gatherings… remembering Alumni Days 2009 WINTER alumni day 2009
Top: Dave Kepner CdeP 2007 was back with his camera and captured this sunset silhouette. Right: David A.Babbott CdeP 2001, Will Wyman CdeP 1978, and P.J. Benner CdeP 2006 gave their all on the soccer field, but the alumni team came up short against the current Toads, losing 2-4. Far right: Alex Dotson and Alexis Jackson, both CdeP 2007, take a turn in the saddle.
“FAC-BRAT” REUNION IN OJAI!
W Left: Faculty members Bob Miller, Alice Chesley, Jack Huyler, Olga Ignon, Eddie Chase, Betty Saunders (Rough House model not fully pictured) Above: Fac-Brats circa 1950s-60s
26 SPRING 2009
By Roger Ignon CdeP 1962
hat started as a small reunion party for Thacher’s faculty children of the 1950s and 1960s became a large affair. Everyone gathered at Soule Park on April 18 to enjoy an event that included a reception, dinner, parlor games led by Kim Chase and Ruth Huyler, and live music by Lance Ignon CdeP 1974 and John Wood. The event marked several important milestones including Jack Huyler’s and Olga Ignon’s 89th birthdays and the gathering of four generations of faculty and their children, the “fac-brats.” A cake with a not-so-scale model of the Rough House was served for dessert and wine was donated from the Thacher winery, compliments of Weezy Hagen and John Thacher CdeP 1957. The event was organized by Peggy Chase, Weezy Hagen, and me, with help from Mike Hermes and Eddie Chase. A special recognition was made for Mike Hermes, who is retiring this year as president of Ojai Valley School. We hope this will be the beginning of many more reunions for current and past faculty and their children to participate in some of the memorable traditions of faculty life at Thacher.