK PART IN THE 2013 GREEN CUP CHALLENGE, JOINING SCHOOLS ACROSS THE COUNTRY IN THIS ENERGY USAGE AWARENESS AND REDUCTION CAMPAIGN. THE CHALLENGE WAS FIRST HELD IN 2006 BETWEEN THREE NORTHEAST BOARDING SCHOOLS AND HAS SINCE EXPANDED TO INCLUDE OVER 120 SCHOOLS. THE EVENT CALLS ATTENTION TO ENERGY USAGE AND RAN THIS YEAR FROM JANUARY 16 TO FEBRUARY 13.

Highlights of this year’s contest included a 19% reduction of energy use in Nathena Fuller House, a 13% drop in Kotchen Dorm, and a 10% decrease in Hornick Dorm. Use in Centurion Hall went down by 22%.

Suffield’s Green Cup video submission earned second place (out of 30 schools) and can be seen on http://www.greencupchallenge.net/GCEnergy/video.html. Green Cup student leaders were responsible for the weekly reading of electric meters for all of the dorms and the main academic buildings. This data was compared to similar information from the past three years. To include everyone in the challenge, day students were responsible for monitoring usage in the school library, Memorial Building, and Centurion Hall.

Through the Green Cup Challenge, students from the participating schools will help save more than one million kWh and prevent more than 1.5 million pounds of carbon dioxide from being released in the atmosphere in just four weeks.

RON SCHILDGE TAKES ON COORDINATOR OF STUDENT ENVIRONMENTAL INITIATIVES Headmaster Charlie Cahn announced this winter that faculty member Ron Schildge will add to his duties the role of coordinator of student environmental initiatives.

Ron will be responsible for overseeing student programming related to recycling, the Green Cup Challenge, and Earth Day. Ron will continue to help advise Suffield’s student environmental responsibility organization (TREE) along with David Eckhardt ’86. Suffield will maintain existing environmental initiatives being taught in the junior Leadership Program. This spring, these will include the completion of the school’s green house and compost center and a small solar installation at the Courtney Robinson ’88 Outdoor Leadership Center.

Ron’s work will complement the major sustainability infrastructure initiatives at Suffield. Recent steps have brought natural gas to the school’s major academic and administrative buildings, the re-lamping of many campus facilities, and several initiatives in the dining services. Suffield’s Chief Financial Officer Patrick Booth, and Director of the Physical Plant Phil Cyr have been working closely with Shaun Pandit of Early Bird Power to continuously evaluate and implement environmentally responsible and sustainable initiatives throughout campus. This summer will include the installation of an energy efficient infrastructure in the new science building (such as climate control and distribution, and lighting fixtures and controls) and the planned conversion of all of Suffield’s dormitories to natural gas. Initiatives are also in place to continue re-lamping exterior lighting to more efficient LED fixtures.

24 | www.suffieldacademy.org

twenty-five years

With more than five decades of service to Suffield between them, Mary Pratt and Vinnie Bottone certainly understand what makes this place tick.

While they’ve seen the school change over the years, their remarkable dedication to the community has always been consistent, and they credit the warm family atmosphere and welcoming community for making them feel at home. They describe Suffield as a terrific place, and it is people like them who rest at the heart of what makes Suffield special.

Mary Pratt Dining Staff

Tell us about how you got your job at Suffield. When was it, how did you learn of it, and why did you want to work here?

It was 1982. I remember it perfectly.

I was working at Air La Carte at Bradley Airport, making airline meals.

But I could see airline meals were ending, and I had better look for something else. So I started on a search, praying for a good job.

I was driving by Suffield Academy and the spirit moved me to stop and ask if there were any openings. I went in and met a woman at the front desk named Jane. I asked her if there were any available jobs in the kitchen and she said no. I walked away, but something told me to stop.

So I asked her again, “Are you sure there’s no job?” She told me to hold on, and she called over to Sophie Bachurz in the kitchen who said, “Send her over. Someone is retiring in two weeks.” I went over there and waited for about two hours because the kitchen director (Harvey Allen) wasn’t there. I figured I better go out and keep looking. Harvey called me later that day, we talked for about an hour, and soon I was meeting Wasky (Leon Waskiewicz), who hired me.

Tell us a about what you do here— your roles and responsibilities.

I work Monday through Saturday from 6:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Marge and I arrive at 5:30 a.m. because we think of this as giving back, by giving half an hour of our free time every day.

It’s important to us to give back. I am one of the day cooks, making breakfast and lunch, working with students, and helping out where I can. I started as a cook’s helper, but when the cook left they promoted me.

26 | www.suffieldacademy.org

How have you stayed so committed and enthusiastic about your work?

I love the students. They help me feel young. That’s why we are here—for the kids.

How did you learn to make your famous macaroni and cheese?

They gave me a recipe when I arrived at Suffield, but it tasted terrible. I just played around with it for about six months until I got it where I wanted.

So, for the last 30 years I have had the same recipe.

What changes have you noticed at Suffield during your years here?

When I first came, the discipline was very strict—too strict. There is also a lot more action now, and the dining room is so much more complex. We used to just offer an entree, a small salad, and maybe some soup. Now there are all the options, which is terrific. There’s great food here. The school has also gotten bigger and is so much more beautiful than when I came. The new buildings going up—it is incredible what has happened here.

Tell us something about you we may not know. What are your hobbies, and what activities do you enjoy when you are not working?

I love to travel. Marge and I go across country every August for three or four weeks. We stop in five or six places on the way out and back. Last year we went to Savannah, Georgia, and through Texas and Oklahoma.

This country is beautiful—everyone should travel it once or twice.

Is there anything else you would like to mention?

I love my job at Suffield and want to stay here for as long as I can work.

This is a special place.

Vinnie Bottone

Assistant Director of Physical Plant Tell us about how you got your job at Suffield. When was it, how did you learn of it, and why did you want to work here?

It was 1993, and I was doing carpentry work at the time after working in building maintenance for a company that owned Ramada Inns up and down the East Coast. A friend approached me and said there as an opening for a carpenter at Suffield Academy. So I came over and spoke with Ray Knight (the maintenance director) and gave him my résumé.

A few weeks later he called and offered the job. The school seemed like a good place, and I liked the position they offered me.

Tell us a little about what you do here—your roles and responsibilities.

I focus on the day-to-day operations of the Academy, making sure we stick with our schedule of maintenance needs and taking care of physical plant issues as they arise. We focus mostly on the needs of the students and faculty.

How have you stayed so committed and enthusiastic about your work?

This is a really nice place to work.

I like the people, the variety of types of work—carpentry, plumbing, HVAC—and interacting with so many different people. It makes this a challenging, fun job. I also love seeing the students grow. It is remarkable to see them change during their time here. Getting to know some of the students and their families is meaningful to me. Our son loved going to this school and still cares a lot about it.

What changes have you noticed at Suffield during your years here?

There have been huge changes.

When I first came there just was not much money to spend on repair and maintenance work. When Bill Kotchen ’60 took over as Board president, more resources were dedicated to maintenance. This has continued to grow since Charlie Cahn became headmaster.

We have had so many new buildings go up and so much has been invested in our school since I arrived. The campus is bigger, much nicer, and the overall quality has risen considerably. It has made our jobs in maintenance more complex but more enjoyable as well.

Tell us something about you we may not know. What are your hobbies, and what activities do you enjoy when you are not working?

My wife (Peggy DeMaria Bottone) and I like to take day trips in our Thunderbird. I also love woodworking and have a woodshop in our basement.

Is there anything else you would like to mention?

This is a terrific place. It’s nice to be in a family-type of atmosphere that’s not strictly business all the time. I’m proud of the great work our physical plant team does for the school. They work very hard and really care about making a positive impact.

Winter 2013 | 27

Lev Saltonstall ’06

By Phil Riegel ’87

King Ferry Winery, maker of Treleaven wines, is located in the heart of the Finger Lakes region on the East Shore of Cayuga Lake. This boutique winery has been producing award-winning vintages from hand-tended, delicate, vinifera grapes since its first vintage in 1988.

I have known of King Ferry Winery for most of my life, as I grew up a few miles away on the opposite shore of Cayuga Lake.

(Of course, it is only a few miles if you are in a boat; it’s more like 40 miles by car.) I did not have the pleasure of meeting the owner/operators, Peter and Tacie Saltonstall, until the fall of 2002 when they brought their son Leverett (Lev) to Suffield Academy for the start of his freshman year.

school years. I had a connection with these people who really cared about me. My mom used to call them ‘Team Lev,’ and that’s just what they were!” Lev graduated Suffield in 2006 and matriculated at Ithaca College where he went on to earn a BS in business administration and a concentration in business management. Attending Ithaca was like coming home for him; the school is only thirty minutes from the winery.

When I learned Lev was coming to Suffield, I offered to be his advisor. We don’t often have students from that far “upstate,” and I thought we would have a good connection based on that. I was right.

Lev recalls, “I did find Ithaca challenging, but I had an extreme leg-up on my classmates having attended Suffield Academy. So much of what we were doing and talking about I had already been exposed to through the Leadership Program and Andy Lowe’s stock market class.”

When Lev arrived, he was just 4’11”, weighed 70 pounds, and wore a bright neon blue Hawaiian shirt. He looked me in the eye and gave me a firm handshake. I liked him from the start. I would be lying, though, if I didn’t admit I was a little worried about how Lev would acclimate to Suffield in his first few weeks on campus. That same night I went to the opening of school dance, specifically to search out Lev and see how he was doing. I was concerned after several minutes when I couldn’t locate him. Finally, I looked up to see Lev in the center of the dance floor on the shoulders of Greg Schultz ’03, the 6’5” president of the student council having a great time.

It was the beginning of a terrific Suffield experience.

During his junior year, Lev became interested in Grow NYC, a farmers’ market program in New York City, as a way to increase the winery’s sales, which were slipping due to the financial crisis of 2008-2009. Lev remembers, “That summer, I traveled to New York every weekend to sell wine at the various farmers’ markets in the city. When I graduated from Ithaca, I continued this routine for over a year until I grew the business enough to establish a foothold in the city.”

“It’s not as though I didn’t have my ups and downs while at Suffield,” Lev recalls. “What made the experience so good were the people and programs Suffield had in place to help when it was needed. I knew instantly during my admission interview with Mr. Cahn that Suffield was different. He was genuinely interested in who I was and what I had to say.”

Lev moved to New York and for the past several years has been working up to eleven farmers’ markets a week with a storage facility for the wine, two vans, and up to eight employees in the summer months. The largest markets are at Union Square and Grand Army Plaza in Brooklyn, where as many as 50,000 people can pass through in a single day.

Because of Lev’s efforts, the winery has had to increase production by hundreds of cases and will do so again next year.

“Phil Riegel, Kim Wiggin, Andy McKenzie, and Kathy Nai were all instrumental in helping me grow as a person at Suffield. It’s not always easy to be five hours from home during your high

Lev comments, “It was important for us to redefine what ‘local’ means in the context of these markets. New York state wines are local for people in the city. It has been a great experience,

28 | www.suffieldacademy.org

and we have hired a manager to run the city operation full time.” With the success of his foray into the farmers’ markets under his belt, Lev has moved back to King Ferry to take on the role of operations manager at the winery. “I’m really excited to take on this new role,” Lev comments. “I know I will use what I learned at Suffield to help me be successful, and honestly, it was always my dream to help improve the family business and one day take over the running of the winery from my parents. I’m passionate about the Finger Lakes wine region and want to open people’s eyes to the amazing wines we produce.”

As a fellow “laker,” I share Lev’s excitement about this region and the wines made there. Wines have been produced in New York City, home to the first bonded winery in the country, since the 17th century when the Dutch and the Huguenots planted in the Hudson Valley region. New York wines came to be well known and highly regarded due, in large part, to the work of

an immigrant from Ukraine, Dr. Konstantin Frank.

Dr. Frank believed that the terroir (a set of special characteristics of the geography, geology, and climate of a certain place) of the Finger Lakes was ideal for certain varieties of grapes that were not being grown. After over a decade of struggle, Dr. Frank was able to plant Vitis vinifera vines such as Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Gerwurztraminer, and Cabernet Sauvignon.

In 1988, Cayuga Lake received the AVA (American Viticultural Area) appellation—the first of its kind in New York State. New York state wines have gone on to win numerous awards and accolades in the United States and around the world.

Always the salesman, Lev added at the end of our conversation, “Let everyone know if they’re ever in the area, make sure to stop by King Ferry Winery. I’ll give them a special Suffield Academy welcome!”

Grow NYC’s Greenmarket Farmers’ Markets are bustling spaces filled with neighbors, families, office workers, and chefs all shopping side-by-side for the freshest products. Regardless of their size, each market is an anchor to its community, providing not only fresh, locally-grown food but also a gathering place where neighbors can come together, share recipes, watch a cooking demonstration, take a tour with a chef, and learn about local agriculture.

parents’ association

auction

The Suffield Academy Parents’ Association Auction is now online! auction.suffieldacademy.org Peruse the 10 bidding categories—from fantastic trips to sporting events, jewelry, and restaurants. There is something for everyone. Check the website, as new items are added daily. Bid often and watch your item(s) online.

Online bids close Thursday, April 25, 2013 at 12:00 AM Closing online bids become opening bids on auction night.

The 14th annual Parents’ Association Auction will be held April 26, 2013, during Parents’ Weekend.

If you wish to continue bidding on an item after the online auction closes, contact Penn Sullivan psullivan@suffieldacademy.org or 860.386.4465 30 | www.suffieldacademy.org

Love reasons to

winter

By Maeve Ryan

Winter 2013 | 31

G

rowing up, I had mixed feelings about winter. It was a time in my life when my father, an avid skier, was determined to teach me and my sister not only how to ski but how to love winter. It was the early 1980s, and I’ll never forget when after our first ski lesson was over, my father told us we were ready to try “The Face,” a black diamond trail. My sister and I looked at each other. “Don’t worry,” he told us, “you’re short, so if you fall down, it won’t hurt that much.” Eight years later, my father decided to teach me how to drive in the middle of a snowstorm. “Shouldn’t I learn in good weather?” I asked. “Then how will you will know what

to do when you lose control of the car?” he answered. His philosophy was clear...and much like Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer’s when she said, “Do something you are not ready to do so you can learn the most.”

Many dread winter. Getting places takes more effort, things take longer, and driveways need shoveling. As American author and journalist Mignon McLaughlin said, “Spring, summer, and fall fill us with hope; winter alone reminds us of the human condition.” The human condition: the impending storm followed by serenity. A life-altering hurdle followed by resilience.

Chip Cochrane, the men’s alpine coach at Carrabassett Valley Academy, teaches the art of resilience to his skiers. In the December 2012 issue of maine. magazine, Sophie Nelson writes, “[Chip] is teaching students to challenge themselves on the slopes, but also later on in their lives, whether they find themselves on mountaintops, in boardrooms, or at operating tables.” The same can be said of Suffield’s alpine ski coach and winter fanatic, Hillary Rockwell Cahn ’88.

I wanted to know what made Hillary so excited about this time of year.

“What do you love about winter?” I asked her.

“What’s not to love? When it snows, it opens up another world of beauty and gets me outside. The sky looks so vast without leaves on the trees. And when I

Hillary Rockwell Cahn ’88

32 | www.suffieldacademy.org

Just get outside. Don’t let life pass you by. Just grab any of the following: skis, snowshoes, your dog, a sled, running shoes.. and go for it.

Winter’s rewards come in many forms: from howling blizzards to quiet walks in a snow-covered forest. It is a time to test the soul and to appreciate the beauty nature provides. ride a chairlift I have time to reflect.” Hillary went on to explain that winter is a period to experience the full force of nature, as well as a time to turn inward. “Winter’s rewards come in many forms: from howling blizzards to quiet walks in a snow-covered forest, where the tracks of the smallest creatures are revealed. It is a time to test the soul and also appreciate the beauty nature provides.”

For those of us stuck in a winter rut, Hillary advises, “Just get outside. Don’t let life pass you by. Just grab any of the following: skis, snowshoes, your dog, a sled, running shoes...and go for it.”

Enjoying winter and taking advantage of all it has to offer is how Hillary maintains a healthy lifestyle. And the inspiring way she approaches the season is something Hillary passes on to the students at Suffield, conveying the same message that Chip does. As Sophie Nelson explains, “if [students] don’t know it now, they’ll learn later on that getting themselves outside can become increasingly challenging, but that it’s a challenge always worth meeting.” Hillary not only pushes her students to think outside the box, she teaches them how to succeed. The girls’ alpine ski team did just that when they won the New England ski championship this year.

Ask any student at Suffield and he or she might tell you that the “art of resilience” they learn from Suffield faculty members like Hillary equips them with the tools they will need to embrace winter...and life. Hillary teaches students to accept that there are things we cannot change, and the best thing we can do is to go with the flow and enjoy all that this season has to offer.

Winter, like a Suffield education, may come with challenges, but the perspective, support, and view of what lies ahead make it all worth it. Winter allows us the opportunity to learn more about ourselves, to appreciate the wholeness of the world, and to be inspired by nature’s beauty. As Henry David Thoreau wrote in Walden, “The snow lying deep on the earth dotted with young pines, and the very slope of the hill on which my house is placed, seemed to say, Forward!”

Winter 2013 | 33

I love the coziness of being able to stay in a heated room and watch a movie under blankets while it’s freezing, windy, and snowing outside. -Samantha Smith ’14

I love zipping down Bell Hill on my nordic skis and taking laps on the cross-country running course. I love that I get to ski everyday with the ski team. I love the sounds of silence that winter brings when I stop in the middle of the woods on my cross-country skis. I love walking across campus with the wind whipping up Bell Hill (knowing that I will soon be inside the warm confines of Centurion Hall). I love growing a big, burly beard for protection versus the elements. -Dave Eckhardt ’86 (faculty)

Why do YOU love winter?

I love the brightness fresh snow brings to campus. The walk to the ropes course becomes an opportunity to break a trail with snowshoes.

The icy cold wind that flies between Fuller and Memorial brings people together for a moment as we wince, duck our heads, and step into the gale.

-Marla Adelsberger (faculty)

I love winter because the snow is amazing. Everything is cold and crisp, and without their leaves the trees look beautiful against the white snow. I love skiing, tobogganing, skating... I love wearing long boots, winter jackets, mittens, -Callie Platt ’16 and a winter hat.

On March 9, 2013, Tristan Grush ’15 won his age group in the United States Ski Association (USSA) Junior National Big Air Championships and placed second in the overall competition.

The event, hosted in Park City, Utah, featured fifty-two competitors from all across the country.

Three competitors were members of the U.S. Ski team, and Tristan was one of the few competitors who did not attend a ski academy. Tristan’s favorite trick in the big air competition is the “Misty Five,” involving a front flip, a 540-degree spin, and a nose-tail grab—he nailed it.

Tristan’s national reputation as a freestyle skier only helped enhance his natural ability as an alpine racer and as an overall athlete. In addition to skiing, Tristan also plays defensive back on Suffield’s football team. Head Coach Hillary Rockwell Cahn ’88 said, “Tristan made a point of stepping up to help the school and has committed himself to being a key part of our alpine team. He is a modest and fabulous young man, and he is developing into an excellent alpine racer. It will be great having Tristan help lead our program the next two years.”

WINTERSPORTS

NEW ENGLAND CHAMPIONS

ALPINE SKIING Although strange winter weather limited the alpine ski team to just two regular season races, the team was in great form at the end of the season, as the girls’ squad won the first New England championship in the program’s storied history. Beanie O’Shea ’14 set the tone, winning the giant slalom and recovering from a fall to finish fifth in the slalom, and Sofie Skaugen ’14, Stevie Eagan ’14, Maura Eagan ’16, and Maggie O’Shea ’16 joined her atop the team podium. Captain Alton Sioussat ’13 and Tristan Grush ’15 helped the boys to a sixth place finish. One week after the triumphs at the regional level, the Tigers staged a valiant comeback in the slalom portion of the Brigham Ski League championship to finish second overall of eleven teams. Alton and Casper Neo ’13 were the team’s only seniors, so the future looks bright indeed for Suffield skiing.

Winter 2013 | 35

WINTERSPORTS

BOYS’ SWIMMING AND DIVING The boys’ swim team finished second at the New England championship in heart-breaking fashion, dropping the title to Deerfield Academy by a single point.

The squad ended the year 9–1–1, having previously tied Deerfield in a dual meet. Seth Magoon ’13 led the way, anchoring the 200 freestyle relay of Robert Douglas ’14, Jono Nelson ’14, and Kaison Ifill ’15 to a win and the 200 medley relay to second. The senior sprinter also notched two individual runner-up finishes.

Neil Spazzarini ’14 had a pair of silvers as well, in the 200 and 500 free, while Kaison placed highly in the 100 breaststroke and 100 butterfly. Geoff Lowe ’13 finished second in the 100 backstroke, and he and Ralph Koo ’15 each had strong swims in the individual medley. Quinn Egan ’16, Ben Cooper ’14, and Riggs McDermott ’15 also swam well. In addition to Seth and Geoff, the team graduates divers Alex Shabecoff ’13, James Reimer ’13, and Cole Hills ’13 but looks primed to return in a big way next season.

36 | www.suffieldacademy.org

WINTERSPORTS

NEW ENGLAND CHAMPIONS

GIRLS’ SWIMMING AND DIVING The girls’ swim team cruised to their first-ever New England championship, leaving a trail of broken school, pool, and New England records in their wake. The medley relay team of Pure Maleenont ’15, Becca Titterton ’15, Carly Drew ’16, and Anna Strzempko ’13 opened the championship meet with a bang, breaking the all-time New England mark and earning All-America honors. Becca’s day was far from over, as the sophomore also smashed the New England record in the 100 breaststroke. Anna would return to the podium twice more in individual races, finishing second in the 200 freestyle and third in the 500. Pure set school records in both the 100 free and 100 backstyle en route to top-three finishes, while Sage Maggi ’14 earned a pair of individual silvers, including a school record in the 100 butterfly. Hannah Katz ’14, Emily Lowe ’15, Katerina Gazis ’14, and Jillian Haywood ’14 also racked up key points. Ashley Lombardo ’14 helped put the Tigers on solid footing through her school-record performance in the diving portion of the meet. In the end, Suffield earned 385 points to Phillips Exeter’s 355 and Deerfield’s 316, making them New England champs for the very first time. With the Tigers only graduating Anna and diver Erin Ferraro ’13, here’s thinking it might not be the last.

Winter 2013 | 37

WINTERSPORTS

NEW ENGLAND CHAMPIONS

BOYS’ BASKETBALL The boys’ basketball team captured its first New England title in 20 years with a 72–68 victory over Canterbury School. Coach Jeff Depelteau ’02 led a veteran squad to 15 wins in the last 16 games, completing a 20–4 season that saw the Tigers go undefeated against Class B competition. En route to the championship game, the team beat Governor’s Academy and Brooks School and knocked off Choate Rosemary Hall and Loomis Chaffee earlier in the season. Kendall Jackson ’13 won tournament MVP behind a 19 point championship game effort, but the senior point guard had plenty of support, as five Tigers scored in double figures. All season, guards Mack Montague ’13 (16 ppg) and Jack Fay ’13, who led the team in charges taken, provided sharp shooting and tight defense. Colin Pascoe ’13, Christian Wilkins ’15, and Denzell Jackson ’13 were strong inside, and Brice McAllister ’14 and Chad Woodfine ’13 were shutdown defenders off the bench. In addition to Kendall, Mack, Jack, Colin, Denzell, and Chad, Tiger basketball bids goodbye to Chris McCormick ’13 and Eric Chen ’13. With Christian, Brice, Thomas Ianello ’14, Matt Powers ’14, RJ Currey ’14, and Tahj Herring ’15 returning, though, the future looks bright indeed for the Orange and Black.

38 | www.suffieldacademy.org

WINTERSPORTS

STATE CHAMPIONS

RIFLERY The riflery team continued its dominance of the Connecticut State Riflery League, going undefeated (8–0) for the third straight year and winning the team’s fifth straight state crown. Tri-captains Sarah Hong ’13, Victoria Page ’13, and Gina Nasiadka ’13 led the way, but the Tigers demonstrated depth as well as skill, as Casey Lampert ’14, Nicole Matysiak ’14, Adam Brown ’13, Jimmy Quinn ’14, Will Breault ’15, and Ben Mayne ’13 were also key contributors. Victoria, Sarah, Casey, and Gina received All-State recognition for their success. Although the team loses five seniors to graduation, with the JV squad also going undefeated, this program is sure to stay strong.

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL In their first season under head coach Justin Pepoli, the girls’ basketball team had big wins over Millbrook and Williston Northampton and ended the season with a dramatic overtime victory. The Lady Tigers were led by inside-out threat Kenya Stewart ’13, and underclassmen Jasmine Brooks ’14 and Jordyn Gonsor ’15 also played key roles. Although the squad loses Kenya, Hayley Burke ’13, Bea Fregonese ’13, Didi Ezeamama ’13, and Hannah Williams ’13, it returns a young core ready to build on this season’s work and return the Tigers to their annual spot near the top of the New England ranks.

Winter 2013 | 39

WINTERSPORTS

WRESTLING The wrestling team captured its first-ever Western New England title and finished sixth in the New England meet. Along the way, the Tigers posted a 17–6 dual meet mark. Suffield was led by undefeated New England champion Drew Mahoney ’15 at 152, while Trent Bellows ’15 nabbed his own individual New England championship at 145. They, along with Mike Yerardi ’15 and Josh Hillman ’14, earned spots in the National Tournament. Though Max Axelrod ’13, Jay Fields ’13, Miles Portman ’13, and Ben Stein ’13 graduate, the Tigers aim to continue roaring next year.

GIRLS’ SQUASH

BOYS’ SQUASH

Girls’ squash ran to a 14–2 record and a runner-up finish at the New England Class B championships. The year included a six-match stretch where the team outscored opponents 40–2, and a final match victory over previouslyundefeated Miss Porter’s was another highlight. At New Englands, Lexie Bickell ’13, Jessie Bicknell ’15, and Annie Osiecki ’14 all won their draws, with Jessie’s win completing an undefeated individual season. Lexie, Larke Nimocks ’13, and Sarah Berchuck ’13 all graduate, but, especially with Emma Tryon ’16 and Aaliyah Davidson ’15 returning, the team looks primed for another big year.

The boys’ squash team had its most successful season since 2006-07, finishing with a 10–7 record and a sixth place ranking at the New England Class B championship. A strong mix of experience and youth carried the Tigers, as Sam Auch ’13, Jamie Johnson ’13, Nick Hudson ’13, Will Goodwin ’13, and Jordan Glassman ’13 held down the top of the ladder, while newcomers Jeremy Carrasquillo ’16, Andy Bicknell ’16, and Andy Colby ’15 were dominant at lower spots. With five seniors graduating, the young players will be asked to step up their game as the team looks to build on this year’s success.

40 | www.suffieldacademy.org

Number of tickets ________________ @ $100 each = $

Name _____________________________________________________________________ Phone (state regulations require one name only)

ld

Address

City ___________________________________________________________________ State ____________ Zip

P Check is enclosed (payable to Suffield Academy) P Charge my P VISA P MC P AMEX P DISCOVER

Card # _____________________________________________________________________________ Expiration Date Name on card (print) Billing Address

so

Signature

PLEASE MAIL TICKET REQUEST TO: Auction Committee Suffield Academy 185 North Main Street Suffield, CT 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 26, 2013, at 9:00 PM at Suffield Academy • Winner need not be present • Tickets are limited to 800 and will be sold on a first come, first served basis • All ticket monies received after the 800 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

suffield academy /

ou t

parents’ association auction

ENTER TO WIN 2013 AUDI Q5

performing arts guitar show The Guitar Show featured a variety of songs and performances by Suffield students, under the direction of guitar instructor Jeff Grigio. Performers were Premal Faldu ’13, Brittney D’Oleo ’14, Julie Doten ’14, Clare Guerreiro ’14, Amanda Mancuso ’14, Griffin Manos ’14, Briana Matthews ’14, Roger Siver ’14, Lily Zhou ’14, Nathan Rosenkranz ’15, Renee Santos ’15, Kevin Doten ’16, and Katie Madrak ’16.

This is a popular event for students and parents, and the 2013 spring show is scheduled for May 4.

Left to right, top to bottom Briana Matthews ’14, Roger Siver ’14, Nathan Rosenkrantz ’15, Griffin Manos ’14, Clare Guerreiro ’14.

dance show On February 21 and 22, Suffield’s dance team performed their annual Dance Show in the Janice Seaverns Performing Arts Center. This year’s performance was titled It’s Always Darkest Before the Dawn and was tied to the 2013 school theme of resilience. The dancers were Amanda Baildon ’15, Ana Carafotes ’15, Julie Doten ’14, Ashley Gambrel ’15, Amanda Hendrickson ’15, Katie Kuzmeski ’16, Pear Poolvaraluk ’15, Caroline Skofterud-Nilsen ’14, Olivia Stanley ’16, Jenny Teich ’15, Molly Tettemer ’15, Caroline Bauchiero ’15, and Melissa Malley ’16. Featuring upbeat performances and showcasing both student and faculty choreography, the show included dancers and students in this winter’s Advanced Acting Vocal Techniques class. It was a memorable, successful event.

Left to right, top to bottom Caroline Skofterud-Nilsen ’14, Katie Kuzmeski ’14, Amanda Hendrickson ’15, Amanda Baildon ’14, dance team members, Melissa Malley ’16.

42 | www.suffieldacademy.org

THE WINTER TERM SAW SIGNIFICANT ACTIVITY IN THE PERFORMING ARTS. HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDED THE WINTER MUSICAL, THE ANNUAL DANCE SHOWS, THE WINTER GUITAR SHOW, OFF-CAMPUS CONCERTS BY SUFFIELD’S JAZZ BANDS AND CHAMBER ENSEMBLES, AND FREQUENT USE OF THE HIGH-TECH RECORDING SPACE IN THE WILLIAMS PERFORMING ARTS STUDIO. THE SPRING TERM CALENDAR INCLUDES THREE PERFORMANCES OF AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY ON APRIL, 18, 19, AND 20. THIS IS A CONTEMPORARY DARK COMEDY EXAMINING AN AMERICAN FAMILY IN TURMOIL. THE MONTH OF MAY WILL BRING CONCERTS BY ALL CAMPUS MUSICAL GROUPS.

musical Forty-seven students took part in the winter musical How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying as members of the cast or stage crew. The performance received rave reviews from students, faculty, and parents.

ABBY WANG ’14 THIS YEAR’S PERFORMING ARTS CENTER ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER Science teacher and Performing Arts Center Technical Director Paul Caginalp expressed his appreciation for Abby’s skills and work ethic. “[She] designed all the lights for the winter Guitar Show… she had to learn a lot of technical aspects, as well as how to incorporate geometry, color theory, and key lighting. Abby worked in a theater in West Springfield, Massachusetts, last summer, as well as into the fall term. She is really pushing herself in theater.”

During the fall of 2012, Abby had an internship at the Majestic Theater in West Springfield.

The experience not only helped her delve into a “deeper level of theater,” it also taught her how actors work together. She worked on five shows a week for a total of 60 shows.

As Suffield’s assistant stage manager, Abby’s role requires precision and creativity. For example, to map out the stage design for the Guitar Show, Abby first sketched it out and then decided on colors (with the help of Paul’s wife and the PAC Visual Designer, Erica Caginalp) before installing the lighting. Next year, Abby will replace Victoria Page ’13 as stage manager. Over the summer she has plans to work with the Children’s Theater in West Springfield.

When asked what she likes about working in the theater, Abby says it’s really all about seeing it come together. While her favorite subject is English, Abby plans to incorporate set design into her future. “It’s a great escape,” she says.

“It’s nice having something to control.” Her dream job is to be a behind-the-scenes staff member on a Broadway show like Wicked.

Left to right, top to bottom Caroline Vianney ’14, Logan Barer ’13, Jay O’Brien ’13, Harrison Moore ’14, Alexis Sarris ’14, the cast and crew of How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying.

Winter 2013 | 43

Marion Pattillo ’87

by Thomas Foote

Marion Pattillo ’87, modest about her achievements at and after Suffield, had to be coaxed into an alumni interview. Once she began talking about her experiences at the Academy, though, it was clear she had a great deal to say.

Growing up in Suffield, Marion came to the Academy following in the footsteps of her older siblings, Chrissie Pattillo Pape ’84 and Jamie Pattillo ’86. Their example “led the way,” and Marion knew she wanted to follow them when she saw how much they enjoyed life on the Hill.

Like Chrissie and Jamie, Marion particularly enjoyed her time in the Suffield pool. “Swimming,” Marion says, “was such a big part of our family’s life.” As for any Suffield swimmer in the last 34 years, Andy Lowe was also an important person in her life.

Marion is grateful to the legendary coach and teacher for pushing her in the pool, where she broke several school records, earned All-American honors, and qualified and competed in the Junior Olympics.

Working with Andy was far from the only rewarding experience Marion had with the Suffield faculty. She happily described how, thanks to his “unconventional methods,” Abe Samii’s class was the first time she found real success in a math course. Marion also has fond memories of the classes she took with George Pervear, whom she credits with piquing her interest in the sciences.

What stands out most clearly to Marion is the encouraging nature of all Suffield faculty members, be it in the classroom, the pool, or the lacrosse field. “It was always nice to have those interactions,” she said, grateful to all those who constantly encouraged

44 | www.suffieldacademy.org

her to excel and improve. “You don’t realize the impact it has at a young age, but later in life, you see it,” Marion relates. “Trying to be a role model yourself, as an adult, as I try to when teaching interns, you realize that it does, in fact, make a difference. That it does help mold you, and that those relationships, however small they may have been, did lay a great foundation.”

She wants to remind young people, though, that even after all this support, they still may not be ready for the real world right away.

After Suffield, Marion headed to the University of Rhode Island, she then spent her junior year abroad in Florence, Italy, which she describes as the “highlight of her college experience.” Marion still wasn’t quite sure what she wanted to do after graduating from college. While a year as a ski instructor was “a great experience,” it failed to help her clarify what she would pursue as a serious career. So, acting on guidance from her father James, Marion went to the library and drew up a list of 100 possible careers.

She gradually narrowed that list down, eventually honing in on what she now recognized to her dream job: veterinarian.

The discipline she learned balancing academics and athletics at Suffield, she said, made it possible to achieve high grades while working at a nearby animal hospital.

A political science major in college, Marion enrolled at a postbaccalaureate program at the University of Florida to fulfill her science prerequisites. “The discipline she learned balancing academics and athletics at Suffield,” she said, “made it possible to achieve high grades while working at the university veterinary hospital.” She then went to veterinary school in England and worked briefly as a veterinarian in Cheshire, England, before her family drew her home. After an intense year interning in small animal medicine and surgery at Fifth Avenue Veterinary Specialists in New York City, Marion now moves between four specialty hospitals as an emergency doctor. Though there’s a lot of traveling, she loves it, saying she “never has an unfulfilling day.”

Marion’s journey after college was obviously a winding one, but she credits her Suffield teachers with instilling a feeling of confidence that carried her through unknown territories.

“As a young person,” she said, “you’re not always sure who you are. Veterinary medicine is such a competitive field, and there are naysayers everywhere. However, my teachers at Suffield really believed in me, and encouragement like that carries with you throughout life. My parents instilled good values, morals, hard work, responsibility and accountability, however Suffield was there for the constant reinforcement.”

Suffield is now educating the next generation of Pattillos, as Marion’s nieces Annabelle and Caroline Pape ’16 (daughters of Chrissie and the late Andrew ’84) are members of the freshman class. Marion says, “I hope Annabelle and Caroline receive all the benefits Suffield has to offer. This includes—but by no means is complete—encouragement, confidence, leadership, discipline, and, of course, long lasting friendships.”

Winter 2013 | 45

one on one

with faculty members Sean Atkins, Bryan Brissette, and Beth Krasemann

Sean Atkins

Associate Director of Admissions B.A. Bates College Boys’ Varsity Basketball Coach

What influenced you to work at a private school, and why Suffield Academy, in particular?

I chose to work at Suffield Academy because of the genuine warmth I felt when my family visited campus. I was lucky enough to have some options during my search. My wife wanted to find a great place to raise our children and a school where we could make a positive impact on young people. Moreover, I preferred to be at a school where there was a clear vision by the headmaster and the administration. I found all of the above and more at Suffield Academy.

From your perspective, what makes the Suffield Academy education and experience special?

The Suffield Academy experience is special because of the people who work here. There is rich tradition of academic excellence and such positive energy on campus. The faculty and staff care deeply for the students they teach, and our faculty do a good job fostering the development our students. Also, we have an eclectic group of kids who come from different cultures and backgrounds. Some of our students will take all honors and AP courses and others may only take those courses in the subjects they truly enjoy. We also have tremendous artists, musicians, athletes, and actors.

How did your previous educational background or work experience lead you to Suffield?

Prior to working at Suffield, I served as an independent school placement director at The Boys’ Club of New York. During my tenure, I placed over 300 young men in numerous boarding schools across the country. Moreover, I have visited the vast majority of boarding schools in the United Sates. I also attended the Darlington School in Rome, Georgia. Needless to say, boarding schools have been a huge part of my life.

Tell us something we don’t know about you. What are some of your hobbies, and what do you like to do outside of the classroom?

Outside of Suffield, I enjoy spending time with my two awesome children Sean Jr., Gavin, and my wife. I also love to travel and have a deep affinity for the North Carolina Tar Heel basketball program.

Bryan Brissette

History Department B.A. Harvard University M.S. Northeastern University M.A. Trinity College Head Baseball Coach Football Coach

What influenced you to work at a private school, and why Suffield Academy, in particular?

When I was looking to make a career change 13 years ago, I remembered my experience in prep school and I thought I wanted to explore teaching and coaching. I was living in Boston and attended a school teaching fair at the Copley Plaza Hotel. Before the event started, the computer system failed, and the candidates were literally sitting around in the hallway as the representatives of the prep schools were in the ballroom. I decided there was an opportunity to get some one-on-one time with schools, so I forced my way through security (just kidding) and walked in the ballroom. I ended up meeting several school representatives, including Laura Danforth who was the Suffield dean of faculty at the time.

We had a great conversation, and although she didn’t have a history position she said she’d keep me in mind if anything became available. A few weeks later, she called and invited me to interview on campus. I had a great visit and left that day with a positive feel for the entire Suffield community. After being offered a position at Suffield and a rival school (which will go unnamed), I decided on Suffield and haven’t regretted my choice to this day.

From your perspective, what makes the Suffield Academy education and experience special?

The Suffield education goes beyond our academic buildings. While our faculty excels in the classroom, you can see great teaching all over our campus on a daily basis. Whether on the playing fields, in the dorms, or during a chance meeting between classes, you can observe adults who care about all aspects of our students’ lives. Once a student walks onto the Suffield campus, he or she is surrounded by people who truly care about them.

How did your previous educational background or work experience lead you to Suffield? Tell us about your unique history, as well as the life experiences that you bring to the classroom.

Having attended prep school for a year, I remembered interacting with faculty members who were passionate about what they did every day. Prior to coming to Suffield, I worked a variety of jobs that taught valuable skills and life lessons that I believe make me a better person, teacher, and coach today. While it’s important to figure out what you want to do in life, I also think that it can be beneficial to have experiences that teach you what you don’t want to do. For a while after college, I felt like I was doing a great job of finding out what I didn’t want to do but was having trouble with the what I want to do part. I thought I had finally found the job that I would be passionate about when I was hired by the United States Secret Service. However, it didn’t take long for me to realize that it just wasn’t for me, and I decided to give teaching and coaching a try. Although it was a challenging experience, I wouldn’t change a thing regarding the winding path I took to teaching and Suffield Academy.

What is your history at Suffield? What courses have you taught, and how would you describe your teaching style/philosophy?

I’ve been a member of the history department since I started at Suffield. I’ve had the opportunity to teach a variety of courses, including Western Civilization and United States History. Perhaps the most fulfilling aspect of teaching at a private school is that I’ve been able to create elective courses that reflect my personal historical interests and prior life experiences. In terms of my teaching philosophy, I think it’s essential to communicate clear expectations that each student understands. These expectations are not only for the students but for me, as well. How can I expect the young men and women in my classes to put forth their best efforts if I’m not doing the same? I also try to create a classroom environment that allows the students to look forward to coming to class each day. Whether or not history is their favorite subject, I want them to enjoy their experience with me as a teacher. I’d like to think my students would say they learned about history and life in my courses, while laughing a little along the way. I have a passion for what I do, and I hope my students see that every day.

Tell us something we don’t know about you. What are some of your hobbies, and what do you like to do outside of the classroom?

I’m going to regret I said this, but I actually watch a fair amount of reality TV when I’m not in the classroom. Who doesn’t get a rush out of watching Jon Taffer crush the spirit of a down-on-his-luck bar owner on Bar Rescue or Patti Stanger totally belittling a rich playboy on Millionaire Matchmaker? And don’t get me started on the thrills and chills of Housewives (no geographic preference from me) or the dysfunctional Kardashian family fun on Kourtney and Kim Take Miami? I also like spending time with my furry companion Bishop who, of course, was affectionately named for Tupac’s character in the hit movie Juice.

48 | www.suffieldacademy.org

Beth Krasemann

History Department B.A. Williams College M.A.T. Brown University Head Girls’ Cross Country Coach

What influenced you to work at a private school, and why Suffield Academy, in particular?

I attended a private school starting in tenth grade after falling behind socially in public school. My experience in an independent school transformed my learning and character. The relationships I developed with my teachers influenced my decision to become a teacher. After college, I taught at Taft for two years and then Ethel Walkers. After getting married, my husband (physics teacher Volker) and I were looking at a small, nurturing, personal school where we both could teach. We both agreed Suffield was a place where we could expand and grow as teachers and enjoy the Suffield community.

From your perspective, what makes the Suffield Academy education and experience special?

This is a place that pays attention to students in all areas of their lives. We market that we are nurturing and structured and that is certainly very true. We have our eyes on all of the students and are interested in all areas of intellectual and personal growth.

Tell us about your unique history, as well as the life experiences that you bring to the classroom.

I believe that you have to show a passion for your subject and for learning or else the students will not buy in. I had fantastic, energetic teachers in high school that demonstrated a passion for learning. I tell my students they cannot be ‘intellectual marshmallows’; they have to take stands and defend them. History is a messy subject—it’s not about memorizing names and dates. Students need to construct their own ideas based on the facts and stand by what they believe.

What is your history at Suffield? What courses have you taught, and how would you describe your teaching style/philosophy?

I have taught a range of courses in the history department. I have taught European and Latin American Studies in the Area Studies Program. I taught U.S. since 1945, United States History, and World History to ninth graders. Right now I am teaching an inquiry-based world history class to ninth graders that explores the West’s relationship with parts of the world from 1500-1900.

I pose questions to students and we examine multiple answers during class discussions and students have to craft their own answers. I tell them no answer is right or wrong but how they chose to defend their answer is what sets them apart as scholars and thinkers.

Tell us something we don’t know about you. What are some of your hobbies, and what do you like to do outside of the classroom?

I love to run and read, my two passions. I coach girls’ cross-country, and I run with them in practice and I run on my own. I schedule my day around my dose of exercise. I need to move to stay balanced, focused, less stressed, and fit. We don’t have a TV in our house so I am always reading multiple books. The key is to never stop pushing yourself physically or intellectually.

Winter 2013 | 49

The following article was published in the March/April 2013 edition of Private Wealth magazine and SUFFIELD received permission to reprint.

SERVING BILLIONAIRES IN WAITING MARCH 7, 2013 • RUSS ALAN PRINCE

JARED DUBEY ’00 IS ONE OF A SELECT FEW ADVISORS TO BE PART OF THE UBS GLOBAL FAMILY OFFICE, WHICH IS A JOINT VENTURE BETWEEN UBS INVESTMENT BANK AND UBS WEALTH MANAGEMENT THAT FOCUSES ON EXTREMELY WEALTHY CLIENTS. THIS IS A DEMOGRAPHIC THAT, FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF A FINANCIAL ADVISOR, HAS THE CHARACTERISTICS OF GLOBAL INSTITUTIONS. THE SUPER-RICH ARE ESSENTIALLY BECOMING TRANSNATIONAL CITIZENS, WHICH MEANS ADVISORS SUCH AS DUBEY ARE STRIVING TO SEAMLESSLY DELIVER FAMILY OFFICE SERVICES TO THEM ALL OVER THE WORLD. PRINCE Tell us a little bit about the people you work with.

DUBEY Most of the people I’m dealing with are the heirs of extraordinarily wealthy families, many going back generations.

Some of them have significant assets in their own name, while others are intimately involved with their family’s wealth. While my clients are families, they act as institutional investors. They all have at least $100 million in assets, qualifying them as major U.S. institutional investors, but most are billionaires. The $100 million minimum threshold is necessary because of SEC Rule 15a-6, the unregistered foreign broker-dealer exemption.

From a regulatory standpoint, my clients have to qualify as major U.S. institutional investors in order for us to have unregistered foreign financial intermediaries interact with them.

PRINCE Why is that important?

50 | www.suffieldacademy.org

DUBEY The people we’re talking about are best described as transnational. They think and act globally, often have multiple residences or family members in different jurisdictions and, more importantly for our purposes, their investing crosses borders. It’s my role to help ensure, on a comprehensive basis, that my clients are fully aware of and appropriately compensated for the risks they assume. And with this clientele, it’s essential to address all the fiduciary, financial and legal considerations irrespective of locality, as well as have the flexibility to think creatively about solutions. This requires sophisticated local expertise that goes well beyond the scope of the traditional, U.S.-centric wealth management; we need the optionality to work with foreign entities and experts to develop the most appropriate solutions for global investing.

And we have to do it in a way that ensures continuity of service and interests across jurisdictions and generations.

PRINCE When it comes to investing, what are your clients doing?

DUBEY We’re able to help them understand and address all asset classes within their overall asset allocation framework.

This is very important to them, as they usually invest in non-traditional assets, have varying liquidity and cash-flow requirements and, often, hold anchor assets such as multinational private businesses or conglomerates. Ultimately, this subjects their asset bases to disproportionate currency, market and geopolitical risks. We help them strike an appropriate balance between risk and reward across various asset classes and jurisdictions while staying independent from the traditional short-termisms of the investing landscape.

Along with capital preservation, an increasingly important focus for a lot of the inheritors and their families is aligning their personal investment philosophies and value sets with their investment decisions, or what we call values-based investing. Values-based investing can range from portfolio screening for socially responsible investing, which looks to exclude investments that pose significant sustainability or other environmental, social and corporate governance risks, to investing in for-profit social enterprises that may have developed strong strategies to deal with environmental and social challenges. Many of our clients want their portfolios to complement their values, and it’s now possible to do so without compromising return.

PRINCE These wealthy inheritors apparently are interested in “doing good.”

DUBEY The inheritors I work with are committed to doing good. That’s not to say a lot of them are not astute businesspeople, but they’re very much focused on using their wealth in transformative, scalable ways to better society.

This focus is growing with both our clients and within the greater investment community. As an example, it was a topic discussed often when I was at the World Economic Forum in January, and the most sophisticated wealth-holders and influencers are taking their role as global stewards seriously and realizing sustainability is a key driver of innovation.

And in working with them, it’s really interesting to see how innovative uses of capital can generate both social and financial returns. So, yes, doing good has definitely become a driving motivator for the families I work with.

PRINCE How do you fit in?

DUBEY I specialize in helping develop and deliver philanthropic and impact investment solutions to these families. We usually start with a comprehensive assessment

of the financial situation and their philanthropic or impact goals. Very often, I’m involved with helping the inheritors define or refine their philanthropic agenda with a focus on sustainability and maximizing impact. Then my team and I deliver an array of advisory services. This covers everything from structuring the assets that are being used to support social causes to the way the monies are managed. It also includes, for example, how to leverage up the gift-giving ability of a foundation. There are a lot of very sophisticated ways to enable wealthy families to maximize the impact of their giving, and we work very closely with them to make this happen.

Another role I play is philanthropic matchmaker. While all of the families I work with are extremely confidential, this has proven to be central for a number of wealthy families actively seeking this connectivity. I’m basically introducing philanthropically like-minded individuals to each other on a global scale. However, it’s a whole lot more involved than just making an introduction. It takes an awful lot of time and effort to make sure there really is an alignment of not only their philanthropic agendas, but that they’re likely to get along and work cooperatively. By putting in all this energy, when I connect families they’re able to get better results than they could on their own.

PRINCE What do you see as the future for your business of working with ultra-wealthy inheritors?

DUBEY Overall, the amount of wealth being created at the high end is growing exponentially. There’s a widening gap between the wealthy and the ultra-wealthy. These inheritors and their families are looking for answers and an ability to make things happen, which is what we provide. This is all good for my business.

More importantly, I have the same outlook as many of the wealthy inheritors I talk with. Their heavy focus on philanthropy and impact investing is something I’m personally and professionally also focused on. Their interest in learning how to better deal with financial issues matches up with the way I prefer to operate. Helping them learn about their options—both from a philanthropic and financial perspective—is a positive for them and my team.

PRINCE Lastly, what’s the biggest negative working with ultra-wealthy inheritors?

DUBEY I’d say the travel, but I enjoy that part, too.

PRINCE Thank you, Jared, for your time and insights.

Winter 2013 | 51

Legacy Profile | The O’Briens

The O’Briens carry forward a long family relationship with Suffield. Sue’s father Stephen Dellaquila, is a member of the Class of 1956 and a former Suffield trustee.

Sue’s sister, Stephanie Dellaquila Greco, is an alum (Class of 1988) and former Director of Marketing & Communications. Now Jay carries on the family tradition at Suffield as a member of this year’s senior class.

Why Suffield?

Sue I always knew I would end up at Suffield. It was such a tremendous experience for my father. He spoke so fondly of his Suffield memories, and it was a place that I had always wanted to be. I grew up visiting the campus and spending time with Don Mackey and Ap Seaverns.

Jay I came from a highly competitive private school that afforded me the opportunity to apply to and have several schools from which to choose. I wanted to make my own path. I didn’t want to live in the shadow of my family members who had attended Suffield. So initially, I was leaning toward a place where I could be anonymous. But when I came to Suffield, I was struck by how friendly everyone was and how many opportunities there were to try new things. When I came back for Revisit Day, I was sold.

The people were so genuine and the school had a feeling and atmosphere that I did not experience at other schools.

52 | www.suffieldacademy.org

What is the best part of the Suffield Academy experience?

Sue To me, the Suffield Academy experience means that you are a part of a community. At Suffield you are surrounded by people who care about you and about your future, which gives you the ability to develop a sense of self and a sense of purpose and involvement. It is something that Suffield gives every student by making sit-down lunch a part of daily life, attending weekly chapel, and re-enforcing the importance of service to the greater community.

Jay The best part of my Suffield experience was when I was lead in the school play. I had the amazing opportunity to work with Mr. Dugan, Mrs. Wiggin, Mrs. James, and all of the other dedicated faculty members in the performing arts department to enhance my voice and acting skills. They cared about every aspect of my performance and the show in its entirety. We had so much fun.

What was your most memorable experience at Suffield?

Sue The most memorable experience I had at Suffield was planning the Junior Senior Prom in 1984.

We had so much fun bringing the class together. We had this vibrant spirit. Suffield was small enough and everyone knew each other, so it was easy to make it special.

Jay I love being a proctor. I’ve learned so much about myself and about how to help others.

Who has been the most influential faculty member?

Sue All of the faculty members at Suffield had an influence on me. It felt as if everyone cared. They created a love of learning and thirst for knowledge that has helped me to excel in my life. Barry Cleary was my advisor, and he made a tremendous difference in my life. He helped me with my choice of college, and he guided me through difficult times; I still draw on what I learned in his classes. I remain friendly with him, Mrs. Cleary, and their extended family.

Jay I have been fortunate to enjoy great relationships with many faculty members. Mr. Stein was a great advisor. Many early decisions about my life at Suffield were made sitting around with a bunch of friends in his office. However, the greatest influence has been Tom Dugan. His in-depth knowledge of the performing arts has helped me grow as a performer, and his support has given me the confidence to succeed. His dedication and commitment to helping me with everything from dancing to my auditions has truly benefited me in every way. I am close with his family and appreciate all the time and effort (both in and out of the classroom) they have given me.

What is/was your favorite place on campus?

Sue I spent a great deal of time at the Admissions Office at Suffield. As a tour guide leader, I was very involved in getting to know prospective families and helping them to understand the value of the education offered at Suffield. But I certainly spent time at The Dog House.

To me, the Suffield Academy experience means that you are a part of a community.

At Suffield you are surrounded by people who care about you and about your future, which gives you the ability to develop a sense of self and a sense of purpose and involvement.

Jay My favorite place on campus is The PAC. It needs better acoustics and an enhanced atmosphere, but I have learned and grown so much. The casts and staff of the plays become a family, and the PAC is our temporary home.

Did your mother/father share with you any great stories about Suffield Academy?

Jay My mom, my aunt (Stephanie Dellaquila Greco ’88) and my grandfather always tell stories about Suffield, and my grandfather never tires of reminding me of his all New England wrestling championship. He loves talking about the time Ap Seaverns told him to take a ride with him. They went up to Colby, and Mr. Seaverns told my grandfather that was where he was going to school. He also loved talking about his time as a trustee and his work with the strategic plan. My mom always talks about her connection to the teachers: Mr. Cleary, Mr. LaPlante, Mr. Vianney, Mr. Rockwell, Gooch, Glover, Pervear, etc. My aunt also tells me about all she has learned from working at Suffield with Mr. and Mrs. Cahn and how important her Suffield friendships still are to her to this day.

Winter 2013 | 53

ALUMS IN KELLER GLASS ’01 Expanding on an initial Suffield connection Keller Glass ’01 and his band Mobjack continue to be a strong musical presence throughout New England, building a serious body of recorded work backed by energy-filled live shows. The band’s sound is a unique blend of classic, American and alternative-country with a modern flair, honoring the past, yet moving forward with determination and exactitude. Their live sets are reputed to be similar to the band, surprising and one-of-a-kind.

Dan Matchett ’08 and former faculty member David Stillman, as well as fellow band members Rob Ashley, Scott Hiestand, Steve Phillips, and Frank Quinn joined Keller when the band decided they would turn a recording project into a traveling gigging group in 2008. The band continues to release singles on their website monthly. While Matchett and Stillman are no longer officially in the band, Alexandra Tremaine ’02 has also worked with the band as its photographer. Mobjack looks to follow their debut album, Clean Slate, with the release of their second album, Vanish Line. The group officially released side A of the album on December 15, 2012, and looks to release side B this spring. A full-album CD release party will be held on April 20. For more information, please visit their Facebook page or www.mobjackmusic.com.

KRISTIN HOSTETTER ’86 2012 National Outdoor Book Award Recipient Kristin was awarded the 2012 National Outdoor Book Award in the instructional category for her second book, Backpacker Magazine’s Complete Outdoor Gear Maintenance and Repair: Step by Step Techniques to Maximize Performance and Save Money. The National Outdoor Book Award is the outdoor world’s largest and most prestigious book award program.

Kristin’s book covers the repair of a wide variety of outdoor gear: everything from boots to stoves. It also includes a chapter on the magical powers of duct tape. Kristin has been Backpacker magazine’s gear editor since 1994. She has put thousands of camping and hiking products through Backpacker’s rigorous testing program and has traveled all over the world in search of the best testing conditions. tinyurl.com/kristinhostetter86

MEREDITH TOWBIN ’94 Straightjacket After graduating from Suffield in 1994, Meredith Towbin earned her bachelor’s degree from Wellesley College in Wellesley, Massachusetts and went on to be an English teacher and later, an editor in Cincinnati, Ohio. Her passion for being an author, however, was never too far behind, and in February, Meredith’s first book, Straightjacket, was released by Etopia Press.

The young adult novel tells the story of a lonely, misunderstood teenage girl who falls in love with a fellow patient in a psychiatric ward. Reviews give Straightjacket 4.5 out of 5 stars. www.meredithtowbin.com

54 | www.suffieldacademy.org

THE

NEWS LOUIS HEILBRONN ’06 Photo Exhibition at the Galerie Polaris in Paris, France The photography of Louis Heilbronn ’06 was exhibited at the Galerie Polaris in Paris, France from January 12 to February 23. “Meet Me at the Surface” was the first exhibit for the 2010 Bard College graduate. Louis’ work is simplistic and natural, focusing on people, objects, and light to create a subtle juxtaposition to the environment he depicts. His photography channels the work of 15th century Renaissance painters, creating a provocative effect that challenges viewers to yearn for what they cannot see. www.louisheilbronn.com

SUSAN KORTE ’02 Researcher and Co-Author of Cancer Research Studies Susan Korte ’02 is a Research Coordinator in the Department of Medicine with the Solid Tumor Head & Neck Medical Oncology at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Susan and a team of researchers recently had one of their studies, “A Phase I Study of Daily Everolimus Plus Low-Dose Weekly Cisplatin For Patients with Advanced Solid Tumors” published in Cancer Chemotherapy and Pharmacology. More studies are due to be published in the next few months. tinyurl.com/susankorte02

PAT SULLIVAN ’09 The Resilient Tiger For Pat Sullivan ’09, hard work is nothing new, but his dedication would be tested in the 20092010 season when he walked onto the wrestling team at Cornell University. Cornell University coach, Rob Koll said, “I am hesitant to have a lot of walk-ons because they tend to walk off… I tried to discourage him for the first year, but all he did was work harder.”

Wrestling at both 165 and 174, Pat has competed for the Cornell University Big Red at many tournaments but most notably at the Binghamton Open and New York State Intercollegiate Tournaments. During his time on the mats at Suffield, Sullivan was a Connecticut Prep State champion and earned honors on the All-New England in his senior year. Pat was also part of Suffield’s 2008 football team that rallied back to beat Belmont Hill in the New England Prep School Super Bowl.

Along with eight other seniors, Pat was honored on February 10 as The Big Red bid farewell to their Class of 2013. According to Coach Koll, Pat has earned a lot of respect during his career and has been a wonderful addition to the Cornell University wrestling program. tinyurl.com/patricksullivan09

ANTHONY CAFIERO ’00 Chef at Ración Chef Anthony Cafiero ’00 recently opened his modern tapas-style restaurant, Ración, in Portland, Oregon. The 30-seat restaurant is described by Portland’s “Food Dude” as “sexy, but not pretentious, anchored with a show kitchen surrounded by an 18-seat L-shaped chef’s counter...at once both theatrical and intimate.” At the back of the restaurant there is a small lounge complete with leather couches, small tables, and a few hanging plants containing herbs which the chefs can easily grab for cooking or garnishing.

Ración offers five and seven-course tasting menus. Items on the tasting menu include several unique selections including a kohlrabi salad, chickpea gnocci, and pork tenderloin. For drinks, patrons can select either a wine pairing, cocktails (the house Manhattan features apple shrub!), or non-alcoholic options including house-made root beer. Tony hopes his new restaurant delivers a one-of-kind culinary experience. tinyurl.com/anthonycafiero00

Winter 2013 | 55

ON THE ROAD Headmaster Charlie Cahn visited Asia in December 2012. He met with alumni, current and past parents, and many prospective families. Headmaster Cahn also gave several talks about American education and Suffield Academy. His first visit was to Seoul, Korea, where the Korean Parents’ Association hosted a reception at the Coax Intercontinental Hotel. This year’s KPA presidents are Seung Won Han and Soo Mok Kim, parents of Dong Hyun Kim ’13.

The next stop was Bangkok, where Vicha and Paradee Poolvaraluk P’11,’13,’15 hosted a reception and dinner at one of their hotels, the VIE Bangkok. From Bangkok, Headmaster Cahn headed to a lovely dinner in Taipei for many Suffield friends at the Taipei Regent. Andre and Jana Koo P’14 hosted this event. Last was a visit to Shanghai, where several current parents hosted Headmaster Cahn and he spoke extensively about Suffield. “I always enjoy visiting our many friends in Asia,” Headmaster Cahn said. “The parents are so grateful for the dedication of our faculty and the warm, encouraging community we have on campus. I love hearing how well our alums are doing, and it is gratifying to see the huge levels of interest in Suffield from prospective students and families.”

Top row, left to right Headmaster Cahn with Vicha Poolvaraluk P’11, ’13, ’15; Suffield reception in Seoul, Korea; Soo Mok Kim P’13, president of Korean Parents’ Association.

Bottom row, left to right Suffield reception in Bangkok, Thailand; Shari Lin P’13, ’14, Momo Tao P’13, ’16 and Jan Wu P’11.

SAN FRANCISCO RECEPTION Suzy and Bill Vogler P’11 hosted a Suffield reception at their home in San Francisco on January 10, 2013. It was a wonderful event where several alumni, current parents, prospective families, and educators gathered to share their interest in Suffield. Headmaster Charlie Cahn spoke about how Suffield’s success during the past decade is closely tied to the school’s clarity of purpose and steadfast commitment to being an academically challenging, encouraging environment. He also discussed how Suffield blends long-held traditions with appropriate change and evolution. Alumni spoke of the positive impact Suffield has had on their lives, and parents shared stories of how their sons and daughters have benefited from the commitment of the faculty and the school’s philosophy and culture. The evening included a slide-show of Suffield photos, delicious food, and a warm, festive atmosphere. Headmaster Cahn was joined by Director of Development Phil Riegel ’87 and Director of Admissions Terry Breault. The school is very appreciative of the generosity of the Voglers and the sustained commitment of Suzy, who serves on the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees.

Left to right Trustee Suzy and Bill Vogler P’11, Headmaster Cahn with Lucy Morgan ’09, Alex Hendrickson ’12, Nicola Violich ’09, and Brodie Vogler ’11; Suffield reception.

Class Notes 1940

1951

1941

DAVID BAKER Glad we didn’t have the blizzard of last year. We are still doing shows and estate sales. I have been involved with a lot of Rotary fundraising. Thinking of probable relocation to our university town of Lawrence, Kansas.

BETTY REID MCDONALD I recently celebrated my 90th birthday. I have six great grandchildren, and I still do secretarial work for my condo board.

JUNE PARKER I will be 90 in June. I have 17 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. I love where I live–I swim 18 laps a day in our beautiful pool. I ride my bike five miles a day–outside when it’s pretty or in the gym when it is not. My children live everywhere but here. The twins are in Mobile, Alabama; Ginger is in Oklahoma City; Amy is in Glastonbury, Connecticut; and our son is in Stuttgart, Arkansas.

I cannot get anywhere without changing planes. My brother Spencer Montgomery ’32 is 99.

1947

BERNIE SHAPIRO I would love to hear from any of my classmates. I cherish the two years that I spent at Suffield. My wife and I are fortunate to spend five to six months in West Palm Beach, Florida, during the winter months and then back to Columbus, Ohio.

1950

ROBERT MARCUS SR. Still living in Misquamicut, Rhode Island; hit hard by storm Sandy.

Westerly is the town–Watch Hill, Misquamicut, and Weekapaug all come under the township. My son has owned this house for the past 10 years.

I have four sons, nine grandchildren and one great granddaughter who is two years old.

CL ASS AGEN T Sam Marks | samrks@aol.com

SAM MARKS After Suffield came the University of Bridgeport, where I graduated in 1955. I met my wife Audrey in 1952 and we married in 1955. After 57 years together, we have three children and eight grandchildren.

Although I had a stroke in ’01, I still work a bit selling diamond blades to the construction industry in Connecticut. I am in contact with Ralph Cole and Leonard Rosenberg. Lenny was at Suffield for one year: 1943.

The Class of ’51 is now 80 years old. Not bad. All I recall about winter on the Suffield campus is the cold but the Academy really helped me set my future course. We never missed a meal.

ROBERT REYNOLDS Ran across this memo for class updates and thought I’d join the class again, if only for a few moments. After 33 years, I retired from Northeast Utilities in December of 1992. Already prepared for the future days, my wife Betsy and I packed up eagerly to land bag and baggage in North Carolina and served 17 years with JAARS, Inc., the service arm of the Wycliffe Bible Translators. After retiring again in 2010, we moved on to Advent Christian Village in Live Oak, Florida, once the first orphanage in Florida, now a beautiful retirement village with all the amenities that the aged could ask for on these beautiful 1,200 acres adjacent to the Suwannee River. Life is good. I really haven’t changed from the comments in our yearbook, so many years ago... at least in mine.

“Alley Oop” at bnbreyn@windstream.net.

1953

JACK HENRY After living in our 1797 farmhouse in Monson, Massachusetts, we have decided to move to the American Inn at Sawmill Park in Southwick, Massachusetts. We have lived in our home for 49 years, and this was not an easy decision. My wife Sonja has Parkinson’s, and this facility will offer a better environment for her condition. We are looking forward to the move and yet sorry to leave this warm and cozy old house. As the old saying goes, “There is a beginning and ending to everything.”

Winter 2013 | 57

1956

CL ASS AGEN T Bob Houghton | bobhoughton@bellsouth.net JOHN TAYLOR I have just retired after five years working as director of recreation for the town of Barrington, Rhode Island. During these five years, we have accomplished a number of successful projects including upgrading in programming, a new beach building, East Bay Rowing Club, and new playing fields.

1957

CL ASS AGEN T Ralph Jennings | ralphjennings@nyc.rr.com JOHN DUELL Retired from Delta Airlines in December 1998. I still enjoy flying, taking friends to and from places in the Northeast and from eastern Long Island in my Bonanza. The whole family is healthy. Suffield prepared me well, as I was somehow accepted at UVA, but flying won out as my career path.

1959

CL ASS AGEN T Paul Grimmeisen | paul24wor@aol.com RICH GERMAN Went skydiving with Navy Seals in San Diego from 13,000 feet. Active in my medical lawyer’s practice in Carmel’s Palo Alto. My daughter, Lauren German, is a lead actress in the TV series Chicago Fire. I sailed the Bahamas in February!

1961

CL ASS AGEN TS David Isaacson | david@ffr-mass.com Jerry Kargman | gkargman@gmail.com Mike Menzies | mgmenzies43@gmail.com

Ashley Beaudoin Wilkins ’03 and Brad Barker ’61 at Kuleto Estate Winery in Napa Valley, CA

DONALD GRIPPO I have retired from oral and maxillo facial surgery. My novel, To Sleep...

Perchance to Die, a thriller of deception and murder, will be released in June 2013. It is the first of three scheduled novels.

THOMAS WEST Pleased that my books are still in demand and taking me to interesting places. In November, I gave talks in Dubai and London. In February, I will give talks to Pixar Animation Studios and NASA Ames in California.

My books are In the Mind’s Eye and Thinking Like Einstein.

1962

CL ASS AGEN TS Paul Connor | pacnoank@aol.com Andy Spector | andrew.e.spector@morganstanley.com PHIL COLLINS I had a wonderful time at my 50th Reunion. I played nine holes of golf in the morning, had lunch with my classmates, and then went on to watch the sporting events. During the winter term of ’61-’62, I played hockey.

The tennis courts today are where the outdoor hockey rink was located.

All players would take turns in spraying the rink so we would have a good surface to skate on. I cannot thank Suffield enough for shaping me into the individual I am today; and special thanks to Sandy and Ap. They believed in me more than I believed in myself.

BART MARCY ’58 Bart retired in 2005, after 44 years in environmental impact assessment and freshwater/marine fisheries. In the past 20 years, he was a Senior Fellow Scientist at the Westinghouse Savannah River Company, U.S. Department of Energy nuclear weapons facility in Aiken, South Carolina. He managed the Environmental Impact Assessment and the Water Regulatory Compliance Groups, while directing and teaching environmental law courses. Bart was an environmental project manager for ten years, studying the impacts of the Connecticut Yankee Atomic Power Plant in Haddam, Connecticut on the ecology of the lower of the Connecticut River. He was an office manager of over 100 people and Director of Environmental Programs for 20 years with NUS Corporation, an international environmental consulting firm in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Aiken, South Carolina. He was a fisheries research assistant at the University of Connecticut Marine Laboratory and fisheries biologist with the Connecticut State Board of Fish and Game.

Bart has authored seven books and over 50 scientific journals and publications. He was lead author on a ten-year effort to publish Fishes of the Savannah River, which is utilized as a reference by graduate schools and natural resource groups and agencies throughout the southeast. He holds a B.S. degree from Wake Forest University and an M.S. degree in marine ecology/ichthyology from the University of Connecticut. Bart lives with his wife of 48 years, Joan, in Summerville, South Carolina. They lived in Essex, Connecticut for seven years, south of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania for eight years, and in Aiken, South Carolina for the past 30 years. Bart recently moved to Summerville, South Carolina, near Charleston. Their son, Douglas, is a Coastal Geologist working for NOAA on coastal hazards/hurricane assessment programs in Charleston, South Carolina, and is married to Mary Elise Tollison. Bart’s retirement includes lots of time with grandkids, Benjamin (age 9), and Ella Kate (age 7), fishing, boating, birding, guitar playing, eco-travelling, and working with conservation groups.

The philosophical quotations that guide his life are: “Everyone should believe in something…. I believe I’ll go fishing” and “Many men go fishing all of their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after.” (Henry David Thoreau)

58 | www.suffieldacademy.org

DAVID HOLDRIDGE If I recall correctly, the ’62 yearbook shows me on a soapbox making a speech. Well, that part has not changed. Nowadays I’m doing advocacy for public policy reform through the site bridging-the-divide. org. Most of it concerns our foreign policy as our nation moves from “controlling the global narrative to influencing the global narrative.”

I recently had dinner with Ken Kirk, who serves on my board.

DAVID KAPLAN I’m a professor at Loyola University in Chicago, where I direct the Creative Writing program and serve on the faculty council.

ANDY SPECTOR Thank you to all my classmates for their increased donations to the Annual Fund. A great start for the school in this year’s drive.

1963

CL ASS AGEN T Sandy Prouty | charles.prouty@gdit.com NORM KEENEY I am looking forward to Reunion this year! Baring any unforeseen problems, I am planning to be at the 50th and hope to see other classmates, as well. I connected with George Hathaway and others at my 40th, and that was very enjoyable. I hope to see George and others there! I am moving closer to retirement and am not a good golfer so I get a lot of enjoyment out of music. I play guitar and perform with a small group from time to time. Grandchildren keep you young and our first seems to be a big music fan himself. Hope to see some classmates in October. My best to you all!

SANDY PROUTY Classmates, incredibly our 50th will be here in October! It will be a terrific time to get back together to compare life notes. I know there are some great stories out there. This relic definitely plans to be there and I’m looking forward to hearing those stories. We’ll show the 50 classes that followed us the staying power of ’63!

DAVE SCHULZ My wife Noreen and I are planning to return to Suffield for the 50th Reunion next year. I came back with my family for my 40th in 2003, and it was wonderful! Noreen and I are now blessed with a granddaughter, and our grandson is a terrific older brother. I work as a job coach for intellectually disabled people, which is both very demanding and satisfying.

1964

CL ASS AGEN T Tom Webster | twebster45@cox.net JON BOOTH I had dinner with my junior and senior year roommate, Franklin Hardy in September. I recently retired from a 42-year career in study abroad administration, but Franklin is fully engaged in running Tyca, the company he founded many years ago.

EDWARD SMITH As the winter winds whip Bell Hill, I’ve had the unique pleasure of reading Peter Arango’s two books, Memory’s Door and The Christmas Quilt. Peter, aka Pedro, has a wonderful wordsmith’s ability, combining smooth, warm phraseology with an intriguing, sometimes spellbinding story. Suffield readers will also relate to the names and places that Peter uses, like Balch Hardware in The Christmas Quilt. I’d encourage any alum around our vintage to read both books.

1965

CL ASS AGEN TS Tim Hemingway | ttheming@comcast.net Bill Kelly | william.kelly@himco.com JOSEPH A. FIELD I just moved back to the U.S. from Hong Kong and hope to get to Suffield this spring. My son Charlie graduates from Yale this May. JAMES LO DOLCE Donna and I had our 10th wedding anniversary last year and are going strong. Between us, we have four grandchildren and two on the way.

I continue to enjoy working full-time as a family physician in Syracuse.

Looking forward to sailing again in a few months. I enjoy hearing about my classmates and am looking forward to our 50th. Hope to have a big turnout from our class. The Reunions are always wonderful. Nobody should miss them!

1966

CL ASS AGEN TS Charlie Claggett | ceclaggett@gmail.com Bruce Fletcher | bfletcherdmd@gmail.com Chris Frost | frostchris@verizon.net MARSHALL COLLINS I continue to have my own lobbying firm here in Connecticut, representing a range of organizations at the Capitol in Hartford. My wife and I have lived in Salem, Connecticut, for more than 34 years.

I continue to run and bike, having run the Marine Corps Marathon recently with my son who is a Marine veteran. Even better, my grandson is 14 and running cross-country in high school, but I can no longer keep up with him. I am near completion in my quest to run in all 50 states.

Only seven to go; hopefully three more in 2013. I stay in touch with Kent Carlson and occasionally see Bruce Fletcher at running events.

I remember winter term at Suffield sliding down Bell Hill on trays from the kitchen. My favorite memory was when Bruce Cohen jumped out of the second floor dorm window into a snowdrift and missed the drift.

He ended up in a body cast.

1967

CL ASS AGEN T Chris Harlambakis | chris.harlambakis@aerojet.com SCOTT SCHROEDER I have found the way to true happiness! A few fast motorcycles and a girlfriend about 25 years younger who has the looks of a 30 or 20-something, with a wonderful laugh, who loves riding really fast on the motos. In fact, I was thinking of asking to give the keynote address at graduation to impart my wisdom to the graduates on how to find true happiness in life: move to California, get a motorcycle, find someone cute and fun. The two of you can get a little apartment over a Starbucks near the beach, eat pizza and Chinese take-out, and live life.

1968

CLASS AGENTS Brian Hersey | herseyr@att.net Bob Morris | romorris1@msn.com TYLER BUMSTED Hello, fellow classmates. I come to you from sunny Fort Myers, Florida, where we are getting ready for spring baseball with the Red Sox and the Twins. I have resided here for 30 years. My wife Holly and I have two Gator daughters who graduated recently and a senior in high school who is pondering her options. I have been an administrator in Winter 2013 | 59

the school system here, and I am now the IB coordinator for one of the local high schools. Retirement is just around the corner. I have been in touch with Brian Hersey and some of the other illustrious members of the Class of ’68 during my stint as one of the class agents. I am not sure about the 45th Reunion but I will definitely be present for the 50th! My memories of winter in Suffield center around the hockey rink and “hosing it down” in the middle of the night. Freezing our rear ends off and drinking hot cocoa with frozen gloves. Ah, the good old days!

Anyone tired of the snow and/or cold weather is welcome to come visit!

PAUL WILSON Hi all! It’s our 45th Reunion this year. Seems like we were just together getting up at midnight or 5:00 a.m. to spray the rink so we could practice. I’ve retired from teaching but I am still producing prints and paintings and finishing two documentary short films: one about a Philly Painter and another about Native American high school students. I am still hiking and traveling. Got my right hand fixed (arthritis) so I can ride a dirt bike again. If you’re going to be back at Suffield in October or if you’re coming through Philadelphia, please email me at pswilso@me.com. We can do dinner. Be well.

1970

CLASS AGENTS Kit Warner | cwarner@convergex.com Chris Weeden | chrisweeden@yahoo.com JOHN BISHOP I have been married for 39 years to my wonderful wife Gloria. My three children are all very successful and have provided us with three beautiful grandchildren with two more on the way. I have spent 40 years in public service with law enforcement, child protection, and the safety and security field within education. My oldest son is now a “preppy” as he has joined the staff of Lawrence Academy in Groton, Massachusetts as their webmaster, after eight years with the Boston Bruins organization including two books and a Stanley Cup. PAUL MORITZ JR. Thank you, Kit and Chris, for the letter. My wife Kathy and I are doing fine. Hopefully we will retire sooner rather than later. I have recently finished my “cabin” in North Routt County, Colorado, for hiking and snowboarding adventures. Five kids and eight grandkids; all healthy.

Many good memories at Suffield!

1971

CLASS AGENTS Pierre Genvert | genvert@verizon.net Leo Letendre | leo.j.letendre@pfizer.com Doug Rebert | dfrebert@gmail.com MARK LOETHER I’m now fully retired from my long career as business manager in four very different, Connecticut independent schools. It’s my first fall and early winter season in 41 years of not having to prepare an annual budget and no more worries about snow days. While I miss the interaction with young people, all the rest is gladly left behind.

Our house in Connecticut was put on the market in very early February; if good fortune smiles our way, my wife Amy and I will be in Asheville, North Carolina, in May. Learning how to operate a floor buffer (in what was then a brand new Brewster Hall) on the dining room floor–and all the Leadership lessons that came with it–has stood the test of time for me.

RICHARD WEIL Happy New Year! I have been keeping in touch with several classmates including Jim Morin and Carl Oehrig. It goes without saying, I have been in communication with our wonderful class agents as well; they leave me no choice. Good work, fellas! Paul Loether, my roommate about 44 years ago now, recently moved to this area and remains a wonderful friend and musician, just as he was when we sang in Glee Club, the 60 | www.suffieldacademy.org

George Shepard ’69 planting sugar snaps last spring.

Cogs, and in a jug band at Suffield in the 70s. I decided over the Christmas holidays to retire from Catholic University after 22 wonderful years with the planning and construction department. Starting in March, I will be pursuing three specific areas where a passion for success drives me daily: first, to complete the voluminous requests on the “Honey Do” list; second, to support the effort to achieve more affordable housing; and third, to support American music abroad. Sherri and I have hosted house concerts for over a decade now with musicians from the U.S., England, Ireland, and Canada performing, mostly unplugged.

A band I play in on the side, The New Misty Crystals, will record our first CD of originals over the next year. We traveled to Lithuania two years ago, experiencing a tremendous welcome from hundreds as they were seeing and hearing their first American band playing rock, folk and country music. We performed in front of about 4,000 people last year in San Diego at a conference, and this February, we travel to New Orleans to play in front of about 4,000 at their annual meeting. Paul and I are also recording a CD of original songs over the next year.

Memories of Suffield: I remember placing an immersion heater into a mug of water, pouring in powdered hot chocolate mix and waiting for the fast and furious bubbles. I also remember grounds crew with lots of snow on bitterly cold days, relocating the powdery or slush-like flakes off the sidewalks and driveways with other students. Finally, I recall, with mixed memories, extended hours, (not my idea) in the study hall!

1973

CL ASS AGEN TS Jody Cranmore | jcranmore@cfmlawfirm.com Jim Knight | j.jamesknight@comcast.net JOHN HICKEY JR. After receiving my copy of the fall magazine, I felt compelled to write a note. My wife Mimi and I live in Centennial, Colorado. Our daughters, Katie and Emily (twins), are sophomores at Gonzaga University and Creighton University. Our younger daughter Ali is a junior at Regis Jesuit in Denver. We are well; most of my family, including my brother Paul ’75, are in the Denver area.

JIM RAPORTE JR. After wearing her Suffield t-shirt to bed for ages, my ten-year-old daughter finally wore it out and begged me for one of those great looking Suffield sweatshirts, which now accompanies her to school.

So our fifth grader already has a serious case of “Suffield-itis” and hasn’t even seen the school yet! Looking forward to our 40th Reunion in October!

ROGER WILLIAMS Proving that you can “teach an old dog new tricks,” I took an “offer I couldn’t refuse” with Concur Technologies, which recently won the largest single source award the U.S. Government has awarded,

providing online travel and expense management for every agency in the Federal Government. I am spearheading all of our usability/user experience with our cloud solution’s end users, as well as running all marketing and communications efforts to our government customers. It’s incredibly busy, as we set about implementing them to 24 cabinet level agencies simultaneously.

It’s high visibility and fast-paced and cuts into my time traveling and coaching All Star and Little League baseball in Vienna, Virginia. The boys are 11 and 13, and every moment we spend on the field is priceless. And yes, we hated being the Yankees. It was the hand we were dealt. Who is coming to Reunion?

Best to all and let me know if you’re in the D.C. area!

1974

CLASS AGENTS Blair Childs | blair_childs@premierinc.com Bud Hancock | albert.hancock@inginvestment.com Tom Leonard | run26leon@fairpoint.net

Roger Williams ’73 with his wife Julie and sons Luke and Roger

STEPHEN FOX New position at the Hartford Courant and Fox CT TV as the national account manager–worldwide travel and tourism.

MARTIN SBRIGLIO Winter term? WRESTLING, WRESTLING, WRESTLING! In fact, Bill Shipley, Thomas Flagg, and myself all flew on Bill’s jet to watch Iowa State and Penn State wrestle! The tri-captains are at it again.

1975

CLASS AGENTS Carey Fiertz | cfiertz@exportrisk.com Mark Teed | mark.teed@raymondjames.com TODD DELANEY I have lived on Seabrook Island, South Carolina, for the last 30 years as a custom home builder. My home rests on the 13th tee of the Ocean Course.

Beautiful place. My website is www.seasidecorp.com.

Blair Childs ’74

1977

CLASS AGENTS Ed Kaplan | eddiemyboy@aol.com Beth Tyler | beth_tyler@msn.com JIM BAKER After 31 years, I plan to retire from Unilever sometime in 2013. Both of my daughters are out of college and working. My wife has decided to work a few days a week as well. I plan to get back in shape so I can beat Mark Palomba in a “one-on-one.”

JOHN BEVIER I am now a grandfather! My daughter Isabel had a baby boy, Bradley Arthur.

KARL EKSTEDT I’m currently the owner of Oceanside Rubbish Inc., a full service collection and recycling company. My wife Linda and I will celebrate our first anniversary on March 6, 2013. I have four children, three daughters, a son, and one grandson.

Still in Maine, the way life should be!

Steve Peer ’74 entering Chute 6 in Utah’s Deer Valley

BETH TYLER My youngest son, Scott T. Grondahl ’05, is a lieutenant junior in the U.S. Navy. Heis assigned to the USS Springfield, a fast-attack nuclear submarine, stationed in Groton, Connecticut. The USS Springfield is currently at sea on a six-month deployment. Scott’s courage, bravery, and dedication to our country makes me very proud!

Class of 1977 gathering at Barcelona’s in West Hartford

Winter 2013 | 61

1978

CLASS AGENTS Ben Davol | bdavol@me.com Lisa Longo | lml33060@gmail.com Ed Palomba | edward_palomba@banksi.com TODD AUGUST Our oldest will graduate in May from Rockbridge Academy in Millersville, Maryland. Three more to go! Wish us luck. Come visit for a sail on the Chesapeake.

SCOTT BENEDICT I’ve been teaching high school language arts to Alaska Native students in Anchorage for the last two years through Cook Inlet Tribal Council.

My wife Nancy and I plan to move to Florida this summer after living in Alaska for 14 years. Our oldest boy, Henry, who is now in film school in Orlando, shares an apartment with his younger brother Phillip who is a junior in high school. Our daughter Kelsey is a freshman in high school up here with us in Anchorage. Time flies! It seems like just yesterday when I was on the wrestling team, running out to the sound of Jesus Christ Superstar and a fanatical home crowd! Things are a little quieter now; I’m a writer in my spare time and continue to enjoy the great outdoors. We will certainly miss the mountains! I probably won’t be able to make the Reunion but would still enjoy hearing from old acquaintances.

EDWARD J. PALOMBA I had a great time at the Annual Golf Tournament in September, playing with my brothers Mark ’77 and Joe ’80, as well as Gerry LaPlante P ’04, ’06. Also saw many Class of 1977 friends at the tournament. Looking forward to our 35th Reunion this fall!

1979

CL ASS AGEN TS Matt Cartmell | mcartmell@kw.com Stephen Dutcher | stephen@stuart-FL.com Ruth Kennedy | ruth.kennedy4@gmail.com Bob Stanley | bob@assist-inc.org CARL YOUNG Hi, Suffield! Campus is looking great, and I just downloaded the Suffield Alumni app on my iPad. It’s terrific! I’ve already emailed Bob Stanley through it and called Guyer Young. I might actually connect with more folks by having the app. It won’t be long before I’m packing my son’s bags for his Suffield journey. I hope this is a good year for all in the Suffield community.

1980

CL ASS AGEN TS Jim Hagan | jkhagan@comcast.net Graham Lewis | grahamlewis@sbcglobal.net Linda McCullagh O’Leary | lmoleary@me.com Joe Palomba | jcpmd@townisp.com ANDREW SUTPHIN My wife Helen received a birthday present this year with the blessing of a healthy baby girl, Annelise Teresa Sutphin, on January 13. While I have not checked with Gerry LaPlante P ’04, ’06, I think this would put her on track for Suffield’s Class of 2031, 51 years after her dad’s graduation. Wishing the best to all, and given that we now have a potential member of Suffield’s Class of 2031, I’m not sure how much I’ll be getting out, so come visit!

62 | www.suffieldacademy.org

Front row Mary Green P’80, Nahila, Nyah, Nanine, Florian Green, and Nella; Back row Lew Green P’80 and Jeff Green ’80

1981

CL ASS AGEN TS Valisha Graves | valisha@mindspring.com Mark McCullagh | mmccullagh@alpha-pure.com David Spitzler | davidspitzler@yahoo.com Alison Welch Davee | davee@lincolnacademy.org NICK KATSOULIS My wife Susan and I are very happy that our daughter, Arianna, is a junior day student at Suffield right now. She had some “fitting in” pains to start with but realizes she is at a special school that offers so much. We are all very much impressed with the “new” college counseling program at SA. I do not remember such help with college planning in 1981. I ended 2012 with a thud, falling on my front steps and tearing my rotator cuff.

I recently had surgery and am disappointed I will miss this year’s entire golf season. I played in the SA golf tournament in October 2012 with Lee Vardakas ’82 and my brother George ’77; it was a lot of fun.

JOHN MARTIN Lisa and I have been happily married now for 14 years. I am accepting a new job after a four-month search and several misses after my nearly 13 years with OpenTable. I will be VP of Sales for BinWise. For those who like wine, stay tuned, as a great business in the next few years is about to unfold. I am accepting this job as I turn 50 this next week.

1982

CL ASS AGEN TS David Carangelo | dlcarangelo@yahoo.com John Cook | jwccomp@earthlink.net Margaret Figueroa Hern | ahern@snet.net Madeline Phillips | mkphil@hotmail.com A.J. COULTER Still extraordinarily blessed! My passions are my work. My bride (love of my life) is paramount, and my three children, although difficult at times, are a complete blast!

VICKY KOTARSKI LANE I continue to work with Delta Airlines after 26 years and love every minute of it. My job has offered my family and me wonderful travel opportunities over the course of the years. In particular, last summer

Cecil Way ‘85, Sandy aftermath

John Martin’s ’81 son Julian and daughter Anna

Kathryn Sheehan Cain, daughter of Sheila Cain ’88, and Campbell Yap Thomas, daughter of Rosalina Yap Thomas ’89, at Campbell’s fourth birthday party

I took a trip to Saipan and neighboring Tinian, which is located in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. It was a great trip to refresh my knowledge of WWII history. My husband Peter heads up his own commercial real estate appraisal firm (Lane Valuation Group) located in Hingham, Massachusetts. Although we are quite busy, we do try to head up to our ski house in northern New Hampshire each weekend for some fresh air and down time. Our children are all doing great! Erica ’09 is a student at St. Lawrence University; Wes is a recent graduate of Georgetown Preparatory School in Bethesda, Maryland; Courtney is a senior at Hingham High School; and Harrison is a student at Deerfield Academy, where he was recently honored with being the only freshman to make the varsity lacrosse team for the 2012 season. I send my very best to all!

and equity capital markets)…whew! I’ve been married 20 years now and have two wonderful children, Conrad (13) and Colette (3). For the last ten years, I’ve been working in capital markets for a multifamily acquisition and development company based out of San Diego. It’s a challenge to balance everything. Would love to see Suffield friends when you are visiting San Diego!

RICHARD MACKENZIE All is well in South Florida with my family. I have two grandchildren— identical twins, Lucas and Dillon—making me a rather young grandfather at age 49. Hopefully they will attend Suffield together in about 15 years.

I retired from the sales world and have been traveling throughout North and South America, surfing and snowboarding, while my body can still handle it. I’ve been away from Suffield too long, and I’m going back soon for alumni golf or basketball.

1986

1983

CL ASS AGEN TS Bob Churchill | rlchurchill@comcast.net Marybeth DiBuono-Riley | marybethriley@verizon.net ROBERT CHURCHILL My favorite memory of winter in Suffield was taking the lunch trays and sledding down Bell Hill and the anticipation of when we would have a headmaster holiday/snow day!

1985

CL ASS AGEN TS Andy Glover | apglover@cox.net Michelle Hashioka Lord | mlord@ffres.com Jinnie Lee Schmid | jinnie.schmid@gmail.com MICHELLE HASHIOKA LORD It’s hard to believe all the places I’ve been since Suffield. Here’s the order of moves since graduation: Northampton (Smith College), Kyoto (junior year abroad), Tokyo (currency trader for Japanese bank), Chicago (MBA at U of Chicago Booth), Santa Fe (Security Capital Group; real estate), Denver, Chicago, Tokyo, Hong Kong (went with best friend documentary film producer and won best documentary at Asian TV awards among others for Discovery, PBS etc.), and San Diego (Fairfield Residential; debt

CECIL “JACK” WAY The devastation from Sandy was overwhelmingly brutal. I was deployed to the Rockaways as a member of FEMA’s Community Relations Division helping survivors apply for assistance for most of November out of HQ in Washington, D.C. If possible, please try to help Sandy recovery efforts. It’s going to be a rough road for all of the folks that survived in Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey.

CL ASS AGEN TS Sean Federowicz | sdfed@aol.com Brinley Ford Ehlers | brinleysf@aol.com Kristin Hostetter Pandit | khostetter@backpacker.com Niko Mosko | niko@ntmosko.com ANDREW DAVENPORT I am married with three boys and am still the principal at Rondout Valley High School.

1987

CL ASS AGEN TS Betsy Coughlin Tod | betsytod@gmail.com Jeff Martini | martini.jeffrey@gmail.com Phil Riegel | priegel@suffieldacademy.org LEW WATKINS I just received the fall magazine and was happy to see some of my classmates from ’87. I still keep in touch with Tim Polishook, Serge Arriz, as well as Leslie Sills Reed who lived near me in Dillon, Colorado and had her children go to the same elementary school as my son at Summit Cove Elementary. I currently live in Fort Meyers, Florida, with my wife Teresa Lynn Watkins and my ten-year-old, Jack Thomas Watkins. I coach football for the Gateway Boys Flag Football League. I am a business capital advisor, taking companies public and funding them in the public capital markets. We have lived in Chicago, Denver, and now Florida over the last 25 years. I graduated from the University of Wisconsin–Madison in ’91 then worked at the Chicago Board of Trade and Mercantile Exchanges in the 90s. I worked for an international freight company and then owned and operated a mortgage company. I moved to Denver in 2000 and lived in Dillon, Colorado, where I had fun skiing, fly fishing, hiking, and boating Winter 2013 | 63

Bob Stanley ’79 and Alfonso Garate ’86 at the InterContinental in Madrid at the ASSIST alumni reception in January

Chris Cuddy ’87 and Brian Greenho ’86 at the Sankaty Head Member-Guest tournament on Nantucket in August 2012

when I had the time. I now enjoy going to the beach and playing hockey, football, and soccer with my son. I plan on getting my pilot’s license and playing more golf. Hope all is well, and I do not miss the snow!

1988

CL ASS AGEN TS Beth Buoniconti Fernandez | elizabethfernandez165@comcast.net Kate Cleary | kateocleary@gmail.com Patrick Dorsey | pdorsey19@yahoo.com Kiernan Flynn | fourflynns@burlingtontelecom.net KJ GING I went to visit E.J. Riordan this summer at his house in Maryland for my annual “Skins” game and learned that Tom Hodgkins is his next-door neighbor. So he called Pat Dorsey, who lives about 45 minutes away, and we all got together. I’m looking forward to Reunion in October.

TAD PIERSON I plan to be at the 25th Reunion in October; hope to have a good turnout.

1989

CL ASS AGEN TS Tom Burton | trburtoniii@gmail.com Michelle Motta Stewart | mottastewart@yahoo.com Jed Nosal | jmnemo@gmail.com Aimee Scherer Hodgkins | aimeehodgkins@mac.com JAMES AIELLO JR. I’m working in Pittsburgh. Over the past year, I have developed and constructed an FBI facility, a 20-unit apartment building, and I am now working on Western Pennsylvania’s TOD Development (a $36 million project with 128 units). I am also the founder of Pizza Sola in Pittsburgh (four units currently). I’d love to hear from my boys...you know who you are!

ADRIAN WOOLF JOEL JONES Still working hard at my job as a realtor. Times have been tough, but we are finally seeing some increased activity in our area (New Castle County, Delaware). My family and I have been living in the Wilmington area for just over three years now. We love it! Big reunion for my wife and me; 20 years since we graduated college. I have the gray hair to prove it. I’m also looking forward to teaching the children to ski this winter. If anybody is passing through the Philly, Wilmington, area let me know.

64 | www.suffieldacademy.org

Brian Greenho ’86 and Scott Lewis ’86

Katie Lichtsteiner ’89 with her daughter Lucette Marguerite

CATHERINE LICHTSTEINER I am still in Colorado after a brief stint in Texas and Oklahoma. I had a baby girl last August. Her name is Lucette Marguerite, and she is the light of my life. I have been in touch with Lisa Cullen and would love to hear from other fellow alumni of the Class of 1989!

ELIZABETH STERLING Things are going well. I have completed my doctoral classes and am working on my dissertation. I am hoping to graduate with my Ed.D. by December. So hopefully, by Reunion time, I will be Dr. Sterling. I am still working as a coordinator of a regional day school program for the deaf and continue to do presentations and workshops throughout the state. Still interpreting college level classes just to keep my sign skills current. I am on several state committees and advisory boards for deaf education, instructional technology, and sign interpreting. Blake and Brooke are almost as tall as I am, even though they are still in elementary school. Blake plays soccer and Brooke does gymnastics and dance. I am hoping to show them what a New England fall looks like. We don’t get a real change of seasons in Austin.

1991

CL ASS AGEN TS Kim Ames Ide | kimide@yahoo.com Pat Kennedy | pkennedy@lalumiere.org Andy Roebuck | a_roebuck@hotmail.com JASON FALCON Things are good. My team is preparing for its spring break trip to Florida where we will play ten games the first week of March. My wife Tracy and sons Ryan (12) and Chase (7) are doing very well. Unfortunately, I have not spoken to any of my Suffield classmates for some time, but I heard from Suffield alum and former member of my Clark team, Mike Pritchard ’03, several months ago, and I look forward to catching up with him sometime this spring. I really don’t remember much of the winter I spent at Suffield, outside of classes and driving to hockey practice. I do remember taking swings in a tiny locker room a few times preparing for the baseball season and having a few snowball fights outside the dorm.

KIRSTEN WATTERS MODESTOW The family is great. Forty is looming! My company, Brigade, is taking off.

Please visit us at wearebrigade.com.

NICHOLAS MOLANDER I’m keeping tabs on Class of ’91 pals Cerrato, Hooper, and Malley.

All is well in Burlington, Vermont.

ANTHONY PERLAK My son Nathaniel was born in July 2012 in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania.

1993

CL ASS AGEN TS Alexa Economou Rice | alexaae@aol.com Pam Eisen | pae7535@aol.com Lauren Roginski-Strelec | laurenrvet@aol.com Marla Zide | mzide_2000@yahoo.com PATRICIA RIORDAN CHALIAN I am enjoying living in New Canaan, Connecticut, and still work in New York at the Forbes Private Capital Group. On May 30, 2012, my husband and I welcomed our first child—a baby girl named Emma Rosalie Chalian—into the family.

1994

CL ASS AGEN TS Chris Saven | csaven@gmail.com Scott Sartwell | ssartwell7@gmail.com Alison Kennedy Auciello | kennedy.alison@gmail.com CHRISTIAN BONELLI I currently live in St. Louis, Missouri, and am an AVP at Legg Mason Global Asset Management. My wife, Alixe Mooney Bonelli, is a Deerfield alum, Class of 1995. She is the senior manager at Ernst & Young. We have a 19-month-old daughter named Alexandra Merrill Bonelli and are expecting another child in June 2013.

LUKE FROST I’m still in Charleston, South Carolina, working as a business analyst at Levelwing. The family is good; it’s very busy chasing after three little ones. I’m looking forward to getting up North this summer for an event which should include Miles David and Lance Carlton. If anyone is headed South or in the Charleston area, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

SCOTT SARTWELL It has been a busy year thus far. In January, I ran the Goofy Challenge for the second time in Orlando, Florida. It consists of a half marathon, followed by a full marathon the following day. On February 1, my wife Mary and I welcomed Skylar Miller into this world. It has been magical ever since. I am now training for a half marathon in Virginia Beach on St. Patrick’s Day. I am still very actively volunteering with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training and urge any of you interested in running an endurance event to run with Team in Training. It will be an experience of a lifetime.

MEREDITH TOWBIN I hope all is well with the Class of ’94. My young adult novel, Straightjacket, was released digitally on February 15, and in print on March 15.

STEPHEN YAP I am still in Fairfield, Connecticut, with my wife Abbi and son Logan, enjoying it more than ever. We recently moved in October to a new house near a park, and Logan has been loving the access. He is 19-months-old and enjoys running around playing with his cousins, Campbell and Reed, and his uncle Bob, who is only a few blocks away.

I am still working for Google running their Global Emerging Markets and Product teams for the Technology Platforms division, which has me leading commercialization teams across the globe. I hope to make it back to the campus and get an updated tour with my wife and son.

Hope everyone is well!

1996

CL ASS AGEN TS Tabitha Bliven Heidorn | tabithakb@gmail.com Ryan Dowd | rydowd@comcast.net Sarah Knapps Saven | sksaven@gmail.com RYAN GALL Over the last two years, I’ve been working to create an awarenessdriven music festival where fans align themselves with different causes and charities in order to get a ticket. The festival is called The Global Citizen Festival, and it took place on Sept 29 on the Great Lawn of Central Park in New York City. It was a free concert for 60,000 people!

Neil Young, Foo Fighters, The Black Keys, John Legend, Band Of Horses, and K’Naan all performed. The concert was a huge success for the charity partners, and $1.3 billion in new commitments was announced on stage. The festival was also the launch of our digital online and mobile platform, http://globalcitizen.org, which is designed to engage users in the fight against extreme poverty. Users can learn or take action on Global Citizen and receive points towards incentives such as tickets, downloads, and merchandise.

2000

CL ASS AGEN TS Michael Coleman | mfc.coleman@gmail.com Carmine Petrone | carmine@carminepetrone.com Meagan Ward Jenkins | meagward@gmail.com Andrea Rich | andrearich3682@yahoo.com Manny Simons | manny.simons@gmail.com SCHUYLER CUNNINGHAM My wife Hope and I still live in Washington, D.C. She joined a private massage practice, and I’m an oncology social worker at the National Institutes of Health. I’m also a trauma therapist at the D.C. Rape Crisis Center, with survivors of sexual assault. In addition, I run my company, Cunningham Farms. I love my work because it helps me stay focused on what is important in life.

MEAGAN WARD JENKINS On December 14, Andy and I welcomed our daughter, Tess Jenkins into the world! She is absolutely awesome, and we are having so much fun with her. Anyone who wants to check in with us can visit our blog at thejenkinsfamilychronicles.blogspot.com.

2001

CL ASS AGEN TS Paige Diamond | paige.diamond@gmail.com Kate Dineen | kpdineen@gmail.com Gregory Hearn | ghearn82@gmail.com Russ Hearn | russ@dangeruss.us Ashton Jones | ashtoncjones@gmail.com

Nina Lutwick ’02 and fiancé Vince

Karla Wells ’04 and Sam Malcolm ’05 “Ride for Hope” in Bahamas

STEPHEN CARRABBA Life is good. I have a seven–month-old daughter, and my business is going very well. In addition to spending quality time with my terrific wife Winter 2013 | 65

all my SA friends last year at the tenth Reunion, and look forward to spending time with them at the wedding in the fall.

2003

CL ASS AGEN TS Lydia Pillsbury | lydiapillsbury@gmail.com Lindsay Rousseau | lindsaymrousseau@aol.com Eric Yale | eric.yale@gmail.com Lindsey Pell | lindsey.k.pell@gmail.com

Zack Faas ’03, Steph Sarcione, Steve Goodwin P’01, ’03, Kim Goodwin P’01, ’03, Kelsey Flanagan, and Nick Faas ’01

and adorable daughter, I am planning on launching a sister company to Expense Consulting called The Group Purchasing Organization (www.gporewards.com). Michael Durette ’00 is the godfather to my daughter, and we are getting together with a bunch of other Suffield alums for Jon Wood’s ’00 wedding on February 19.

BROOKS TRUESDELL DOLAN My husband Kevin and I just bought a house in Old Greenwich, Connecticut, making my parents (Hobie Truesdell ’66) happy that we’re just a few miles down the road. I’m working at Save the Children in Westport, Connecticut, an international aid NGO focusing on the needs of the most vulnerable children around the world, including the U.S. I couldn’t be more thrilled working for such a great cause. I have also enjoyed running into and making plans with Suffield friends over the past year, such as Lydia Pillsbury ’03, Ashley Hecker, Katie Dineen, Helen Yao and Ashley Scibelli ’02, to name a few!

GALE BERNINGHAUSEN THAKUR I got married on December 29, 2012, to Arjun Thakur at his family’s home in Chandigarh, India. We had a gorgeous wedding ceremony in the Arya Samaj tradition of Hinduism, and we celebrated our marriage with festive events lasting three days. My brother Eric ’00, gave me away according to Hindu tradition. Eric’s wife, Leslie Strongwater, and our parents were there, along with Arjun’s extended family and many of our friends from India, the U.S., Europe, and Asia. We all had a great time!

2002

CL ASS AGEN TS Alison Carey | carey.alison@gmail.com Sari Biddelman | sari.biddelman@gmail.com Hilary Golas Rouse | hilary.golas@gmail.com Erin Orr Ligay | e.orr@comcast.net Lynx LaCroix | lisheli@me.com JAKE DEANE Going on my sixth year of running my company True Lacrosse, out here in the Midwest. We now have grown to 20 full-time employees and are in nine different states. Also going on my eighth year of playing pro lacrosse in the MLL. Last year I won a MLL Championship with the Chesapeake Bayhawks. Looking forward to getting back to Suffield and working with the lacrosse team again.

NINA LUTWICK I’m working as the general management assistant at Foresight Theatrical, a theatrical management firm that works on Broadway productions, as well as touring and off–Broadway shows. We manage Phantom of the Opera, Spider-Man:Turn Off the Dark, Million Dollar Quartet, and the upcoming productions of Hands on a Hardbody, Kinky Boots, and Tuck Everlasting. I can thank my years treading the boards at Suffield Academy for cementing my love of theater! On a more personal note, I am getting married to my boyfriend of four years, Vince, on September 29, 2013, in Brooklyn, New York. I loved seeing

66 | www.suffieldacademy.org

ASHLEY BEAUDOIN WILKINS While on vacation in Napa Valley, California, I ran into fellow SA alum Brad Barker ’61 at Kuleto Estate Winery.

LAURA KESSEN I am currently living in the Burlington, Vermont, area. I work in sales at Commando, a fashion and apparel company. I am looking forward to Matt Weaver’s wedding this September. I hope all is well at SA!

2004

CL ASS AGEN TS Jake McComb | jcmccomb@gmail.com Alex Naboicheck | alexnaboicheck@me.com Will Taylor | william.r.taylor17@gmail.com Anthony Rousseau | roo0686@aol.com Andrew Scully | arscully@gmail.com Kate Braden | kate.braden@gmail.com MELISSA HERNANDEZ I am working as a corporate communications coordinator for Zoetis, an animal health pharmaceutical company that spun off of Pfizer Inc. I closed on my first house on March 1, so that’s something big for 2013!

I’ve only been in touch with a handful of classmates, but they are some of my best friends. Memories of winter term at Suffield: I remember sliding down Bell Hill on lunch trays with my friends whenever it snowed.

I remember occasionally skipping class by faking a fever at the Health Center, so that I could sleep in longer on cold mornings without getting Saturday night detention. Winters were super cold in Connecticut compared to New York City (where I’m from), and I was amazed at the fact that girls could wear mini skirts with Uggs and claim to be warm! I hope Suffield wasn’t hit too hard with this last storm.

BRYCE HOMICK The video game that I have worked on for about four years as a concept artist was released late 2012. XCOM: Enemy Unknown has been a great success and has won multiple Game of the Year awards from major video game publications, including Kotaku, GameTrailers, and Gamespy. Beyond that, I’m still living in Maryland and still proudly working at Firaxis Games.

DAVID MCCONAGHAY Hello everyone. After 18 months living in Denver, I recently moved back to Boulder, Colorado. I remain busy paying rent and trying to steal away for a powder day now and then. Currently, I am an ambassador and content-creator for GaiamTV (check out http://www.gaiamtv.com/dave); I am the sponsor coordinator for the third annual Hanuman Festival, Colorado’s most popular yoga and music gathering; I coordinate sales and marketing in the Rocky Mountains for a Brooklyn–based company called TumericALIVE (we make healing elixirs based on Hawaiian–grown turmeric and ginger); I remain a part–owner of NudeFood (“nutrient-dense food”); and I am a regular contributor to elephantjournal.com. The year ahead has me out on the road a lot, where I plan to work and play at Natural Products Expo West, multiple Wanderlust Festivals, Shakti and Bhakti Fests in Joshua Tree National Park, as well as the Yoga Journal and LOHAS conferences here in Colorado. Unfortunately, zero of these events bring me back East, so I’m really hoping to make it to the alumni soccer game for once in my life. My team here in Boulder (Avery FC, sponsored by Avery Brewing

2005

CL ASS AGEN TS Dan Fisher | daniel_a_fisher@yahoo.com Casey Shanley | cshanley@suffieldacademy.org Rick Devlin | rickdevlin10@gmail.com Steph Shaker | shaker.steph@gmail.com DAN FISHER I was just thinking about the dry and wooden smell of the gym recently.

Some of my favorite winter memories at Suffield Academy were spent in the gym playing or watching basketball. Having six levels of teams, I can recall the weeks where practice did not begin until late in the evening; I was extremely caught up on schoolwork on those nights. On days when basketball wasn’t played, I remember picking up a baseball and throwing corner to corner. I am now the Program Manager of Chevy Youth Baseball, which donated over $5 million back to local youth baseball leagues in 2012. We partner with 22 MLB teams and 37 minor league teams. I continue to maintain my part-time job with the Atlanta Braves and am scheduled to complete my MBA in May 2014 from Georgia State University. I got engaged in March to my girlfriend, Nicole Pruet. Hope all is well with the Class of 2005!

Scott T. Grondahl ’05 Lieutenant Junior in the U.S. Navy

Company) won the league and several tournaments last year, and continues to dominate in indoor soccer. As a result, we are moving to the more competitive Denver League this summer. We expect to make a serious run at the state and national tourneys and will no doubt compete for the league title. I am a forward for this team and have earned the Golden Boot three seasons running now. This is the most fun I’ve ever had playing soccer. I hope everyone is well. Is next year our tenth Reunion? Yikes. If you’re ever in Colorado, give a holler!

KARLA WELLS Sam Malcolm ’05 and I recently participated in Ride for Hope Bahamas.

It is an annual bike ride which takes place on the island Eleuthera, in the Bahamas. The ride raises money for cancer treatment, prevention, and research. We both plan to participate again next year and would love to form a Suffield team! Any takers?

JENA GREASER 2013 has been great so far! I have been truly finding myself here in the western mountains of Sun Valley Idaho. I have no plans to leave, ever!

I am so happy here. The winter has been packed full of snow and many skiing adventures. I have learned how to nordic ski and have been enjoying some racing. I have also participated in back-country skiing. With 3,000 vertical feet out my back door on the ski mountain, it is great exercise to skin up the mountain. I did my first full moon skin in February. How amazing to adventure under mother nature’s natural night light! I participated in the second annual “Skin it to Win it” race, where for three hours you skin up and ski down the mountain as fast as you can. Our co-ed team of four won. I have participated in a few local ski races as well. My teammate and I placed second in the first annual “fat tire” relay bike race. What a blast! For the winter, I have been working as a ski instructor and at the YMCA as an after-school Child Watch program leader and rock wall supervisor. I also just took on the Sun Valley Half-Marathon Kid/Family Fun Zone coordinator position. I am going to be running in the event this June. My love and success of running from my Suffield days has been revived in the mountains, and I am so happy to be back enjoying the sport. I will be participating in many running and bike races this season, mainly in Idaho. It is great that Cross-Country Biking Marathon Nationals will be held in my hometown the next two years.

There is never a dull moment here... always fun outdoor events during the day and plenty of entertaining events at night. I urge you all to come visit this valley full of soul... and consider staying.

MATTHEW SHIFRIN I’m still working hard for the Jarden Corporation, launching Billy Boy in the United States. In the process of locking down chainwide distribution with various big box retailers like WalMart, CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid. I’m living in New York but traveling back to Colorado as much as I can. Seeing as it’s ski season, I got to spend 14 days back home in Aspen over the holidays, where I ran into Kelly Van Ingen ’06 and one of the Culver twins. I headed to Alaska for President’s Day weekend with some friends for a five-day heli-ski trip out of the Chugach Mountains. I connected with a bunch of alums at the annual bull riding competition at MSG earlier this month; saw Jordan Hart ’03, Gavin Crescenzo ’03, Brad Crescenzo, David Appleby, and Andrew Cohen. Winter term was always one of my favorite terms—skiing everyday with Hillary and the crew; long dinners with the guys in the corner of Brewster Dining Hall, where I couldn’t stop laughing; and who could forget some pretty epic sledding sessions on Bell Hill? I hope everything is going well out there. Fingers crossed—my little sister joins up with the Class of 2017 this coming fall!

2006

CL ASS AGEN TS Alison Leonard | aleonard21@gmail.com Eric Litmer | eric.litmer@gmail.com Luke McComb | lucas.mccomb@gmail.com Gina Petrone | petronegina@gmail.com Chris Stafford | christopher.stafford.2010@gmail.com Jen Mais | jnicolemais@gmail.com JACKIE BARRIEAU IACOVAZZI I got married on August 11, 2012, to Drew Iacovazzi in West Hartford, Connecticut. We wed in a Catholic ceremony at St. Peter Claver Church and held our reception at the Hartford Golf Club. Among our guests were dear friends from Suffield: Joanna Scholtz, Jennifer Mais, Josh Yeston, Lexi Bosee, and Kim Autouri. It was an incredibly special day with lots of love, laughter, and fun! We had an amazing honeymoon in Turks and Caicos. All my best to Suffield, especially the Class of 2006.

WILL DOAR Katy Heydinger ’07 and I moved to Shanghai at the beginning of January and are enjoying exploring the city and being immersed in a new culture. I am working for Hurco, an Indianapolis-based machine tool company, looking to launch a new brand and strengthen their presence in China. Katy is looking to get her foot in the door with international schools. We have just begun a course in intensive Mandarin and are celebrating our first Chinese New Year.

Winter 2013 | 67

STEPHANIE FOX I am now working for HubSpot in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and I’m loving every second of it. It is such an awesome environment to be a part of. I am now living in Quincy, right outside of Boston and love the city life! My plan for 2013 is to buy a house and to set some time aside to travel a little bit. I am still in touch with a ton of my classmates, especially Matt Wiggin, Cailtin McNabb, Lauren Coleman, Britt Rock, and many more. Winter term at Suffield Academy was my favorite.

That’s when basketball season really got going and pushed me through the cold weather. This was the time of year that created the most memories for me.

JEN MAIS I recently moved to Los Angeles with one of my best friends from college so if you are ever in the area let me know! I’m still best friends with Joanna Scholtz and speak to her daily since I’ve moved. I had an amazing time at Jackie Barrieau Iacovazzi’s wedding. It was beautiful!

Hope everyone is well.

BENJAMIN VAN RENESSE I’m still in Brooklyn but exploring teaching ESL overseas. Jungles is still having shows in Manhattan and Brooklyn.

2007

CL ASS AGEN TS Mike DiPietro | dipietro@gmail.com Sydney Greenberg | sydney.greenberg@gmail.com Matt Jones | jonema06@gmail.com Catherine Mis | cjmis@bu.edu Erik Osborne | fao615@gmail.com Meredith Rarus | rarus.meredith@gmail.com Charlie Huck | charlesrhuck@gmail.com Tyler St. Pierre | tjstpier@gmail.com Rob Zammito | rzammito@me.com Katy Heydinger | katy.heydinger@gmail.com Harry Melendez | hmelendez@suffieldacademy.org TOM BLAKELEY Hello, SA! I am still working for Performance Architects out of Boston and was recently promoted to consultant after 18 months with the company full-time. I am spending my time traveling for the company on project work, having worked the summer in California and the past several months down in Rhode Island. Besides work, I have been enjoying the New England winter even though I still have not had the opportunity to sled down Bell Hill. I hope all is well with the Class of ’07 and the Suffield community.

MATT CAPONE I graduated from Salve Regina University in May 2012. I am now the security account manager for Apollo International, handling HASBRO Inc. global contract security. I dominated Reunion weekend with the ’07s and other 2s and 7s. I’m always missing Suffield!

CHRIS DIAMOND I have just received a promotion at Bloomberg. I am currently a fixed income analytics advanced specialist specializing in derivatives and Excel API. I am studying, once again, for the CFA Level II in June, as I passed Level I last summer. I have not connected with too many Suffield alums in New York City but have been trying to meet up soon with Bill Cargill. I hope all is well with the Class of ’07!

experience teaching middle school in the inner city! I’ve fallen in love with Baltimore and the community and have decided to call it home.

I’ll be starting my Ph.D in Public Health at Hopkins this fall, focusing on using education as a way to minimize adolescent engagement in health risk behaviors. These adolescents in Baltimore may drive me crazy during the school day, but I have to say I’m absolutely hooked.

I’m very fortunate that Suffield provided me with the tools to succeed in my career in education and public health. I’m especially thankful for the wonderful memories with my teachers, peers, and family away from home (Philip Gialopsos ’14 and Marissa Gialopsos). If anyone ends up around the Baltimore/D.C. area, let me know! Go,Tigers—especially the aquatic ones!

BEN REGO I am currently living and working in the Back Bay of Boston for my second straight year. These days, I’m living with Mark Fruce and Trevor Dalglish, and it has been great catching up with them and all of the many Suffield alumni living nearby that we see almost every weekend or who have come up to stay with us and visit. I am still working in the real estate industry for Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty. I hope to continue to do so for a few more years before moving back to Bermuda.

Surprisingly for an islander, the winter term was probably my favorite at Suffield because it was squash season. Mr. Pentz still remains the best coach I have ever had, regardless of the sport, and the brotherhood that the team has to this day is everlasting. I miss those prized moments and the hilarious memories with those guys the most!

JENNY SCHNAAK I have found a perfect fit for me in Pittsboro, North Carolina. I’m still working at a non-profit called The Abundance Foundation, educating central North Carolina on sustainable agriculture and renewable energy.

I’ve recently enrolled in the North Carolina Environmental Education Certification program to become a better teacher when playing with kids in the outdoors.

HANNAH THOMPSON I recently joined the development team at the Anderson Ranch Arts Center in Snowmass, Colorado. Come out and take a summer workshop or do some spring skiing!

2008

CL ASS AGEN TS Barbara Kaplan | bkaplan1287@gmail.com Kaela Keyes | makeyes@loyola.edu Lindsay Life | lindsayklife@gmail.com Becca Bathrick | rebecca.bathrick@gmail.com Thomas Drummond-Hay | thomasdhay@gmail.com Kirsten Chalke | chalke.kirsten@gmail.com BARBARA KAPLAN I graduated from Fairfield University in May 2012 and got a job at TJX corporate office in Framingham, Massachusetts. I currently live in Waltham. KASA! HARRISON KRAMER Living and working in New York City.

JOE MARTINI I’m working and living on Beacon Hill as a financial representative. I love downtown Boston and have met a ton of cool people while growing my business. I’m always open to grab coffee with any SA alum, so don’t be a stranger!

LAUREN OKANO I’m currently finishing up my second year with Teach for America here in Baltimore. I’ll also be finishing up my master’s in secondary STEM education at Hopkins this May. Needless to say, it’s been quite the 68 | www.suffieldacademy.org

Britt Rock ’06 and Stephanie Fox ’06

Kelly Van Ingen ’06 and Hannah Thompson ’07 on New Years

2009

CL ASS AGEN TS Cordelia Brady | cordeliabrady@gmail.com Rosemary Chandler | rosemary.chandler22@gmail.com Liz Monty | emonty13@amherst.edu Charles Ferguson | cferg32@gmail.com Tom Casey | thomas.casey3@gmail.com Sam Stone | samstone09@gmail.com CHARLES FERGUSON I have been an intern at a law firm in the area for over a year now and enjoy the work I do there. I’m working on securing a job for late 2013, but in the meantime I’m looking forward to my graduation from the College of Charleston in May with a B.A. in English. I fondly remember wintery-quiet breakfasts in the dining hall at Suffield my sophomore and senior years. I lived in Brewster with my good friend Kyle Vigneault.

Winter term at Suffield is the term I miss the most–despite water polo in the fall, golf in the spring, and constant Frisbee in both–because I don’t get much of a winter down here in South Carolina.

PATRICK HARRIS Since being told by my neurologist in August that I was not able to play football again because of my concussion history, I have focused all of all my energy on school. I am currently in my final semester at Tufts University studying political science and working hard to finish strong and graduate in May. I am also in the process of applying for jobs and graduate schools. Unfortunately, I have not been able to connect with any of my classmates or teammates in person, as of late. However, I am still able to connect with some of them through text and online. Winter term at Suffield was a very interesting time in my life; it was the first time that I had not been doing a winter sport. But I was able to enjoy our team’s recent New England championship victory from the football season and was able to allow my broken foot and arm/shoulder injuries to heal with the time off. Besides homework, most of my time was spent hanging out with friends in the Union or enjoying the intense basketball games as a fan from the stands. Winter term at Suffield was definitely a new experience, but fun at the same time.

MEGAN MURPHY Senior year at Bates has been incredible. Continuing our Suffield connection, Ryan Sonberg and I work together as residence coordinators in neighboring buildings and we were just elected as senior class co-presidents! Right now, I’m working on my thesis, examining policy interventions for prenatal substance exposure for the sociology department and applying for jobs all over the place. I’m also organizing events on campus and in the community and skiing as much as I can. I hope everyone is well in the Class of 2009; I can’t wait to reconnect with everyone at our fifth Reunion next year!

SAM STONE I’m having a spectacular experience at Franklin & Marshall. Thank you, Suffield!

2010

CL ASS AGEN TS Ben Adams | benadams@gwu.edu Michelle Autuori | michellebell1840@gmail.com Justine de Chazal | justinedechazal@gmail.com Tommy Leonard | tleonard@bates.edu Mariah Gonzalez | gonzalezm@oxy.edu Alyssa Palomba | apalomba@middlebury.edu Lucas Traber | ltraber@mac.com CORY CROSBIE-FOOTE I am a junior at Lafayette College. I am double majoring in government & law and economics. In the spring semester of 2012, I studied abroad in Vienna and worked as an intern at an Austrian lobbying firm.

This past summer I worked as a paid intern at a Vermont law firm.

Katy Heydinger ’07 and Will Doar ’06 in Shanghai, China

ROBERT FAY I’m studying Economics and Psychology at CU-Boulder. I received my EMT certification last summer.

CHARLOTTE HUDSON I just got back from studying abroad in Hong Kong, traveling around Southeast Asia, and spending the holidays with friends and family.

Much love to everyone at Suffield!

CHELSEA LINES Last semester, I studied abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark, and it was such an amazing experience! I ran into Ginny McDermott and Melanie Watson at Oktoberfest in Germany, and it was such a pleasant surprise. I’ll be finishing up my junior year at Bentley this spring, and I have an internship in Bermuda this summer, which I’m really excited about. I remember taking photo special my senior year winter term, and it was my favorite. I also remember the Friday night boys’ varsity basketball games, which were a lot of fun!

2011

CL ASS AGEN TS Emily Aiken | emily.aiken@trincoll.edu Joe Begley | bbegley@uvm.edu Serge Derby | sergederby@me.com Kachenta Descartes | kkd2119@columbia.edu Didi McDonald | dem252@cornell.edu Joey Palomba | palombjo@bc.edu James Park | thelastradiance91@gmail.com Shamier Settle | shamier.settle@vzw.blackberry.net Lester Taylor | lctaylor1992@gmail.com Karoline Hegbom | khegbom@hotmail.com Colin Dowd | cdowd33@gmail.com LORENZO BERNARDEZ All is well with me. Taking some pretty good classes at school; changed my major from sports management to business administration. Sports management is now my minor. I’ve been doing well just rehabbing my knee and getting better. Now, every day is leg day. I should be up there soon enough.

PETER GANEM I am enjoying my time here at Trinity College. I have been extremely busy this semester. On top of classes, I am working as a writing tutor, an RA for freshmen, participating in an independent study looking to restore preschools in Africa next summer, and doing paralegal work as an intern at Rome and McGuigan LLM in Hartford. I’m always seeing Mike Budness around campus, and we’re still good friends.

The most memorable experience I had from Suffield during the winter

Winter 2013 | 69

Xavier Pollard ’10 starred for the Maine Black Bears in the America East Men’s Basketball Tournament.

Here Xavier is seen at a postgame press conference with Head Coach Ted Woodward.

Lorenzo Bernardez ’11 at rehab after suffering a knee injury in 2012

semester had to be lifting with all my friends in the fitness center, playing pick-up games of basketball in the gym, and Coach Gamere’s grueling Tuesday/Thursday circuits. I remember how we all dreaded every Tuesday and Thursday because of those. However, I would give a lot to come back and get yelled at by Coach for another 16 minutes.

Coach Zwirko’s proclamation from the spring before about our team being able to win Western New Englands was becoming more and more realistic with every meet and tournament. It was a lot of pressure being one of the co-captains of that team, but I loved every minute of it.

I hope everything is still going well at Suffield!

ERICA ROBBIE I’m a sophomore at SMU, double majoring in journalism and public relations, with a minor in sociology. I’m currently interning at D Magazine in Dallas, and their business publication, D CEO. I also work at my school’s daily morning news show, as well as for our daily newspaper. I hope to return to the Northeast soon; I miss all my friends and Suffield. Much love to you all!

MAX WARNER All is well with me. 2013 is off to a great start. I recently visited Suffield back in October and it was good to see people I went to school with.

I currently work at my school’s radio station, which is what I want to do after I graduate. Hope all is well at SA.

JUSTIN ROBINSON-HOWE I’m just finishing up my sophomore year at Bryant and training hard for football next fall. One of the funny things is that I heard Bryant is playing Stony Brook and Assumption next year, so it looks like I’m going to have the chance to bash heads with some of my fellow PGs: Mike Lisi and my old roommate Ben Kiley. I just got back from a two-week class during the winter break in Singapore and Malaysia. It was definitely a life-changing experience. For the most part, just the old boys from Spencer Dorm have kept in touch. We always try to set up some trip to get together, but we’re too busy right now. Hopefully once we all graduate, we can get the chance to do it more. I know winter term can drag on for a long few months, but the best of those times was being able to hang out and connect with the boys in the dorm. It definitely brought us together more.

PATRICK TOLOSKY This term is the start of the second semester of organic chemistry for me, continuing with my pre-med requirements here at Bates, which have been quite the challenge. I have recently declared myself as a Spanish major, working with my advisor, Claudia Aburto Guzmán. I am still an active member of the outing club here, an outdoor-oriented organization providing trips and activities to the students at Bates. I am also a member of the student government, on the representative assembly, and I get to volunteer every so often through the Catholic group on campus by cooking for a Catholic home in Lewiston. For 2013, I am on the lookout for some possible internships although I am not sure as of now what my summer plans will be. Hopefully I will be able to work with an organization whose interests match mine. Izzy McDonald ’12, Billy Reagan ’12, and Will Sartorius ’12 have come to join me here at Bates as first-years, and I get to see them around campus or in the dining hall quite a bit. Izzy and I are both in an English class centered on the study of pirate literature and film, which has been a nice introduction into the English department. I remember from winter term at Suffield, that this was when things started to get challenging, both academically and athletically. The press from Christmas until March break was always filled with work, projects, and tests, and

70 | www.suffieldacademy.org

PETER YU I’ll be studying at LSE next year on an exchange program after I finish my sophomore year at Vassar College. I’d like to thank Suffield for providing me with such an excellent education, and I feel very happy to be able to contribute to Suffield even after graduating.

2012

CL ASS AGEN TS Reed Barbe | reed.barbe@du.edu Katherine Battle | kbatt111@gmail.com William Evangelakos | wevangelakos@wpi.edu Jameson Everett | jevere21@student.scad.edu Josh Galant | joshgalant@yahoo.com Taylor Jett | taylor.jett13@gmail.com Connor Kaplan | kapslocks12@gmail.com Caroline Leonard | carosperry@gmail.com Izzy McDonald | imcdonal@bates.edu Carly Smith | carly.alex.smith@gmail.com Colin Dowd | cdowd33@gmail.com David Huang | y.d.huang28@me.com Alex Porter | alex.porter@44shoreline.com REED BARBE The lacrosse season is underway. My plans for 2013 are to continue to do well in the classroom while bringing back a National Championship for the University of Denver. I definitely keep in touch with a bunch of my fellow classmates of 2012 and some students who still attend Suffield Academy.

ALEX PORTER I am in Park City, Utah, and have a job working in a hotel and skiing all the time. I saw Geoff Lowe ’13 over the holidays, and it reminded me of the all the training that I had to do for swimming last year.

Births 1

2

4

6

3

5

7

8

1. 8/19/12 To Katie Lichtsteiner ’89, a daughter, Lucette Marguerite 2. 10/31/12 To Karly David Griffin ’01, a daughter, Stella Grace Griffin 3. 12/14/12 To Meagan Ward Jenkins ’00, a daughter, Tessa Jenkins 4. 12/21/12 To Tobye Cook ’88, and husband Solomon, a son, Djamil Rassoul Seck 5. 12/27/12 To Katiana Siatras Dillon ’97 a daughter, Daphne Calliopi Dillon (pictured with brother Kairos) 6. 1/29/13 To Tim Cleary ’02, a daughter, Brynnleigh Elizabeth Cleary (pictured with brother Addison) 7. 2/1/13 To Scott Sartwell ’94, a daughter, Skylar Miller Sartwell 8. 2/24/13 To Brian Swider ’93 and wife Kristen, a daughter Madison (pictured with sister Samantha) NOT SHOWN 12/21/12 To Courtney DeLong Kopec ’98, a son, Zadok Edmond Kopec 3/26/13 To Emily Acton Forrest ’94 and husband Richard, a son Levi Oakford Forrest 1/13/13 To Andy Sutpin ’80, a daughter, Annelise Teresa Winter 2013 | 71

Weddings

Jen Mais ’06, Joanna Scholtz ’06, Groom Drew Iacovazzi, bride Jackie Barrieau Iacovazzi ’06, Josh Yeston ’06, Kim Autuori ’06 and Lexi Bosee ’06

Mark Soticheck II ’99 to Lisa Wheeler on December 1, 2012

Gale Berninghausen ’01 to Arjun Thakur on July 28, 2012

Jackie Barrieau Iacovazzi ’06 to Drew Iacovazzi on August 11, 2012

Kristin Horn Osowiecki ’96 to Don W. Osowiecki on July 28, 2012 in Brewster Hall

Engagements Dan Fisher ’05 engaged to Nicole Pruet

72 | www.suffieldacademy.org

Matt Capone ’07 engaged to Christina Coro

In Memoriam Kathryn Kelly Yellen ’38 passed away on March 2, 2013 Ruth Austin Stiles ’40 passed away on March 6, 2013 John Meehl ’47 passed away on February 9, 2013 Charles E. Roberts ’50 passed away on December 29, 2012 Bob Longhi ’52 passed away on July 30, 2012 Leonard Erff ’53 passed away on February 13, 2013 Edward V. Sayers ’53 passed away on September 14, 2012 George Gaston ’63 passed away on December 18, 2012 Richard Spetnagel ’66 passed away on January 23, 2013 Bob Longhi ’52

Charles E. Roberts ’50

RONALD K. ASELTON ’54 passed away on January 24, 2013 Born in Springfield, Massachusetts, Ron attended Suffield Academy before joining the U.S. Army. While at Suffield, he played soccer and was co-captain of the golf team with his younger brother Jerry. Both of the Aseltons spent as much time as they could on the golf courses of the world. Ron went on to become a restaurant entrepreneur, operating eight Burger King® restaurants in the Columbus, Ohio area. He later moved to Gainesville, Florida, where he successfully launched a group of nine Wendy’s® restaurants. After selling his restaurants to The Wendy’s Company (WEN), Ron was able to retire at age 46. Ron implemented the double drive-through concept and kid’s meals that are now found at all fast food restaurants.

SUBMIT CLASS NOTES FOR THE SPRING EDITION OF SUFFIELD Send your class notes and photographs to Harry Melendez III ’07, Development Associate EMAIL hmelendez@suffieldacademy.org -OR- MAIL TO Harry Melendez, 185 North Main Street, Suffield, CT 06078 The deadline for spring submissions is May 20, 2013.

NOTE If submitting digitally through e-mail, please send a high-quality, JPEG file (preferrably 1MB or larger to suffield.magazine@gmail.com).

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

Winter 2013 | 73

WWW.SUFFIELDACADEMY.ORG/BOOKSTORE

NEW BOOKSTORE ITEMS

SUMMER ACADEMY AT

SUFFIELD

JUNE 30-AUGUST 2, 2013

THE SUMMER ACADEMY AT SUFFIELD WELCOMES STUDENTS FROM AROUND THE WORLD. WE HOPE YOU WILL JOIN US FOR FIVE MEMORABLE WEEKS WHERE YOU WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO MEET NEW FRIENDS, ENHANCE YOUR STUDY SKILLS, AND PREPARE FOR THE NEXT ACADEMIC YEAR.

Summer Academy was an unforgettable chapter in my life. The faculty were really supportive and enthusiastic, and we all became a family, which made it so much harder for us when it came time to say our goodbyes. Summer Academy was indescribable and I wouldn’t be surprised if I found myself going back for seconds! Oyikwan Asante ’16

The classes at Summer Academy were just what I thought they would be—educational and fun.

The teachers really went out of their way to make sure everyone in the class was successful. The people in this program were out of this world.

Everyone was happy and it was really easy to make friends. Micaela Quinn ’16

WWW.SUFFIELDACADEMY.ORG/SUMMERACADEMY

Suffield Academy 185 North Main Street Suffield, CT 06078

SAVE THE DATE! OCTOBER 4-6, 2013 www.suffieldacademy.org/reunion QUESTIONS? CONTACT: Harry Melendez ’07, Development Associate hmelendez@suffieldacademy.org or 860.386.4463