The Pingry Review - Summer 2025

Neurosurgeons

Dr. Dan Sciubba ’93 and Dr. Jeff Zimering ’07

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Middle School’s New Department Chairs

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Reunion: 50 Years of Coeducation, and Celebrate Miller

Connecting Students with the World

Global Programs and Travel Spring Intensives

Bill Bourne P’08, Chuck Coe P’88, and

pingry.org/review

Global Programs are in a resurgence after the pandemic and have a companion with travel Spring Intensives, offering multiple options for students to travel in the U.S. and abroad each year. Plus, the Pottersville Campus has enhanced Pingry’s exchange programs.

Alumni Brought Together by a Love of Neurosurgery

Dr. Dan Sciubba ’93 has been working at Northwell Health since 2021, and for the past year, has been a mentor to Dr. Jeff Zimering ’07 for his fellowship. Find out how they discovered their Pingry connection and why the two doctors will continue working together.

New Era for Middle School Leadership

More than 70 years after Department Chairs were created to oversee the Middle and Upper Schools, the Middle School will have their own Chairs in five subjects. Learn why the Department Chair structure is changing.

THINGS YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS ISSUE

ASHLEY

’89 COMBINES

The Pingry Review is The Pingry School’s official magazine. Contact the editor with comments and story ideas: gwaxberg@pingry.org 908-647-5555, ext. 1296 The Pingry School 131 Martinsville Road Basking Ridge, NJ 07920

EDITOR

Greg Waxberg ’96

Assistant Director of Communications, Writer/Editor

EDITORIAL STAFF

Peter Blasevick P’24 Archivist

Emily Cooke P’36, ’38

Chief Communications and Marketing Officer

Sara Courtney Communications Writer

David M. Fahey ’99, P’33, ’34, ’38 Chief Advancement Officer

Annabelle Elie ’27 examining wildlife and coral reefs during the Belize: Tropical Marine Ecology Global Program, led by Deirdre O’Mara P’17, ’19, ’21, Ramsay Vehslage, and Seth Goodwin P’29

Jane Hoffman ’94, P’26, ’27, ’28 Director of Development

Maureen Maher Associate Director of Communications, Writer

Alex Nanfara P’33, ’36 Assistant Director of Communications, Social Media Strategy and Athletics

Taylor Noonan Director of Alumni Relations

DESIGN AND LAYOUT

Josephine Bergin josephinebergin.com

PHOTOGRAPHY

Peter Blasevick P’24

Russ DeSantis

Natalie Gonzalez

Erin Kiernan

Rachel Monteleone

Bruce Morrison ’64

Alex Nanfara P’33, ’36

Rebecca Nowalski

David Salomone

Reena Rose Sibayan

Ryan Smith

Debbie Weisman

Mark Wyville

Maggie Yurachek GR Productions

Head of School

Dear Members of the Pingry Community,

Pingry has long believed education should never be restricted to textbooks or limited by the property lines of our beautiful campuses. Instead, it’s an ongoing pursuit — one that takes shape wherever students open themselves to curiosity and connection. While our unwavering commitment to academics continues to distinguish our classrooms, it’s also the experiences beyond our classroom walls that define the Pingry journey. And increasingly, we’re finding ways to dissolve the distinction between the education our students receive inside and outside the classroom, realizing they often can and should complement one another. Nowhere is this more evident than in the post-pandemic resurgence of our Global Programs offerings and the recent launch of travel Spring Intensives, which bring learning to life while also helping students become “citizens of and contributors to the larger community of the world.”

Introduced as an optional part of the Pingry experience over 15 years ago, Global Programs has become an integral part of our school culture and I expect the same will soon be said of travel Spring Intensives. With a growing number of Upper and Middle School students venturing to an ever-expanding list of destinations both here and abroad, we continue seeing evidence of the new and unexpected ways in which these opportunities benefit the entire Pingry community.

These programs drive home the importance of becoming lifelong learners. When the world becomes their classroom, students can better understand why learning is not limited to the traditional classroom. Travel requires students to abandon the familiar and to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. It’s an unparalleled immersive experience, and living outside their comfort zones makes them more attuned to their surroundings. Travel also plants the seeds of empathy and curiosity by expanding perspectives and challenging assumptions. And the inevitable hiccups encountered

along the way due to circumstances beyond the control of our students and their faculty trip leaders help develop resilience, humility, and patience.

The Honor Code remains in full effect for every travel program Pingry offers. Experiencing different cultures and being in new places invites students to reflect on their own values while broadening their definitions of “community” and “common good” — central tenets of our Honor Code. Cell phones are also collected upon arrival, ensuring students remain fully present and fully unplugged for the duration of the trip. Was this travel policy developed in response to the recommendations found in Jonathan Haidt’s bestselling book The Anxious Generation? Nope: it’s a “pre-AG” policy in place for our trips since at least 2014.

Pingry is not only preparing students for college. We’re also preparing them for life. Our travel programs have become an increasingly important part of the Pingry experience, making them not just enriching but essential to who we are and to what we aspire to become as a school community. We all benefit from the stories and perspectives students and faculty bring back to their classrooms. Their shared experiences form bonds that last a lifetime, and by creating that space for connection we’re helping them develop transformative relationships that strengthen our community from within.

During a college counseling conference in Scotland several years ago, a professor from the University of St Andrews was asked to describe his experience with students from the United States. After pausing for a moment, he said “American students are comfortable providing answers, but less comfortable asking questions.” While my subsequent round of golf on the legendary Old Course left me with more questions than answers (plus a Titleist Pro V1 that nearly went into the North Sea…), I’m proud that our travel programs are helping Pingry students to not only see the world but to ask bigger and bolder questions about their place in it.

Sincerely,

Tim Lear

ONE PINGRY

“YOU HAVE TO ACT”: MCLAUGHLIN SUSTAINABILITY EXPERIENCE

Through hands-on lessons with expert environmental educators from Raritan Headwaters and the Great Swamp Education Center—including Hazel England P’19, ’22— Grades 3 and 5 explored environmental sustainability in Pottersville in mid-May. The day was part of the Mary Jean McLaughlin P’78, ’80, ’83, ’84, GP’12, ’15, ’18 Endowed Lecture Series, established in 2023 by Julie and Dr. Mark McLaughlin ’83 in honor of the teaching legacy of Mary Jean McLaughlin, who taught Grade 4 at Pingry from 1978–2007. Education was her true calling. She loved her students as she did her own children and touched many lives in and out of the classroom.

The event had two major goals: to allow third- and fifth-grade students to build on their academic work in 2024-25—Grade 3 with water studies, and Grade 5 with their United Nations Sustainable Development Goals research projects—and to let them see how to connect with and care for the natural environment in New Jersey. Activities included planting seedlings, stream mapping,

ecological assessment, pond and stream study, and gardening.

A quote from Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax figured in Dr. McLaughlin’s opening remarks: “. . . unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” He

Dr. Mark McLaughlin ’83 with Lower School students on the Pottersville Campus

elaborated, based on wisdom from his mother: “You can’t just care. Caring is a thought. Thoughts help you figure out what you want, but actions get you what you want. You have to act. My mom’s spirit would tell you, ‘You’ve got to care, but you’ve got to act, too.’”

LEBOW

ORATORICAL COMPETITION:

“MAKE MUSIC”

Five seconds of silence, an awkward pause, introduced the speech by Shanti Swadia ’27, who won the 2025 Robert H. LeBow ’58 Memorial Oratorical Competition. In her speech, “The Music That Speaks,” that pause represented the first 14 years of her life—no words and no sounds. Shanti was diagnosed with Selective Mutism, a social anxiety disorder that made it impossible for her to speak. Then, she discovered music by accident: playing notes on her father’s piano and humming the notes. Silence turned to song, and singing gave her courage. “Music became my voice before I could find my own,” Shanti said, offering three examples of how music can be life-changing: music teaches discipline and grit (example: Beethoven’s personal discipline changed music history), music brings us together (unifying power, such as protest songs), and music is the language of the universe (not just humans, but other animals). “Music can transform us. Without it, I wouldn’t have had the courage to speak here today . . . always remember to make music.”

The competition was funded in 2005 through the generosity of Pingry’s Class of 1958, led by the late William Hetfield, in memory of their classmate. Dr. LeBow was an accomplished author and public speaker who addressed audiences worldwide about the need for health care reform. He is the author of Health Care Meltdown: Confronting the Myths and Fixing and Fixing Our Failing System

ONE PINGRY

OPENING OF LOWER SCHOOL’S 2000 TIME CAPSULE

It’s been 25 years, so this May, it was time to open the time capsule that was coordinated by then–Lower School Librarian Ann D’Innocenzo. The project was a “collection of students’ thoughts, ideas, feelings, and descriptions of their lives in the year 2000 and what they predicted it would be in 25 years. I created this project to bring the school together to commemorate the new millennium. All classes, teachers, and Specialists participated and submitted their work to the library,” she explains.

Among the many items were The New York Times from January 1, 2000; essays about favorite books; photos of student fashions; a list of the top 100 companies; newspaper clippings about current events; lunch menus and videos of school events from that year; and predictions about 2025.

MAGISTRI INDUCTIONS

Upper School English Teacher Chris Shilts P’17, ’19, ’21, ’24 and Upper School Spanish Teacher Gerardo Vázquez P’18, ’19 have joined the Magistri, having taught at Pingry since 2000.

Mr. Shilts has also coached Boys’ and Girls’ Varsity Track and Field, and served as Head Coach of the Varsity Football Team (2008–2020) and Head Coach of Varsity Winter Track and Field since 2017. He has received the Herbert F. Hahn Junior Faculty Award (2003), Norman B. Tomlinson, Jr. ’44 Chair for History and Literature (2005), Senior Class Faculty Chair (2015), and Greig Family Endowed Faculty Chair (2017).

Mr. Vázquez has also been a Form VI Dean and received the Herbert F. Hahn Junior Faculty Award (2003), Woodruff J. English Award (2011), and Norman B. Tomlinson, Jr. ’44 Chair for History and Literature (2020).

The Upper School Math Team participated in a worldwide mathematics competition this spring, Purple Comet. There were 4,613 teams from 80 different countries represented. Pingry’s top team, led by captain Elbert Ho ’25, earned an Honorable Mention distinction worldwide and placed #1 in New Jersey.

Former Lower School Director Ted Corvino P’94, ’97, ’02 and former Lower School Librarian Ann

D’Innocenzo

Chris Shilts P’17, ’19, ’21, ’24

Gerardo Vázquez P’18, ’19

Albert Wu ’26, Eric Chen ’27, Angelina Gao ’27, Maddie Zhu ’28, Elbert Ho ’25, and Derek Peng ’27

“NEVER GIVES UP”: JEREMY BETZ ’25 RECEIVES STIFEL AWARD

Jeremy Betz ’25, who was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) during the summer before his junior year, was honored by Co-Director of College Counseling Sue Kinney P’15, ’18 for the 37th presentation of the Stifel Award.

The Henry G. Stifel III Award is named for Mr. Stifel, who was paralyzed in an automobile accident during his junior year at Pingry. The Stifel Family established the award at Pingry in 1984 to “be awarded to the person who best exemplifies those characteristics exhibited by Henry G. Stifel III ’83 in the aftermath of his accident and spinal injury: courage, endurance, optimism, compassion, and spirit.”

A Pingry lifer, Mr. Stifel is a former trustee and Letter-In-Life Award recipient, is a Vice Chair of the Board of Directors of the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, and works at Morgan Stanley.

ASD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that can make it difficult for someone to read verbal and nonverbal communications

GETTING TO KNOW...

Favorite musicians? My choice is dependent on the mood that I am in. I can listen to anything from classic rock bands, to grunge bands to remind me of when I was in high school, or even Country music.

Favorite books? Books about our service members who have fought for our freedoms. As of now, my favorite author is NY Times bestselling author Jack Carr who writes political thriller novels. I am about to start reading his eighth book in his series.

Favorite movies? I am a movie fanatic. Miracle on Ice is definitely one of my favorite movies, about the United States men’s hockey team defeating the

in social interactions. “Jeremy has tackled his diagnosis by learning as much as he can in order to understand how autism affects his behavior and how his behavior is often interpreted by others,” Mrs. Kinney said.

Highlighting Jeremy’s activities at and outside Pingry—actor, writer, editor, Peer Leader, Buttondown, member of the fencing team, Eagle Scout, and more—she delineated how Jeremy’s actions exemplify the characteristics of the Stifel Award:

Courage: “never gives up—even though he has been misunderstood or excluded, he still puts himself out there and continues to try”

Endurance: “does not avoid social situations— he leans into every opportunity he can”

Optimism: “looks at gifts he has and makes the most of them”

Compassion: “selfless nature—always thinking about others”

Spirit: “stays positive and fully commits himself to everything he does”

favorite Soviet Union and then going on to beat Finland in the finals to win the Gold Medal in the 1980 Olympics.

Favorite TV shows? I mostly watch sports. I really enjoy watching NHL hockey and my favorite team is the N.Y. Rangers. I also watch soccer and my favorite team would be Bayern Munich. If I am trying to relax, I enjoy shows about the outdoors found on The Discovery Channel.

If you could have dinner with one person, living or from the past, who would it be, and why? My late Pop Pop. He was a driven and knowledgeable man who forged his own path and started Pitco Academy, a Precision Instrument and Tool company in East Hanover. Not only do I miss him dearly, but he was a very witty and caring person.

What is a fact about you that people might never know? I only have hearing in my right ear. This is the result of an accident when I was younger.

Before joining Pingry, you worked for a multinational metallurgical company, were a project manager for a landscape company, and owned a landscaping company. Why did you transition to teaching physical education at the Lower School? None of these careers were my true passion, and it was difficult for me to spend time with my family. Teaching Physical Education and coaching is where I find my happiness. I realized I wanted to teach physical education when I remembered how naturally I gravitated toward movement, teamwork, and helping others build confidence through sports. I always enjoyed explaining and “teaching” soccer skills to kids

as I was growing up. I had a natural connection with kids. The joy I saw on someone’s face after they finally mastered a movement or simply had fun being active made a lasting impression on me.

The Lower School’s annual Field Day is a massive event, with numerous games and activities for K–5 students. How far in advance do you start preparing, and can you briefly describe what the preparation involves? We typically spend 1–2 weeks, prior to Field Day, practicing all of the events with all of the Grades. We also have to make sure all of the equipment is functioning properly. As well as inspecting all of the equipment, the P.E. Department also has to lay out the fields and have the Facilities Team paint all of the lines for the specific events. All of the students are placed either on the Blue team or the White team. This is a big undertaking as Ms. [Leslie] Miller coordinates the teams as well as ensuring new students and/or siblings are on the same color team. This is a big undertaking, but one of the best days of the school year for the students.

How do you teach/emphasize sportsmanship with Lower School students? The P.E. Department continually talks to Pingry students about the importance of participating in sports and games with good sportsmanship. We oftentimes will have to remind the younger students about “how would you feel if . . .” or “maybe we can say it this way . . .” We will also remind the students of the Honor Code and its importance not only in the classroom or hallways, but also on the playing field and playground.

Jeff Patten P’24, ’26, Lower School P.E. and Health Teacher

Jeremy Betz ’25 and Henry G. Stifel III ’83

ONE PINGRY

The 2025 Blue Book is dedicated to Upper School science teachers Bill Bourne P’08, Chuck Coe P’88, and Tim Grant P’03, ’06, all of whom have retired after 41 years at Pingry. They are pictured with the yearbook staff. Read about their Pingry careers on page 12.

Favorite musicians? Brahms and Jacob Collier—very different, but both brilliant. I love Brahms for his emotional depth and harmonic richness, and Collier for his fearless creativity and playfulness.

Favorite pieces of music? Puccini’s La Bohème always moves me with its beauty and drama. I also

The Pingry community celebrating the Class of 2025 at the annual, end-of-year “Senior Stars Under the Stars” in the Baldwin Courtyard on Friday, May 2—their last day of classes. Seniors were invited to walk the runway in an outfit of their choosing.

love all of Brahms’ symphonies—they’re powerful, expressive, and endlessly rewarding to revisit.

Favorite movie? Matilda—a childhood favorite that celebrates curiosity, resilience, and being unapologetically different.

Favorite TV show? Crash Landing on You—I was completely swept up in its story, humor, and heart.

If you could have dinner with one person, living or from the past, who would it be, and why? My undergraduate piano professor, who passed away a few years ago. She was a mentor, and her wisdom extended far beyond music. She shaped the way I think, feel, and listen—not just as a pianist, but as a human being.

You are from Taiwan. What are your fondest memories from growing up there? One of my favorite things about Taiwan is the ubiquity and charm of 7-11s. They’re truly part of daily life—you can grab incredible snacks, pay your bills, print documents, or even call a taxi. Beyond the convenience, there’s a unique warmth and culture that surrounds everyday experiences in Taiwan, and I carry that with me wherever I go.

You were trained as a classical pianist and flutist. Which instrument came first? Piano. I was three years old when I overheard my older brother

practicing a piece, and one day, I just sat down and played it myself. That moment led to my first piano lesson the following week. Flute came later, and somewhat by accident—in Taiwan, music students are often required to study a second instrument in addition to piano. I didn’t know what any of the other instruments were, so I picked the smallest one.

You have performed in Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall. What were the circumstances? The winners’ recital after receiving first prize in an international piano competition. The experience was exhilarating—it was both nerve-wracking and thrilling to perform on such an iconic stage, and I remember feeling the weight of the space, but also the joy of sharing music with a live audience.

What are good ways to get younger students interested in classical music? I always encourage students and families to explore the amazing familyfriendly offerings from organizations like the New Jersey Youth Orchestra, the New York Philharmonic, or the Met Opera. Engaging with music live, especially in a fun and welcoming environment, can make a huge difference. You might walk in out of curiosity and walk out completely in love with the art form.

Emma Liu, Lower School Music Teacher

Honoring History: How Pingry Celebrates Black History Month

By Harvey Shao ’32

In February, the Lower School came together to celebrate Black History Month with engaging and educational events. From parent volunteer read-ins to an assembly featuring TAHIRA as the guest speaker telling empowering stories, students and teachers commemorated Black history and culture.

One highlight was Pingry’s participation in the National African American Read-In, when the library turned into a storytelling hub. Parent volunteers read books showcasing achievements of African Americans, giving students a deeper appreciation for Black history and culture. “We want to encourage students to appreciate and embrace different cultures through reading,” said Sarah O’Holla, Lower School Librarian. “We recommend books already in our library because we’ve reviewed every book in here, so we know anything we pick is kid-appropriate. Parents are welcome to bring their own, and we trust them to pick informative stories that resonate with themselves and the students.”

The fifth-graders enjoyed the activities throughout the month. Keon “KJ” Carpenter ’32 thought the reading of the book Glenn Burke, Game Changer: The Man Who Invented the High Five was fun and educational because it informed readers of how great innovations by the Black community have changed our everyday lives, such as the “high five”. Chelsea Palker ’32 loved the soul food lunch, which included chicken

drumsticks, mac & cheese, and cornbread. She called it “a great way to celebrate Black contributions to American culinary traditions.”

The Lower School’s Black History Month celebrations not only honored the past, but also encouraged ideas to improve for the future. With the whole Pingry community actively engaged, the tradition will continue to grow for years to come.

Retiring Coach Tim Grant Honored at Alumni Track Reception

The National African American Read-In taking place in the Cipriano Family Library

TOP LEFT: Holding the 90-page memory book, Coach Tim Grant: 40 Years of Keeping Pingry Girls on Track, which contains photos and memories from his four decades of coaching girls’ cross country and girls’ track at Pingry. With him are former coach Norm LaValette P’04, Mary (Pozycki) Howell ’91, Sara Tindall-Woodman ’97, Anna Butrico Conti ’14, Michelle Lerner ’89, Angi D’Costa ’89, Ellen Li ’17, Allie de Asla ’22, Molly Parker ’22, Sydney Shilts ’24, and Coach Harlen Shangold ’11.

TOP RIGHT: With his wife, former Upper School English Teacher Vicki Grant P’03, ’06, and Anna Butrico Conti ’14, Ellen Li ’17, Angi D’Costa ’89, and Michelle Lerner ’89

BOTTOM RIGHT: Michelle Lerner ’89, Neha Sampat ’07, Anna Butrico Conti ’14, and Ellen Li ’17 compiled the book, with cover art by Ms. Sampat.

ONE PINGRY

BALDWIN AWARDS

The Cyril and Beatrice Baldwin Pingry Family Citizen of the Year Award was presented during Commencement to Steve Lipper ’79, P’09, ’12, ’14 and Middle School Office Coordinator Pat Egan.

Mr. Lipper has served Pingry in nearly every possible capacity—Class Agent, Reunion Volunteer, Committee Chair, Career Day speaker, Pingry Alumni Association Board member, President of the Pingry Alumni Association for two terms (2008–2012), and a member of the Board of Trustees for nine years (2016–2025).

Ms. Egan has worked in the Middle School Office for 19 years and was praised for being “a steady hand” with a “legacy of care, constancy, and compassion” who has “dedicated herself to the growth and development of Middle School students. She has supported them academically, emotionally, and socially—and in doing so, she has become a symbol of the very best of what our community can be. Pat is not just a part of the Pingry Middle School—she is at its heart.”

GETTING TO KNOW...

Middle School Math Department Chair

Favorite musicians? My favorite band is Weezer. Favorite books? I love Pride and Prejudice, but my favorite genre is dystopian fiction. I read Cormac McCarthy’s The Road this year, and can’t stop thinking about it. I also love zombie books and love The Girl With All the Gifts

RESEARCH WEEK KEYNOTE

Dr. Zack Cordero ’06, Associate Professor of Aerospace Engineering at MIT, gave the keynote speech to open Research Week, which had more participants in 2025 than ever before (nearly 240). He spoke about the advancement in materials and manufacturing for reusable rocket engines, and the differences between aero engines and rocket engines (rocket engines are more difficult to make reliable).

Former biology teacher Tommie Hata, Biology Teacher Deirdre O’Mara P’17, ’19, ’21, and Dr. Zack Cordero ’06 at Morning Meeting of Research Week

A member of Pingry’s first S.M.A.R.T. Team (Students Modeling a Research Topic) in 2003-04, Dr. Cordero credits Biology Teacher Deirdre O’Mara P’17, ’19, ’21 and former biology teacher Tommie Hata with his interest in research and introduction to 3D printing. “Research is really, really, really hard, but the process and results are fun,” he said. “You get to interact with awesome people, you get to travel the world, you get to do rewarding, meaningful, and impactful work, and you can change the world.”

Favorite movies? Zombie movies. 28 Days Later got me into the genre as a teenager. I love how zombies are really just a metaphor for society’s most current fears. I’m very excited about the 28 Years Later movie coming out this summer!

Favorite TV shows? Reality dating shows. Not to be too one note, but I also love the Netflix Korean show All of Us Are Dead, about a zombie outbreak at a high school.

If you could study any field aside from your own, what would it be, and why? Linguistics. I love the patterns of grammar, how language changes over time, and how different languages can affect how we view the world.

If you could have dinner with one person, living or from the past, who would it be, and why? My father’s father, who died long before I was born. My father speaks so lovingly of him.

You have practiced tap dancing for most of your life. How did you become interested? My mom signed me up for a class when I was three, and I loved it.

Origin of your interest in math? I cannot remember a time when I didn’t love math. When I was very little, my dad would make up math problems for me, which he called “Pig Algebra.” I

don’t remember whether pigs, which are my favorite animal, were involved, but I’m sure it encouraged my love of problem solving.

Why did you gravitate to teaching the middle school age group? Middle school students are such capable problem solvers and starting to be able to reason abstractly. It is so exciting to see them make new connections. Middle school students are also the funniest people on the planet.

You were selected to participate in the National Museum of Math’s Rosenthal Prize Summer Institute in 2024. Can you briefly describe what this institute is, and what resulted from your participation? MoMath’s Rosenthal Prize Summer Institute is a conference where a small cohort of math educators meet in New York City to discuss implementing Rosenthal Prize–winning lessons. The Rosenthal Prize recognizes the authors of engaging and creative math lessons each year with a large cash prize. The cohort came from all over the country (and Canada!) and stays connected virtually to discuss math teaching and our implementation of these lessons.

Lisa Hartmann,

Retiring trustee Steve Lipper ’79, P’09, ’12, ’14 and Middle School Office Coordinator Pat Egan

PINGRY’S STRATEGIC RISK-TAKING

Chief Financial and Operating Officer Olaf Weckesser P’25 was a guest on the NetAssets podcast (produced by the National Business Officers Association) in June to talk about Pingry’s strategy of buying the campus of Purnell School in 2021. Mr. Weckesser believes that most independent schools, to ensure their future success, need to become bigger in a way that works for them, and take chances. Plus, some operational changes need to be made independently of the traditional yearly cycle of budgeted expenses. He also talked about how Pingry has been developing its use of the Pottersville Campus: a “significant amount” of affordable employee housing; more auxiliary programming to help generate revenue; and a focus on immersive student experiences with overnight stays, like an “internal conference center”.

MIDDLE SCHOOL INTRODUCES FIRST LEGO CHALLENGE

The FIRST LEGO League (FLL) Challenge program will be introduced to Middle School students during fall and winter of the 2025-26 school year—fall as an introductory, noninterscholastic option; fall and winter for students interested in being on the interscholastic team. FLL offers an exciting opportunity for students to enhance their skills in robotics, problem solving, and teamwork—providing a strong foundation for more advanced challenges in Upper School. In the fall, students will explore STEM and robotics and develop a solution to a real-world problem, culminating with an intra-school competition. In the winter, the interscholastic team will prepare for the official FLL competitions against other schools.

iStock.com/LeventKonuk

Steve Richardson, Controller and Financial Literacy Teacher

Favorite musicians? The Police, The Who, The Reivers, Fleetwood Mac

Favorite books? The Lord of the Rings, Pride and Prejudice, and the Codex Alera Series

Favorite movie? Since this is a commonly asked password question, I’ll give my third-favorite: The Warriors. When I was a kid, I liked it for the action.

As I grew older, I learned that it’s a dystopian retelling of Xenophon’s Anabasis, which recounts the story of the Ten Thousand.

Favorite TV shows? Firefly, Numb3rs, SportsNight

If you could have dinner with one person, living or from the past, who would it be, and why? My mom and dad.

Origin of your interest in accounting? When I was a kid, I loved baseball and numbers. This gave me two career ambitions. Plan A was to replace Steve Garvey at first base for the Dodgers. Plan B was to be a CPA. My athletic ability only permitted the latter. To this day, I still like numbers more than most people. What does it mean that you are Controller in the Business Office? I assist in running the School’s financial record-keeping and reporting systems.

Best part of teaching Financial Literacy to freshmen? Trying to trick the students with money when it doesn’t matter, so they’ll be better prepared for when it does.

GETTING TO KNOW...

Melody Boone, Middle and Upper School Visual Arts Teacher

Favorite musicians? How about music genres? I listen to everything, but my favorite is R&B.

Favorite movie?The Sound of Music. Makes me smile and sing along every time I see it!

Favorite TV shows? Yellowjackets and The Handmaid’s Tale. My all-time favorite is The X-Files

If you could study any field aside from your own, what would it be, and why? Anthropology and/or History. I’ve always been interested in cultures, languages, and ideologies different from my own. I’d also like to explore my own ancestry and other cultures similar to mine.

If you could have dinner with one person, living or from the past, who would it be, and why? Jean-Michel Basquiat. My absolute favorite artist! Origin of your interest in being an artist? I remember telling people that I wanted to be an artist when I was about six years old. I’ve always loved drawing and making, so I feel like creativity has always been intrinsic to who I am.

What made you want to teach art? I didn’t know I wanted to teach so much as I wanted to share and talk about something I loved with people who were interested. Teaching for me has always been about sharing my knowledge and love of art with my students.

As a mixed media artist, what are your favorite media to work with, and why? The good thing about being a mixed media artist is that I don’t have to choose a favorite! My method of working allows me to progress in several different series at a time. Working on several series gives me the freedom to work (for example) on a drawing one day and a clay piece the next. This keeps me from getting bored, the work often informs each other, and this process allows me time between projects so that I may come back to others with fresh eyes.

What’s a lesson learned from your career as an artist that you incorporate into your teaching? The importance of persistence, especially when motivation wavers. As an artist, I’ve come to understand that inspiration isn’t always constant—but commitment to the work keeps me moving forward. I bring this mindset into my teaching by encouraging students to push through challenges, even when there is a lull in their motivation.

ISP Program Seeks Alumni Mentors

“This program gives a peek into an industry that a high school student would not be able to access—in that real-world way—without the mentorship of someone in that job. This is also relationship building with a mentor,” says Upper School History Teacher Lisa Longo Johnston, Co-Coordinator of Pingry’s ISP Program.

Since the late 1960s, ISPs (Independent Senior Projects) have given seniors the chance to pursue passion projects during their final month of high school. As World and Classical Languages Department Chair, Upper School French Teacher, and ISP Co-Coordinator Steve Benoit puts it, “Students have the opportunity to create a really meaningful capstone to their Pingry career.” Each project, which could be a professional internship or externship, a deep academic dive, a service endeavor, or an artistic creation, focuses on three essential questions and requires a final showcase of learning. “They need to be genuinely curious about something from the outset—that makes them more engaged, and it makes the experience more meaningful,” Ms. Johnston says.

For example, 2025 ISPs saw students interning at the law firm Ropes & Gray in New York; volunteering at St. Justine Preschool in Newark; working with RoboEatz to address challenges in the food service industry; working in an immigration law firm’s office for juveniles; conducting neurosurgery research at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia; and working in a dentist’s office. In one case, financial markets and investing are of interest to Eshaan Jain ’25, who researched how cross-asset volatility divergence (volatility spikes in one asset class while remaining subdued in others) can be a warning about stress in the markets. He was mentored by Manish Bhandari P’28, ’30, Chief Financial Officer of RBC Capital Markets, who wanted to “give back to a school and community that I feel deeply connected to” and help promote Pingry’s continued success through student achievement.

As in Mr. Bhandari’s case, most ISP mentors have been Pingry parents, and the School is eager for more alumni to become mentors. Other ISP mentors describe their motivations to work with Pingry students: “Dentistry is a field that unless you have true dental issues, your exposure is limited. To be able to show an interested student the creativity involved in the profession while influencing their career path is very rewarding. Also, there are more ‘big group’ practices where it is harder for someone to shadow [a medical professional], and I have the ability to give someone in high school that opportunity.”

Dr. Wendy Sanger P’26, owner of Wendy Sanger DMD – Cosmetic + Family Dentistry in Warren, NJ

“I remember how formative those early opportunities were in shaping my own path—being welcomed into a professional environment and challenged in meaningful ways. I want to pay that forward. If I can play even a small role in helping a student discover their passion or build confidence in their voice, then that’s time very well spent.”

Erica B. Murphy P’25, Chief Human Resources Officer of Ropes & Gray

“When I was deciding whether or not to pursue veterinary medicine as a profession, it would have been helpful for me to experience what it truly means to be a veterinarian on a daily basis. My goal is to give this senior a taste of the ins and outs of what it’s like to be a small animal veterinarian, a large animal veterinarian, a veterinary internal medicine specialist, and a veterinary surgeon.”

Dr. Roxane Collins P’23, ’25

“Our family is proud to mentor Pingry students at the Somerset Patriots because we believe it is important to show students that success doesn’t follow just one path. Too often, young people feel pressure to conform to a traditional or popular definition of success, rather than pursuing what truly excites them.”

Rachel Kalafer P’27, ’29

For more information: pingry.org/isp Alumni who are interested in becoming ISP mentors should contact Ms. Longo Johnston at ljohnston@pingry.org and Mr. Benoit at sbenoit@pingry.org

LEFT: Julia Woodbury ’25 interning at Ropes & Gray law firm RIGHT: Carolyn Zhou ’25 conducting neurosurgery research at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

Faculty Awards and Chairs

With the following endowed award funds, generous donors have sought to encourage excellent teaching and coaching and recognize teachers’ contributions to the School.

PRESENTED IN JUNE 2025

ALBERT W. BOOTH CHAIR FOR MASTER TEACHERS / 2025–26

Lisa Longo Johnston, Upper School History

Sean McAnally, Middle and Upper School Music

THE WOODRUFF J. ENGLISH FACULTY DEVELOPMENT FUND / 2025–26

Erik Hove, Grade 5 Social Studies and Lower School

Experiential Education

Nadezhda Mims P’33, ’35, Middle School English

THE GREIG FAMILY ENDOWED FACULTY CHAIR (TEACHING/COACHING) / 2025–26

Nancy Romano P’19, Middle and Upper School Health; Middle School Field Hockey and Track

HERBERT F. HAHN JUNIOR FACULTY AWARD / 2025–26

Kendall Davies, Kindergarten

Joseph Napolitano, Head of Technical Theater and Design

SENIOR CLASS FACULTY CHAIR / 2025–26

Lindsay Baydin P’26, ’29, Lower School Visual Arts

E. MURRAY TODD FACULTY CHAIR / 2025–2028

Gerry Vanasse P’14, ’20, Director of Middle School Athletics

THE JAMES P. WHITLOCK, JR. ’60 FACULTY DEVELOPMENT FUND FOR SCIENCE, MATHEMATICS AND TECHNOLOGY / 2025-26

Dr. Marie-Pierre Jolly, Computer Science Department Chair

CURRENTLY HELD

DAVID B. BUFFUM HISTORY CHAIR / 2023–2026

Hannah Decatur, Upper School History

EDWARD G. ENGEL CHAIR FOR MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE / 2023–2026

Mary Sartorio, Lower School Math Specialist

THE NORMAN B. TOMLINSON, JR. ’44 CHAIR FOR HISTORY AND LITERATURE / 2023–2026

Margi Dillon P’17, ’18, ’20, Upper School Spanish

pingry.org/forever-blue/giving/endowed-funds: Read about these awards, including the individuals for whom they are named. To learn more about how you can endow an award or contribute to an existing one, please contact Chief Advancement Officer David Fahey ’99, P’33, ’34, ’38 at dfahey@pingry.org or 908-647-7058.

LINDSAY BAYDIN P’26, ’29 KENDALL DAVIES

ERIK HOVE

LISA LONGO JOHNSTON

SEAN MCANALLY NADEZHDA MIMS P’33, ’35 JOSEPH NAPOLITANO NANCY ROMANO P’19

GERRY VANASSE P’14, ’20

DR. MARIE-PIERRE JOLLY

Faculty and Staff News

Saying Farewell

Tributes to administrators and those who worked at Pingry for 10 or more years

pingry.org: Recognition of employees who departed from Pingry in June

BILL BOURNE P’08, Upper School Science Teacher and a member of the Magistri, has retired after 41 years. He taught Physics, Honors Physics, and Science in the 21st Century (the latter created as an alternative to AP science courses); and coached varsity football, boys’ varsity golf, boys’ JV golf (he created the program), and Middle School basketball and softball.

In addition to teaching and coaching, Mr. Bourne served as Interim Coordinator of Community Service, Interim Dean of Students, a member of the Academic Judicial Board (precursor to the Honor Board), Co-Advisor of the Honor Board, Advisor to the Environmental Protection Club, Co-Advisor to Robotics, Law Compliance Officer, and Chair of the Health Benefits Committee. During his time as a Robotics advisor, in 2014, the team won a district competition for the first time, at the Mid-Atlantic Robotics FIRST Robotics Competition. He recently taught a Spring Intensive called “Money, Morality, and Message in Sports.”

As many alumni know, Mr. Bourne is known for his phrase “think extremes.” “It started way back, 35 years or so, when I started to put ‘thinking questions’ on my physics assessments,” he says. “Thinking questions were designed to test a student’s depth of knowledge versus their rote abilities. These would be questions not gone over in class. When students asked for strategies on how to answer these questions, one way I suggested was for them to exaggerate certain aspects of the conditions . . . By doing this, many times it makes the answer obvious.”

In 2014, Pingry honored Mr. Bourne with The Edward G. Engel Chair for Mathematics and Science, and he is a co-dedicatee of the 2025 yearbook. At Commencement in June, addressing the Class of 2025, Mr. Bourne shared the story of how he won tickets to Super Bowl XXXV, a story that included a parting message for the graduates. Read more on page 18.

CHUCK COE P’88, Upper School Science Teacher and a member of the Magistri, has retired after 41 years. He taught Physics, AP Physics and, with Mr. Bourne, Science in the 21st Century. From 2000–2014, Mr. Coe served as Chair of the Science Department. Outside the classroom, he coached boys’ varsity basketball, JV softball, and Middle School boys’ soccer, and advised the Speech and Debate Team, which earned top spots in tournaments. He recently wrote the book A Spark of Reason: Truth in Science: Myths, Stories, Examples, and Anecdotes, partially inspired by Science in the 21st Century (read about the book in the Winter 2023-24 issue of The Pingry Review).

During his tenure as Chair, the Science Department introduced the “Bio Sandwich” (conceived by Tim Grant) to start teaching chemistry before biology so that biology teachers could “hit the ground running

with chemistry concepts that are useful in molecular biology”; added and redesigned courses to support students who “loved science, but were less focused on APs and mathematical sciences” (Science in the 21st Century and Anatomy, for example); introduced Honors Biology projects; offered more research in the general curriculum and extracurricular activities (IRTs); added Robotics to extracurriculars; expanded the enrollment of juniors and seniors in science classes; revamped the Middle School curriculum to add more activities; and redesigned the hiring process.

In 1998, Pingry honored Mr. Coe with the Woodruff J. English Faculty Award. He is a co-dedicatee of the 2025 yearbook.

BEN COURCHESNE, Pingry’s first Associate Head of School, has left after two years to become Head of School at Trinity Valley School in Texas. Among the highlights of his time at Pingry: a more connected Divisional Leadership Team, expanded Pottersville Campus programming, stronger partnerships with families, and organizational updates to support growth and leadership.

GARY DEEMER, Facilities Technician on the Basking Ridge Campus, has left Pingry after 14 years.

TIM GRANT P’03, ’06, Upper School Science Teacher and a member of the Magistri, has retired after 41 years. He taught Chemistry, Honors Chemistry, AP Chemistry, and Physics. “I’ve loved the students I’ve taught. They’re so inquisitive. I am so much better of a teacher because of the students’ questions. It was great to have students asking me questions all the time,” he said at this spring’s annual meeting of the Pingry Alumni Association. With Mr. Bourne, he taught the Spring Intensive “Money, Morality, and Message in Sports.”

Outside the classroom, Mr. Grant was Head Coach of girls’ varsity cross country (1989–2020), varsity winter track (2009–2014), and girls’ varsity track (1989–2025), and also coached girls’ varsity basketball (head coach, 1992–1996), girls’ JV basketball, Middle School boys’ basketball, and Middle School track. The Courier News and Star-Ledger named him Coach of the Year multiple times for girls’ cross country and girls’ track, and he was inducted into the New Jersey Scholastic Coaches Association Hall of Fame (2010).

During a Morning Meeting in March, Mr. Grant shared three stories that impacted his life. First, when he was about six years old, he was inspired by his older sister (who was playing with a garbage bag that was puffing with air) to run with a garbage bag over his head to fill it with air. “If I ran fast enough, I could lift off the ground and float around the neighborhood! This would be so cool!” But after jumping off his roof and landing in a hedge, he realized “This wasn’t

a good idea.” Second, in Grade 3, after watching TV at his neighbors’ home, he turned off a lamp while he was kneeling on a faux leather couch with rubber feet—and felt a buzz. “Of course, I had to try it again!” He convinced the neighbor and his younger sister to hold hands so they could feel the buzz through him. His sister was hurt, which scared him. “At that moment, I thought, ‘You’ve got to become a scientist. You’ve got to learn how these things work so you stop hurting yourself and hurting others.’”

Third, as a high school senior during track season, Mr. Grant was determined to be undefeated. At one point, he ran against a freshman in the 800-meter, a two-lap race. After the first lap, the freshman passed him, so Mr. Grant sped up—in the process, their legs tangled and Mr. Grant fell. However, the freshman stumbled but kept going, and just beat him. Mr. Grant yelled to the meet official that “he cut me off and should be disqualified!” The freshman told the official, “I’m really sorry. I think I did cut him off, so you should disqualify me.” Reflecting on this, Mr. Grant told the students, “This was a really nice kid. He was a better person than me. I knew it was my fault, and yet I was blaming it on him. From then on, I would try to be the better person. In life, you’re going to make mistakes—learn from them, but always try to be the better person.”

Pingry honored Mr. Grant five times: the Herbert F. Hahn Junior Faculty Award (1997), Edward G. Engel Chair for Mathematics and Science (1999), E. Murray Todd Faculty Chair (2010), Senior Class Faculty Chair (2018), and Greig Family Endowed Faculty Chair (2020). This spring, Pingry’s chapter of The Cum Laude Society made him an honorary member to recognize his extraordinary service to the chapter, and he is a co-dedicatee of the 2025 yearbook. At Commencement in June, addressing the Class of 2025, Mr. Grant shared a funny story to emphasize the importance of memories. Read more on page 18.

DR. FRANCES MECARTTY, Upper School Spanish Teacher, has left Pingry after 18 years to join Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences in Santa Monica, California. She also advised the Latinx Affinity Group and taught the Spring Intensive called “A Culinary Journey: Knowing Your Food.” In addition, she represented Pingry when making presentations in her field of Applied Linguistics at national and international events, and she conducted workshops at Pingry for professional development. In 2018, Pingry honored her with the Albert W. Booth Chair for Master Teachers.

EDWIN NÚÑEZ, Director of Enrollment Management, has left Pingry after three years to become the Shelby M.C. Davis ’54 Dean of Enrollment Management at The Lawrenceville School.

Mr. Núñez’s tenure was marked by innovation, strategic vision, and a deep commitment to shaping a student body that reflects the best of what Pingry stands for—including the implementation of an Early Action admissions process.

PATRICIA “TRISH” WHEELER, Middle School Drama and Dance Teacher and a member of the Magistri, has left Pingry after 35 years. She first appeared at Pingry in 1989 to choreograph the Upper School’s production of Pippin, and permanently joined the Drama Department the following year when drama expanded to the Middle School. Ms. Wheeler also choreographed Upper School musicals, directed and choreographed Middle School musicals, and taught mindfulness.

BILL BOURNE P’08

CHUCK COE P’88

BEN COURCHESNE GARY DEEMER

TIM GRANT P’03, ’06

DR. FRANCES MECARTTY

EDWIN NÚÑEZ

PATRICIA “TRISH” WHEELER

Faculty and Staff News

Welcome to New Administrators, Faculty, and Staff

DR. JESSICA FLAXMAN, Associate Head of School, is a proven leader in K–12 education and a leader deeply committed to the School’s values of honor, respect, and inclusivity. She brings to Pingry nearly three decades of experience in independent schools, having held roles as a teacher, department chair, and division director, and in numerous leadership capacities. Since 2021, Dr. Flaxman served as the inaugural Pk–12 Dean of Faculty and Employees, as well as Director of the Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning, at Rye Country Day School. Her previous positions include Assistant Head of School and Middle School Head at Nashoba Brooks School, and Upper School Director of Studies at Charlotte Country Day School. Dr. Flaxman has extensive teaching experience, including roles as English Department Chair at Rye Country Day and Charlotte Country Day and Adjunct Professor at Teachers College, Columbia University. She earned a B.A. in English with Honors at Wesleyan University, an M.A. in English at Columbia University, an Ed.M. in Educational Leadership at Teachers College, Columbia University, and an Ed.D. in Educational and Organizational Leadership at the University of Pennsylvania.

DARIN FRESCHI, Operations Officer, previously worked in Asset Protection for Macy’s. He earned a B.S. in Criminal Justice at Kutztown University.

KATIE RICCA, Grade 4 Reading Teacher, has over 20 years of teaching experience across grade levels and joined Pingry in January 2025 as a leave replacement for Grade 5 Language Arts. She began her teaching career in Hawaii, as an Upper Elementary Teacher for the Hawaii Department of Education, and K–5 Curriculum Coordinator at Island Pacific Academy. Mrs. Ricca was also an Elementary Teacher at Oak Hill Academy, and Upper Elementary ELA Teacher and ELA Course Lead for College Achieve Public Schools. She earned a B.S. in Elementary Education at Kutztown University and an M.Ed. in Curriculum Studies at the University of Hawaii at Manoa.

DR. AMY VARO-HAUB, Assistant Middle School Director of Academics and Curriculum, is an innovative educational leader with extensive experience in curriculum development and academic leadership. She joins Pingry in this newly created role that will oversee the Middle School’s new department chairs, enhance curriculum alignment, advance evidence-based teaching practices, and support student learning across Grades 6–8, ensuring a seamless transition between divisions. Dr. Varo-Haub previously served as Executive Director of Innovative Learning & Student Experience at Pine Crest School in Florida, where she spearheaded curriculum alignment, supervised faculty across multiple disciplines, and led initiatives to promote innovation in the school community. She also held the roles of Assistant Head of Middle School and Head of Middle School. Dr. Varo-Haub earned a B.A. in English, with minors in Art and Spanish, at Whitworth College, an M.A.T. in Middle and High Language Arts/English at Lewis & Clark College, an Ed.S. in Educational Leadership at Florida Atlantic University, and a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership, K–12 School Leaders at Florida Atlantic University.

Faculty and Staff in Leadership Positions

Middle School Department Chairs: (newly created; read more on page 32)

LISA HARTMANN, Math

MARGARET KELLEHER ’01, World & Classical Languages

SHAUNA LEFFLER P’31, Science

KORI LYONS P’30, ’32, History

NADEZHDA MIMS P’33, ’35, English

BRAD FADEM, who joined Pingry in 2021 and most recently served as Director of Strategy, is now Director of Campaign and Strategic Initiatives to help shape and execute the strategic plan and campaign’s goals.

DAVID FAHEY ’99, P’33, ’34, ’38, who has been with Pingry in numerous roles since 2011 and recently served as Director of Institutional Advancement, is now Chief Advancement Officer, leading the Development Office and playing a central role in advancing the campaign and fundraising efforts of the School.

ERIK HOVE, Grade 5 Social Studies Teacher and Lower School Experiential Education Coordinator since 2021, is transitioning out of the classroom to serve as Lower School Dean of Students. He will continue his work as Lower School Experiential Education Coordinator.

DERRICK SHEARER, who joined Pingry in 2015 as Director of Advancement Services, is now Director of Prospect Management, Research, and Analytics

CHRISTY WELBORNE, who joined Pingry in 2022 and was previously Associate Director of Enrollment Management, is serving as Interim Director of Enrollment Management.

DR. JESSICA FLAXMAN

DARIN FRESCHI

KATIE RICCA

DR. AMY VARO-HAUB

LISA HARTMANN

MARGARET KELLEHER ’01

SHAUNA LEFFLER P’31

KORI LYONS P’30, ’32

NADEZHDA MIMS P’33, ’35

BRAD FADEM

DAVID FAHEY ’99, P’33, ’34, ’38

ERIK HOVE

DERRICK SHEARER

CHRISTY WELBORNE

Commencement

on Sunday, June 8

“Should we cut that corner or take the extra step? With AI . . . our time saved will ultimately cost us dearly—robbing us of the incredible joy and satisfaction we can get from writing our own stories or solving a difficult problem all on our own. What’s scarier to me is when we start using AI as a crutch to replace our own skills. If you can’t do it the long way, don’t do it the short way . . . our friendships here at Pingry were not a product of shortcuts, but of time, effort, and a genuine care for each other.”

Uma Menon singing The Star-Spangled Banner

Valedictorian Elbert Ho

Commencement

“What would you do if you were in [his] position, flipping a coin somewhere in New York City, or in my position, sitting at my desk here at Pingry [waiting to hear the result]? I want you to think about what you would do if you had that situation. As you go on your

journey, I want you to consider what it would be like if everybody were honorable in this world, what a better place it would be, and if you could trust one another, how nice that would be.”

Retiring Upper School Science Teacher and Magistri member Bill Bourne P’08, telling the story of winning tickets to Super Bowl XXXV in 2001, through an over-the-phone coin toss with someone he had never met who also wanted to attend the game

“Memories bind us together . . . I know you have some great memories from your time at Pingry—always remember the good times because we’ll always have that together.”

Retiring Upper School Science Teacher and Magistri member Tim Grant P’03, ’06, sharing the story of, one day, rushing from an AP lab (that was running late) to the locker room to track practice—but in his haste, needing to return to the locker room because he forgot to put on his shorts!

“Does it really matter where you go or what you do if you never make a change in someone else’s life? It’s the small things, like being there every day, that can make a world of difference. You don’t always have to do something big to make a big impact.”

Student Body President Ziv Shah

Nataly Ruiz—Magistri Laudandi Award: the student who demonstrates personal integrity and generosity that inspire the best in others, whose sense of purpose is to the greater good, and who helps all succeed

Ziv Shah—The Class of 1902 Emblem: by the efficiency and amount of service, and by loyalty of attitude, the student who has done the most for the School and shown the greatest amount of school spirit

LIFERS: 13-Year Club—members of the Class of 2025 who attended Pingry since Kindergarten

FIRST ROW: Rebecca Novofastovsky, Kayla Kerr, Sharis Walthour, and Georgia Link

SECOND ROW: Isabelle Chen, Claire Sartorius, Sloane Mandelbaum, Katharine Shea, Mia Cuiffo, Vanya Shah, and Serena Droste

THIRD ROW: Ian Nortillo, Ethan Cowen, Jiya Desai, Alex Wong, Graham Houghton, Diego Galvan, and Tanner Barr

FOURTH ROW: Mykah Weckesser, Ella Wunderlich, Elbert Ho, Matthew Foley, and Neil Riener

LEGACIES: Pingry has a long history of students whose parents and/or grandparents also graduated from the School SITTING: Hailey Flood ’25, Claire Sartorius ’25, Sloane Mandelbaum ’25, Jacquelyn Murnick ’25, Hyla Lear ’25, Morgan Dwyer ’25, Freddie Field ’25, Jake Timone ’25, Ethan Cowen ’25, Will Pertsemlidis ’25, John Saksena ’25, and Jonathan Robustelli ’25 STANDING: Karen (Cowan) Flood ’95, P’23, ’25, ’27, ’29, PAA President Kathy (Iacuzzo) Sartorius ’92, P’22, ’25, ’29, Jeff Mandelbaum ’94, P’25, ’26, ’29, Jay Murnick ’93, P’25, ’27, ’29, Head of School Tim Lear ’92, P’25, ’27, ’30, McKenna Dwyer ’24, Wendy (Kasserman) Dwyer ’91, P’24, ’25, Rick Timone ’80, P’25, ’26, Brian Crosby ’89, P’23, ’25, ’26, Beth (Blanchard) Field ’91, P’23, ’25, ’28, Brice Crosby ’25, Sebastian Martinez ’25, former Director of Counseling Dr. Angelica Diaz-Martinez ’88, P’25, ’26, Andrew Cowen ’19, Ashley (Marsh) Pertsemlidis ’89, P’25, Alison Little ’82, P’22, ’25, and Jon Robustelli ’90, P’25 NOT PICTURED: Mykah Weckesser ’25 and Dr. Suzanne Bober ’88, P’25

VIEW FROM Basking Ridge

Pottersville

Short Hills

Will it float?

Grade 6 participated in STEAM-based activities for the Middle School’s Project Week in June. For the “Boat Challenge,” students designed and constructed “boats” intended to float the entire length of Beinecke Pool. Elsewhere, Grade 7’s activities were centered around creativity and game design, and Grade 8 engaged in the theme Honor Your Journey; Honor Your Legacy. Project Week lessens the emphasis on final exams and makes space for deeper, long-lasting, and more connected learning—and a more meaningful way for teachers to assess student learning.

Where else have groups of Upper School students recently found themselves? Examining tropical marine ecology in Belize . . . learning wilderness skills by hiking the Adirondacks . . . learning storytelling by walking the Camino de Santiago in Spain . . . immersing themselves in the history and culture of Chile and France . . . studying theatre in London and Edinburgh . . . exploring Lake Tahoe to understand the impact of climate change and overtourism on the area . . . exploring civil rights and social justice in Alabama . . . and Middle School students have traveled to the Adirondacks and Quebec.

“The Quebec trip was one of my favorite trips!” says Lily Macmillan ’29 of the February 2025 excursion led by teachers Karsten Niehues and Salomé Copin. “It was awesome getting to connect with my peers outside of a school setting. Our trip connected to the local culture by exploring the traditional food from Quebec and Montréal . . . If I hadn’t gone to Quebec with Pingry, I don’t know if I would have ever gotten the same experience. I’m forever grateful I was given the opportunity to go on the Quebec trip because it was so much fun. My advice to students eligible for this trip is to definitely do it—the memories and enjoyment you will have are immeasurable. The dogsledding, the dinners with your best friends, and most importantly, the exposure in language that this trip gives you are unforgettable.”

Middle and Upper School Global Programs, as an official initiative at Pingry, have been around for over 15 years, but after a hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, they resumed in 2021 with a Middle School program and an Upper School backpacking program in the Adirondacks. The schedule started to return to pre-pandemic levels in 2023, and more trips were offered in 2025 than ever before.

Global Programs offer hands-on, place-based learning by encouraging students to roll up their sleeves and actively engage with the world around them. By digging deep into complex questions that

demand an interdisciplinary approach, students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Crucially, immersive programs foster close connections with other students—often leading to lifelong friendships—while also deepening students’ understanding of themselves and their place in the world through enhanced cultural understanding. Global Programs cultivate adaptability, resilience, and a broader perspective essential for navigating a global society.

Then, add in travel Spring Intensives, still a young program (introduced for Grades 9–11 in 2022), and Pingry has a growing, thriving “bucket” of travel possibilities.

And not to be misunderstood, “growth” is measured not only by the number of locations visited, but also by “faculty and staff understanding of [the value of] experiential education, the School funding programs, and Global Programs as a bigger part of school culture,” says Director of Global Engagement and Upper School Spanish Teacher Dr. Gillian Johnson, who oversees all Global Programs and supports trip leaders with logistics and curriculum development.

The faculty and staff commitment that Dr. Johnson is referring to is of particular importance to Head of School Tim Lear, who is quite pleased with Pingry’s resurgence into the world after everything shut down.

“We need educators who believe in and see the value in global programs, global travel, and cultural immersion,” he says. “It’s a big sacrifice for our adults to take the time to continue providing educational opportunities for our students. I’m really proud of the faculty who make that a priority because, for a lot of people, postCOVID, their world has shrunk. I’m proud that Pingry is doing the opposite—we are reaching out and expanding our perspective, our reach, our understanding. It takes a lot of resources and a lot of time. It takes empathetic, well-intentioned, selfless adults to pull it off.”

Teachers’ passions and trip proposals are at the heart of Global Programs. Every trip begins with a proposal that includes the itinerary, educational outcomes, and essential questions, but even more is required of trip leaders. “All trips require organization, planning, attention to detail, and risk management, and some trips—like Belize and the Adirondacks—also require physical fitness,” Dr. Johnson says. “Trip leaders bring energy and passion, which transfers to the students—it’s contagious. They are flexible with plans, and monitor students’ overall wellbeing and the group dynamics. They are adventurous, but also aware of risks.”

An option when teachers propose a trip is whether they would like to offer it as a Global Field Study instead of a traditional Global Program. From an academic perspective, Global Field Studies are more intense: they count for one trimester’s worth of credit and require a “deliverable” from each student. “They are ‘meatier,’ more focused, more academic, and more structured than a ‘regular’ program,” Dr. Johnson says. That meatiness consists of a trio—five hours of pre-travel work, 30 onsite hours, and five hours of post-travel work.

Although Global Programs are, to a large extent, dependent on those faculty passions to determine trip destinations, Dr. Johnson does want to see “a variety of options and diversity of locations” in the

Vinav Shah ’25 with a Chinese friend at the Root Palace Museum in Quzhou, China (China

360 Global Field Study, led by Weiwei Yu and Chester Chu)

“We like to start exchanges in Pottersville so students have an overnight with each other before dispersing to their host families. It adds a layer of comfort . . . The ‘walls’ of being in a new country come down.”

DR. GILLIAN JOHNSON, DIRECTOR OF GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT

proposals. “Language-exchange programs are a great way to spark student interest in language learning and foster global awareness. Language, history, and science/sustainability are often at the center of Pingry Global Programs. I’m thrilled to see the arts highlighted in this year’s Behind the Scenes Global Program, led by Alan Van Antwerp and Stephanie Romankow, in which students are viewing and comparing theater productions in London’s West End and in Edinburgh’s Fringe Festival.” Those language exchange programs have also expanded—Pingry has been participating in French and Chinese exchanges for a while, but there was no Spanish-language program prior to 2020. “Pingry did not have a partner school, and while a school partnership is not required, there’s nothing like living with a host family,” Dr. Johnson says (Vinav Shah agrees, saying that a family can teach you about their culture). But a few years ago, Pingry’s Upper School began a partnership with a school in Chile, and 2025 is the third year in an exchange with them.

Then, there is another option for teachers who want to lead a trip but don’t have a specific location in mind—and it’s also an option for offering more destinations. They can work with a third-party provider, such as Real Asia (who coordinated a Global Field Study in China), Prométour (who coordinated a Middle School trip to Quebec), Atlas Workshops, Insight Global Education, World Leadership School, and Envoys. During the coming school year, Pingry is exploring programs in Rwanda and Thailand.

Shortly before the resurgence of sending students out into the world, Pingry acquired the Pottersville Campus with its dorms, so Global Programs have taken advantage of the campus and its overnight amenities to strengthen Pingry’s partnerships with schools abroad. As Director of the Pottersville Campus Rebecca Sullivan P’36 puts it, “We can host the world at Pottersville.” Over the past three years, high school exchange students from Chile, France, Germany, and India have spent immersive overnights in Pottersville with their Pingry hosts. “With Pottersville, the Pingry student hosts can now experience an overnight with their guest peers in cohort, strengthening their connections and forming friendships.” Overnights have included team building and goal setting, conversations around global issues, and fun activities—dance parties, basketball games, and dinners with students providing dishes from their local culture.

“We like to start exchanges in Pottersville so students have an overnight with each other before dispersing to their host families. It adds a

Behind the Proverbial Curtain with the Trip Committee

Nearly 15 faculty and staff from the Lower, Middle, and Upper Schools, several of whom have led trips, review the trip proposals and approve the trips. That “bucket” of approvals then gets sorted into Global Programs and travel Spring Intensives.

Among the many criteria the Trip Committee considers: what transformative key experience students will take part in, that they could not accomplish anywhere else; the essential questions that students will be able to answer after an interdisciplinary, place-based experience; safety (and how potential risks can be mitigated); avoiding “voluntourism” (being a savior for people who might be viewed as helpless, or going somewhere to do something just to say it was done); ensuring students’ financial and physical access to the trip; developing and maintaining a relationship with the local community; if necessary, based on the nuances of the trip and its purpose, how to prepare students and trip leaders for potential marginalization by a local culture; and working with a partner organization that has a direct tie to the local community

“I push groups to minimize their carbon footprint. If a trip involves long flights and a similar goal could be accomplished closer to home, it’s often something I bring up.”

Upper School Science Teacher and Assistant Director of Experiential Education (Sustainability) Olivia Tandon

“Recognize that what people think of as ‘social impact work’ or ‘community engagement work’ isn’t just about building something or volunteering. Advocate for the community—how are you going to engage with that community?”

Director of Community Engagement and Social Impact Bianca Cabrera

“I am ‘just a teacher’ on the committee. Many people bring a ‘lens’ based on their Pingry role. Those are all super important, but we do these trips because we want kids to learn. So, I approach it purely as ‘a teacher’ because we need teachers to say, curriculumwise, deliverable-wise, ‘what does that look like?’ and help people workshop those ideas. The nitty-gritty is what will be learned and what will be taken away from the experience.”

Middle School Latin Teacher and Middle School World & Classical Languages Department Chair Margaret Kelleher ’01

layer of comfort [from forming] connections with the host family and other students. The ‘walls’ of being in a new country come down,” Dr. Johnson adds. The campus is also used for a celebratory potluck dinner at the end of each exchange. To further illustrate the importance of Pottersville to Global Programs, Dr. Johnson points out that “we can host people even if we don’t travel.” As an example, for reasons beyond Pingry’s control in 2023, the School did not send students to France, but Pottersville enabled the School to run the exchange and host Pingry’s sister school from France for 10 days.

Along with directing the Pottersville Campus, Ms. Sullivan oversees experiential education at Pingry and is Co-Chair of Spring Intensives (her fellow Co-Chair is Director of Academics Brian Burkhart, with Upper School Math Teacher Brad Poprik P’24, ’24 as Spring Intensives Coordinator). Most of the courses take place locally, but a few travel outside the country. What are the differences between Global Programs and travel Spring Intensives? Several: Global Programs are for the Middle and Upper Schools, they are scheduled when school is not in session (mainly over Spring Break

An Unexpected Connection with Admiral Halsey, Class of 1900, in Quzhou, China

Upper School Mandarin Teacher Weiwei Yu P’26 wrote about this spring’s trip to China: “While visiting the Doolittle Raid Memorial Hall, our students recognized William Halsey Jr. in the exhibit. It turns out he was the commander of the 1942 air raid on Japan. Running low on fuel after completing their mission, Lieutenant Colonel James Doolittle and his fellow pilots parachuted in China. They were rescued by Chinese troops and local civilians. This discovery made the visit even more meaningful. Huge thanks to the History Department for including William Halsey in our curriculum!”

and the summer), and trips require a tuition (how much depends on whether students receive financial aid; otherwise, The Pingry Fund helps make Global Programs possible), whereas Spring Intensives take place in the Upper School at the end of the school year, are a graduation requirement, and are fully funded by Pingry. Like Global Programs, travel Spring Intensives are faculty designed.

“Authentic programs from faculty are a benefit because the faculty deeply care about what they’re teaching,” Ms. Sullivan says.

Whether a trip becomes a Global Program or travel Spring Intensive depends on the division, academic focus, funding, weather, the trip’s length, and the teachers’ family needs, as well as a consideration of the course catalog as a whole. “To be a Spring Intensive, the trip has to have a thorough and solid curriculum. It has to have the academic depth of the equivalent of a Global Field Study,” she says. Pingry also wants to reach as many students as possible with different curricular interests.

Mentioned earlier, Pingry began an Upper School exchange with a school in Chile in 2023, and a travel Spring Intensive was offered in 2024 and 2025, led by Cynthia Santiago and Dr. Ryan Johnson. Malcolm Adedjouma ’25 was one of the participants, having studied Spanish at Pingry. He loved the environment, both literally and academically. “The school was surrounded by mountains—a completely different, natural experience—and the school was K–12 but felt like one big division, with all students in one building.” Malcolm found that his biggest cultural adjustment was to understand the openness and connectedness among neighbors “because the host family’s doors were always open.” With his host family, he discovered that their two children were trying to learn English, so all three helped each other with languages.

That reciprocity is another illustration of the power of connections resulting from Pingry students traveling the globe. “They connect with each other, with the locals, and with trip leaders,” Dr. Johnson says. “These types of connections aren’t possible inside our building. Students push outside their comfort zones and experience personal growth as they’re navigating cultural differences and new places. It’s incredible that Pingry students can learn and make connections in this unique way.”

Pingry and Chilean students at the Reloj de Flores (Flower Clock), a botanical landmark in Viña del Mar (Discovering Chile travel Spring Intensive, led by Dr. Gillian Johnson and Cynthia Santiago)

We receive emails from parents saying that their children are having the most memorable moments of their life—experiences that are completely changing them for the good. And they’re associating these experiences with school and Pingry. This type of learning is now part of who they are.”

REBECCA SULLIVAN P’36, DIRECTOR OF THE POTTERSVILLE CAMPUS, CO-CHAIR OF SPRING INTENSIVES

Whoop! Intensity of Global Programs Revealed Through Data

“It’s a fun job, but it is work. Our teachers are inspired, but also exhausted,” says Head of School Tim Lear about the faculty who design and lead trips and host exchange students. Case in point: Middle and Upper School French Teacher Dr. Sterling Kouri’s use of the Whoop band, which was introduced to a group of sophomores and faculty in 2024. The device, worn on the wrist, is constantly recording health statistics: heartrate, resting heartrate, skin temperature, hours and cycles of sleep, strain, recovery from strain, respiration rates, and more. It also gives recommendations.

“I knew it would be valuable—an objective and precise tool that’s good for mindfulness,” Dr. Kouri says. For 10 days in April, he wore the Whoop band during the French exchange with 14 students, which he co-led with Salomé Copin. His hosting created intense days filled with extra responsibilities and challenges, such as coordinating transportation at JFK Airport and chaperoning Pingry and French students on a day-long visit to Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty, Wall Street, and the 9/11 Memorial.

“Hosting is a huge responsibility,” he says. “There’s a logistical puzzle on top of your regular job. You’re never ‘not thinking’ about it.” What he found particularly surprising is that “your body doesn’t distinguish between physical and mental stress in terms of your heart’s reaction. If you’re mentally preoccupied or stressed over something, it’s having an impact on your heartrate.” When he looked back on his data from the Ellis Island field trip, he was stunned by his findings: “I hit three high-stress peaks on par with a 171BPM Peloton workout.”

The Whoop numbers reflected the overall strain on his body, so what did Dr. Kouri do with the information? “I adjusted as best I could. I adapted my behavior at the end of the day and put more effort into resting and recovering.”

Recovery is key. Using different technology, Dr. Gillian Johnson tracked her steps while leading June’s hike along the Camino de Santiago in Spain, and she reached 54,000 in one day. “I tell the trip leaders that they also need to take care of themselves.”

At the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela in Spain while traveling the Camino de Santiago (Hiking Through Narratives Global Program led by Edwin Núñez and Dr. Gillian Johnson)

Alabama Faculty Experience and the Struggle for Civil Rights cover story

EACH SUMMER SINCE 2022 , coinciding with Juneteenth, a group of faculty and staff has traveled to Atlanta, Montgomery, and Birmingham to visit monuments and museums that explore African American history and the struggle for civil rights

The groups began visiting after a 2021 trip led by then–Director of Community and Civic Engagement Shelley Hartz, accompanied by four other faculty members. Ms. Hartz had read about the opening of the EJI’s (Equal Justice Initiative) Legacy Museum in Montgomery, with its exhibits about the history of enslavement and racism in America, and thought Pingry could create an “ongoing educational program for faculty, staff, and students in regards to American history and DEIB . . . I am a believer in ‘If you’re going to talk the talk, you have to walk the walk.’ If we’re going to talk about equity, diversity, inclusion, and more, then we need to educate the faculty and staff who interact with our students.”

Returning from that emotional experience, Ms. Hartz’s initial plan along with fellow trip participant Elie Lear P’25, ’27, ’30 was to organize a travel Spring Intensive for Upper School students, but Dr. Johnson had a different suggestion. “Because the trip was so emotional for the faculty, I felt that their initial reaction should be experienced by other faculty first, as a faculty trip, and then scale it to an Upper School student experience.” The first travel Spring Intensive to Alabama took place in 2024, led by Melody Boone, Marquis Ormond, and Maribel Blas-Rangel.

The faculty itinerary varies slightly from year to year, but locations have included Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park, the APEX Museum (African American Panoramic Experience), The Legacy Museum: From Enslavement to Mass Incarceration*, The National Memorial for Peace and Justice*, and Freedom Monument Sculpture

Park*. Equally significant is a meeting in Birmingham with Dr. Carolyn McKinstry, a survivor of the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing in 1963 and author of While the World Watched: A Birmingham Bombing Survivor Comes of Age During the Civil Rights Movement. Dr. McKinstry has taken Pingry groups on a tour of the 16th Street Baptist Church, Kelly Ingram Park, and Birmingham Civil Rights Institute.

“The trip itinerary tells an important story about the history of enslavement, and it’s important to understand how that story has implications right through today. The EJI Museum does a great job of connecting the history and subsequent marginalization,” says Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Dr. Gilberto Olvera P’29, ’33. “Visiting the museum is an intense and emotional experience. It also provides a compelling and unassailable recounting of history that situates us where we are today. After walking through the museum, it is even more difficult to deny that our institutions and government systematically worked to exclude Black Americans from accessing opportunities.”

Trip Facilitators in 2024, Upper School 3D Art Teacher Seth Goodwin P’29, Middle School English Department Chair Nadezhda Mims P’33, ’35, and Grade 2 Teacher Darlyn Smith had their own visceral reactions to the trip, with Mr. Goodwin calling the museum “life-changing and overwhelming.” He was deeply affected by “seeing atrocities that such a large group of people went through—atrocities that I knew about, but didn’t see. Being able to see that and understand how entire lineages and families have been affected for multiple, multiple generations, and it’s still happening now, made me feel like I could understand the individual a little bit more.”

*EJI Legacy Sites in Montgomery

An important aspect of this annual trip is that faculty learn history together . . . and reflect on it, process it, especially during group discussions. “We’re also connecting with different situations that we may have at Pingry, and talking through scenarios [involving] students and our co-workers. It provides rich conversations about what they saw, what they learned, what they heard,” Ms. Smith says. It is also important, in Mrs. Mims’ view, that Pingry is investing resources in this education. “The fact that we have the opportunity to go on this trip tells us that Pingry does care, particularly for faculty members who identify as Black. It is important to see that this trip means so much to the School that we also have the Spring Intensive.”

Notably, their group visited Freedom Monument Sculpture Park on Juneteenth, the day it was dedicated and opened to the public—fortunate timing because EJI Founder and Director Bryan Stevenson spoke, trumpeter Wynton Marsalis performed, and many of the park’s artists were present and available for conversation. Ms. Smith uses the word “breathtaking” when describing “how these artists portrayed different events in history . . . we focused on the artists’ words about their pieces and why they decided to portray each sculpture the way they did.” The park’s National Monument to Freedom, a 43-foot wall inscribed with over 120,000 surnames chosen by formerly enslaved people, caught Mrs. Mims’ attention, particularly because she found her maiden name among the inscriptions.

The three leaders emphasized how important it is for trip participants to meet Dr. McKinstry and hear her positivity. “She has so much hope and so much vigor—[we ended the trip] on this hope from someone who has been through it, seen it all, survived the bombing, and is still fighting for social justice,” Mrs. Mims says. Ms. Smith relates that Dr. McKinstry also shared books, articles, and other resources to benefit students and faculty.

“Every faculty member should go [on this trip],” Dr. Olvera says. “The museum and memorials are really impressive and necessary reminders of the history of the country.”

“I have had reasons to go to Alabama, and I never have, and that was on purpose. I know about Alabama and the Civil Rights era, and it seemed like a place I would never feel welcome. As a woman of color, the idea was daunting. So, I was grateful for this opportunity and decided to go because I thought it would be a better experience with a group of likeminded educators. I would have the right amount of support.”

Director of Community Engagement and Social Impact Bianca Cabrera

“There is so much of that history I didn’t know. One would think it’s totally irrelevant to science, but there was a lot about how science was used to perpetuate ideas about race, like with medicine and how certain races felt more or less pain. I have more awareness that science isn’t always black-and-white or right-or-wrong—it can be used to perpetuate different ideas, depending on the ideas of the scientists who are using it.”

Upper School Science Teacher and Assistant Director of Experiential Education (Sustainability) Olivia Tandon

“I have had reasons to go to Alabama, and I never have, and that was on purpose. I know about Alabama and the Civil Rights era, and it seemed like a place I would never feel welcome. As a woman of color, the idea was daunting. So, I was grateful for this opportunity and decided to go because I thought it would be a better experience with a group of likeminded educators. I would have the right amount of support.”

DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND SOCIAL IMPACT

BIANCA CABRERA

“Dr. McKinstry’s message was timeless. Her desire to connect with educators was clear. She talked about knowing when and how to stand up. I had this feeling of, ‘If she can do this [continue to work daily and positively for change], not only so can I, but so must I.”

Middle School Director Tamara Schurdak

“Dr. McKinstry’s message was timeless. Her desire to connect with educators was clear. She talked about knowing when and how to stand up. I had this feeling of, ‘If she can do this [continue to work daily and positively for change], not only so can I, but so must I.’”

MIDDLE SCHOOL DIRECTOR TAMARA SCHURDAK

“The Alabama experience has led me to think about my other responsibilities beyond teaching, as a community member and ally. In our Middle School Science Department, we are having more direct conversations with our students about the racial, gender, and social injustices that have occurred in the science community. Middle School students should know the stories and contributions of Henrietta Lacks, Rosalind Franklin, and the men of the Tuskegee Study, to name a few.”

Middle School Science Teacher and Middle School Science Department Chair Shauna Leffler P’31

The National Monument to Freedom (inside Freedom Monument Sculpture Park), inscribed with over 120,000 surnames chosen by formerly enslaved people

By Greg Waxberg ’96

LOVE OF NEUROSURGERY ALUMNI BROUGHT TOGETHER BY A

Dr. Jeff Zimering ’07 and spinal surgeon Dr. Dan Sciubba ’93 have been working together at Northwell Health, where Dr. Zimering ’07 spent the past year as a Complex Spine Fellow under Dr. Sciubba’s tutelage.

Having previously worked at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine for 20 years, Dr. Sciubba has been with Northwell Health since 2021 as Senior Vice President of Neurosurgery, Chair of Neurosurgery at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Chair of the Department of Neurosurgery at North Shore University Hospital and Long Island Jewish Medical Center, and Co-Director of Northwell Health’s Institute for Neurology and Neurosurgery. In its 2021 announcement of his hiring, Northwell called him “a national leader in spinal surgery and highly regarded researcher” and “a distinguished expert in complex spinal conditions.” He practices mostly at North Shore University Hospital, with a personal focus on patients with spine tumors and spine deformities.

Dr. Zimering had completed his neurosurgery residency at Mount Sinai and was looking for fellowship opportunities—after four years of medical school and seven years of neurosurgery residency, a Complex Spine Fellowship enables a doctor to specialize within neurosurgery for an extra year and learn advanced techniques for spine surgery. While pursuing the fellowship at Northwell Health, he and Dr. Sciubba learned about their shared Pingry background through Dr. Zimering listing Pingry on his résumé.

How did they each become interested in neurosurgery, and working with the spine? For Dr. Sciubba, it all started in his freshman-year biology class taught by Ed Macaulay, which he says “ignited a passion within me that I never knew existed. His dynamic teaching style and engaging experiments transformed the complexities of life into a source of wonder and amazement. Dissecting a frog wasn’t just a lab assignment—it was a window into the intricate machinery of a living organism.

Former biology teacher Ed Macaulay inspired Dr. Dan Sciubba ’93 to become a doctor.

It’s All About Flexibility

Structures like the spine cannot be moved during spine surgery because of their rigidity, and most camera systems are rigid. But in December 2024, Dr. Sciubba was the first surgeon to use the Teligen Spine Surgery System, a new mobile, self-cleaning camera attached to a flexible wire, and was able to remove two tumors. In media coverage, Dr. Sciubba called it a “game changer”.

This initial spark grew into a fascination with the human body and its remarkable ability to heal. The more I learned, the more I wanted to know, leading me to devour medical textbooks and shadow physicians in my free time. This burgeoning passion ultimately solidified my desire to become a doctor and surgeon, dedicated to understanding and repairing the very systems that first captivated me in Mr. Macaulay’s classroom.”

From there, Dr. Sciubba developed further interests in the central nervous system (“it’s more than anatomy—it’s who you are, your identity”) and neurosurgery, and complex cancer surgery. He realized that removing spine tumors, which cause paralysis or incapacitating pain, helps people’s quality of life.

Dr. Zimering’s career can be traced to sports—soccer, specifically. He played soccer at Pingry, including setting the school record for most goals in one game (five) and serving as captain of the 2006 team that won county, conference, and state championships. He was also a member of the U-15 Men’s National Team. Through his experiences on the field, he wanted to understand what motivates players to perform at peak abilities and how coaches get the best out of their players. He found that athletics reinforces neural pathways involved in performing specific skills. Then, Dr. Zimering expanded on his interest in neuroscience at Cornell University. Working in their lab focused on learning and memory, he learned neurosurgical skills as part of his experiments on a rat. He also had the opportunity to shadow a prominent neurosurgeon as part of Cornell’s career interest program. Later, his mentors in medical school at the University of Rochester thought that his leadership skills, team play, and physical stamina made him a good fit for a career in surgery. His research mentor in medical school taught him that chronic pain can be understood as a form of learning. Since patients suffering with spinal disorders have chronic pain, he was later drawn to spinal surgery during his neurosurgery residency for the opportunity to apply newly acquired skills to alleviating pain and restoring function in his patients. “Spine surgery is physically demanding and requires stamina,” Dr. Zimering says, “and everyone works together as a team.”

Now that Dr. Zimering has been working with Dr. Sciubba, he has been able to “fine tune skills as a rising spine neurosurgeon . . . like [observing] his technical ability in the operating room . . . the way he communicates with patients in an office setting. Clinic is an opportunity to have honest, in-depth discussions with patients about their symptoms, provide a thorough neurologic examination, review imaging scans together, and formulate a comprehensive plan to address a patient’s individual needs. These conversations with patients are as important as the surgical training that I received in residency.”

Notably, Dr. Sciubba treats each of his fellows as if he were talking to a colleague. “Yes, I’m older, but I’ll ask their opinions. It’s a good

‘transition to practice.’ At what point are you not holding the bicycle when you’re teaching them to ride a bike?”

Not only did Dr. Sciubba’s career path start at Pingry, where he also developed leadership skills as Student Body President, but both doctors also share their commitment to the Honor Code— in fact, Dr. Zimering was a member of the Honor Board and says the Honor Code continues to guide him in neurosurgery. “The patient-doctor relationship is built on a foundation of respect, honesty, and autonomy. As a neurosurgeon, I have a responsibility to my patients to deliver informed, quality care in an environment of shared decision making.”

Dr. Sciubba faces profound ethical challenges every day: “In the operating room, life-and-death decisions rest in my hands, demanding unwavering commitment to the patient’s well-being . . . Leading the largest academic neurosurgery program at Northwell Health adds another layer of responsibility, where ethical leadership is paramount. Fostering a culture of respect, character, and teamwork among faculty, residents, and staff is essential. Every decision, whether surgical or administrative, must be grounded in honor and integrity.”

Starting this summer, Dr. Zimering is an attending spine neurosurgeon at Lenox Hill Hospital/Northwell, thereby joining Dr. Sciubba full-time in the Department of Neurosurgery.

“It’s time to limit our use of the word ‘need’ . . . Instead, we should talk about ‘the best option right now.’ A ‘best option’ conversation is different from a ‘need’ conversation.”

Dr. Dan Sciubba ’93 writing about considerations for surgery Thrive Global, July 2024

Dr. Dan Sciubba ’93 and Dr. Jeff Zimering ’07 at the AO Spine North America Fellows Forum in Banff, Canada in March 2025 (AO is short for a German title that translates as “working group for bone fusion issues”.)

A NEW ERA MIDDLE SCHOOL LEADERSHIP FOR

By Greg Waxberg ’96

As far back as the early 1950s when Pingry created Department Chairs, these positions have been held by Upper School teachers who oversaw the Middle and Upper School curricula. But as Pingry has grown in the number of students and faculty, the demands on the Department Chairs have grown and it became increasingly difficult to give the Middle School the attention it needs. Within the past decade, subject coordinators were added in the Middle School, but in a rather vague role that supported the Department Chairs.

Why have Department Chairs always been Upper School teachers? Head of School Tim Lear believes it was a combination of teachers’ knowledge of “pressure points around college”, as well as Pingry’s schedules.

“Department Chairs need to meet [with each other], and it’s tough to coordinate with different Middle School and Upper School schedules. Getting a Middle School Department Chair for [Grades] 6 through 12 would have been like being on another campus,” he says. “Plus, it was as unrealistic for an Upper School Department Chair to know what was going on in the Middle School as it was for a Middle School Department Chair to fully know what was going on in the Upper School.”

But all of that is changing now as the need for dedicated Middle School leadership has become clear. For the first time in the 2025-26 school year, the Middle School will have Department Chairs in what Middle School Director Tamara Schurdak calls the “big five” departments in terms of number of faculty: English, History, Math, Science, and World & Classical Languages.

“The idea is, ‘Let’s tap great leaders in the Middle School.’ Part of their job will be to think about transitions—from the Lower School or an outside school into the Middle School, and from Grade 8 to Grade 9,” she says. “They will focus on Middle School and partner with the Upper School chairs, as well as colleagues in the Lower School. Their success will be them working together. It won’t just be division directors working across divisions.” (Computer Science, Performing Arts, Health and Physical Education, Music, and Visual Arts will remain under 6–12 leadership for now, but similar cross-divisional collaboration is planned.)

Language Coordinator for eight years, Middle School Latin Teacher Margaret Kelleher ’01 notes that, “By creating Middle School Department Chairs, the School is signaling how important and different Middle School is from Upper School. Middle School kids need different things, and having Department Chairs who are familiar with those needs across the five big academic departments allows us to better meet our students where they are.”

“The idea is, ‘Let’s tap great leaders in the Middle School.’”

Middle School Director Tamara Schurdak

With two sets of Department Chairs to collaborate and align the curriculum, Mr. Lear calls this a “much better solution that fits the realities of our school, our size, and our student/parent needs. The efforts and conversations have been there, but this will allow us to do it better and more consistently.”

Ms. Schurdak also points to science as part of the School’s rationale. “Middle School is three years, with two transitions . . . there is, scientifically, more growth in the Middle School years than at any other time in our trajectory, other than infancy . . . so let’s allow the experts in divisions to help guide that work.”

The Middle School Department Chairs will be led by Dr. Amy Varo-Haub, the new Assistant Middle School Director of Academics and Curriculum. Read about her background on page 14.

MIDDLE SCHOOL DEPARTMENT CHAIRS

And, what are they excited about?

Lisa Hartmann, Math

Middle School Math Teacher since 2019; previously, Middle School Math Department Chair at The Berkeley Carroll School

“Making and strengthening connections between math teachers in all three divisions, and supporting the amazing Middle School math faculty as they continuously improve our Middle School math program.”

Margaret Kelleher ’01, World & Classical Languages

Middle School Language Teacher since 2005; Middle School Language Coordinator since 2017; Middle School Curriculum Co-Coordinator

“To promote language education at Pingry on all levels and do that from the unique perspective of Middle School. Middle School is where our students learn to love learning language and where we lay the foundation so they can excel in the Upper School. Being able to make meaningful change—be it in curriculum, policy, staffing, or other administrative aspects—helps the amazing teachers do the work they are so good at.”

Shauna Leffler P’31, Science

Middle School Science Teacher since 2013; Middle School Science Coordinator since 2017; Middle School Teaching and Learning Co-Coordinator

“New opportunities. As a long-time science educator, I have valued innovation, collaboration, and communication with my students and in curriculum design with my colleagues. I am looking forward to collaborating with a great team on these values, which will benefit all three divisions, students, and faculty alike.”

Kori Lyons P’30, ’32, History Middle School History Teacher since 2023; Middle School Teaching and Learning CoCoordinator; previously, Middle School Social Studies Chair at The Willow School

“The opportunity to engage in meaningful, collaborative work. Rooted in the Hawaiian value of laulima, lau meaning ‘many’ and lima meaning ‘hands’, I see curriculum design and faculty mentorship as shared responsibilities that thrive on care, curiosity, and trust.”

Nadezhda Mims P’33, ’35, English Middle School English Teacher since 2021; Middle School Multicultural Team (DEIB) Co-Coordinator; Middle School Curriculum Co-Coordinator

“Continuing to build upon the strong foundation of teamwork in our English Department as we enrich the learning experience for all students.”

OPPOSITE PAGE TOP: Lisa Hartmann, Margaret Kelleher ’01 MIDDLE: Shauna Leffler P’31 BOTTOM: Kori Lyons P’30, ’32, Nadezhda Mims P’33, ’35

ATHLETICS

Rayee Feng ’26 Impresses at U.S. Women’s Open

By Alex Nanfara P’33, ’36

PINGRY GIRLS GOLF WRAPPED UP A SPECTACULAR spring season, capturing their second consecutive Skyland Conference title and third consecutive Somerset County Tournament Championship, earning a #2 ranking in the state, while landing two golfers on the NJ.com All-State First Team roster. It was, indeed, a historic season by high school standards, but perhaps even more impressive was the performance of the overall NJSIAA Individual State Champion and NJ.com Girls Golfer of the Year, Rayee Feng ’26, who not only won multiple trophies and broke a course and conference record in 2025, but also took her game beyond the state level after qualifying for a major professional tournament—the U.S. Women’s Open Golf Championship.

Rayee earned a spot in the U.S. Women’s Open by co-winning the 36-hole qualifier at Hackensack Golf Club on May 6. Rayee describes being “shocked” when she found out she qualified after not checking the leaderboard during the entire round. “I knew I was playing pretty well, but it wasn’t until people started congratulating me in the scoring tent that I realized I had qualified.” Those who follow golf in New Jersey weren’t surprised at the result, considering Rayee won the New Jersey Women’s Open in 2024, beating out a field of experienced professionals and top amateurs vying for the state’s most coveted golf prize.

Rayee immediately started her preparation for the U.S. Women’s Open by reviewing information on the course and strategically working on what would give her an edge. Rayee shares, “In the weeks leading up to the tournament (aside from the last few days of finals), I spent a lot of time practicing drives and hybrid shots since the course was playing around 6,800 yards. I also worked on using sprinkler heads to calculate distances [most sprinkler heads have a number indicating distance from the hole, informing which club to use], rather than relying on a rangefinder (which are not permitted on the pro tour).” She also chose her younger brother—Rayhao Feng

’28, a standout golfer on Pingry’s boys’ team—to be her caddie, making the occasion a family affair.

Upon her arrival in Hartford, Wisconsin for the tournament, Rayee admittedly felt a little intimidated by the challenging course, but was so filled with gratitude—and relieved that final exams were over— that she went in with “the mindset of soaking it all in just enjoying the experience.” The 17-year-old phenom did a little bit more than enjoy the experience, making the “cut” after 36 holes, which means that out of 156 of the best golfers on the planet, Rayee was in the Top 60 after two rounds—tied for 15th to be exact.

Rayee’s U.S. Women’s Open experience ended with a final-round pairing that had her compete alongside a former world #1, Olympic Gold Medalist, and LPGA Hall-of-Famer, Lydia Ko of New Zealand. “One of the most unforgettable parts of the week was getting to play with Lydia Ko. I’ve watched countless videos of her swing to analyze my own, so seeing her play up close was incredible. I learned a lot, especially how much room I still have to grow in my short game if I want to compete at a professional level. But I also noticed how composed and consistent she was, both during rounds and afterward while interacting with fans. Her pre-shot routine stood out to me as it was detailed and never skipped. That really reinforced how important routine is in golf.”

For Rayee and the undefeated 2025 Pingry Girls’ Varsity Golf Team, winning was the routine this spring, and their world-class captain believes that her weekend at the U.S. Women’s Open was made possible by the camaraderie and encouragement of those around her on a daily basis. “I credit my success to the incredible support I’ve received from my coaches, teammates, school, and the hard work I’ve put in over the years,” Rayee says. “My coach, Mr. [Sean] McAnally, and assistant coach, Mr. [Alan] Van Antwerp, even flew out to Wisconsin to support me at the U.S. Open, which meant so much. Seeing familiar faces in the crowd made the experience even more special.”

PHOTO: KATHRYN RILEY, US GOLF ASSOCIATION

BIG BLUE HIGHLIGHTS FALL

In 2024, Girls Volleyball doubled their win total from last year’s inaugural season, collecting six hard-fought victories in a competitive conference.

Field Hockey compiled an 18–4 record, going undefeated in their division while crowning a new alltime goal-scoring leader in Morgan Dwyer ’25. Head Coach Julie Delinsky is the Skyland Conference Coach of the Year.

Boys Cross Country ran hard in 2024, capturing the NJISAA Prep A Tournament and placing second at the Somerset County Championships, earning a #17 ranking in the NJ.com Top 20.

Big Blue Football won five straight games to end the season, including a 30–20 victory in the Metropolitan Independent Football League (MIFL) Bowl Championship.

Pingry Girls Tennis completed their third straight undefeated season, capturing the Skyland Conference, Somerset County, NJISAA Prep A Tournament, Non-Public North Sectional, and Non-Public Group championships—all in 5–0 sweeps. The three-time defending NJ.com and Skyland Conference Team of the Year also enjoyed individual successes, with Angelina Gao ’27 and Nandini Iyer ’28 winning the NJSIAA Doubles Tournament. Both players and Ava Grunstra ’25 are the Skyland Conference Players of the Year.

Girls Cross Country enjoyed a stellar season highlighted by winning the Skyland Conference, Somerset County, and NJISAA Prep A Championships, which earned them a Top 10 ranking by NJ.com. At the Prep A meet, Big Blue placed six runners in the top seven, led by race winner Lucy Ambrogio ’25.

Pingry Water Polo ended the season as one of New Jersey’s elite programs, earning a second-place finish at the Garden State Games.

Big Blue Boys Soccer went on a 10-game win streak in the second half of the season, defeating Gill St. Bernard’s to win the Somerset County Tournament for the second year in a row, and also winning the NJSIAA Non-Public A South Tournament Final over Notre Dame. In the Non-Public A State Final, the team played St. Benedict’s Prep, the #1 team in the state and country. Neil Riener ’25 is the Skyland Conference Player of the Year, and Coach Bugliari ’52 surpassed 950 wins in his legendary career as Pingry ended the season ranked #3 in New Jersey.

Nuwayhid ’26 scored 32 goals in 2024 to power Pingry Girls Soccer to 14 wins and an NJISAA Prep A CoChampionship with The Pennington School.

Sailing celebrated its inaugural season as an official varsity fall sport. The team practices on the Raritan Bay in Perth Amboy twice each week and competes in regattas at the Toms River Yacht Club, sanctioned by the New Jersey Interscholastic Sailing Association.

Maya

Pingry

ATHLETICS

Pingry’s New Diamond

THE LARGE GRASS FIELD BETWEEN TEMARES FAMILY Stadium and the Miller A. Bugliari ’52 World Cup Soccer Fields now has a gigantic new diamond occupying the space. Just before spring athletics season started, construction was completed on a brand-new baseball facility, featuring a synthetic turf infield diamond, updated dugouts and scoreboard, and—behind home plate—a permanent 4K HD camera that is pre-set to automatically record all the action on gamedays.

Pingry partnered with a specialized baseball field construction company to install the infield, dugouts, and backstop, and Pingry’s own Facilities Team will add a bullpen and fully functional batting cage in the coming school year. Head Coach Anthony Feltre and Assistant Coach Joe Kinney P’15, ’18 are not only excited that their team has access to a new field with upgraded features, but also appreciative of the flexibility that the synthetic turf provides in navigating adverse weather conditions, leading to more opportunities for the student-athletes to safely compete. Coach Kinney shares, “Obviously, having a new field with a turf infield is exciting. The turf allows us to practice more creatively on the field and get more games in when weather is not ideal. The new infrastructure, dugouts, backstop . . . is also great.”

March 28 was the first home game, a showdown against The Pennington School with Pingry’s Head of School, Tim Lear, throwing out the ceremonial first pitch—an impressively accurate strike—to catcher Joaquin Stevenson ’25 as each team stood along the basepath outside of their respective dugout. Although Big Blue had to wait until their ninth home game to secure victory number one on the new field, the boys quickly flipped their season and won three of their next five in Basking Ridge.

The phrase “diamonds are forever” holds true with Pingry’s new varsity baseball field—which is also used by the JV and Middle School teams—as the facility has already produced moments that our baseball student-athletes will cherish for the rest of their lives, such as the thrilling walk-off victory over Morris Catholic on May 23, when Langston McDonald ’27 knocked a single to left field to drive home Diego Galvan ’25 with the winning run. Coach Kinney also recalls the absolute moonshot by Matt Carrieri ’25, stating, “It was

By

hit to dead centerfield and was at least 50 feet past the fence.” Pingry Grounds Supervisor Neil Spagnuolo, who oversaw the project, shares that the left- and right-field fences both stay at approximately 310 feet in distance, while the centerfield fence is at 350 feet, meaning Carrieri’s blast approached the 400-feet mark.

With its inaugural season in the books and even more upgrades in the works, the new Pingry varsity baseball field continues to provide a safe, state-of-the-art baseball training and competition space for our student-athletes and a fun, spectator-friendly environment for the community to enjoy on gamedays.

Alex Nanfara P’33, ’36

TOP: The new varsity baseball field ready for the first home game in March

BOTTOM: Head of School Tim Lear throwing the ceremonial first pitch

Middle School Dance Team Debuts at Pingry

THE LIGHTS DIMMED IN HYDE AND WATSON GYM

The crowd, overflowing with students, faculty, staff, administrators, parents, siblings, and extended family, vibrated with anticipation. As the Middle School Dance Team took the floor for their first-ever halftime number, the energy was electric. Music pulsed through the gym, and the stands shook with cheers, applause, and school spirit. It was a debut performance to remember.

This past winter marked an exciting milestone for Pingry Athletics with the launch of the Middle School Dance Team. Created to diversify and broaden the scope of athletics offerings, the program gives students an opportunity to explore dance as an athletics option, complete with practices, team structure, and performances during school-wide events and basketball games.

Led by Head Coach Emily Stass ’21 and Assistant Director of Communications, Internal Strategy Jen Belcher, the dancers worked hard to prepare performances for select Middle School basketball games and assemblies throughout the winter. With a goal of fostering school spirit and camaraderie, the team learned new skills, refined their techniques, and built the ability to move and think as one.

Ms. Stass, who has been immersed in dance her entire life and teaches at her mother’s Spotlight Dance Studio, is thrilled to bring this opportunity to her alma mater. “Myself and so many alumni are very excited for this new program and where Pingry dance is going

By Jen Belcher

to go. I think dance is a mix of art and sport. It requires performance and athleticism—so it’s a great addition to the program and the sporting events,” she says.

She is joined by Ms. Belcher, who has a background in the performing arts and experience as a competitive ballroom dancer. Eager to expand her role at Pingry, she embraces the opportunity to work directly with students and help bring this new program to life.

Director of Middle School Athletics Gerry Vanasse P’14, ’20 shares the same enthusiasm. “This new program, led by a Pingry alumna, has 12 motivated dancers who will share their talents with halftime performances. I’m looking forward to watching the dancers ‘bedazzle’ the spectators while enhancing Pingry’s school spirit.”

For Peyton Jackson ’31, the program is a dream come true. “It’s really fun having a Middle School dance program at Pingry. Now I don’t have to wait for certain days to dance. I can come here and dance every day.”

Fellow dancer Catie Leffler ’31 agrees: “It’s really nice to have a variety of athletic options. I’ve been dancing since I was three, and I’m excited to cheer on my friends who play basketball.”

The palpable excitement surrounding this inaugural team set the stage for a bright future for dance at Pingry. Building on this year’s success, there’s momentum to deepen cross-divisional connections and broaden participation, with the goal of creating more opportunities for students to engage with dance throughout their time at Pingry.

The team performing at halftime of a basketball game

The Middle School Dance Team with Coaches Emily Stass ’21 and Jen Belcher

BIG BLUE HIGHLIGHTS WINTER

2024-25 Pingry Boys Swimming won the NJISAA Prep A title and captured their first NJSIAA Non-Public Sectional Championship in five years.

Big Blue Girls Swimming won the Skyland Conference title for the second consecutive year and NJISAA Prep A title in 2024-25. At the Meet of Champions, they won the 200 medley relay, placed second in the freestyle relay, and placed third in the 400 relay. They are the Skyland Conference Team of the Year.

Girls Basketball posted a historic season, capturing Pingry’s first-ever championship victory in the “Score at the Shore” Tournament—Southern Regional High School’s popular holiday basketball competition—and going undefeated in the Skyland Conference Raritan Division. Taylor Francis ’25 set the single-season and career scoring records as Big Blue registered 19 wins for the second season in a row.

Boys Basketball’s 2024-25 season heated up in February with a big playoff victory in the second round of the Somerset County Tournament, followed by an exciting six-game win streak.

Pingry Wrestling improved steadily throughout the season, earning division honors for four wrestlers. Jack Abramson ’27 captured a Region 4 championship and represented Pingry at the State Championships in Atlantic City.

Pingry Boys Fencing competed with pride in the 2024-25 season, highlighted by Bora Akyamac ’27 winning the foil title at the State Individual Championships.

Girls Fencing enjoyed a solid regular season, with Fiona Shmuler ’27 going 31–2 at Saber.

Boys Winter Track’s 2024-25 season included a record-breaking NJISAA Prep A title in the 55m dash for Graham Houghton ’25, who also took home the NJSIAA Non-Public A 55m dash title. The team collected multiple conference championships during their strong winter season.

Girls Winter Track had a strong season, highlighted by Kayla Kerr ’25 winning the 3200m at the Poreda Invitational at Lawrenceville.

Boys Ice Hockey skated hard in 2024-25 and compiled a 6–2 record in the Skyland Conference.

Girls Squash finished #6 in the nation in 2025—the highest-ever ranking for any Pingry squash team.

In 2025, Girls Ice Hockey swept the regular-season series against Oak Knoll, and also crowned Alexis Glasofer ’25 as the program’s all-time leading point scorer.

Big Blue Boys Squash finished #14 in the nation after outperforming their #16 seed in the Division 1 bracket.

Boys Ski Racing celebrated a stellar season, winning a second consecutive NJISRA State Championship. Cam Collins ’25 finished as the top skier in the state after a dominant regular season and a first-place finish in the Race of Champions Slalom event.

Girls Ski Racing qualified for the postseason with an exciting victory at the season-ending Petro Race at Mountain Creek.

ATHLETICS

College Athletes

Pingry Athletics is well-represented at the next level with almost 100 active NCAA student-athletes holding roster spots. Here’s a snapshot of some of the accolades and experiences of Pingry Athletics alumni over the past season.

MATT FALLON ’21 finished his collegiate career at UPenn as one of the most decorated swimmers in the history of Penn Swimming and Diving, earning All-American First Team honors for the second time and winning the Ivy League Championship in the 200 breast for the third time.

The Stevens Lacrosse team won their fifth straight MAC Freedom Championship in a game where THOMAS ROBERTOZZI ’21 scored six goals. He also made the All–MAC Freedom Second Team for the regular season and was selected as a USA Lacrosse Magazine Third Team All-American.

After leading Princeton University men’s soccer to their first Ivy League Championship, DANIEL ITTYCHERIA ’22 was named Ivy League Tournament Most Outstanding Player, and was drafted by D.C. United in the MLS SuperDraft with the 40th overall pick.

The Columbia Lions won back-to-back Ivy League Championships in baseball with help from THOMAS SANTANA ’22 who made the Ivy League All-Tournament Team after earning a spot on the All-Ivy Second Team for the regular season.

For Duke women’s lacrosse, BELLA GOODWIN ’23 made the IWLCA South All-Region Team as well as the All-ACC Third Team. She finished the season with 71 total points, including a team-high 53 goals.

ABBY BAIRD ’24 had a strong first season with the Stanford sailing team, including a special performance at the PCCSC Open Team Race Championship where she sailed all 19 races without substitution, leading Stanford to a perfect 19–0 sweep (a rare feat in college sailing). That effort clinched the conference title and secured the team’s berth at nationals.

SARAH GU ’24 and her Harvard women’s fencing teammates won the Ivy League Championship and placed third in the nation in the overall NCAA Tournament in March, earning Sarah an All-American Second Team selection.

ANNABELLE MAHONEY ’24 and the Northwestern Wildcats won the Big Ten Championship in lacrosse for the third year in a row and made it all the way to the National Championship.

GRAHAM STEVENS ’24 was incredibly strong in net for Harvard lacrosse, securing a spot on the All-Tournament Team in the Ivy League Tournament after his 18-save performance in the semis.

For possible publication of news about alumni competing in athletics after Pingry, please contact Alex Nanfara P’33, ’36, Assistant Director of Communications, Social Media Strategy and Athletics, at ananfara@pingry.org.

Class of 2025 Competing in College

Charlie Ackermann

Kenyon College, Lacrosse

Lucy Ambrogio

Emory University, Cross Country and Track & Field

Sasha Bauhs

University of Pennsylvania, Squash

Dylan Blekicki

Yale University, Lacrosse

Ethan Chan

Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Squash

Mia Cuiffo

Middlebury College, Swimming

Morgan Dwyer

Columbia University, Field Hockey

Mari Finkelstein

University of Rochester, Swimming

Taylor Francis Georgetown University, Softball

Alexis Glasofer

Hamilton College, Field Hockey

Jack Goodwin

Franklin & Marshall College, Lacrosse

Fred Grote

Drew University, Cross Country and Track & Field

Coach Joe Forte Honored by National Wrestling Hall of Fame

Congratulations to Pingry Hall-of-Famer Joe Forte on being inducted into the 2025 class of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, New Jersey Chapter, for receiving the National Wrestling Hall of Fame’s “Lifetime Service to Wrestling” Award. In a letter addressed to Mr. Forte from the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum, Executive Director Lee Roy Smith wrote, “You are leaving behind a legacy that others admire. You have a special place in the heritage of the sport.” Mr. Forte was Head Coach of Pingry’s varsity wrestling team from 1982 to 2004, producing several state championships, including coaching Pingry to their only undefeated season in 199293. He was inducted into the New Jersey Scholastic Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2015 after accumulating over 550 wins as a varsity head coach (wrestling and golf) at Pingry and was inducted into the Pingry Athletics Hall of Fame last year.

The induction ceremony will take place at the Westin Hotel in Princeton on Sunday, September 28 at 12:00 p.m.

Graham Houghton

Yale University, Track and Field

Tyler Katt

Colby College, Lacrosse

Kayla Kerr

Boston University, Cross Country and Track & Field

Ava Kirkwood

Loyola University, Lacrosse

Becca Kirschner

Princeton University, Lacrosse

Madison Lewis

Haverford College, Track & Field

Sebastian Martinez

Stevens Institute of Technology, Soccer

Casey McKeon

Hofstra University, Softball

Jack Moye

Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Football

Anika Paul

The University of Chicago, Tennis

Alexander Recce

California Institute of Technology, Track & Field

Neil Riener

Columbia University, Soccer

BIG BLUE HIGHLIGHTS SPRING

Pingry Baseball won seven games including an opening-round victory in the Somerset County Tournament and an exciting walk-off win over Morris Catholic.

Boys Lacrosse ended the spring ranked #6 in the state, after posting an impressive 17–4 record and keeping the Bristol Bowl in Basking Ridge for the third straight year with an exciting 8–5 victory over Westfield. Dylan Blekicki ’25 set the career goals and point-scoring marks and is the Skyland Conference Player of the Year.

Pingry Girls Lacrosse turned in a historic spring, winning the Skyland Conference, Somerset County (three in a row), and NJSIAA Non-Public State Championships. The Non-Public State title was the first in program history, and the girls’ final 23–2 record included two 11-game winning streaks and seven playoff wins, highlighted by a dominant performance in the state final, a 12–5 victory over Oak Knoll. Ava Kirkwood ’25 is the Skyland Conference Player of the Year, and Pingry is Team of the Year.

Pingry Boys Tennis was ranked in the Top 3 by NJ.com wire-to-wire in the 2025 season, going undefeated in the Skyland Conference and cruising to a fourth consecutive NJISAA Prep A title and fifth consecutive Somerset County Tournament title, while compiling a 14–2 record. They are the Skyland Conference Team of the Year.

Girls Golf had a season for the ages, submitting an undefeated 10–0 record and repeating as Skyland Conference Champions, while three-peating as Somerset County Champions. Rayee Feng ’26 played at a worldclass level, capturing the individual Conference, County, and State titles, and also setting a new course record at Heron Glen Golf Course. Rayee’s remarkable season earned 2025 Girls Golfer of the Year honors from NJ.com.

Big Blue Softball won more games (22) in 2025 than any other season in program history, highlighted by a Skyland Conference Raritan Division title, a second straight NJISAA Prep A Championship, and a walk-off victory over NJ.com #2 Mount. St. Dominic Academy to end the regular season. Taylor Francis ’25 became the program’s all-time career hits leader.

Boys Golf enjoyed a fantastic spring, outperforming expectations with a 9–1 record and a team victory at the Somerset County Tournament and Mountain Ridge Invitational. The team ended the season ranked #7 in the state by NJ.com.

Big Blue Girls Spring Track ran hard in 2025, highlighted by a seventh-place finish from Kayla Kerr ’25 in the 3200m at New Jersey’s Meet of Champions. Studentathletes competed in the inaugural Tim Grant Invitational, in honor of the season being the 40th and final season of Coach Grant’s career.

Boys Spring Track won five individual Prep A titles in 2025 and set multiple records, highlighted by a school-record triple jump from Ja’Mar White ’26 who claimed the Non-Public A State title for the performance.

PHOTO: MATT KIPP/ NJ ADVANCE MEDIA

Q&A WITH KEVIN PARNHAM ’21

No Shortcuts to Success

By Alex Nanfara P’33, ’36

As a highly skilled young standout club lacrosse player from Tewksbury Township, to becoming the first freshman to ever start on defense—a physically demanding position usually held by the most developed student-athletes—for Pingry boys lacrosse, to captaining his NCAA Division I Penn State University team to the Final Four, Kevin Parnham ’21 has left an impressive lacrosse legacy everywhere he’s played. Kevin’s lacrosse skillset has earned an avalanche of accolades at all levels, such as being named NJ.com’s Player of the Year in 2021 or this past season’s NCAA All-American Honorable Mention, but it’s his work ethic and leadership that set him apart. Pingry Boys’ Varsity Lacrosse Head Coach Mike Webster P’24, ’27, ’27 acknowledges Kevin’s elite physical tools, but adds, “Then you saw him practice as hard as he could from his first day. He had this confidence and he could go hard every single day and every single drill. That’s what separates the elite-level players from the really good players.” Despite graduating from Penn State this spring, Kevin’s lacrosse career is far from over, because in early May, he became a professional athlete when he was selected 26th overall by the Denver Outlaws in the 2025 Premier Lacrosse League (PLL) draft. The Pingry Review caught up with Kevin shortly after his final NCAA competition.

Congrats on a great senior season at Penn State! How was your experience playing in the NCAA Final Four this spring? I was lucky enough to be able to also play my sophomore year in the Final Four, and that was really cool, but back then, I was kind of just trying to take it all in. I didn’t have as much of a leadership role at that time and our record was 3–11 my freshman season, so we were really just happy to make it. This year was definitely a different mindset across the team. We had two full class years that had been to a Final Four before. So, the expectation was to go in there and try to win. And, obviously that didn’t happen, but I think just having that mindset going in made it feel less like a spectacle and more like another game, one that we had a chance at winning. The contrast between the two is cool to look back on. I think they’re great experiences, and you really just love spending those extra couple of weeks with your teammates while school is out.

Share your lacrosse origin story. When did you start playing lacrosse and what drew you to the sport? Some of my best friends’ dads had played college lacrosse and were running the Tewksbury lacrosse program, and they really got me into it. And then from there, I kind of fell more in love with lacrosse, and around sixth or seventh grade, just decided that that was the main sport I was going to focus on. I continued playing hockey and soccer. I think lacrosse was very similar to hockey for me. It was kind of like a mirror image of hockey in the spring for me. I love the physicality. I love the fast pace. And then as I got better, I enjoyed refining my skills. And I think there’s this subtle balance between the brute force that lacrosse can sometimes be and the high-level skill that a lot of the players in today’s game have.

There’s no denying your elite lacrosse skills, but what fans might not notice right away is your work ethic and leadership ability, which were celebrated at Penn State when you were given the esteemed #16 jersey (awarded to a player with the “Heart of a Competitor”, honoring a former Penn State lacrosse player who tragically passed away in 2015). How did it feel to wear the #16 jersey?

Yeah, the #16 jersey is passed down by the senior who wore it last. It’s just an incredible honor knowing that the guys in our locker room feel that way about you, that Grant [Hall] wanted to pass down #16 to me. And then throughout the year, you just continue to learn and grow about what it means to be a leader and how to best serve others on the team because that’s really what leadership is about—it’s about serving others on the team and just trying to bring that team as far as you can and giving people what they need to be successful and learning from them.

Every young athlete dreams of getting their name called in a professional sports league draft. What went through your mind when your name was called?

Prior to the draft, I didn’t speak to Denver. I spoke to two other teams, so I knew there was a possibility I might have gotten drafted. Actually, one team I spoke to was done with their picks before the

PHOTO: CALEB CRAIG

“If you’re the guy that’s willing to do the right thing and go the extra mile when no one’s looking, not for any recognition or anything like that, then you’re probably gonna be the guy that your teammates can trust when it’s late in the fourth quarter and a close game.”

start of the fourth round. I lost a little bit of hope there! We were actually all at one of my buddy’s houses. Most of them were there watching because [teammate] Matty Traynor got drafted before me. So, we were all just super pumped up for Matty and grilled up burgers and dogs and we’re sitting around, and then as we were watching the rest of the draft, my name got called and the guys were pretty fired up. So, that was a cool moment. Someone has it on video. It’s something I’ll definitely cherish—just how genuinely excited the guys were to hear my name get called. It says a ton about the type of guys we have in our locker room. They’re really excited for other people’s success.

How did playing for Coach Webster at Pingry set you up for success at the next level?

One of the things that we always talk about Penn State is just doing the right things all the time in every aspect of your life. And I think that was something that came naturally to me because of my experience at Pingry with the Honor Code and doing the right thing when no one’s watching. And we just really emphasize that the type of person you are is going to be the type of player you are. If you’re the guy that’s willing to do the right thing and go the extra mile when no one’s looking, not for any recognition or anything like that, then you’re probably gonna be the guy that your teammates can trust

when it’s late in the fourth quarter and a close game. And I think Pingry just really prepared me that way—being a good person first and being a culture fit in the locker room, being a great teammate above all.

What advice would you give a young lacrosse player who is trying to gain a competitive edge?

The little things matter more than you may notice. Running hard through every ground ball, even if it’s a warm-up. Those things do matter because when you’re tired, if you’re willing to take shortcuts during practice when it’s easy, then you’ll be willing to take shortcuts in the game. If you’re a player that does go 100 percent, it’ll be who you are even when you’re tired because that’s the way you’ve trained yourself. There’s a saying, “you don’t rise to the occasion, you sink to the level of your training,” meaning under pressure, you’re not going to all of a sudden perform better than you trained. And I think it’s so true that if you’re willing to cheat yourself in practice, then when the game comes and you’re dead tired and your teammates are counting on you, you’ll probably save steps in that moment, too. Whereas if you’re a player that just does everything 100 percent, no matter the drill, 100 percent focus, you’ll always be as prepared as you can be, and when the game’s tight, you’ll be the teammate that everyone can rely on.

PHOTO: MARK SELDERS

Alumni Art Exhibition with Peter Allen ’78

Bronze and stone sculptures, oil paintings, and prints from 2023–2025 by Peter Allen ’78, P’10 were on display in May in the Hostetter Arts Center Gallery. Mr. Allen works primarily in bronze, transforming small, quickly posed figures into intricate, multi-figure compositions, and his art has been exhibited in venues including the Newark Museum, Morris Museum, and Studio Montclair. “I enjoyed the Pingry Pottersville Arts Residency programs in July 2024 and February 2025 for two weeks, and had paintings and prints in this show that I made in this convivial, intellectual, and pastoral environment,” he said.

With a B.A. from Brandeis University (Fine Arts & Psychology, magna cum laude) and an M.F.A. from the School of Visual Arts in New York City, Mr. Allen founded his own studio and foundry in Harding

“...listening to others makes us strong like structures meant to last and be unique.”

Strawberry!

This strawberry sculpture was donated to the Lower School by the store Anthropologie (where it was used in a window display) and its Visual Manager, Lauren Reid Atkins ’99, and Display Coordinator, Jeannine Laginhas. According to Lower School Visual Arts Teacher and Visual Arts Coordinator Lindsay Baydin P’26, ’29, “This stunning work of art ties perfectly to our Kindergarten experiential Art, Science, and Garden unit. Our Kindergarten artists were making their own strawberry art, learning the life cycle of a berry, and planting strawberry seedlings.”

The strawberry is made of foam, plaster, paint, and various papers.

ON THE ARTS PERFORMING ARTS

Scenes from the Upper School Winter Musical: Pippin

The cast and crew of Pippin are excited to announce three wins from the Central Jersey Marquee Awards, which celebrate outstanding high school talent and students who work behind-thescenes in musical productions. Awards are given in 20 categories. Pingry won the top prize of Best High School Musical, as well as Best Chorus and Best Production Number (“Magic to Do”). Pingry led all schools with 12 nominations and two Honorable Mentions.

In addition, for their contributions of original ambient music (a soundtrack) to the Fall Play, Clue, Uma Menon ’25 and Will Pertsemlidis ’25 won Outstanding Achievement in Live or Original Music in a Play at the Montclair State University Theatre Night Awards. Known as the Foxy Awards, this event recognizes excellence in the production of high school plays in New Jersey and saw participation from over 80 schools.

Scenes from the Middle School

Musical: Cinderella

Scenes from the Lower School

Musical: Disney’s Dare to Dream JR.

This musical revue follows a group of trainees on their first day at a fictional Walt Disney Imagineering Studio.

Grade 3 and The Story of Water

Grade 3 spent the spring preparing to present an original production, The Story of Water. It was a “vehicle to understand our learning of the water cycle, to understand storytelling traditions, and to deepen our understanding of the collaborative creative process” with over 50 ideas contributed, said Lower School Performing Arts Teacher Erin Strong. What the audience saw in early June was a “sharing of our classroom.”

The performance was inspired by the 92NY Dance Education Laboratory and the organization Global Water Dances, which uses theater and dance to educate communities about the importance of clean water. The third-grade students used their bodies to depict various stages of what happens to water—such as evaporation, precipitation, and the formation of waves— and the storyline also conveyed what can happen when cities rise up around water and when water becomes polluted. What is one lesson being conveyed? As one student said, “Take care of the environment just like you take care of yourself . . . the environment needs to be clean for everything to function.”

ON THE ARTS MUSIC

Middle School Student in All-State Chorus

A member of Pingry choral ensembles, and Cinderella in this spring’s Middle School Musical, Rhea Gorhe ’31 was Pingry’s representative and a soloist in the New Jersey ACDA (American Choral Directors Association) All-State Chorus. She was excited to perform with students from different schools who all share a love for singing, and all of whom are selected through auditions.

“Singing in a chorus feels really special—it’s like all voices come together to make something even better than each could on our own. It’s also a big honor to be chosen and to perform at such an important event as ACDA is a prestigious organization,” she says.

She worked with Middle and Upper School Music Teacher Jay Winston to prepare and submit her audition. The top five scorers in each voice part were also given the chance to participate in a blind audition for a solo, and Rhea was selected after two rounds. She and the other singers learned seven songs for the concert and, one week prior, all of the students from across New Jersey came together for a full-day rehearsal to practice the entire program.

Rhea extends a special thank you to Mr. Winston for his guidance in helping her prepare for ACDA and his support throughout the process.

TOP: Soloist in Benedictus and Sanctus, from Tom Shelton’s Missa Brevis for Treble Voices

BOTTOM: Rhea Gorhe ’31 with Middle and Upper School Music Teacher Jay Winston

Scenes from the Spring Concert with Grades 4 and 5

TRUE BLUE SPOTLIGHT

Q&A WITH MEMBERS OF PINGRY’S TRUE BLUE SOCIETY

Jim Salisbury

Mr. Salisbury taught Lower and Middle School science from 1964–1972 (Middle School was officially referred to at the time as “Junior School”.)

You have said that Pingry was your favorite place to work? Why? After frustrating experiences in public school, I was prepared to leave teaching when my mother became ill and went to the hospital. Her roommate was Gwen Christow, the wife of [then–Assistant Director of Athletics and Math Teacher] George Christow, who also taught science because there was no regular science teacher for the Lower or Middle School. He had told Gwen that Pingry was looking to hire a science teacher, so my mother told me I ought to try for [the position]. I said, “No, I’m done with teaching.” But after I met Gwen in my mother’s hospital room, her enthusiasm about Pingry convinced me to explore the idea of independent school, so I interviewed with [then–Head of School] Charlie Atwater. Several days later, he called and offered me the job.

When I went back to discuss details, I asked, “It’s summer now. Can I have a copy of your course of study so I can read it and become familiar with it?” He looked at me, quizzically, and said, “You’re the teacher. You make up the course of study.” Then I asked, “Do you have any copies of the textbook?” He said, “You’re the teacher. You pick the textbook.” That did it!

My first class was Form I and they were sharp—they kept me on my toes. I worked on designing the new science labs for the Hillside Campus. It was really a dream job as far as teaching was concerned.

Why did you need to design science labs, and what was your role? There were things that Hillside didn’t have [when I started]. They built an extension with a large library, science teachers’ offices, and a typical science lab. With Ernie Shawcross, Miller Bugliari, and others, I was involved in the design phase with the architect, saying we needed lab tables, gas, water, seats, and other things. We got it set up in a way that I thought would serve Middle School science as well as possible.

Why have you continued to stay in touch with and support Pingry? I worked with Miller at Camp Waganaki and I’ve kept up with a number of boys I taught, like Bruce Smith ’69 and Joshua

Breakstone ’73. I felt that what Pingry was doing was the right way that kids should be educated. I enjoyed my time there very much, so I’ve been contributing to The Pingry Fund every year, and about 20 years ago, I set up my estate to partly benefit Pingry.

Why are planned giving and tuition assistance important to you? I worked with [Head of Junior School] Dick Baldwin and [Assistant Head of Junior School] Bud Newcomb on the Middle School Admissions Committee and knew that tuition assistance was needed. I also knew that many of the boys I taught were receiving tuition assistance and had a lot of potential. I knew they were going to do well and I’ve seen some of their names in The Pingry Review, so I’ve seen how much good [tuition assistance] has done for Pingry.

Those who have given to The Pingry Fund for three or more consecutive years

Jim Salisbury teaching Form I science at Pingry in 1965-66. Do you recognize any students in this photo? Please contact us!

Ring the Bell for Pingry!

We need YOUR help to make Ring the Bell a success!

This year, Ring the Bell: Pingry’s Annual Celebration of Giving will take place on Wednesday, October 22, and Thursday, October 23. Join the entire Pingry community as we come together to celebrate our amazing faculty and students and show off that school spirit by making your best gift to The Pingry Fund.

The Pingry Fund is the School’s top fundraising priority. Your support helps us fuel innovative programs and recruit and retain top-notch faculty. Whether you’re an alum, parent, faculty, staff, or friend, your support can make all the difference for The Pingry Fund. Every contribution–big or small–makes a huge impact in giving every student an exceptional educational experience. Let’s make some noise and Ring the Bell together! Last year, the Pingry community raised over $2.2 million during Ring the Bell to support Pingry’s students and faculty through gifts to enhance technology, professional development, athletics, and the arts. Throughout the 48-hour celebration of giving, there will be opportunities to amplify the impact of your gift through challenges and matches. More information to come!

Can’t Wait?

Make your gift anytime before midnight on October 23 to be counted for Ring the Bell! Online: pingry.org/ringthebell

For more information or to make your own challenge gift, please contact: Associate Director of Development, Director of Annual Giving Jessica St. Marie at jstmarie@pingry.org or 908-647-5555, ext. 1219.

We Need Your Help!

We’re looking for parents and alumni to serve as Pingry Fund volunteers for Ring the Bell and beyond! If you’re interested in learning about how you can make an impact on the Pingry community, please contact Jessica St. Marie, Director of Annual Giving (parents), at jstmarie@pingry.org or 908-647-5555, ext. 1219, or Mackenzie Eford, Assistant Director of Development, Alumni Annual Giving (alumni), at meford@pingry.org or 908-647-5555, ext 1270.

Go Big Blue!

PINGRY IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD

Naples Reception February 3 Hosted by Ron and Cathy Treveloni P’92, ’94, ’98

Attendees include Special Assistant to the Head of School Miller Bugliari ’52, P’86, ’90, ’97, GP’20, ’24, MieMie Chang P’15, ’18, Pat Coughlan ’58, then–Associate Head of School Ben Courchesne, Vijayalakshmi Davey P’11, ’13, ’18, Rob Engel ’70, Chief Advancement Officer David Fahey ’99, P’33, ’34, ’38, Margot Jackler and Paul Flowerman P’04, ’07, Individual Philanthropic Advisor Katie Gardner, Ingrid Brimer and Greg Goggin ’55, Sara Hutt P’17, ’20, Georgia and Hilton Jervey ’57, P’78, ’82, Tom Kendall ’73, Jocko Kerr ’71, John Maher ’72, Francine and Doug Morrison ’62, Missy Ryan P’83, ’84, GP ’15, ’17, ’20, and Annual Giving and Community Engagement Associate Stacy Schuessler P’18, ’20

Vero Beach Reception February 6 Hosted by Judy and Steve Newhouse ’65, P’95, ’97, ’99

Attendees include Bryant and former Grade 5 teacher Susie Alford P’92, ’95, Brian and Pamela Barefoot P’88, Trustee Douglas Bookbinder ’98, Carolyn (Simnett) Branco ’00, Susan and David Budd ’66, Special Assistant to the Head of School Miller Bugliari ’52, P’86, ’90, ’97, GP’20, ’24, Scott Winn and former Grade 2 teacher Sally Dugan P’04, ’08, Chief Advancement Officer David Fahey ’99, P’33, ’34, ’38, Individual Philanthropic Advisor Katie Gardner, Michael and former trustee Ted Hauser ’56, P’86, Brenda Kelsey P’87, ’89, ’95, GP ’20, ’20, ’23, ’23, ’23, ’27, Trustee Melissa (Weiss) Moriarty ’87, P’23, ’27, Judy and Honorary Trustee Steve Newhouse ’65, P’95, ’97, ’99, Mimi and Sean O’Donnell ’75, P’05, ’10, Gretchen (Weiss) Oatman ’89, P’20, ’20, ’23, ’23, former trustee Randy Porges P’03, ’05, ’07, ’10, ’13, ’15, Annual Giving and Community Engagement Associate Stacy Schuessler P’18, ’20, former Director of Principal Gifts and Campaigns Holland Sunyak ’02, Sue and former trustee Charlie Thomas P’88, ’90, ’92, Fran Sarro and David Waite P’99, ’01, and Jane Wittmann P’93

Girls Lacrosse Alumnae Reception February 19

FRONT ROW: Olivia Nugent ’20, Natalie Lucciola ’17, Olivia Lai ’19, Meg Vreeland ’15, and Annie Vreeland ’12 MIDDLE ROW: Girls’ Varsity Lacrosse Head Coach Carter Abbott, Lindsey Lubowitz ’17, Ally Hosler ’19, Corey DeLaney ’12, Abby Beckmen ’19, Mary Pagano ’17, Lizzie Gilfillan ’20, and Aly Feeley ’20 BACK ROW: Emily Damstrom ’12 and Tierney Griff ’11

Alumni Night at Pippin February 28 Sponsored by Achievement in the Arts Award Committee

FRONT ROW (holding the banner): April Tinari ’90 and Tanya Fickenscher Leonard ’89 MIDDLE ROW: Lindsay (Liotta) Forness ’80, P’11, Lower School Spanish Teacher Denise Lionetti ’85, Katie Bartlett ’89, P’22, Alice (Popp) Casey ’89, Michelle Jarney Jacobs ’89, Catherine (Kolacy) Dimond ’89, former reading teacher and drama director Maria Romano, former Drama Department Chair Al Romano, Leslie Lobell ’82, former Head of the Middle School and former drama director Kevin Rooney P’94, Jeff Cooper ’82, Alison Little ’82, P’22, ’25, Alex Tinari ’92, Amanda Wiss ’93, and Drama Department Chair Stephanie Romankow BACK ROW: Phil Hoch ’75, Sanjiv Jhaveri ’90, Eleanor Johnson ’12, Garrett Steele, and James Izurieta

San Francisco Reception March 2

The home of Sara Singer and Prof. Gordon Bloom ’78 on the Stanford University campus

Annelise Kinney ’15, Heather (Warren) Mannion ’87, Jack Proudfoot ’18, Chief Advancement Officer David Fahey ’99, P’33, ’34, ’38, Co-Director of College Counseling Sue Kinney P’15, ’18, Samuel Fisher ’10, Prof. Gordon Bloom ’78, Dr. Sandra Lee ’91, Annual Giving and Community Engagement Associate Stacy Schuessler P’18, ’20, Matthew Peacock ’17, Head of School Tim Lear, David Sobel ’93, Norman Liang ’94, Malcolm Talcott ’78, Dr. Art Vedder ’66, Will Hetfield Jr. ’01, and Special Assistant to the Head of School Miller Bugliari ’52, P’86, ’90, ’97, GP’20, ’24

PINGRY IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD

Chicago College Dinner April 10

Spencer McLaughlin ’23, Adam Bauhs ’23, Anjola Olawoye ’23, and Aida Li ’23

New York City College Dinner April 24

FRONT ROW: Co-Director of College Counseling Amy Cooperman ’90, P’23, Julia Eng ’24, Noor Elassir ’24, Ainsli Shah ’23, Kyra Li ’23, and Co-Director of College Counseling Sue Kinney P’15, ’18 BACK ROW: Nate Blum ’24, Noah Bergam ’21, and J.P. Salvatore ’23

Pingry Lacrosse Alumnae Day May 31

Wendy (Kasserman) Dwyer ’91, P’24, ’25, Director of Development Jane Hoffman ’94, P’26, ’27, ’28, Molly Parker ’22, Maria Loss ’23, McKenna Dwyer ’24, Bella Goodwin ’23, and Leslie (Springmeyer) O’Toole ’08

Pingry at the Yankees June 17 Special thanks to Warren Yermack ’17 for coordinating the event

Trustee Maggie O’Toole ’05 and Nicole Daniele ’05

UPCOMING EVENTS

Convocation & Letter-In-Life

Award Presented to Jeff Edwards ’78

September 5

Alumni Pickleball Event, hosted by Kathy (Iacuzzo) Sartorius ’92

September 7

Pingry Fund Volunteer Kickoff Reception

September 10

1861 Leadership Society Reception

September 17

Athletics Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

September 26

Nic Fink ’11

1996-97 Girls Swimming Team*

1997-98 Girls Swimming Team*

2009-10 Boys Swimming Team

2011-12 Boys Swimming Team

*The first girls swimming teams to be inducted into the Hall of Fame

Homecoming & Alumni Soccer Game

September 27

Alumni Arts Reception in New York City, hosted by Edie (McLaughlin) Nussbaumer ’84

September 30

Gilbert H. Carver ’79 Memorial Lecture

October 10

Young Alumni Happy Hour in New York City

October 16

Friday Night Lights

October 17

Ring the Bell: Pingry’s Annual Celebration of Giving October 22–23

Achievement in the Arts Award Assembly

October 24

The John A. Magadini Alumni Ice Hockey Game

November 28

Alumni Swimming Event

November 28

Alumni Squash Event

November 28

New York City Reception

December 12

Back-from-College Lunch

December 18

Miami Regional Reception

February 2

Palm Beach Reception February 4

Vero Beach Reception February 5

Career Day February 27

Los Angeles Reception

March 3

Boston Reception

April 30

Reunion Weekend May 8–9

PAA Annual Meeting of Alumni and Student Leadership

May 28

Head of School Tim Lear and Warren Yermack ’17

REUNION

pingry.org/forever-blue/50-years-of-coeducation

Celebrating 50 Years of Coeducation

members on

Associate Head of School

Financial Officer

Former faculty and staff: Dr. Mike Richardson P’86 (School Counselor), Gail Castaldo P’00 (French), Sharon Pastore (Math), Pat Lionetti P’85, ’88, ’89 (School Counselor), Steve Feder (Modern Language; Head of Foreign Languages), Kevin Rooney P’94 (English; Head of the Middle School), and Peter Cowen ’66 (English; Director of Admissions; Head of the Upper School)

Alumni attending an Ethical Dilemmas class with Upper School English Teacher Tom Keating P’29

Martha (Ryan) Graff ’84, P’15, ’17, ’20, Kathy (Apruzzese) Sherbrooke ’85, Betsy (Lucas) Vreeland ’84, P’11, ’12, ’15, and Lynn (Apruzzese) Tetrault ’80

Community

the Pottersville Campus, participating in kick-off discussions about 50 years of coeducation

Former

and former Chief

Dr. Jack Lewis P’96, ’00 and Honorary Trustee Bill Engel ’67

Aimee Sostowski ’97 and Kristin Sostowski ’93

Lyric Wallwork Winik ’84 and Maggie Minogue Grant ’84

>> pingry.org/forever-blue/alumni: View more photos from Reunion

50 Years of Coeducation Keynote Assembly: The Wisdom of Women

Excerpts from the remarks

“In 1974, there were countless examples around the country of successful all-male schools, and there were a fair number of skeptics who thought that enrolling young women at Pingry would be nothing more than a temporary experiment. Staying the course and passing on the chance to go co-ed would have been the easy, safe decision for Pingry . . . instead, Pingry took the risk and did what was believed to be best for the School . . . throughout my six years as a Pingry student, many of the central role models in my life were women who likely never would have come to Pingry had it remained an all-boys school . . . Pingry’s decision to go co-ed, and the resulting arrival of countless talented female students, teachers, coaches, and administrators, has made Pingry a stronger community.”

Head of School Tim Lear, who highlighted Lydia Geacintov, Judy Lee, Sue Marotto, Donna Stone, and Annette Tomaino

“In 1861, Pingry was founded as an all-boys school—that was the norm. A Head of School preparing students for leadership would not include girls. But even then, change was underway, slowly, often invisibly . . . the fight for women’s suffrage would last for more than 70 years . . . it took until 1920 for the 19th Amendment to finally be ratified, but it did not provide equal voting rights for all . . . another wave of changes came in the 1960s and 1970s with Title VII, the Voting Rights Act, Title IX . . . around this time, many schools like ours began to consider opening their doors to girls.”

Kristin Sostowski ’93

Dr. Elizabeth Simmons ’81, moderator Natalie Mullins ’15, Kristin Sostowski ’93, Head of School Tim Lear, and 50 Years of Coeducation Committee Co-Chairs Alison Little ’82, P’22, ’25 and Kathy (Iacuzzo) Sartorius ’92, P’22, ’25, ’29

“Today, Pingry faces new questions about meeting the challenges of a shifting and changing educational landscape. One is, how do you keep the curriculum and the faculty at absolutely top notch in an era where topics like genetic analysis and genetic editing . . . have gone from the province of ‘only universities’ to being within the reach of a well-resourced high school? The answer is to sustain a culture of intellectual innovation and inquiry among the faculty, and Pingry has been making wise investments in this. Another is, how do you enable students not only to acquire skills in the use of artificial intelligence tools, but to develop reasoning around the ethical use of those tools? This requires cross-disciplinary collaboration.”

Dr. Elizabeth Simmons ’81, dedicating her remarks “to the memory of legendary Latin Teacher Albie Booth”

Nelson L. Carr ’24 Service Award Presented to Alison Little ’82

During the 50 Years of Coeducation Luncheon, the Pingry Alumni Association surprised Alison Little ’82, P’22, ’25 with the Nelson L. Carr ’24 Service Award, presented for faithful and dedicated support in service of Pingry.

Ms. Little has devoted over three decades of volunteerism and leadership to Pingry, including her current position as Vice President of the PAA and her tireless efforts as Co-Chair of the 50 Years of Coeducation Committee. Of the latter, PAA President Kathy (Iacuzzo) Sartorius ’92, P’22, ’25, ’29 said, “This celebration has truly been her brainchild, and her passion for honoring Pingry’s history of inclusion and progress has been nothing short of inspiring.”

In addition, Ms. Little has volunteered as a fundraiser for The Pingry Fund (2004-05 and 2005-06), spoken at Career Day six times, chaired the Alumnae Committee, attended numerous Pingry events, and hosted Reunion gatherings for her late brother’s Bill’s class, the Class of 1964.

PAA President Kathy (Iacuzzo) Sartorius ’92, P’22, ’25, ’29, Alison Little ’82, P’22, ’25, and Head of School Tim Lear

REUNION

50-Year Club Luncheon

The Class of 1975, with Special Assistant to the Head of School Miller Bugliari ’52, P’86, ’90, ’97, GP’20, ’24 and Head of School Tim Lear

Henry English ’60 and Hans Bonn ’68

Bob Caplette ’75 and Alan Krasner ’75

John Roll ’73 and Chris Colford ’72

Gary Chwazik ’75, Larry Hallett ’75, Dr. Mark Silbey ’75, and Dr. John Boozan ’75

Rev. Bruce Smith ’69, Dr. John Rush Jr. ’60, Dee Rush, and Jay Wortley Jr. ’60

Pam Callander, Jim Hoitsma ’75, Mark Schwartz ’75, and Rick Raabe Jr. ’75

>> pingry.org/forever-blue/alumni: View more photos from Reunion

Alumni Lacrosse Game

A special shout-out to the Class of 1975! This year marks the 50th anniversary of the 1974-75 state championship run.

John Foord ’45 was the oldest alumnus at Reunion, celebrating his 80th. He spent two-and-a-half years at Pingry, participated in the Navigation Club, Literary Club, and Dramatic Club, and managed the 1944 Soccer Team.

FRONT ROW: Boys’ Varsity Lacrosse Head Coach

Mike Webster P’24, ’27, ’27, Dylan Blekicki ’25, Rafferty Harris ’25, Tyler Katt ’25, Jack Moye ’25, John Kelly ’25, Jonathan Mitchell ’25, Charlie Ackermann ’25, Jack Goodwin ’25, Freddie Field ’25, Brice Crosby ’25, James Kotsen ’25, and Matt Galusha ’25

BACK ROW: Bobby Gildea ’04, Justin Oplinger ’06, Larry Hallett ’75, Jeff Hodde ’65, Jake Mackoff ’12, Alex Castle ’12, Grant Smith Jr. ’77, P’19, ’22, ’28, Eric Berlin ’85, Pingry friend, David Waterbury ’85, Jack Faherty Jr. ’85, Chris Ulz ’93, P’28, ’32, ’32, John Brady ’78, Steve Newes ’78, Rick Weiler Jr. ’75, Nick Carrion ’16, Tom Ferry ’80, John Witte Jr. ’78, Josh Gradwohl ’80, Peter Blanchard ’95, Brian Crosby ’89, P’23, ’25, ’26, TJ Rusen ’89, Pingry friend, Michael Blanchard ’96, Kyle Warendorf ’77, Miles Koenig, Skot Koenig ’77, Frank DeLaney ’77, P’12, Pat Birotte ’87, P’20, and Rich Thomas II ’62

Alumni Baseball Event

Glenn Murphy ’74, Peter Cipriano ’06, Dexter Jones ’95, Darren Blumberg ’88, Max Scherzer ’18, Jason Weaver ’23, Alex Payne ’24, Adam Elayan ’24, Neil Srikanth ’24, and Kailar Ahn ’24

LEFT: 1945 yearbook portrait MIDDLE: John Foord ’45, Daryl English, and his sons, Barclay Foord ’75 and Andrew Foord ’75 RIGHT: With the Literary Club, as seen in the 1945 yearbook. Mr. Foord is in the front row, second from right, next to Cas France.

REUNION Class Parties

Class of 1970

Class of 1975

Class of 1980

Class of 1985

Class of 1990

Class of 1995

Class

Class

REUNION Celebrate Miller

Large photos of Coach Miller Bugliari ’52 lined the hallway of the Miller A. Bugliari ’52 Athletics Center, leading to the gym where the stage was (a literal) set on May 9: a blue wall filled with dozens of photos of Coach Bugliari and his boys’ soccer teams, surrounding a desk, Pingry chairs, a putting green, soccer balls, trophies, and framed articles and photos . . . all of this designed as a replica of Coach Bugliari’s office, representing over 65 years of memories and milestones. Also inside the gym: hundreds of members of the Pingry community, celebrating Coach Bugliari in honor of his 90th birthday.

A few minutes into this celebratory evening, Coach Bugliari made his dramatic entrance from outside the building—not by walking, but by driving himself and his wife, Elizabeth, in a golf cart. He made his way to the stage, accompanied by the soundtrack of Frank Sinatra’s “My Way”, and once on stage, stood visibly moved during the first of what would be two standing ovations. He then made himself comfortable at the desk for speeches and surprises: remarks from Board of Trustees Chair Ian Shrank ’71, Honorary Trustee Stephan Newhouse ’65, P’95, ’97, ’99, and Head of School Tim Lear, a short film (A Life of Generosity: The Story of Miller Bugliari), birthday cake brought to his desk by some of his current soccer players, and photos with his family and countless friends.

About one of those surprises . . .

“You made it very clear that you wanted neither gifts nor surprises tonight. And guess what? We’ve decided to ignore you,” Mr. Lear noted, to audience laughter. As shared in the film, particularly about tuition assistance, Coach Bugliari believes that education is about giving people a chance—giving back to the community and helping in whatever way you can. “Miller has always answered the call for Pingry, so tonight, several of his closest friends in our community are answering the call for him.”

Thanks to their generosity, Pingry received over $6 million in new surprise gifts in honor of Coach Bugliari and his 90th birthday—as a result of these gifts, the Miller Bugliari Scholarship Fund is now the largest endowment fund for tuition assistance in Pingry history.

Excerpts from Coach Bugliari’s remarks:

“It’s great to be 90. As Bob Hope once said, ‘The candles now outweigh the cake.’ There are so many people to thank—first and foremost, my wonderful wife who has kept me healthy and who has attended well over 1,000 games, Elizabeth; my three wonderful sons, Boyce, Anthony, and David; so many others who put this evening together. I am humbled by the outpouring of love that I feel. It’s something special in life . . . no one can quite understand time. Pingry has, in large part, defined my life since I entered the school at age six in second grade, and my roles as a teacher and coach, and the students who played for me the past 65 years, have renewed me every year. Thank you for all that you have brought to my life, for all that you have done and continue to do for Pingry, a school of honor and excellence. We share a continuum of an Honor Code, a mission that is devoted to lifelong commitment to intellectual exploration, individual growth, and social responsibility. We share respect for the scholar-athlete who knows how to shoulder responsibility and be a leader. We share a legacy of a school that, although it has moved its location three times, continues to thrive and inspire loyalty. You have touched my life in more ways than you will ever know, a life that has been incredibly enriched by this school and my relationship with all of you. Thank you so much.”

“I think most of you are here today because of Miller’s uncanny ability to form close relationships with Pingry students . . . maybe he gets a tad too excited, and maybe he yells a bit too much, but you always know he has your best interests at heart . . . Coach is always there with that support.”

Board of Trustees Chair Ian Shrank ’71

Miller Bugliari ’52, P’86, ’90, ’97, GP’20, ’24 and his wife Elizabeth with their sons David ’97, Anthony ’90, P’20, ’24, and Boyce ’87

“Miller Bugliari has been one of Pingry’s great and lasting heroes. He has devoted his life to the School in many ways and should be enshrined as a teacher, coach, mentor, and friend. I thank him very much for being a friend at Parker Road, Hillside, and where it is now. We will give three cheers and one cheer more for he is the master of The Pingry School. Miller, you have been the pride of the Big Blue and will ever be remembered. The only complaint I have is that you turned Pingry into a soccer school instead of a football school and put more boys on college soccer teams than football teams ever did, to Pingry’s and your credit.”

Dr. Joe Hanaway ’51 (by email)

>> pingry.org/forever-blue/alumni: View more photos from Reunion

“Miller has influenced five generations in his nine decades as a student, teacher, coach, mentor, and friend—that’s a unique record and likely never to happen again.”

Honorary Trustee Stephan Newhouse ’65, P’95, ’97, ’99

I am sure Pingry has been overwhelmed with letters effusively enthusing over Miller’s birthday celebration. All of us claim to have had a special relationship with Miller because that’s the way he made us all feel.

But I claim a special relationship because of the overfive years I spent, starting 15 years ago, crisscrossing the country with Miller as Co-Chair of the last Pingry Capital Campaign . . . and because there are some important things I left out of my remarks at the celebration in the interest of brevity.

There are institutions that are lucky enough to have had an individual in their school community who has had a transformative influence on a whole generation of students, parents, and teachers. Miller Bugliari has had such an influence on almost five generations in his nearly nine decades as a student, teacher, coach, mentor . . . and friend. That is, I think a unique record among institutions like Pingry . . . or any other kind for that matter. The length and breadth of his remarkable relationship with this school has made him a figure of continuity . . . and a custodian of what is best among the traditions that are at the core of what we refer to with maximum reverence as The Pingry Experience.

Miller, man and boy, has known eight Heads of School, seven as a faculty member, coach, and advisor. Beyond that, Miller’s relationships do not end at graduation. They are lifelong . . . and he is there for those individuals whenever he is needed.

He has been and remains a unique figure in our school’s history.

Stephan Newhouse ’65, P’95, ’97, ’99

CAREER DAY

“The Honor Code was and has been the foundational thing in my life. Maybe that’s my religion.”

Jen Lee Koss ’96 on the Crossroads of Life

“When you come to a fork in the road, take it” has long been attributed to baseball player and

manager Yogi Berra. Well, entrepreneur and Springbank Founding Partner Jen Lee Koss ’96 could offer her version:

“When you come to a crossroads, take it.”

Visiting from her home in Oslo, Ms. Lee Koss delivered the Career Day keynote speech, and one point she wanted to make sure the students understand is that “your path is not going to be linear . . . you will have crossroads.” And she had multiple examples to underscore this idea.

Having started Pingry in Grade 4, she had only three years under her belt when, graduating from Grade 6, she won the Principal’s Prize, given to the student who “best represents the ideals and traditions of the School.” Presenting it to her was then–Head of School John Hanly, with whom she would have a close connection for years to come. In fact, Ms. Lee Koss took the Honor Code to heart and, with his approval in her later Upper School years, helped found the Honor Board. “The Honor Code was and has been the foundational thing in my life. It’s a standard that I’ve held myself to. Maybe that’s my religion.”

Also in the Upper School, she played the cello and studied at Juilliard, sang in the Balladeers, ran cross country, and played varsity lacrosse—with cello and lacrosse setting up her first crossroads.

Ms. Lee Koss applied early to Harvard and was accepted for lacrosse, but she also wanted to continue studying music, and she had the opportunity to study at a music conservatory in Germany. “Nobody at the time was taking a gap year,” she recalled, and she felt stuck. What to do? She shared her conflict with Harvard’s lacrosse coach, who essentially told her that Harvard and the team were always going to be there, so “you’d be crazy not to go.” Germany it was.

Returning from Germany after one year to have the college experience at Harvard, Ms. Lee Koss played lacrosse and even started an orchestra at the university, the Brattle Street Chamber Players (a string chamber orchestra that performs without a conductor). Her second crossroads? Job offers versus a Harvard music fellowship to study at Oxford University. With her lacrosse coach’s words in mind (the job offers will be there), Ms. Lee Koss spent two years in Oxford. Later, after earning an M.B.A. at Harvard Business School, her career took her into consulting, banking, and private equity, but none of those were “her passion.” So, her third crossroads? Leaving finance because she wanted to start a business—which ended up being Toronto-based online retailer BRIKA in 2012 (acquired by Salt XC in 2021). Ms. Lee Koss also married a Norwegian, hence her current home in Norway. She left the students with four life lessons: dare to be bold; foster connections and relationships; be at a crossroads—“it means you are in control [and] are going to make a decision about where your life is going to go”—and life comes first. To this last point, the questions to ask: “Am I taking care of myself? Am I taking care of other people? Am I being kind?”

“When you are driving somewhere with Google Maps, if you make a wrong turn, it does not tell you that you have made a mistake. It just finds you an alternate route. And that is how we should think about all of our lives. We are going to make different turns, but you’re going to find your way out of it.”

Thank You, Career Day Speakers!

ARCHITECTURE

Neil Singh ’00, P’34, ’35

Rose Zefferino ’01

ENGINEERING

Ben Behrman ’13

Jackson Artis ’16

Jahnai Binns ’17

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Alex Baydin ’93, P’26, ’29

Evan Shore ’02, P’36

FINANCE

Adam Keil ’96

Ben Lehrhoff ’99, P’31

Travis Lan ’02, P’29

Brian Murphy ’07

Grant Palmer ’09

Holly Butrico ’16

Alexis Elliot ’18

HEALTHCARE SERVICES

Deborah Nettune Fowler ’88

Taylor (Guiffre) Voiro ’10

Aubrey Molloy ’18

LAW

Dan Marchese ’89

Ashley (Marsh) Pertsemlidis ’89, P’25

David Soffer ’97

JJ Jacobs ’01

Kara (Belofsky) Miller ’01

Brad Feldman ’03

Julianne (DiLeo) Smith ’06, P’35, ’36

Rachel (Jacob) Sharif-Zadeh ’15

MANAGEMENT, CONSULTING, AND PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Nina Renda ’98

David Page ’03

Pamela (Lang) Golding ’05

Sean Bruno ’06

MARKETING AND ADVERTISING

Eric Turiansky ’89, P’36

Christine (Iacuzzo) Dickler ’95

Sophie Morris ’17

Warren Yermack ’17

MEDIA AND COMMUNICATIONS

John Roll ’73

Michelle Lerner ’89

Patrick Trousdale ’08

MEDICINE

Prof. Michael Nitabach ’84

Dr. Sunil Khanna ’86

Dr. Gautam Malhotra ’92

Dr. Kaushal Kulkarni ’97

Dr. Purvi Parikh ’00

Dr. Elizabeth Gallo Pope ’07

NON-PROFIT

Dr. Ijeoma (Eboh) Kola ’08

Karen Thomson Spicer ’08

Alli Dadouris ’10

Annaya Baynes ’19

PERFORMING ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

Emily Heller ’93

Jenny Gorelick ’10

Dominique Romanelli ’13

Chris Varvaro ’17

PSYCHOLOGY

Dr. Angelica Diaz-Martinez ’88, P’25, ’26

Alicia Bronski Adams ’97, P’32

Dr. Sarah Meyers ’12

Zach Dobson ’19

PUBLIC SERVICE

Bill Houston ’98

Jon Roberts ’05

Hunter Stires ’15

Sophia Cortazzo ’16

SCIENCE

Chris Spirito ’89

Lauren Shelby ’19

TECHNOLOGY

Micah Lewis-Kraus ’01

David Sukhin ’12

Josh Baum ’17

VISUAL ARTS

Peter Allen ’78, P’10

Nell Beatty ’17

Georgia Liu ’19

Grace Wang ’21

Read about many of these alumni in Class Notes! If you are interested in speaking at Career Day, or would like to suggest someone, please contact Director of Alumni Relations Taylor Noonan at tnoonan@pingry.org or 908-647-5555, ext. 1223.

PINGRY CREATES

DAVID ROGERS ’61

has written Part 1 of The Burial Grounds of the Presbyterian Church in the West Fields of Elizabethtown (American History Press). He explains in the Introduction, “As with most cemeteries in the centers of old towns, the local Burial Grounds became the final resting place for the early settlers and founders of the community. In this book, an attempt will be made to identify the earliest owners of Westfield’s Presbyterian Church Burial Grounds, their resting places, and some of their individual genealogies.”

people understand why youth sports and mentorship is an important vehicle.

For more information about the project and to watch the trailer for the documentary: https://pollenpr.com/project/beyond-themat-documentary-trenton-youth-wrestling

ASHLEY

DR. MARK MCLAUGHLIN ’83 co-founded the non-profit Trenton Youth Wrestling & Learning Center (TYWLC, 2017), which will be the subject of Beyond the Mat, a feature-length documentary to be released in 2026 or 2027 (Pollen Productions).

TYWLC is seeking to build a state-of-theart Fitness and Learning Center in Trenton, in conjunction with the state of New Jersey, providing students with a safe place to study and workout. The documentary is intended to capture the importance of Trenton Youth Wrestling & Learning Center (and similar programs for youth sports) and how the program’s wrestlers have been impacted by Dr. McLaughlin, and to help

DEEKS ’89, Professor at the University of Virginia School of Law, has written her first book, The Double Black Box: National Security, Artificial Intelligence, and the Struggle for Democratic Accountability (Oxford University Press; ISBN 9780197520901). She has written about government secrecy, as well as the role of AI in national security issues, and brought those two ideas together. According to an article from UVA, “The role of artificial intelligence systems in national security decision-making, a historically opaque process, is growing. What are the consequences of this for government accountability and democratic values?” The book examines, in Ms. Deeks’ words, how “we can continue to hold our government accountable for using these tools lawfully, using them effectively, and using them in a way that is appropriately justified.”

CHRIS LEAR ’92 is co-author of Beyond Fast: How a Renegade Coach and His Unlikely High School Team Revolutionized Distance Running (Atria Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster; September 2025).

The publisher calls it “the awe-inspiring true story of a high school cross country team that went from obscurity to becoming the fastest squad the country (and perhaps the world) has ever seen, as told by the coach who led them to greatness.”

DREW MARTURANO ’28 wrote an article that was published by the New York Post (April 22), “Badly behaved parents ruin play—and deserve to be ejected”. The article was a winning submission from the 2025 New York Post Scholars Contest, in partnership with Command Education. The newspaper explains, “We wanted to inspire a new generation of journalists to inform, entertain, to hold power to account, and to stand up for New Yorkers in the future.” The contest is open to high school students in the Tri-State area.

In his article, Drew laments bad parental behavior in youth sports and offers a twopart plan to fix the problem: parents signing a pledge—he highlights Pingry’s “clear set of guidelines for parental behavior at sporting events in the Athletic Handbook”—and zerotolerance accountability.

PINGRY’S THEATRICAL DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM has developed an eco-friendly method for stagecraft, and the findings have been published by the Guild of Scenic Artists in the article “Thinking Outside the Plastic Box” (May 2025). “This is part of the Design/Tech program’s ongoing applied research into sustainable alternatives to conventional materiality, where students are able to engage in this type of investigation during our classes and co-curriculars,” says Head of Technical Theater and Design Joseph Napolitano. “These findings were peer-reviewed by professionals and experts, and will become a tool for others seeking to green live theater production.”

The article points out that productions often require three-dimensional, sculpted details, meaning that some type of plastic has traditionally been used to achieve the desired look. But with the global crisis of plastic pollution, how can practitioners mitigate the adverse effects of their productions? Pingry suggests an alternative of WED (Walter E. Disney) clay, which for the 2024 Winter Musical Into the Woods was coated in plaster. After that mold cured, the clay was removed, leaving a negative mold, which the production team painted in layers of latex. Finally, the latex panels were coated in a latex paint base.

LEFT: A finished panel, which started as WED clay, from the 2024 Winter Musical Into the Woods

CLASS NOTES

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Submit your Class Note at pingry.org/classnotes, or mail it to Greg Waxberg ’96, Editor of The Pingry Review, The Pingry School, 131 Martinsville Road, Basking Ridge, NJ, 07920 Class Notes are published in print and online at pingry.org.

1951

FRANK MOUNTCASTLE writes, “Celebrating the life of Bill Burks . . . as the minister said in his homily at Billy’s service on February 22, 2025, ‘the Princeton Community has lost a redwood, the tallest and mightiest tree in the forest.’ Amen to that and the fine memories we have of his time at Pingry.”

1952

MILLER BUGLIARI P’86, ’90, ’97, GP’20, ’24 was inducted into the New Jersey Soccer Association Hall of Fame, and he received the Greater Morris County Chapter of the National Football Foundation’s Distinguished American Award, presented for exhibiting leadership qualities and making a significant contribution to the betterment of the community.

1958

DR. GEORGE PITTINOS writes, “After graduation in 1958, I went to Cornell for a fiveyear Mechanical Engineering degree, and in 1963, I decided to follow in my dad’s footsteps in medicine. He had a friend whose son-in-law went to medical school in Belgium, so I decided to go there. At the start, they told us that, of the 600 members of the class, they expected 150 to graduate. Since they taught everything in French, I had a challenge. I transferred back to the University of Cincinnati for the second year of medical school. I did an internship in Grand Rapids, Michigan and my Radiology residency in Cincinnati. I then interviewed in Mobile, Alabama where the azaleas were in bloom and the sun was shining. I flew back to Cincinnati and two feet of snow, and that helped me decide to move to Mobile. I currently live in Fairhope, Alabama. David, meanwhile, almost made it to graduation in 1965 . . .” (see David’s note under 1965)

1960

PETER COUGHLAN writes, “After decades of living in NJ, specifically Oldwick, I moved to PA about five years ago to be closer to

my daughter and her family. The company I founded 50 years ago, American Pension, is still in operation in Berkeley Heights, NJ. My daughter is pretty much running things remotely now. While I had perfect vision for most of my life, which came in very handy for all the sports I played and fighter jets I flew for the Air Force, I’m now semi-blind. Yes, it does stink, but I still manage to have an active life, even with 25% vision. Other than terrible eyesight, I remain in good health. I enjoy all

the activities and social gatherings where I live in Jennersville, PA. I send my very best to my fellow 1960 classmates! I hope everyone still with us is happy and healthy.”

1961

JIM MACGREGOR writes, “Hardest thing about being 95% retired is the loss of everyday human contact. Hard to give up, hard to replace. Still get called in for seriously weird client crises, and a little mentoring for new arrivals (Abernathy MacGregor had 40th anniversary in February). Still on a board at Princeton and another at Southampton Hospital. Claire is producing a new play by an experimental playwright in which an actual garden apartment in the West Village

David Pittinos ’65 and Dr. George Pittinos ’58

Jay Wortley ’60 doing hot laps at Indy in his 1914 Hudson racecar

Gordon Stevenson ’57 and Dick Engelman ’57 breaking bread in mid-June in East Greenwich, Rhode Island

CLASS NOTES

is the actual set, and the 20-person audience is inches away from the four actors. Amazing experience. Two grandchildren in college, one a year away, and a fourth appears to be the only female electrician in northern Maine. Really miss Bob Popper, who was much of the glue that held Pingry ’61 together.”

1964

HOWARD GEORGI, retiring Professor of Physics at Harvard, writes, “One of the speakers at my retirement celebration on May 13 was former Pingry student Elizabeth Simmons ’81.” She related that, when she first visited Harvard as a prospective freshman, she was captivated by his class—“he managed to create drama in an elementary physics course.” She attended Harvard and then became one of Howard’s graduate students. When she eventually became a first-year postdoc and she and her husband were expecting their first child (at a time when telling your advisor that you were pregnant might result in negative consequences), “Howard reacted with as much joy as if it was going to be his own grandchild.” In general, she expressed gratitude for his mentorship and for his advocacy of physics talent in all genders and races. For his part, Howard also celebrated physics and Harvard.

1965

DAVID PITTINOS writes, “I went to Union College, moved to Denver, and became the youngest broker trainee that Bache had ever hired. From there, I was part of a team that

started a Municipal Bond Department for Hornblower and Weeks. From there, I moved to Greenville, South Carolina and managed offices for Paine Webber and Morgan Stanley. While there, I won an award for Branch Manager of the Year out of 300-plus managers. They transferred me to Tallahassee, Florida and then Stuart, Florida, where I currently live. If you are ever in Fairhope, stop in and say hi to George or Stuart for David.”

1967

BILL ENGEL was honored by the Paper Mill Playhouse during its annual gala on May 9.

He received the Byrne/Kean Arts Advocate Award, which honors individuals who have significantly contributed to the arts through advocacy. The award is named after former New Jersey Governor Thomas H. Kean and his wife, Ruthi Byrne, who are both dedicated advocates for the arts. In accepting the award, Bill urges the public to support the arts as a “community event that can bring people together”, and to advocate for the “importance of the nonprofit community to the functioning of this country.” On May 14, Bill received the Medal of St. Benedict from St. Benedict’s Prep School in Newark, where he is an

Members of the Class of 1966 at Miller Bugliari’s 90th Birthday Celebration: Dr. Adam Rowen P’05, former Pingry English teacher and administrator Peter Cowen, Alan Gibby, Jon Cumpton, and Gil Roessner

Fr. Edwin Leahy, Headmaster of St. Benedict’s Prep School, and Bill Engel ’67

PHOTO: MICHAEL MARMORA

Members of the Class of 1970 attended their 55th reunion in Charlottesville, Virginia. FRONT ROW: Ned Gonczy Jr., Myke Connell, and Jonno Alcaro MIDDLE: Ben Bentley Jr. BACK ROW: Richard Lowish, Brad Seaman, Dick Norwood Jr., Arthur Bartenstein, Dr. Doug Richards, Bill Maass, and Charlie Cox

Honorary Alumnus. The medal is St. Benedict’s highest honor.

1969

At its May meeting, the Board of Directors of Bexley Seabury Seminary based in Chicago elected THE REV. BRUCE SMITH to be a Director Emeritus of the seminary. Bruce served on the Bexley Seabury Board of Directors for nine years. Bruce and his wife, the Rev. Dr. Susan Warrener Smith, live in Columbus, Ohio.

1972

DR. STEVE NAUGHTON writes, “It’s always such a pleasure getting together with great teammates and friends for life. The older we get, the more we appreciate one another. Additionally, we have established a group

on the Pottersville Campus on March 1, representing a partnership between Peer2Peer and Pingry’s Center for Performance and Leadership. Nate is Director of the Performance Psychology Program at the U.S. Military Academy and the author of The Confident Mind: A Battle-Tested Guide to Unshakable Performance.

message with other members of our class that allows us to maintain communication. Missing but never forgotten with a regular toast to his spirit, our dear brother Bobby Cunningham. Stay in touch with those you care about!” Steve also writes, “Such a privilege to honor ‘Mr. Pingry’ Coach Miller at his 90th birthday celebration. No one has contributed more to so many throughout his career. The class of ’72 was extremely well represented with several others unable to attend due to circumstances. A mini reunion

for us, an exponential reunion for our dear coach. Our heartfelt gratitude.”

1973

JOHN ROLL, Director of Roll Communications, LLC, participated in the Media and Communications panel at Career Day.

FRONT ROW: Eric Fowler ’72 and Greg Hewett ’72 BACK ROW: John Maher ’72, Dr. Steve Naughton ’72, and Jack Van Wagner ’72

A mini reunion for the Class of 1972 on the occasion of Coach Bugliari’s 90th birthday celebration: Greg Hewett, Dave Zenker Jr., Chris Colford, Scott Morrison, Scott MacLaren, Dr. Steve Naughton, Paul Ciszak, Dr. Ian Alexander, and Dr. Joe Costabile. Present but not pictured: Guy Geier II

Head of School Tim Lear, Dr. Nate Zinsser ’73, and Dr. Stephen Popp, Head of School at The John Cooper School in Texas. Nate headlined the first event in Pingry’s Performance and Leadership Series—a leadership summit

John Roll ’73

CLASS NOTES

1975

MARK FURY writes, “This past June 2024, I was recognized by InsiderNJ as one of the 100 Most Influential Attorneys in New Jersey. Number 77 to be exact. I am thrilled and humbled by this honor. It tops 30 years of service as an urban mayor and a criminal defense attorney. Which is all I wanted to be in the first place.”

1977

JANE SARKIN O’CONNOR P’11, ’14, who spent 34 years at Vanity Fair, is praised in former editor Graydon Carter’s new book, When the Going Was Good: An Editor’s Adventures During the Last Golden Age of Magazines. An excerpt reads: “Jane Sarkin, Vanity Fair’s features editor, was our Hollywood and show-business conduit. She booked—wrangled, as they say—pretty much every cover . . . Jane cultivated and dined with agents and publicists . . . Jane loved the world of movie stars and celebrities, and they trusted her. Jane had exceptional stamina as a celebrity handler and ego tamer—skills that came in useful when keeping agents, publicists, and overbearing managers at bay. She also kept them away from me, for which I will be eternally grateful. In addition to all of this, Jane served as Annie Leibovitz’s full-time inhouse connection, which was not the easiest of tasks. Annie was as tough on those around her as she was on herself. What I appreciated about Jane was that, despite the operatic drama surrounding her job, she never ever came to me with a problem, only with a solution.”

1978

PETER ALLEN P’10, painter and sculptor, participated in the Visual Arts panel at Career Day. His artwork also appeared in this spring’s Alumni Art Exhibit at Pingry. Read more on page 44.

ROB SCHRIESHEIM, Chairman of Truax Partners LLC, recently joined the board of publicly traded HR technology services company Alight Solutions (formerly known as Hewitt Associates). He has built a career in corporate governance while leading large, complex transformations in partnership with private equity firms, activists, and large institutional investors. He has served on 12 public boards ranging from under $1 billion in revenue to Fortune 500, including as chairman, and earlier in his career served as CFO of four public companies varying in revenue from $1 billion to $40 billion. In addition to Alight Solutions, Rob is a board member at S&P 500 semiconductor company Skyworks Solutions and serves as the Lead Independent Director for global investment bank Houlihan Lokey. He also serves as an Adjunct Associate Professor of Finance at The University of Chicago Booth School of Business, teaching a course to M.B.A. and J.D. students on Corporate Governance and Activism.

1981

DAN GREENFIELD writes, “44 years later, I reconnected in person with Peter Delman. I studied film and art with him. I was in New York City with my girlfriend, Karen. Peter and his wife, Maureen, took us on a

well-researched gallery tour in Chelsea. It was wonderful to catch up. I am grateful for the belief he has shown in me as I launch a new phase in my life, selling my fine art photographs.”

1983

DR. MARK MCLAUGHLIN, board-certified neurosurgeon and Co-Founder of the nonprofit Trenton Youth Wrestling and Learning Center, is featured in a documentary about the organization. Read more on page 66.

1984

PROF. MICHAEL NITABACH, a faculty member in the Yale University Molecular Cell Biology, Genetics and Development, Molecular

Malcolm Talcott ’78 and Prof. Gordon Bloom ’78 at the San Francisco Reception in March

Peter Allen ’78, P’10

Mark Fury ’75 and Lewis Gasorek ’75 at Pingry’s New York City Reception in December

Former Upper School Visual Arts Teacher Peter Delman P’97, ’98 and Dan Greenfield ’81

Medicine, Pharmacology and Physiology, and Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, participated in the Medicine panel at Career Day.

1985

KATHY (APRUZZESE) SHERBROOKE joined Pingry virtually in January for the Alumnae Author Talk, hosted by the Pingry Alumnae Committee and facilitated by her former Pingry English teacher, Peter Cowen ’66. She responded to questions on a variety of topics, including her transition from entrepreneur to writer (during a break between startups, she worked on a family memoir as a side writing project, which helped her rediscover her love of writing), the difference between writing historical and contemporary fiction (“It’s nice to have a plot and character handed to me, but it can sometimes feel limiting. With pure fiction, the

best part is that you can do anything, but the hardest part is that you can . . . do anything.”), and the impact of her analytical Pingry English essays on what she writes now (“Lessons on expository writing were critical. Writing essays helped me learn how to write a strong sentence and tell a cohesive story, and I learned the importance of editing and revision.”).

1986

DR. SUNIL KHANNA, Attending Physician / Owner at Metuchen Cardiology Associates, participated in the Medicine panel at Career Day.

COREY THOMPSON, after a 15-year career in veterinary medicine, has retired and focused his attention on hobby board games. In addition to starting the board game–focused film studio Above Board TV in L.A., Corey gained ownership in board game publishers

Play to Z Games and Rose Gauntlet, and the online game tutorial company DIZED, and most recently became a minority owner in the national convention Gen Con. If you are in Northern California, look him up for a game, or find him at a game convention near you.

1988

DR. ANGELICA DIAZ-MARTINEZ P’25, ’26, Teaching Professor, Program Director, and Director of Clinical Training for the Department of Clinical Psychology at Rutgers-GSAPP (Graduate School of Applied & Professional Psychology), participated in the Psychology panel at Career Day.

DEBORAH NETTUNE FOWLER, Managing Partner of the public relations agency Green Room Communications, which serves the communication needs of top healthcare

Alison Little ’82, P’22, ’25, Jeff Cooper ’82, and Leslie Lobell ’82 at the Pippin Alumni Event in February on the Basking Ridge Campus

Dr. Sunil Khanna ’86

Corey Thompson ’86

Dr. Angelica Diaz-Martinez ’88, P’25, ’26

CLASS NOTES

companies, participated in the Healthcare Services panel at Career Day.

1989

ASHLEY DEEKS, a professor at the University of Virginia since 2012 and a national security law expert, is now Vice Dean of UVA Law School, as of July 1. She also directs the school’s National Security Law Center. In addition, Ashley has written her first book. Read more on page 66.

MICHELLE LERNER, author of the novel RING, writer, and poet, participated in the Media and Communications panel at Career Day.

DAN MARCHESE, member of the Marchese Law Firm LLC, participated in the Law panel at Career Day.

ASHLEY (MARSH) PERTSEMLIDIS P’25, Executive Director, Sr. Employment Law Counsel at Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, participated in the Law panel at Career Day.

CHRIS SPIRITO, Nuclear Cyber Security Consultant at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Idaho National Laboratory, participated in the Science panel at Career Day.

ERIC TURIANSKY P’36, CEO of CI-Group, participated in the Marketing and Advertising panel at Career Day.

Become an ISP mentor! Read more on page 10.

1992

TODD HIRSCH was appointed Head of Private Capital for Point72 Asset Management, to launch their first dedicated private credit strategy. According to Point72’s CEO, Steve Cohen, private credit is a rapidly growing market and key area of focus for the firm. Todd previously worked for 12 years at Blackstone, most recently as Co-President of Blackstone Private Equity Strategies and Senior Managing Director in the Tactical Opportunities fund.

DR. GAUTAM MALHOTRA, Director of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation; Clinical Professor at Maxim Health, participated in the Medicine panel at Career Day.

April Tinari ’90, former reading teacher and drama director Maria Romano, former Drama Department Chair Al Romano, and Alex Tinari ’92 at the Pippin Alumni Event in February on the Basking Ridge Campus

Ashley (Marsh) Pertsemlidis ’89, P’25

Chris Spirito ’89

Deborah Nettune Fowler ’88

Michelle Lerner ’89

1993

ALEX BAYDIN P’26, ’29, CEO and Founder of the software company PerformLine, which provides compliance technology that empowers organizations to find and mitigate regulatory risk, participated in the Entrepreneurship panel at Career Day.

EMILY HELLER, Executive Producer and Owner of Jellybean Partners, a production company and artist rep agency specializing in commercial advertising, participated in the Performing Arts and Entertainment panel at Career Day.

1994

DAN KELLNER, Owner and Head Coach of Brooklyn Bridge Fencing Club, participated in the Entrepreneurship panel at Career Day.

1995

CHRISTINE (IACUZZO) DICKLER, an executive with over 20 years of experience in luxury Italian fashion, specializing in marketing and communications, participated in the Marketing and Advertising panel at Career Day.

KEVIN MANARA is now General Counsel for the Green Bay Packers and brings to Green Bay more than 20 years of experience in professional sports. He has worked as General Counsel for the Arizona Cardinals and Senior Vice President & General Counsel for the Las

Vegas Raiders, and previously spent nearly 14 years at the NFL league office as Vice President of Labor Relations & Policy. Before they moved west, Kevin and Kathy (Cowan) Manara (also Class of 1995)’s daughter Kate and son Jack attended Pingry. Kate just completed her sophomore year at Villanova University, where she roomed with Annabelle Collins ’23, and Jack just completed his freshman year at the University of Miami.

DR. MEENA SESHAMANI is now Secretary of Health for the state of Maryland, having been sworn in on April 2. She was appointed by Maryland Governor Wes Moore, who said she is “among the nation’s top health leaders— with an extraordinary career spanning expertise in public service, medical practice, economics, academia, and advocacy. She has made our nation’s health care system fairer, more affordable, and more accessible to all— including our most vulnerable, from families in poverty to communities with disabilities.” Meena most recently led the Medicare program and was Deputy Administrator for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services in the federal government.

1996

ADAM KEIL Managing Director and Founding Member of the Capital Structure Advisory Group at Moelis & Company, participated in the Finance panel at Career Day.

1997

ALICIA BRONSKI ADAMS P’32, Program Manager at Saint Peter’s University HospitalFor KEEPS (Kids Embraced and Empowered through Psychological Services), participated in the Psychology panel at Career Day.

DR. KAUSHAL KULKARNI, Associate Adjunct Surgeon at New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai, and co-founder of a healthcare data company, participated in the Medicine panel at Career Day.

DAVID SOFFER, Assistant Deputy Public Defender in Middlesex County, New Jersey, participated in the Law panel at Career Day.

JEN LEE KOSS was the Keynote Speaker for Career Day. Read more on page 64.

Dr. Meena Seshamani ’95, center, with Maryland Governor Wes Moore, her sons, and Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller

Dr. Kaushal Kulkarni ’97

David Soffer ’97 and Dr. Gautam Malhotra ’92

CLASS NOTES

1998

BILL HOUSTON, Program Manager for The Maxus Group, Councilman for Morris Plains, and U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer, participated in the Public Service panel at Career Day.

NINA RENDA, Partner at Deloitte Tax LLP, participated in the Management, Consulting, and Professional Services panel at Career Day.

1999

BEN LEHRHOFF P’31, Principal at the global investment firm AllianceBernstein, participated in the Finance panel at Career Day.

2000

DR. PURVI PARIKH, allergist and immunologist at Allergy and Asthma Associates of Murray Hill, and Clinical Assistant Professor in Medicine and Pediatrics at NYU School of Medicine, participated in the Medicine panel at Career Day.

NEIL SINGH P’34, ’35, President of FCS Group, LLC, a provider of commercial and industrial painting, participated in the Architecture panel at Career Day.

2001

JJ JACOBS, Vice President – Employee Relations at JPMorgan Chase, participated in the Law panel at Career Day.

MICAH LEWIS-KRAUS, Director, Clinical and Health Technologies PMO at Apple Inc., participated in the Technology panel at Career Day.

KARA (BELOFSKY) MILLER, Partner at the boutique labor and employment law firm Virginia & Ambinder, LLP, participated in the Law panel at Career Day.

ROSE ZEFFERINO, CEO and Principal Designer of the full-service residential design firm Z Domus Designs, participated in the Architecture panel at Career Day.

2002

TRAVIS LAN P’29 has been promoted to Senior Executive Vice President, CFO of Valley National Bank. He joined the bank in 2020 as Head of Corporate Finance and Mergers & Acquisitions, was named Deputy CFO in 2024, and had served as Interim CFO since November. He participated in the Finance panel at Career Day.

EVAN SHORE P’36, Senior Director at Walmart, participated in the Entrepreneurship panel at Career Day.

2003

BRAD FELDMAN, Special Counsel at Duane Morris LLP, participated in the Law panel at Career Day.

Become an ISP mentor! Read more on page 10.

Brad Feldman ’03

Travis Lan ’02, P’29

Kara (Belofsky) Miller ’01

Nina Renda ’98, Alicia Bronski Adams ’97, P’32, and Bill Houston ’98

DAVID PAGE, Managing Director – Operations Planning & Analysis for United Airlines, participated in the Management, Consulting, and Professional Services panel at Career Day.

2005

PAMELA (LANG) GOLDING, Managing Director; Co-Head of Financial Services and Investment Management at True Search, participated in the Management, Consulting, and Professional Services panel at Career Day.

JON ROBERTS, White House Presidential Innovation Fellow at USDA Food and Nutrition Service, participated in the Public Service panel at Career Day.

2006

MARISSA BIALECKI married Charles Bridgen in a beautiful ceremony surrounded by friends and family on June 14, 2025 at The Brawley Estate in Mooresville, North Carolina.

SEAN BRUNO, Principal Consultant at Fractal Energy Storage Consulting, participated in the Management, Consulting, and Professional Services panel at Career Day.

DR. ZACK CORDERO spoke at Pingry in April for Research Week. Read more on page 8.

KIWANII POND has been promoted to Vice President of Implementation and Support for Building Intelligence, whose mission is to transform building safety and operations by providing integrated security at every point

of access. She was previously Director of Implementation.

JULIANNE (DILEO) SMITH P’35, ’36, Counsel – Family Law at Einhorn Barbarito, participated in the Law panel at Career Day.

2007

BRIAN MURPHY, Managing Director at the private equity firm New Mountain Capital, participated in the Finance panel at Career Day.

DR. ELIZABETH GALLO POPE, Veterinarian and Owner of South Branch Veterinary Services, participated in the Medicine panel at Career Day.

David Page ’03

Martha (Ryan) Graff ’84, P’15, ’17, ’20, Julianne (DiLeo) Smith ’06, P’35, ’36, and Pamela (Lang) Golding ’05

Charles Bridgen and Marissa Bialecki ’06

Brian Murphy ’07

Dr. Elizabeth Gallo Pope ’07

CLASS NOTES

DR. JEFF ZIMERING is excited to announce his first position as an Attending Spine Neurosurgeon at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. Read more on page 30.

2008

DR. IJEOMA (EBOH) KOLA, Founder and Executive Director of Cohort Sistas, dedicated to advancing racial and gender equity in doctoral education, and Assistant Professor at the University of Notre Dame, participated in the Non-Profit panel at Career Day.

KAREN THOMSON SPICER, Senior Grants Manager at Millennium Strategies, LLC, participated in the Non-Profit panel at Career Day.

PATRICK TROUSDALE, CEO of the digital media company The Daily Upside, which publishes news and analysis on business, finance, and investing, participated in the Media and Communications panel at Career Day.

2009

BRIEHAN BURKE, a General Partner at Keen Venture Partners, was named to EU-Startup’s “TOP 100: Europe’s most influential women in the startup and venture capital space” for 2025. According to the announcement, “she plays a critical role in identifying and supporting high-growth startups across deeptech, AI, and enterprise software. With a keen focus on fostering diverse leadership, she actively champions entrepreneurs and underrepresented founders.”

GRANT PALMER, who received a degree in Music Business from Syracuse University’s Bandier Program for Recording and Entertainment Industries, was named to the inaugural Advisory Board for the Bandier Program, considered one of the country’s top music business programs. The board includes alumni and experts in the music field. Grant is Senior Royalties Specialist at SiriusXM and a Songwriter at Sony Music Publishing. He participated in the Finance panel at Career Day.

2010

SAM FISHER, who majored in Symbolic Systems and earned an M.B.A., both at Stanford University, was named Stanford Football Assistant General Manager in January. He was heavily involved in campus sports

media during his time at Stanford and is co-author of Rags to Roses: The Rise of Stanford Football (2013). Sam’s career has combined sports and technology, including founding Right Call, a sports technology company, and working as a product manager at Oracle.

TAYLOR (GUIFFRE) VOIRO, Director of Launch Operations and Excellence at Pfizer, participated in the Healthcare Services panel at Career Day.

2012

DR. SARAH MEYERS, a board-certified physician with specialization in Psychiatry, who is Chief Fellow in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Rutgers Health, participated in the Psychology panel at Career Day.

Head of School Tim Lear, Sam Fisher ’10, Stanford Football General Manager Andrew Luck, Special Assistant to the Head of School Miller Bugliari ’52, P’86, ’90, ’97, GP’20, ’24, and Chief Advancement Officer David Fahey ’99, P’33, ’34, ’38

Taylor (Guiffre) Voiro ’10

Grant Palmer ’09

Dr. Sarah Meyers ’12

DAVID SUKHIN, Senior Quantitative Researcher, Head of AI at Citadel, participated in the Technology panel at Career Day.

2013

BEN BEHRMAN, Product Engineer on the Chain Services team at the blockchain infrastructure company Alchemy, participated in the Engineering panel at Career Day.

DOMINIQUE ROMANELLI, Coordinator, Late Night, Specials & Live Events for NBCUniversal, participated in the Performing Arts and Entertainment panel at Career Day.

2015

ABHIRAM KARUPPUR writes, “The Pingry–to–Harvard Business School contingent is strong—the five of us held a mini-reunion in May just before graduation. David Soled ’13, Sara Gagnon ’14, Max Leef ’15, and I graduated from the M.B.A. program this year, and Russell Beckerman ’15 graduates next year. It was great to be able to reconnect with other classmates in person—I had the distinct privilege of sailing with America’s top maritime strategist, Hunter Stires ’15, in Newport and visiting with James Chartouni ’15 and Gaurav Gupta ’15 in the Bay Area. After spending four years in Houston postcollege and two years in Boston for the M.B.A., I will be moving to San Francisco to work at a startup in residential battery storage. Look forward to reconnecting with classmates in the area!”

RACHEL (JACOB) SHARIF-ZADEH, Associate at Jackson Lewis, P.C., participated in the Law panel at Career Day.

HUNTER STIRES, the Maritime Strategist to the Secretary of the Navy since January 2024, received the Superior Civilian Service Award, the second-highest honor that the Secretary of the Navy can bestow. Hunter was recognized for his work as the principal architect of the Navy’s Maritime Statecraft strategy to rebuild American comprehensive maritime power, both commercial and naval. Hunter’s work has led directly to tens of billions of dollars in investment by overseas allies in the U.S. shipping and shipbuilding industries here at home. Hunter was also recognized for his work spearheading the initiative to introduce the Transportable Rearming Mechanism

Ben Behrman ’13 and Jackson Artis ’16

Sara Gagnon ’14, Russell Beckerman ’15, Max Leef ’15, David Soled ’13, and Abhiram Karuppur ’15

Sophia Cortazzo ’16, Hunter Stires ’15, and Rachel (Jacob) Sharif-Zadeh ’15

CLASS NOTES

(TRAM) to Navy operations. Why is TRAM significant? Surface warships launch missiles using their Vertical Launch Systems (VLS), but for decades, these warships have not been able to reload missiles while at sea—they must leave a combat zone and return to port to rearm. TRAM would allow for the transfer of missile canisters between ships, so warships could reload the VLS while at sea. Hunter made the recommendation to then–Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro and Senior Advisor Steve Brock that fielding TRAM would create a powerful near-term deterrent. “I’ve wanted to make this happen for about 10 years,” Hunter said. Within a year of Secretary Del Toro’s direction to execute, TRAM was demonstrated at sea for the first time in Sea State 4—with the program successfully coming in under budget, ahead of schedule, and outperforming expectations. Hunter also participated in the Public Service panel at Career Day.

2016

JACKSON ARTIS, Modeling and Simulation Engineer in the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, participated in the Engineering panel at Career Day.

HOLLY BUTRICO, Sales Associate for the Securitized Products Group desk at J.P. Morgan, participated in the Finance panel at Career Day.

SOPHIA CORTAZZO, Air Quality and Alternative Fuel Transportation Specialist at the Maryland Department of Transportation, participated in the Public Service panel at Career Day.

2017

NELL BEATTY, Visual Designer on the Branding and Communications team at the investment firm Millennium, participated in the Visual Arts panel at Career Day.

JAHNAI BINNS, Project Engineer II at Southland Industries, participated in the Engineering panel at Career Day.

SOPHIE MORRIS, Senior Social Media Manager at Sircle Media, a social media strategy agency for better-for-you food and beverage brands, participated in the Marketing and Advertising panel at Career Day.

MADDY SHILTS is Founder and Artistic Director of the Chicago-based production company tranScript productions, primarily consisting of transgender and nonbinary artists “cultivating a space for ourselves to create. To take up space. To speak and be heard in our entirety.” The company presented its inaugural production this past June: the Technicolor Play Festival, a digital reading of new 10-minute plays written by trans and nonbinary artists based on themes of comingof-age and self-discovery.

CHRIS VARVARO, Music Producer, Mix/ Master Engineer, and Musician at Chris Varvaro LLC, participated in the Performing Arts and Entertainment panel at Career Day.

WARREN YERMACK, Account Executive, Ticket Sales & Service for the New York Yankees, participated in the Marketing and Advertising panel at Career Day.

2018

ALEXIS ELLIOT, Private Equity Associate at Goldman Sachs, participated in the Finance panel at Career Day.

AMI GIANCHANDANI earned a spot in the prestigious ANNIKA Development Program founded by LPGA Hall of Famer Annika Sorenstam. In partnership with Old Barnwell, a national club that opened in 2023, the program is designed to support recent graduates of U.S. college golf programs as they transition into professional golf. Player benefits include access to the program for three years, housing in Aiken, South Carolina for the first year, a $10,000 stipend each year to help cover tournament fees and associated travel expenses, and mentorship from Annika. Ami is also profiled in the April 2025 issue of The Met Golfer Extra (Metropolitan Golf Association); the article briefly details the creation of the golf statistics app, Accel Golf

AUBREY MOLLOY, Account Executive at Ogilvy Health, participated in the Healthcare Services panel at Career Day.

Nell Beatty ’17, Aubrey Molloy ’18, and Alexis Elliot ’18

Holly Butrico ’16

2019

ANNAYA BAYNES, Community Coordinator at Girls Write Now, participated in the NonProfit panel at Career Day.

ZACH DOBSON, Mental Health Technician at Hackensack Meridian Health Carrier Clinic, participated in the Psychology panel at Career Day.

GEORGIA LIU, a concept artist and illustrator for entertainment, participated in the Visual Arts panel at Career Day.

LAUREN SHELBY, who earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Biology and completed an internship at an AI startup, participated in the Science panel at Career Day.

2021

NOAH MORRIS, majoring in Environmental Studies and History and playing football at Carleton College, was named to the National Football Foundation Hampshire Honor Society.

GRACE WANG, Founder and Creative Director of GRACE GUI, a knitwear brand redefining farm-to-fashion through sustainability and innovation, participated in the Visual Arts panel at Career Day.

2022

HERBERT TOLER III was named to the inaugural cohort of 18 MBK Ambassadors (My Brother’s Keeper). According to the announcement from The Obama Foundation, the ambassadors “are stepping up to build safe, supportive communities where boys and young men of color can thrive . . . [and] carrying forward the mission of My Brother’s Keeper Alliance.” Herbert was recognized for being “a champion for expanding opportunities for young men of color beyond their immediate neighborhoods.”

2024

RAHIL KAKAR and his teammates at the University of Michigan earned second place in the 2025 University of Michigan Deloitte Case Competition, in which teams examined a business consulting case. His team created a comprehensive strategy for the declining revenue of a minor league women’s soccer team with comprehensive spectator engagement and revenue builds. His team is also creating a new national undergraduate consulting conference and case competition with McKinsey, which will be held this October at the University of Michigan Ross School of Business.

Grace Wang ’21

Luc Francis ’21 of Cornell, Matt Fallon ’21 of Penn, and Jerry O’Mara ’21 of Brown on the last day of Ivy League Championships at Brown University

Lauren Shelby ’19

Georgia Liu ’19 and Annaya Baynes ’19

IN MEMORIAM

Trustee

ROBERT MILNER PYLE JR. ’56

March 15, 2025, age 86, Vero Beach, FL, Short Hills, NJ, and Mantoloking, NJ

nMr. Pyle was a former Pingry trustee, having served as President of the Pingry Alumni Association from 1972–1974. He graduated from Williams College, completed a J.D. at the University of Virginia, and embarked on a career in corporate and federal securities law in New York City. He began his career at Mudge Rose Guthrie & Alexander, then joined Studebaker-Worthington and The Singer Company before becoming Vice President, Secretary, and Counsel at the American Society of Corporate Secretaries, now known as the Society for Corporate Governance. His final position before retirement was Vice President and Senior Assistant Secretary at the American Express Company. He also served as Chair of the Board of The Arts Council of Suburban Essex, Inc.

An aficionado of squash, Mr. Pyle played a significant role in helping to bring squash to Pingry. In June 2002, he and two other former trustees co-wrote a letter to then–President of Drew University (and former Pingry trustee) Thomas H. Kean to request that Pingry be able to rent two squash courts at Drew for two hours each day from November 2002 through March 2003 so that Pingry could start the program. Several years later, Mr. Pyle supported the refurbishment of Pingry’s organ (he had been the student organist for chapel services, performing every morning from the middle of his sophomore year until graduation), and he once again helped the squash program by supporting the construction of squash courts in the Miller A. Bugliari ’52 Athletics Center.

“I have two abiding feelings in this regard: my affection for Pingry and my love and passion, really, for the game of squash. With the new courts, Pingry students will have the

opportunity to learn and play this fabulous game, something that I never had the chance to do when I was their age,” he told The Pingry Review in 2017. The Robert Pyle ’56 Viewing Area is named for him, and he was the 2006 recipient of the Nelson L. Carr ’24 Service Award. His wife Page predeceased him in 2007. Survivors include his daughters Nina Furlanetto (Michael) and Laura Pyle ‘91 (Charles Brunton); sister Wendy Pyle and her son Timothy Pyle; and grandchildren Abby, Will, Andrew, and Emily.

Alumni

WILLIAM EDWARD “BILL” GUSMER ’52

was ultimately named a Paul Harris Fellow. He was predeceased by his brother John ’50. Survivors include his loving wife Hope; five children: Marla Jeffrey (David ’75), Thomas Gusmer (Wendy), Peter Gusmer (Sandra), Dana Gruber (Chris), and David Gusmer (Barbey); nine grandchildren: Heidi (Andrew), Amy, Peter, Jonathan, Timothy, Karen (Evan), Alexandra, James, and Greta; and two great-grandchildren: Sandra and Henry.

JR. ’55

February 28, 2025, age 90, Windsor, CA nMr. Gusmer graduated with a B.S. in Economics from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Transportation Corps. He was recognized as a Distinguished Military Student and entered the reserves. After working as an industrial engineer for Colgate Palmolive, Mr. Gusmer joined his family’s business. In his extensive tenure with Gusmer Enterprises, Inc., he served as Plant Manager and Treasurer before being appointed President of the company at age 27. He worked for Gusmer for over 50 years and expanded the business to situate Gusmer Enterprises, Inc. as a leading manufacturer and distributor of fermentation and filtration products. Mr. Gusmer took great pride in developing the company’s reputation as “honest, fair, and ethical”, a legacy that the family and the company uphold today. Mr. Gusmer also volunteered in several capacities: he founded an annual fundraiser for cystic fibrosis and served as an advisor for the founding of the New Jersey Intergenerational Orchestra; served as a trustee of the Paper Mill Playhouse for nine years and received the 2001 Award of Excellence; and through Rotary International, held various local leadership positions and

April 21, 2025, age 87, Naples, FL nMr. Buchanan graduated from Princeton University’s Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs and Harvard Law School, and was especially proud of his service in the U.S. Marine Corps. He loved being an Eagle Scout and was selected to appear on the TV quiz show Name That Tune. Mr. Buchanan built a distinguished career in law and corporate leadership, beginning at Shearman & Sterling. Later, he served as General Counsel, Chief Legal Officer, and Senior Vice President of the Reuben H. Donnelley Corporation. He was then promoted to Associate General Counsel, Vice President and Corporate Secretary, and Vice President Law at the Dun & Bradstreet Corporation. Mr. Buchanan was deeply committed to community service and held numerous leadership positions, including with the Princeton University Alumni Council. He served on the boards of the Princeton Club of New York and Southwest Florida; Greater Naples Leadership; Collier Senior Center; American Society of Corporate Secretaries; and ABC House in New Canaan. As Chairman of the Friends of the Library of Collier County, he established the Nick Linn Lecture Series. A founding member and trustee of Naples Community Church, Bill’s faith and dedication to community

WILLIAM HOBART “BILL” BUCHANAN

remained central throughout his life. He was predeceased by his sister Lynnette Buchanan Bennett. Survivors include his beloved wife of 58 years, Eleanor; daughters Diana Reynolds (Richard) and Jessica Sapp (Benjamin); sister Wendy Merrill; and grandchildren India Reynolds, Hobart Reynolds, and William Rawlins.

CHARLES HENRY “CHICK” MARTIN ’55

January 2025, age 87, Dallas, TX

nMr. Martin

graduated with a degree in Business from the University of Notre Dame, earned an M.B.A. at the NYU School of Business, and became a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA). He started his career as a stockbroker on Wall Street, then moved his family to Dallas and continued his brokerage career at Schneider, Burnett and Hickman. Mr. Martin later joined the Southland Corporation where he ultimately became CEO of their Chief Auto Parts division. After Southland, he worked for a new startup in Dallas called Blockbuster Video— he was Chief Operating Officer and later became a Blockbuster franchisee. Mr. Martin rounded out his career as a financial analyst for Gurun and Associates. He was also involved in his community, including serving on the boards for The Shelton School, Bishop Lynch High School, and John Paul II High School. Mr. Martin was also a prolific writer and an avid photographer. He and his wife Ann were married for over 60 years and passed away a few weeks apart. Survivors include their three children, Carol (John), Matthew (Cecilia), and Paul; and nine grandchildren, Matthew, Ellen, Theresa, Michael, Rachel, Christine, William, Braden, and Alex. After being diagnosed with CML (Chronic Myeloid Leukemia) in the 1990s, Mr. Martin outlived a three-year life expectancy.

FRANK WALKER LOCKETT JR. ’56

May 16, 2025, age 87, Charlotte, NC nMr. Lockett graduated cum laude from Pingry and attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he played on the Men’s Varsity Tennis Team and, as the senior varsity athlete with the highest GPA, received The Order of the Grail Excellence Award for Athletics. A career banker, he began with Chase Manhattan Bank in New York and spent many years with North Carolina National Bank (NCNB; today, Bank of America) where his positions included Senior Vice-President, Chief Credit Policy Officer, Charlotte City Executive, US Banking Group Executive, and Managing Director of NCNB’s Hong Kong office. He became President of Louisiana National Bank (LNB) and President of Premier Bancorp. He retired in 1998 as President of Bank One Louisiana Corp. Mr. Lockett’s service in multiple civic organizations included membership in Charlotte, Baton Rouge, and New Orleans Chambers of Commerce, the United Way Board in Charlotte and New Orleans, the Salvation Army Board in Charlotte, and Chairman of the Board of the Audubon Institute in New Orleans. He was also a gifted tennis player: 1953 NC State Boys Division singles champion and ranked in the Top 10 singles and doubles Junior Division of the Eastern U.S. Lawn Tennis Association. At UNC, he was a member of three ACC championship teams, and afterward, continued to be active in local and regional tournaments, serving on the Board of Directors of the Olde Providence Racquet and Swim Club. He was preceded in death by his sister Ellen. Survivors include his wife of 40 years, Suzanne “Shug” Crist Lockett; their son John Walker Lockett (Alix); his daughters Sherron L. Jones (Robert), Lynne L. Tucker (Peter), and Kate L. Briggmann; grandchildren Bolden and Caroline; and sister Lambeth Walker Marshall (John). Mr. Lockett died following a brief battle with pancreatic cancer.

REV. DR. STEVENS WOODS HILYARD ’58 April 27, 2025, age 85, Winthrop Harbor, IL nRev. Dr. Hilyard was Student Body President, played varsity soccer, and won the state wrestling championship as a Pingry student. He majored in English at Bowdoin College and, after graduating, was special assistant to the Bowdoin College Librarian. He moved to Ann Arbor, where he earned a Master of Library Science degree at the University of Michigan. His first professional position was Reference Librarian at Grand Valley State College (now University). In 1966, he was appointed College Librarian at New England College; he was the youngest academic library dean in New England and designed and built the college library. In 1975, he was appointed Dean of the Library at Pittsburg State University, and designed and built the Leonard Axe Library. During these years, he completed a Doctor of Education in Educational Media Administration at Boston University. In 1982, he was appointed Dean of Libraries and Educational Media Services at the University of Southern Maine. Two years later, after 23 years in university libraries, he changed careers, enrolling at Bangor Theological Seminary, and graduated with a Master of Divinity. Rev. Dr. Hilyard was ordained in the United Church of Christ and was a pastor for 20 years, serving UCC congregations in Fort Fairfield, Maine; Bismarck, North Dakota; Chicago; and Campbellsport, Wisconsin. He was also an emergency medical technician and founding member of the Henniker, New Hampshire, Rescue Squad, and was a hospital and hospice chaplain. He was preceded in death by his beloved daughter Amy Jean and sisters Elizabeth Hilyard Whiteside and Barbara Hilyard Ryan. Survivors include his wife Nann; daughter Julia Fuller; granddaughters Rachel and Alyssa Fuller; sons Jonathan, Michael, Jeffrey, and Harry; brother David ’59; and former wives Jean Lewis and Cynthia Steinmann.

IN MEMORIAM

PETER HENRY RUMMEL ’58

May 11, 2025, age 85, Short Hills, NJ

nMr. Rummel attended Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, where he graduated with dual degrees in Engineering and Business Management.

After two years serving in the Public Health Service in Washington, DC, he returned to New Jersey to work at his father’s manufacturing company, Rummel Fibre, which he would lead over the next 50 years. Despite the challenges facing the industry, his embrace of technology and work ethic along with that of his brothers saw the company thrive. Survivors include his son Michael and wife Brenda; son Steven and wife Marcie; grandchildren Megan, Nate, William, and Finley; brother Walter and wife Adele; and brother Thomas.

RICHARD DAVISON “DICK” GILPIN ’61

March 29, 2025, age 83, San Ramon, CA

serving multiple terms as President. He was also a member of the Hope Conference of Contra Costa St. Vincent de Paul where he found joy in helping people in need. He was inducted into Pingry’s Athletics Hall of Fame in 1996 as a member of the undefeated 1960 Football Team. Survivors include his wife Carol; children Jennifer (John) and Rick (Lisa); and grandchildren Samuel, Kyle, Olivia, Ava, and Hailey.

CRAIG ROYDEN

NELSON

’68

CHARLES FERD BURGDORFF ’70

February 25, 2025, age 72, Mountainside, NJ

nMr. Gilpin graduated from Lafayette College and earned an M.B.A. at Rutgers University. He married his wife, Carol, in 1969 and they started their life in California where he was transferred as an office manager for Interpace Corporation. Shortly after they arrived, his National Guard Unit was activated for the People’s Park protest in Berkeley. After living briefly in Concord, they settled in San Ramon. His career in finance took him to Silicon Valley where he held financial offices at Signetics, Connor Peripherals, and Solectron. He retired from the corporate world in 1998. Mr. Gilpin committed to giving back and served on the boards of St. Mary’s Center in Oakland, Loaves and Fishes of Contra Costa, and the East Bay SPCA. After converting to the Catholic Faith, he joined St. Vincent de Paul at St. Joan of Arc Church,

April 18, 2025, age 75, Bradenton, FL nMr. Nelson graduated with a B.A. in Physics from Washington and Lee University and built a career in product development, materials science, and manufacturing automation, beginning at Introl Industries, founded by his father. In the mid-1980s, Mr. Nelson led the mechanical design and fabrication of novel equipment for the compound semiconductor industry. That equipment remains in use today and contributes to the production of over 70 percent of the semiconductors used in common items such as LED lightbulbs. Over the course of his technical career, he was awarded 12 U.S. patents. He was also appointed Vice President, Engineering at EMCORE. In 1993, Mr. Nelson and his family moved to Melbourne, Florida, where he launched a new business and continued developing his entrepreneurial talents. His work spanned machine automation, contract manufacturing, and battery development. He was not only a skilled inventor, but also a generous mentor to many who had the privilege of working alongside him. As his notable career came to a close, his son Stephen stepped in to run the family business, carrying on his father’s legacy. Beyond his professional achievements, Mr. Nelson was an avid motorcycle restoration enthusiast. Survivors include his devoted wife Patricia; sons Brian and Stephen (wife Taylor); brother Stuart; sister-in-law Nanette Baudon; and father-in-law Andre Baudon.

Mr. Burgdorff lived a joyous life: his patience, positivity, musicality, humor, silliness, generosity, and empathy blessed everyone lucky enough to have known him. Of his many loves, his love of teaching was paramount, and he had a special affinity with children. Some of his other loves included ice cream (or anything sweet); playing piano with his son Nathan ’06; watching K-dramas with his daughterin-law Brittney; playing chess with his granddaughter Victoria; listening to classic rock with his caretaker David; practicing French horn; leaving silly voicemails with his friend Bill Boyle ’70; reading the Weekly Bible Lesson to his mother; having lunch with his brother Peter ’69; dancing with his friend Cristina; playing with computers with his step-mom Barb; striking up conversations with strangers; going on road trips with his son Matt; and, last but not least, making silly jokes that would make his wife Arom frown, shake her head, and emphatically mutter, “so weird.”

RICHARD TIPTON BURNS JR. ’70

February 23, 2025, age 72, Winnabow, NC

Mr. Burns graduated from West Morris High School and earned a B.S. in Geology at Lafayette College. He held senior management roles in the automotive industry. Survivors include his wife Betsy; daughter Libby; grandchildren Brycen and Ellie; son-in-law Chris; mother; brother David; and sister Dana.

The editorial staff makes every effort to publish an obituary for and pay tribute to trustees, alumni, and employees who have passed away, based on information available as of press time. If family members, classmates, or friends would like to submit tributes, please contact Greg Waxberg ’96 at gwaxberg@pingry.org.

DAVID FLEMING WEIKART ’71

April 17, 2025, age 72, Cherry Hill, NJ

Mr. Weikart graduated from the University of Delaware (B.S. in Mathematics and Chemical Engineering), the University of Minnesota (M.S. in Chemical Engineering), and the New Jersey Institute of Technology (M.S. in Computer Science). He was a Senior Engineer at Exxon Research and Engineering and concluded his professional career as Principal in the Weikart Group LLC, a computer consulting company. Survivors include his wife Patti; beloved daughter Julie; brothers Martin (Rosalie) and Albert ’68 (Patricia); nieces Jody and Gillian; nephew Chris; and sister-in-law Pamela.

SCOTT STACKHOUSE RAABE ’76

May 13, 2025, age 67, Harwich, MA

Craig ’78 and Cyndi, and Todd and Krista. Mr. Raabe died after a hard-fought battle with Multiple System Atrophy (MSA), a rare, atypical form of Parkinsonism.

CHRISTOPHER LEE VAN HISE ’87

November 9, 2024, age 55, Bridgewater, NJ

windproof and waterproof protection), a perfect match for his professional skills and personal interests. There, he served as a marketing executive helping to shape the future of the brand’s global digital strategy. An entrepreneur at heart, he spent the past few years building Flag Custom Rods, a passion-driven business for which he painstakingly crafted each fishing rod by hand. He also gave generously of his time to run local youth sports organizations, serving on the boards of Hingham Youth Lacrosse and Hingham Youth Hockey, and most recently, as president of Hingham Youth Hockey from 2021–2024. His lacrosse teammates from college were devoted to him and all said, “Rob was just the best guy.” He was predeceased by his father, Dr. Charles J. Wittmann Jr., by six months. Survivors include his adoring wife of 21 years, Leslie; children Toby, Ned, and Lucy; mother Jane; and brothers Chip (Heyden) and Chris (Hilary). Mr. Wittmann died from injuries sustained in an accident in Costa Rica.

Mr. Raabe attended the University of Hartford and later UMASS Boston. His early working years allowed him to pursue his passion for woodworking and fine carpentry. He began his career at The RMR Group where he worked as a building engineer for almost three decades, managing commercial properties and forming close bonds with many colleagues and tenants. Throughout his career, he maintained his ties to carpentry. He married his loving wife Lisa in 1985 and nothing brought him more joy than becoming a dad to his daughter Katie and son Chris. He and Lisa raised their children in Holliston, Massachusetts before ultimately retiring to Harwich on Cape Cod. Mr. Raabe was a natural athlete and competitor, especially enjoying lacrosse and tennis. He was preceded in death by his father. Survivors include his devoted wife of almost 40 years, Lisa; daughter Katie; son Chris; mother Bunny; and three brothers and their wives, Rick ’75 and Lauren,

Mr. Van Hise graduated from Rutgers University and worked in several fields, including sales, finance, and dispatching for delivery service companies. He was a talented baseball player from his days in Little League, excelling in high school, and continued on in men’s leagues into his 40s. He was interested in history and politics and enjoyed traveling to watch the New York Mets in various cities. Mr. Van Hise was predeceased by his father Charles. Survivors include his mother Carolanne; brother Charles ’90; sister-in-law Laura ’90; and nephews David, Alexander, and Nathan.

ROBERT STUART “ROB” WITTMANN ’93

April 27, 2025, age 49, Hingham, MA

KENNETH MCDONNELL “KENNY” OLMSTEAD ’02

Mr. Wittmann attended Colgate University, where he proudly played Division I lacrosse and caught the eye of his future wife, Leslie. Their paths formally crossed years later at a homecoming weekend. After enjoying their early years in New York City, they married and moved to Boston, where Mr. Wittmann earned an M.B.A. at Babson College. He became an expert marketer and gained experience working on some of Boston’s favorite brands, including City Sports and Dunkin’, and built deep expertise in “digital”, which was rapidly becoming the future of modern marketing. With this vital experience, he moved to an exciting global brand, W. L. Gore (makers of GORE-TEX products that provide

May 15, 2025, age 41, Washington, DC Mr. Olmstead was a proud Skidmore College alumnus, having earned a Bachelor of Arts in Government. He went on to receive a master’s degree in Communication, Culture, and Technology from Georgetown University. He had a long tenure at Pew Research Center, primarily studying how technology impacts Americans’ daily lives. After leaving Pew in 2018, Mr. Olmstead served in the role of Senior Advisor in Internet Security and Privacy at The Internet Society, a global nonprofit empowering people to keep the Internet “a force for good: open, globally connected, secure, and trustworthy”. Starting at Pingry, he developed a strong love for a wide variety of music, from classical to punk. Survivors include his daughter Hilda; parents William and Lois; and brother and sister-inlaw, Eric ’05 and Sophie Bauer.

A VISIT TO THE ARCHIVES

Archives + Visual Arts = Artwork

Donated by a

Graduate’s Family

Far from being siloed, the Archives are being integrated into classroom work, as well as research for ISPs (Independent Senior Projects) and Spring Intensives, and are looking to partner with other departments in the School. With that in mind, the Archives recently collaborated with the Visual Arts Department to accept a donation of nine pieces of artwork from the family of the late Donald Ernest Gugelman ’53.

Mr. Gugelman attended Pingry all 12 years and owned art that had been acquired by his father, Ernest Gugelman, and uncles, Otto and Erwin Gugelman, who were from Basel, Switzerland. Ernest emigrated to the United States in the 1920s, while Otto and Erwin remained in Switzerland until their deaths.

“My husband was proud of being a Pingry graduate, and over the years, he talked about the good education he received, as well as about the sports programs. He enjoyed both soccer and baseball while there, as well as participating in the Gun Club. He always felt that the rules and regulations

at Pingry gave him an important foundation that served him well in adulthood,” says Eddie Gugelman. She decided to donate the artwork to Pingry because of the School’s importance in her husband’s life. “After considerable thought, it seemed that Pingry was the perfect place.”

“It’s a wonderful gesture,” says Visual Arts Department Chair Andrew Sullivan P’36, “and a larger signifier of what Visual Arts and the Archives can do together. We can accept donations with the understanding that the work won’t simply sit in storage, but will be identified, cataloged, and inventoried for potential use in future art spaces, office environments, or exhibitions drawn from our collection. I love the idea that people are reaching out so the community can enjoy it, like ‘what’s mine is yours.’ That speaks to art being universal.”

Pingry will consider other art donations from the School community on a case-by-case basis. If interested in possibly making a donation, contact Archivist Peter Blasevick P’24 at pblasevick@pingry.org or 908-647-5555, ext. 1254.

Pingry recently rediscovered two full silver tea sets in the O’Connor Boardroom, and the large urn is inscribed with “Football 1970”. Special Assistant to the Head of School Miller Bugliari ’52, P’86, ’90, ’97, GP’20, ’24 recalls that the football mothers hosted teas after football games, Homecoming, and other events. Also, Tom Mangan IV ’71, a member of the 1970 Football Team, remembers this speech prior to games (adapted from Shakespeare’s Henry V):

From this day to the ending of the world,

But we in it shall be remembered; We few, we happy few, we band of brothers.

For he to-day that drinks tea with me

Shall be my brother.

A VISIT TO THE ARCHIVES

In Pingry History

10 YEARS AGO

Groundbreaking takes place for the Miller A. Bugliari ’52 Athletics Center, to house the fitness center, squash courts, gym space for wrestling and fencing, and the Pingry Athletics Hall of Fame.

30 YEARS AGO

Students publish a special edition to commemorate The Pingry Record anniversary. Special Issue Editor Matt Speiser ’97 writes in the issue:

We tried to make this paper look different than most contemporary Records. To do this, as you’ll notice, we incorporated a lot of “classic” fonts and old layout ideas. The masthead we used at the top was in fact one variation of a masthead used on and off for almost fifty years, from the 1890’s to the 1940’s. This particular version was used in the early forties, and we used it simply because we liked it. The headline sprawled across the top of this page (100th ANNIVERSARY) is an imitation of the headline that appeared at the top of the Fiftieth Anniversary Edition, which you can see in the collection of front pages printed in this issue.

20 YEARS AGO

Nat Conard P’09, ’11 succeeds John Neiswender as Head of School. Pictured at Reunion in 2005 are past, present, and future Heads of School at the time, in order of service: David Wilson ’59 (1980–1987), John Hanly (1987–2000), Mr. Neiswender (2000–2005), and Mr. Conard (who would serve from 2005–2019).

40 YEARS AGO

Five administrators assume new posts: Brett Boocock (Director of Admissions), Barbara Bourne (Dean of Women), Peter Cowen ’66 (Head of the Upper School), Phyllis Dayer (Coordinator of Student and Community Affairs), and Jeremiah “Jerry” Evarts (Assistant Head of School).

50 YEARS AGO

For the fourth consecutive year, Pingry earns a first-place state ranking in New Jersey’s State Science Day competition at Fairleigh Dickinson University. During the competition, students from public and independent schools take a 90-minute exam in biology, chemistry, or physics—students compete individually and are part of a four-person school team in one of the subjects, and students and teams receive state rankings in their subjects.

70 YEARS AGO

Harry Schmidt ’54 speaks to students about his trip to the Magnetic North Pole during the summer of 1954 (the trip’s inspiration came from the father of classmate Bill Dow ’54). Also on the trip were Bill Dow ’54 and Helmut Weymar ’54.

60 YEARS AGO

Two alumni visit Pingry: Don Johnston Jr. ’62 and his ensemble present a jazz concert, and Albert F. Bender Jr. ’31, senior advisor on international and legal matters of the U.S. Mission to the United Nations, speaks to the student body about the U.N.

80 YEARS AGO

Pingry fundraises for a new main building in Elizabeth, to replace Parker Road, but support from foundations is contingent on moving the School to a larger property, so the new building will be constructed in Hillside.

pingry.org

Brett Boocock

Barbara Bourne

Peter Cowen ’66

Phyllis Dayer

Jeremiah “Jerry” Evarts

Harry Schmidt ’54

Don Johnston Jr. ’62 was posthumously honored with Pingry’s Achievement in the Arts Award in 2013

A FINAL LOOK

THE LOWER SCHOOL’S OUTDOOR

Learning Spaces and Garden Coordinator, Heather Smith P’16, has been volunteering at some of the country’s botanical gardens (and their children’s gardens) for years, and her classroom is designed to reflect ideas from those gardens.

The room’s appearance is part of elementary pedagogy—creating a tactile, immersive learning environment that stimulates the senses. She shares this philosophy with her colleague and frequent collaborator on interdisciplinary units, Lower School Visual Arts Teacher and Visual Arts Coordinator Lindsay Baydin P’26, ’29, whose classroom at one point hosted a conservatory of plants for a unit on George Washington Carver. Mrs. Baydin also lends her leadership and expertise in the art world to many hallway displays outside their rooms. Lower School Associate Teacher Tyler Amelio, with a background in horticulture, has been assisting them.

Ms. Smith’s classroom includes various aspects of nature (accented by artificial grass in the windows) that can be considered a wellness component. Some of the visuals are directly related to the curriculum—for example, birds in a forest area, for the bird unit, or bird feeders outside the window, for experiential education.

Simply put, the teachers believe it is fun to go to school and work in a visually pleasing atmosphere—an environment that invites creativity, curiosity, and wonder.

CLOCKWISE FROM UPPER LEFT: The four seasons: spring, summer, fall, and winter TOP LEFT: Lower School Outdoor Learning Spaces and Garden Coordinator Heather Smith P’16 at Longwood Gardens

TOP RIGHT: The planets BOTTOM RIGHT: In 2023, Lower Lower School Visual Arts Teacher and Visual Arts Coordinator Lindsay Baydin P’26, ’29 built a huge cross-section of a daffodil, which students used as a reference during a daffodil dissection lesson. The daffodil was inspired by Lower School Outdoor Learning Spaces and Garden Coordinator Heather Smith P’16 volunteering to help teach a first-grade daffodil unit at the Atlanta Botanical Garden.

The Pingry School

Basking Ridge Campus, Middle & Upper Schools

Short Hills Campus, Lower School

Pottersville Campus, K-12 Experiential Education

131 Martinsville Road

Basking Ridge, NJ 07920

Soccer Doubleheader At Sports Illustrated Stadium

October 7, Harrison, NJ

Come support the Girls’ and Boys’ Varsity Soccer Teams in a special doubleheader at Sports Illustrated Stadium, home of the New York Red Bulls! The girls will take on Sparta at 5:00 p.m. followed by the boys’ game against St. Benedict’s Prep at 7:00 p.m.

To purchase tickets: gofevo.com/event/pingry25