WEBB Magazine Spring 2026

The Chapel: The Heart of Webb Barstow Revisited Food and Home

“For all that you are now, all you will be to come, and for this house that you have all collectively built, and that we have all collectively built and continue to build, every day. And as you leave our school this day to change the world in ways great and small, I say to you: Welcome home.”

— Commencement Speaker John Scalzi ’87 to the Class of 2025

MEET OUR WRITERS...

John Ferrari has experience as a newspaper journalist and as a writer, editor, communications strategist and public outreach specialist in higher education. He has written feature articles on topics ranging from astrophysics and genetics to theme parks. He also serves as a public affairs officer in the Navy Reserve.

Christopher Michno is a writer and editor whose work explores the intersections of art, place and cultural history. Formerly an exhibitions and communications leader at the Pitzer College Art Galleries, he is now focusing fully on his writing. With more than a decade of experience in contemporary art publishing and editorial leadership, his work brings a thoughtful, observant lens to stories shaped by community, memory and meaning.

OTHER CONTRIBUTORS:

Will Allan ’94

Andrew Farke

Natalie Hebert

Amanda Sun

Thank you to Bill Ripley ’60 for archive assistance.

Cover photo by Charley Zhang ’27

FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL

Home is a place we withcarry us.

When, I arrived at Webb 15 years ago with my husband, John, and my young son, Joseph, everything was new and surprising. Though I was already a long-serving educator by then, I was new to boarding school life — and as a family, we had never lived on a school campus. We crossed our fingers and jumped in for the adventure.

The boarding school experience is immediate and immersive. Its joys and challenges are difficult to explain in the abstract. For everyone who experiences it, though, it’s the same: when you choose Webb, as a teacher or a student, your life changes course. There is a remarkable before and after. You become a lifelong member of a community with a century-long legacy of investing in and inspiring young people to learn, live and lead boldly — and to act with honor. How this is done has remained fresh and innovative over the decades. Why we commit to this work, and to our incredible mission, remains unchanged.

We share a home together — faculty, faculty families, students and staff. We share small moments and monumental ones: simple meals and Community Dinners, Chapel Talks and van trips to Target, Candlelight and food trucks on Faculty Field. We help drive each other’s kids to school, borrow a cup of sugar needed to bake muffins for advisory, and share tips and gear for outdoor adventures to the Grand Canyon, Yosemite and the like.

As is often said — and is certainly true about life at Webb — our days together are long. And our years are short. Time

passes, and friendships and mentorships grow and flourish until they are unbreakable. We are in each other’s lives through school successes and failures, graduations and careers, marriages, births and celebrations of life. We all grow on this campus together, and the bonds that form during that process last a lifetime. The hugs and smiles during Alumni Weekend tell it all.

You all know that Webb does not touch your life lightly. Webb becomes your home — a home you carry with you wherever you go.

As you explore this issue of WEBB Magazine, devoted to the many expressions of “home” as it is lived and shaped on campus, I hope you discover something new and see how Webb continues to grow, evolve and endure as a place of belonging for us all.

Sincerely,

Theresa Smith, Ph.D. Head of School

THE CHAPEL The Heart of Webb

Growing Up With Values and Voice

By Christopher Michno

The Vivian Webb Chapel is the kind of sacred space that fosters reflection, Head of School Theresa Smith says. “It’s where we put the rest of the world on pause and focus on being present and centered.” Conceived of by the school’s founder, Thompson Webb, as a classroom and sanctuary for nonsectarian meditation, the chapel is deeply woven into the Webb experience. It embodies what Webb held as the school’s enduring mission: “Vivian and I started this school with the purpose of teaching our children the finest qualities of character above all else. … We built this chapel as the proper place for teaching the virtues … of honesty, dependability, strength to one’s duty, courage to uphold the right and to fight for it.”

Generations of Webb students, faculty and alumni have found within the Vivian Webb Chapel and its enduring traditions — Sunday chapel, senior talks, and the Signing-In, Honor Pledge, and Candlelight ceremonies — a communal space that fulfills Webb’s vision: a timeless commitment to sharing stories, reflecting in silence and extending an intergenerational conversation wherein character emerges, identity is formed and values are passed one class to the next.

Nestled amid a grove of olive trees and California live oaks, above the bustle and hum of the lower campus, this iconic hillside retreat reflects the beauty of its surroundings. The adobe brick walls echo the ochre and iron-oxide soil of the San Gabriel foothills from which they were formed. On weekday mornings, as the community gathers for senior talks outside the chapel, backpacks are set down and phones are silenced and stowed with an air of quiet anticipation. “I think of the attention and reverence people give to chapel talks. That’s part of how it’s sacred,” Dr. Smith says.

Feeling at Home: Space for Everyone

Rahmi Mowjood ’90 first saw the Vivian Webb Chapel touring the school as an eighth-grader. In the mid–1980s, others often viewed his Muslim faith through the lens of television portrayals, political discourse, or perceived problems in countries halfway around the world. Now chair of the board of trustees, Mowjood remembers stepping into the chapel that day and seeing among seven banners, each of a different faith, his own prominently displayed. “It was extremely welcoming to me. I felt very much a part of this place,” he says.

Chapel Council — which Mowjood joined immediately — invited a diverse range of speakers from Claremont and greater Los Angeles, including professionals and scholars from Muslim, Jewish and Christian communities.

“My involvement with chapel and seeing how important it was in Webb’s history reaffirmed the respect I have for religious and spiritual spaces. Respect for other people’s faith traditions was something I grew up with in my own family, so it wasn’t new — but going to chapel reinforced that for me,” Mowjood says. “It was a place that served all people and all faiths. Even if you didn’t have a faith, it was spiritually a safe place for everyone.”

Sharing Stories: Courage, Vulnerability and Community

“Most of what happens in chapel is storytelling,” Dean of Students Sarah Lantz says. She sees students use the senior chapel talk as a space for reflection to share what they have learned during their Webb journey. “And when a student takes on the tenets of Webb’s mission — Think, Act, Lead, Serve — in a thoughtful, intentional way, that is where the values of the school are transmitted,” Lantz says.

“It was a place that served all people and all faiths. Even if you didn’t have a faith, it was spiritually a safe place for everyone.”

At the heart of many memorable senior chapel talks is vulnerability — and the courage to reveal inner struggles that lead to an epiphany. Andy Liu ’26 shared one such lesson that resounds with unresolved grief and the resolve to memorialize the experience.

In his talk, he recounted an argument with his cousin, Tianyu, which remained an unspoken rift even after seeing each other for the last time before Liu left China. Two years later, he learned of his cousin’s death. The memory of their argument came rushing back a few years after the tragedy when Liu was preparing for a return trip to China. An apology letter he had written before Tianyu’s death, but never had the courage to send, fell out of his closet. “That was one of the biggest moments of regret for me,” Liu says. “I wish he had read it before he died. ... It’s something I’ll remember for the rest of my life.”

For Liu, chapel talks allow seniors “to leave behind a part of themselves they feel will empower the Webb community.”

Kaitlyn Wanland ’26 presented a talk that was remarkable, Lantz says, for reflecting on “the idea that leadership doesn’t have to be loud and out in front.”

Wanland shared struggles they experienced in middle school, conforming to expectations of leadership in competitive cheerleading, which had been a large part of their identity for years. Yet, a sense of masking who they truly were persisted. In response, Wanland began to consider different kinds of leadership. At Webb, they found in technical theater the opportunity they had been looking for: a chance to work creatively in collaboration with others, and proudly show their work without being on stage. “My talk was mainly about leadership and self-acceptance,” Wanland says. “I’m learning that leadership doesn’t have to look like spearheading a movement.”

Scaffolding around the sanctuary of the chapel, c. 1940.

Boys attending one the first Sunday

The first graduates of Vivian Webb School, the class of 1984.

On the left, Bill Ripley ’60, founding president of the Chapel Guild, lighting the chandelier candles in his senior year.

Chapels, note the horse stables below, 1944.

Sunday Chapel: A Matter of Perspectives

“Both the weekday and Sunday chapel programs are incredibly meaningful, not only for students but for faculty as well,” Dean of Residential Life Yesela Tadeo says.

“Reset, recenter, and listen to a message that invokes reflection. That is the goal of the Sunday chapel program,” Tadeo adds.

The Chapel Council collaborates with Dean Tadeo to invite speakers from diverse backgrounds and professions — including Webb faculty, alumni, Claremont Colleges faculty and individuals from all walks of life — to share their stories with the Webb community in the monthly Sunday chapel program.

Bringing Webb students into contact with people who are different than them and providing an opportunity to hear their stories in chapel helps the community live with integrity, Mowjood says. He believes chapel is how

we learn to embrace those who are different from us: people who may think, pray, or love differently, as both the senior chapel talks and Sunday chapel expose Webb students to people with diverse life experiences.

“That’s what promotes growth, that’s what helps understanding, that’s what creates an honorable life, because people are able to move beyond what the media and the world tells you to believe, that they’re able to see the truth, because they’re meeting someone directly like that,” Mowjood says. “It is important for the chapel program to exist, to present people of very diverse backgrounds, experiences and faiths, and make space for that in sacred spaces and in society.”

“Reset, recenter, and listen to a message that invokes reflection. That is the goal of the Sunday chapel program.”

Far Though We Wander, Firm Be Thy Guidance

By Christopher Michno

“Ramsay Harris' text has so much depth and beauty,” Rosanne Lamb muses about the Webb “Farewell Song” lyrics. The Webb Choral Director appreciates the resonance the song holds for the community. It’s reflected, she says, in how many seniors choose the song as an opening selection for their chapel talk — especially when they can select any other song.

Composed by Webb faculty member Ramsay Harris to an arrangement of George Frideric Handel’s “Lascia ch’io pianga” in 1949, the “Farewell Song” has been an emotional anchor at the heart of Webb’s enduring traditions — senior talks, Sunday chapel, Alumni chapel service and graduation.

When she conducts the song, Lamb feels a deep sense of responsibility that, she says, is about more than just ensuring the tradition is continued. It’s the need to impart something of the school’s mission — and the purpose of a Webb education.

“Think, Act, Lead, Serve — the pillars of Webb — and that our main priority is to build character are much of what Thompson Webb talked about in early speeches,” Lamb says, noting that the pillars culminate with service. “And with the opportunities and experiences Webb students have benefited from, they go forward at the end of their senior year thinking about how to live out that ultimate Webb pillar.”

Lamb finds that music transports us through time and feels that the song holds just as much resonance for alumni as it does for students. “I think music has the power to make connections like that in a way that nothing else does,” she reflects.

Scan to hear "The Farewell Song."

Gary Caldwell, Pet Parent: Brian Caldwell

Babao Zhou, Pet Parent: Hans Zhou

Tulum Tadeo, Pet Parent: Yesela Tadeo

Hazel Farke-Nichols, Pet Parent: Andy Farke

Rennie Horejsi, Pet Parent: Megan Horejsi

Sherman Smith, Pet Parent: Theresa Smith

Cinnabon Choi, Pet Parent: John Choi

Pets of Webb

From wagging tails to quiet companionship, and the occasional court-side or sideline audience member, the pets of Webb are woven into the daily rhythm of campus life. They greet students after long days, nap through study hours, watch tennis matches from the shade, and linger near fields during practices and games, taking in the action with calm familiarity. In their presence, the campus feels softer and more human, a reminder that home is shaped not only by places and traditions, but by the living beings with whom we live.

Nash Vincent, Pet Parent: Joseph Vincent

Gus Haleftiras, Pet Parent: Nika Haleftiras

Adeline Bauman, Pet Parent: Melanie Bauman

Kylo Bean Hebert, Pet Parents: Stephen and Natalie Hebert

Food and Home

Comfort, Connection and Community at Webb

By John Ferrari

W

hat makes a home? More than just a place to rest, home is a sense: a sense of comfort, a sense of belonging, a sense of community. Home is vital to our well-being, nourishing our souls — and bodies. For our bodies, the foods we grew up with come to be synonymous with home: everything that home represents, food represents, too, ultimately evoking a sense of comfort, bringing a sense of belonging and building a sense of community — just like Webb.

“Boarding schools try to create a space that feels like home for everybody,” Webb Director of Culture & Community John Choi says. “Having food that’s part of your background and experience, that builds a sense of belonging.”

Sharing food — and sharing mealtimes — also builds community. “There are two approaches to eating,” chef, foodservice professional and Webb Alumni Council Vice President David Ivey-Soto ’82 says.

“Food as fellowship, and food as fuel,” Ivey-Soto says. Whether you’re hungry or not, breaking bread with somebody is fellowship. You’re enjoying the experience as much as you’re enjoying the nourishment from the food itself. There’s also nourishment from the community you’re sharing the experience with.”

“Boarding schools try to create a space that feels like home for everybody — having food that’s part of your background and experience, that builds a sense of belonging.”

— John Choi, Director of Culture & Community

Since its founding in 1922, Webb has cultivated a rich and nurturing food culture, something Rev. William “Bill” Ripley ’60 — Webb student, teacher, head, Alumni Council member and indefatigable campus volunteer — can attest to. Speaking for generations of Webb alumni, Ripley fondly remembers the food, especially grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup for Wednesday lunch. But more than that, he remembers the shared experience of dining together.

“We sat at the same table for breakfast, lunch and dinner, about 10 at each table, including a faculty member,” he recalls. “Our seating groups changed every month, giving students an opportunity to meet and talk with different students from different grades.”

Tastes may have changed (today, pot roast does not feature as prominently on the menu as Ripley remembers), and formal wear is required only for Webb Community Dinners, but the experience of sharing mealtimes remains the same, especially for students.

“Even though I was a day student, I would eat three meals a day, every single weekday, in the dining hall,” Matthew Gooch ’22 says. “The community was great. … It was always so much fun to eat together, because Webb is such a tightknit community. It was a time to sit down with everyone and catch up. You’re never eating alone, unless you want to. You always know someone; there’s always someone to sit with.”

Webb’s food traditions extend beyond the dining hall, from the angel food birthday cakes Vivian Webb baked for each student on their birthday (each birthday student could invite seven others to celebrate with them at the Webbs’ home) to the famous “golden browns” — pancakes cooked in cast-iron by the students on Peccary Trips.

Thompson Webb lighting the first candle at the Candlelight Dinner before graduation.

Vivian Webb made an angel food cake for every boy who had a birthday during the school year. “You could invite seven plus yourself — the table in Webb House seated eight,” shared Bill Ripley ’60.

Some of those heavy cast-iron pans used by students in the 1930s are still in use today, Director of the Raymond M. Alf Museum Andy Farke, Ph.D., says. “They’re very well seasoned by now,” he notes.

Giving students responsibility for Peccary Trip cookery began as a way for them to learn self-sufficiency, Farke says, and that still holds true.

“What I see from students in the 9th grade is that they may not have a lot of experience cooking, so it’s an accomplishment for them,” Farke says. “They’re surprised at how good the food they cook tastes, and there’s an incredible sense of accomplishment.”

Over the years, Peccary Trip menus transformed into opportunities for students to share their home cooking.

“The menu planning is student-driven, so they can bring in meals from their own backgrounds,” Farke says. “A few years ago, a Persian student cooked a traditional meal, and she was really proud to share that with us. Last summer, several students from Eastern European and Jewish backgrounds planned and cooked this really amazing meal, all with ingredients they could find in Cody, Wyoming.”

Today, the diversity of Webb students and faculty, along with the varied cuisines that characterize Southern California life, builds community at Webb. Themed dinners highlight global holidays and celebrations, inviting local families to share their cuisines and cultures.

Choi considers these events “windows and mirrors,” giving some students the opportunity to experience new cultures and foods, and others a time to share their backgrounds. Most importantly, he says, these events highlight that every Webb student belongs.

Math faculty member Anthony Ashkar agrees. “Food is a way for students to bring a piece of themselves and share it,” he says. “Curiosity gets students to try new foods — they’re always interested, especially when the food is made by fellow students.”

A Taste of Home

For Webb’s newest alumni, the spring semester comes with a familiar surprise: cookies!

Each year, as college midterms approach, hundreds of treat-filled care packages make their way from the Webb campus to university dorm rooms and apartments across the country. Inside — Webb’s beloved chocolate chip cookies. Thousands of these sweet treats are lovingly baked, packaged and sent by parent volunteers, alumni and staff who come together to send a simple reminder: you still belong here.

The tradition has become a touchstone for connection.

Alumni post photos from libraries, common rooms, and campus quads, holding up their cookies with cheery smiles. Many share the same sentiment: they miss Webb, and they miss being on campus — yet somehow, these cookies bring them right back.

It is a small box with a big message: even miles away and years later, Webb remains home.

Student cooking is a cherished tradition at Webb, from snacks in the dorms to dinners prepared in faculty homes. Senior

Anna Park ’26 is known among her dorm mates for cooking late-night snacks.

“Food is a big part of my Korean identity,” she explains. “We make food together. It’s a big part of togetherness and belonging, and I love sharing my food and my culture with other students.” Off campus, she has discovered new cuisines, from Cuban to Japanese. “When we share and try different foods, we come together.”

Some foods are universal, such as grilling and barbecue. Museum director Farke recalls barbecuing ribs for students as a weekend activity; it was such a hit that he hosted a full barbecue day last fall, smoking meats and demonstrating how to make homemade barbecue sauce, cornbread and beans.

Webb’s Alamo dormitory has hosted an annual pig roast for several years. An all-day affair, it brings students and faculty together to prepare the meal and spend time together as a community. Interest in barbecue is strong enough to have inspired Choi and Director of Studies and science faculty member Nina Butler-Roberts to lead an Unbounded Days course this spring, which explores world barbecue. No matter where you’re from, it seems, there’s a barbecue tradition that says “home” to you.

“Food is never just about eating,” restaurateur Yassmin Sarmadi ’87 reflects.

“When you’re hungry, there’s such joy in eating, but it’s so much more than that. It’s about community and sharing.”

She remembers Webb’s dining hall as a place of conviviality. “I very much appreciated having a beautiful dining hall where you would have a civilized meal at lunch, and a more formal experience at dinner, which I found more enjoyable,” Sarmadi says. I have always enjoyed the ritual around food — cooking it, serving it, eating it. It was always done with people, around community and family. At Webb, the way food was enjoyed was the way I had grown up with it.”

“For most students, food is love,” Dean of Campus Life and humanities faculty member Ken Rosenfeld notes. “Sharing food builds connections. It can bring a sense of comfort, of home or of excitement. Either way, it’s bringing people together.”

WEBBtoday wellness

Wellness: A Balanced Approach

Wellness at Webb is woven into the rhythm of daily life, grounded in the belief that students thrive when they feel supported, known and balanced.

That care begins with a robust advisory system, where advisors, student leaders, grade-level leaders and dorm heads maintain intentional touchpoints to support students’ academic, social and emotional well-being. Across campus, these relationships are visible and lived. Advisors gather outdoors in small groups for conversation, and students and teachers connect throughout the day — during office hours, afternoon activities and into the evenings and weekends — sharing moments that are both structured and informal. Friends find joy and renewal when playing pickup basketball outside the Les Perry Gym or during a casual football game on Centennial Field. Together, these everyday moments reflect a community that understands balance and connection as essential to learning.

Student Surveys

This commitment is reinforced through reflection and assessment. Each year, students participate in the Authentic Connections Student Resilience Survey (SRS); every third year, they complete the High Achieving Schools Survey (HASS). Together, these tools provide a comprehensive view of student life and well-being. By reviewing results annually, the school is able to identify trends and then respond thoughtfully to strengthen support systems with clarity and care. Taken together, this holistic approach ensures that wellness is a shared responsibility and a defining feature of life at Webb.

“The resilience survey is grounded in the research of Suniya Luthar, whose work shows that positive adaptation in the face of challenge is most strongly

supported by relationships and connection,” Director of Wellness Melanie Bauman explains. “At the heart of this work is the belief that students are best equipped to navigate difficulty when they feel deeply connected to the adults and peers around them. The survey helps us identify where those relationships are thriving and where they may need additional support.”

Bauman continues, “Our data consistently shows strong faculty-student relationships, and this year we’ve seen the most significant drop in reported symptoms of anxiety and depression since the pandemic began. Student leaders are also actively engaged in understanding this data and helping shape meaningful, responsive changes to community life.”

The Wellness Wheel

To further anchor this work, Webb uses a wellness wheel model that encourages students and adults alike to consider the many interconnected dimensions of well-being, including physical, emotional, social, intellectual and spiritual health.

“The Wellness Wheel offers a clear, accessible framework that helps our entire community see how different aspects of student life — from advisory and athletics to chapel and time outdoors — work together to support each student’s growth,” Bauman explains.

By inviting reflection across these dimensions, the model reinforces a shared understanding of wellness as dynamic, relational and central to the Webb experience.

Source: Headspace.com

Spaces That Feel Like Home

The recently renovated lounge in Appleby reflects Webb’s ongoing commitment to residential spaces that support connection, comfort, and the daily life of students.

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Across campus, Webb’s shared spaces invite students to slow down, connect and simply be.

In the Stockdale Center, modern, modular furnishings shift and reshape throughout the day as students gather to study, talk, sip boba and catch up on one another’s lives. The atmosphere is relaxed and adaptable, designed not just for productivity but for shared presence. Nearby, the Fawcett Library offers its own kind of comfort, from the California warmth of the sunken fireplace to the quiet corners that invite reading, reflection or unhurried conversation between friends.

Tucked within the residential side of campus, recently updated dorm lounges, like the one in Appleby, extend that same sense of comfort and connection, offering students a welcoming place to gather, unwind, and feel at home.

Outdoors, that sense of ease continues in spaces shaped by light, landscape and history. New tables and chairs near Price and the Alf Museum of Paleontology urge students to pause amid a busy day. In the garden seating beside the Vivian Webb Chapel, students find space for quiet contemplation surrounded by natural beauty and the iconic California architecture that has anchored campus for generations. Together, these spaces, indoors and out, offer more than comfort. They create a rhythm of belonging that helps Webb feel like home.

“One

of

my

favorite things about Stockdale

is that there

is no set template for its use. Whether for an all-school assembly, group study sessions, club meetings, or even a student dance, the couches, chairs and tables easily jigsaw together to meet the needs and wishes of the moment. And it is those moments that bring students, educators, families and visitors together to transform the space from a simple room into a true Community Center.”

— Ken Rosenfeld, Dean of Campus Life

WEBBtoday museum

By Andy Farke, Ph.D.

The sun cracks over the eastern horizon, throwing the Joshua trees into sharp shadow. A rock wren chirps its first song of the day, while a light breeze rustles the creosote bushes. Bundled in a sleeping bag, their face barely visible under their hat and hood, a Webb student blinks in the sudden brightness, awakened by the clank of peccary pans in preparation for breakfast.

Barstow Revisited I

s this scene set in 2026? Or 2006? Or 1966? Or 1936?

For 90 years, fossilcollecting “peccary trips” to the Mojave Desert outside Barstow, California, have been a cornerstone experience at Webb and have built the foundation of the fossil collection at the Alf Museum. For many students, the peccary trip has become a second home, anchored by deep camaraderie, unexpected adventures and beautiful vistas.

“The physicality of the landscape — looking at the rock formations, looking at the stars — those things feel timeless. I think anybody who goes on a peccary trip knows that this is a different experience than writing an essay or solving a problem set in the classroom,” Lucy Herrero VWS ’10 says. “You’re sleeping out on a tarp, sleeping under the stars, all your classmates around you. I never had an experience like that before.”

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For nine decades, Webb students, staff and faculty have made the trek to the Mojave Desert. Science teacher Ray Alf led the first trip in 1936. Student Bill Webb, son of school founders Thompson and Vivian Webb, stumbled across the skull of a prehistoric peccary (javelina) — an animal that lived between 18 and 13 million years ago, when the area was a shrubby landscape teeming with three-toed horses, ancient camels, elephant-like gomphotheres, early wild dogs and fierce beardogs. They shared their discovery with Dr. Chester Stock, a paleontologist at Caltech, who recognized the peccary as a species previously undocumented by science.

This remarkable find not only initiated a prominent Webb tradition but also became the namesake behind the treasured Alf Museum. In the nine decades since, thousands of Webb students and alumni have traveled to Barstow’s fossil beds to collect and document, carrying forward Ray Alf’s vision of experiential learning and discovery. Yet the impact extends beyond individual student memories. These

fossils, gathered by generations of Webbies, form the core scientific collection at today’s Alf Museum — discoveries that continue to tell the story of Deep Time.

Don Lofgren, the Alf Museum’s director emeritus, has witnessed the timelessness of the peccary trip experience. “You look for fossils, you cook on the peccary pans, and you’re out around the campfire,” he reflects. “It’s super similar today to how it has been from the very beginning.” For staff and students alike, Barstow remains an outdoor classroom and home away from home.

No tradition is more central to a peccary trip than cooking a meal in the peccary pans. The peccary pans themselves, some dating back to the 1940s, are historic objects — steel frying pans darkened by decades of campfire patina. Even today, the ideal peccary breakfast is a “golden brown” — that perfectly cooked pancake. But this perfection is easier said than done. The first attempt might be burnt to a crisp, or flipped too soon, ending up a “scrambled pancake.” Rob Leggewie ’70 remembers the challenge vividly. “Sometimes I thought I had better just throw that pancake away — that was a disaster.” Yet even in failure, something important gelled. “When you think about it, our classmates didn’t know what they were doing either!” With practice, each pancake gets better and better. Across generations, some students even grow brave enough to forego the spatula and flip their pancakes with a flick of the wrist.

Ramsay Harris flipping “golden browns.”

Webb students driving metal shins under the proboscidean track layer to separate it from the rock layer below. Many slabs fractured during the removal process. Top to Bottom: unknown, Bart Fisher ’67, Bob Fritz ’67, Andy Robertson ’67.

“Being able to take that fossil back to the lab and study it, identify it, figure out exactly what it is — that is super cool.”

In the same peccary pans, Don Lofgren introduced stir fry as a new dinner tradition. Tychelle Moore-Culpeper ’27 remembers this stir-fry from her grade nine Honors Paleontology trips. “I’m always looking forward to that stirfried rice,” she says. “It was very delicious, making them in the pans and singing campfire songs.”

The heart of a peccary trip for many students is the moment of discovery itself, often after a strenuous hike under the hot sun or facing chilly gusts of wind. Lucy Herrero ’10 recalls the essence of this experience: “There’s a completely different way of learning, where you’re on your hands and knees digging in the ground and actually getting that experience of letting the Earth speak to you.”

For current student Gavin Hamilton ’27, the arc of discovery unfolds across field and lab. During his Honors Paleontology trips to Barstow, he spent hours searching for fossil bones in the desert landscape, just as generations of Webb students had before him. But the experience doesn’t end there. “Being able to take that fossil back to the lab and study it, identify it, figure out exactly what it is — that is super cool,” he says.

from Barstow have been featured in numerous scientific publications authored by Alf Museum staff, Webb students and outside researchers from institutions such as the University of Michigan and UC Berkeley. These fossils have helped paleontologists understand ancient ecosystems, document species variation and reconstruct California’s changing landscape.

Every year, another Webb student wakes to a famous Mojave sunrise, preparing for a day during which they will cook in the same frying pans and walk in the same footsteps as thousands of their predecessors. Many alumni return to this desert home in the years after graduation.

“When you’re a student, you spend so much time with your friends, your peers, your second family. You make great connections,” Liz Smith ’92 notes. “Then to come back as an alum and meet other alumni — they’re this extended family who have all lived through the same experience.”

— Gavin Hamilton ’27, “ There’s a completely different way of learning, where you’re on your hands and knees digging in the ground.”

Peccary trips to Barstow have never been a casual treasure hunt. Because the Barstow rocks are on public lands, collecting fossil vertebrates there requires special permission. Consequently, the Alf Museum holds unique permits from the U.S. Bureau of Land Management. After collection, the specimens are carefully cataloged into the Alf Museum’s repository, available for study by all, and are then placed on exhibit. Over the years, student discoveries

— Lucy Herrero ’10

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This fall, the Gauls delivered a season defined by achievement, steady momentum and a strong sense of shared purpose. Girls Volleyball captured the Express League Championship with an undefeated 8–0 record, while Girls Golf claimed the San Joaquin League title at 9–1. On the gridiron, Mikey Pino was named Inland Boys Athlete of the Week by The Press-Enterprise, and the football program hosted its first California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) game in 20 years. Across campus, postseason play brought the season to a close, with Football, Girls Volleyball, Girls Golf, Girls Tennis, Boys Water Polo and Boys Cross Country all advancing to the playoffs, a testament to the collective strength of the Gauls.

Winter athletics carried that momentum forward. Boys Basketball posted an 18–5 record and advanced to the CIF playoffs, highlighted by a thrilling triple-overtime win that kept the crowd on its feet advancing the team to the quarter final round. Girls Basketball and Boys Soccer also earned postseason berths. Varsity Girls Soccer delivered an exceptional season, finishing 18–1–1 overall and 7–0–1 in league play to secure the league championship. The team’s success was driven by both cohesive teamwork and standout individual performance, including an extraordinary 70goal season by freshman Kennedy Clarke, the top scorer for the state of California. With this momentum, the team clenched the CIF Division Championship! Across the winter season, Girls Water Polo proved themselves to be strong competitors in their league and progressed to CIF playoffs and the wrestling teams demonstrated resilience, determination and a deep commitment to their sport, contributing meaningfully to the spirit of Gauls athletics with standout matches all the way to CIF this year.

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today arts

ACreativity Finds Its Home

cross campus, the arts serve as a place where curiosity is nurtured and creativity is given room to grow. This year highlighted the breadth of student expression, from the fall play Peter Pan and Wendy by Lauren Gunderson to the spring musical Hadestown. Beyond the stage, students explored storytelling through filmmaking, digital art, studio art, dance, and musical performance, with each medium offering a distinct way to imagine, experiment and create.

Seasonal performances brought the community together, with the winter dance show and winter concert adding rhythm and movement to the year. Art Café transformed the Stockdale Center into a vibrant exhibition space where students celebrated artistic expression and shared their work across a wide range of mediums. Together, these experiences reflect an arts culture that is expansive and deeply embedded in daily life at Webb, one where creativity is not confined to a single stage or studio, but truly finds its home.

today giving A Message from the Chief Advancement Officer

The newly installed Centennial Campaign Donor Wall is a powerful reflection of Webb’s greatest strength — its people. More than a record of generosity, it stands as a lasting reminder of a community that came together — across generations and geographies — to ensure that Webb’s mission and values will endure for the next century.

The Centennial Campaign, which had the fitting tagline, For the Next 100 Years, concluded in 2024, but its impact will be felt for decades to come. Through transformational and legacy gifts, the campaign strengthened Webb’s endowment and enhanced the long-term stability that supports our students, faculty and programs. We are deeply grateful not only for what was accomplished, but for the shared commitment that made it possible.

With optimism about the school’s financial future, we now turn our focus to the present — to building a dynamic, relevant educational experience and campus environment for today’s students. Central to that work is growing the Webb Fund, our annual giving program that supports the core of daily life on campus: academics, residential life, athletics, the arts and the dedicated people who make Webb extraordinary. As an independent, nonprofit school, philanthropy through the Webb Fund allows us to do more for students than tuition alone can provide. It is one of the most direct and meaningful ways to strengthen the student experience.

We also see generosity taking tangible shape in projects like the recently completed Phase 1 renovation of the Les Perry Gymnasium. These improvements — and the planning underway for future phases — reflect a renewed investment in the spaces where students learn, compete, gather and grow.

Together, these efforts honor our past, strengthen our present and invite us forward. Thank you for being part of Webb’s story and for the many ways you continue to support its students and mission.

Kurt Johnson Chief Advancement Officer

WEBB

AThe Webb Fund: Every Student, Every Program, Every Day

s we move beyond the Centennial Campaign, one thing has become clear: the spirit of generosity at Webb is not slowing down — it is renewing itself. We are already seeing strong growth in support for the Webb Fund, a powerful sign that our community remains deeply committed to the daily life of the school.

The Webb Fund is the most direct way to sustain what makes Webb exceptional: outstanding academic programs, dedicated and inspiring teachers, a safe and beautiful campus and the distinctive boarding and day school experience that shapes our students. While tuition provides essential support, it does not cover the full cost of a Webb education. As an independent, nonprofit school that receives no government funding, Webb relies on philanthropy to bridge that gap and to remain mission-first in every decision we make.

Far more meaningful than the size of any one gift is the act of participation itself. When members of the Webb community give as they are able, year after year, it becomes a powerful expression of shared values — a collective affirmation of our belief in Webb’s mission and the transformative power of its education.

In this moment, the Webb Fund is the most immediate and meaningful way to make a difference. Gifts to the Webb Fund truly support every student and every program, every day.

today giving

TInvesting in the Spaces Students Use Every Day

The Les Perry Gym

his past summer marked an important milestone for Webb with the completion of Phase 1 of the Les Perry Gym renovation. What was once a well-worn but beloved campus facility has been thoughtfully renewed into a vibrant, modern space that better reflects the energy and aspirations of our students.

Today, the gym is home to 40 teams across 15 sports, as well as daily physical education classes, wellness programming, dorm activities and all-school gatherings. The Phase 1 improvements — new flooring, upgraded lighting, enhanced accessibility, refreshed interior finishes, and modernized systems — have transformed the look and feel of the space. Students immediately notice the difference. The gym is brighter, more functional and more welcoming — a place where competition, community and school spirit come alive.

Philanthropy played a decisive role in making this progress possible. Thanks to the generosity of alumni, parents, and friends, Webb was able to move quickly from vision to reality.

Planning is already underway for Phase 2, which will further enhance fitness, training and wellness facilities. Together, these improvements help ensure our physical campus supports the excellence, health and leadership development of every student.

The Les Perry Gym renewal is more than a renovation. It is a statement about who we are and what we value: investing boldly in the daily experience of Webb students.

newsNOTES profiles

Designing for Everyday Life

Through furniture, technology and design, Mark Feng ’07 is reshaping how people imagine the spaces they call home.

Furniture is just furniture. A chair is just a chair. A table is just a table. And the home that the furniture sits in is just a building.

Not so, Mark Feng ’07 says, who is the founder of the interior design platform DecorX and chairman and CEO of Markor International, a conglomerate of furniture companies. Markor also happens to be his long-time family business. Webb sat down with Feng to learn more about his past at Webb, his path into the family business and his take on the future of furniture and home furnishings, including the innovative use of AI.

Mark

By John Ferrari

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

Feng ’07

q&a

What was your journey to Webb?

My family’s furniture business had started exporting to the United States, and my mom was here, in Rowland Heights. I was 14 years old when I moved to the States, and I came from a remote region in Northwest China, the city of Urumqi in Xinjiang. It’s like the Alaska of China.

We had a family friend whose children attended Webb and then went to Harvard and Princeton, so my mom thought we should check it out. We were blown away on our campus tour. Initially, I didn’t get in, though. So I worked on my English, reapplied the following year and was admitted.

What did you learn at Webb?

For me, the Webb experience went above and beyond expectations. It didn’t even seem like a school to me: with students and teachers living on campus, it was a community. Even though I attended as a day student, I loved that aspect of Webb. Sports were a huge part of my time at Webb in terms of leadership. I ran hurdles, relays and cross-country in track & field, which taught me about grit — enough to be a team captain my senior year.

I was also an Honor Committee member and played piano at chapel. The highlight, though, was dating my first girlfriend; she held my hand while I learned English. By every measure, Webb was a wonderful experience for me. I found myself transformed: confident, intelligent and capable.

How did you enter the family business?

Following my parents’ footsteps into the family business was always in the back of my mind, but I wanted to make my own path, so after graduating from Harvard, I went into banking in Hong Kong for about three years. That taught me even more about grit and character … I hated it. I went back to Harvard Business School and earned my M.B.A., and this time, when my father offered me a position, I felt I was ready. The first few years were a little rocky. I had to figure out how to win the team’s trust; to show them I had the intellectual chops and was willing to lead and also be mentored. I’ve come to realize that I don’t have to be right; my role is to grow my team. It has been really challenging and rewarding.

How do you see the business of furniture?

For my family, the business began with movie props. My grandfather was an actor, and my grandmother built props in the film industry. So my father grew up alongside my grandmother, making furniture from papier mâché. “Home,” for my family, is very much the stage on which you live your life.

In our business, we’re not selling products. Furnishing a house transforms it from just a shelter into a place where people can live; it’s part of their vision of themselves and their lives. Furniture products have some minimum functional requirements, yes, but what people want is something that makes them happy — furniture

that fits into their lifestyle and the stage they want to live their lives on. As furniture manufacturers, retailers and interior designers, we have to go with them on that journey. They are the main characters in their movies, so it’s about what they want. There is good and bad design, though, and that’s where professional knowledge comes in, helping people translate their vision into something that’s also going to be comfortable and work well.

What is the future of furniture?

From day one, our business model wasn’t about making money; it was about doing cool stuff. We have not done business in the traditional way — we’ve always wanted to disrupt how it’s previously been done. At the high end, we’re operating more like the fashion industry. I wanted to disrupt the furniture industry the same way fashion is always disruptive. That’s the idea behind DecorX: to make it easier for designers to realize their visions. The platform, decorx.com, is still in its early days, and there’s a lot of interest. We’re translating the imagining of interiors into scenes by using AI to render them. Eventually, we want to open this up to everyone so that anyone can be an interior designer. Not many people have had access to tools for conceptualizing interior design; this democratizes the process. As humans, we all want beauty, and everyone has the right to make their home look beautiful.

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

Marja Diaz ’12 T

A World View, Deepened at Webb Through

documentary film, Marja Diaz ’12 highlights the universal experiences that remind us we share one world.

By John Ferrari

here’s traveling, and coming home. There’s our house, our street, our city and the rest of the world. There’s the human world, and then — the natural world.

Except, according to Marja Diaz ’12, that’s not quite right

“There is no natural world versus the human world — we’re all one,” Diaz says. “We [all] live in the natural world.”

That’s a lesson Marja learned growing up in Southern California, where she was very much a beach girl. “I did grow up on the beaches of Santa Monica,” she reflects. “I was a junior lifeguard, the whole deal. The experience of having the ocean nearby gave me an appreciation of the natural world, and shepherded how I look at things.”

As National Geographic’s senior manager of documentary films, Marja now stewards films that erase distinctions between the human and natural world — and between people. “As humans, we are social creatures,” Diaz says. “Things we care about, like love, are universal, and those universal themes unite us. We’re all dealing with the same things, like love and loss and what you’re going to have for dinner.” (She is, she says, a big foodie.)

Though Marja’s worldview was shaped on California’s beaches, it was confirmed and deepened by her time at Webb. “Webb changed the trajectory of my life,” she says. “The school really opened my eyes to possibilities and what I could do.”

“Webb also gave me my best friends,” Diaz continues. “I lived next door to the same girls; we went through everything together. … They’re my best friends to this day.”

“I think the struggles of high school are universal; it doesn’t matter where you’re from or what your background is,” she adds. “I had an innate fascination with different cultures and different people, and Webb is a microcosm of the world — it’s such an international school. I believe differences make us stronger, and I want to have different people from different backgrounds around me. If we all have the same thoughts, we’re not learning anything.”

After graduating from Stanford University — where she created her own major, human biology, “mostly so [she] could take a lot of courses on animal behavior” — Marja worked in communications and storytelling for nonprofits and philanthropies before joining National Geographic, where she has now worked for more than eight years. She and her team make it a point to focus on films that spotlight human stories to inspire and connect people.

“We release three or four feature documentaries each year,” she says. “National Geographic doesn’t do big theme docs anymore; we focus on character — peoplecentered movies. We want to see gripping content that inspires a deeper connection to our world.”

It’s a behind-the-scenes job, but the notoriety isn’t what matters to Diaz: the work is personally inspiring and fulfilling, and that makes all the difference.

“The films focus on themes that connect us, and also show incredible resilience,” Diaz says. “That inspires people, and the stories our films tell make me want to become a better person. I want to have a positive impact on the world, and the films we work on are very powerful. They tackle difficult subjects, but the audience leaves with a sense of hope.

“Personally, I’m glad that I get to work on content that makes me happy,” she continues. “They’re stories about humans, but also about the natural world. We are all part of this one world, and we forget that sometimes. Nature doesn’t know that; there are no lines.”

And that unique blend, Diaz says, is a beautiful thing.

newsNOTES events + highlights

ALUMNI WEEKEND 2025 OCTOBER 24–25, 2025

The Webb community came together for Alumni Weekend 2025 in October, welcoming more than 200 alumni and friends from around the world back to campus for a weekend filled with connection, celebration and discovery. The weekend brought together alumni spanning more than seven decades and offered countless opportunities to reconnect with old friends, meet new ones across generations and gather once again as a vibrant community. Alumni explored how campus has evolved through guided tours of new and recently renovated spaces, including Phase One of the Les Perry Gym.

The program blended tradition with celebration, from inspiring alumni chapel talks to the homecoming football game and barbecue lunch. The Class of 1975 marked a historic milestone as they celebrated their 50th reunion, highlighted by a meaningful pinning ceremony that honored their lasting connection to Webb.

The weekend culminated with the Alumni Awards Celebration and Dinner, where three distinguished alumni were recognized for their achievements and service. A reverent pause filled the room as Alumni Council Vice President David Ivey-Soto ’82 and Head of School Dr. Theresa Smith presented the awards, marking a meaningful moment of shared pride and reflection. The evening then gave way to joyful celebration and dancing, bringing the weekend to a fitting close. We are deeply grateful to our reunion chair volunteers and all who helped make the weekend such a memorable experience.

We’re excited to announce that Alumni Weekend 2026 will take place October 23–24 and look forward to welcoming alumni back to campus once again. To get involved in planning or to learn more about serving as a reunion chair, please contact us at alumni@webb.org.

Reunions, regional events, and more! Alumni, parents and friends reconnect. Find more event photos at webb.org

33RD ANNUAL PECCARY SOCIETY DINNER

OCTOBER 24, 2025

Over 200 guests from the Webb community gathered for the 33rd annual Peccary Society Dinner. The evening was a standout success, raising over $200,000 to support student programs and research. A spirited paddle raise added to the excitement, inspiring $37,500 in gifts for new microscopes and a commissioned dire wolf artwork for the Alf Museum. The evening also included the presentation of the Raymond M. Alf Award for Excellence in Paleontological Research and Education Award to Dr. Bruce MacFadden.

newsNOTES events + highlights

ALUMNI & FRIENDS PECCARY TRIP

MAY 2–4, 2025

Each spring, alumni and friends head out to the Barstow desert for the beloved Peccary Trip — a weekend of fossil hunting, fresh air and great company. Highlights include a pancake breakfast cooked on the time-honored “Peccary Pans” on which everything tastes better; lively campfire talks under the stars; and the always-anticipated BYO grilled dinners cooked over the fire. Equal parts of adventure and tradition, it remains a favorite Alf Museum experience year after year.

WEBB IN HONG KONG MARCH 26, 2025

On April 16, parents and alumni attended a reception at The Hong Kong Bankers Club hosted by Michael ’92 and Alicia Chang P ’23, ’27, ’29.

WEBB IN SHENZHEN MARCH 28, 2025

On March 28, Spencer Zhu and Xiaoqiu Fang P ’25 welcomed alumni and parents into their home in Shenzhen for an evening filled with community and shared connection.

newsNOTES events + highlights

WEBB IN SHANGHAI MARCH 30, 2025

Rick Wang P ’27 and Alexandra Wang ’27 hosted an alumni and parent reception at The House of Roosevelt in Shanghai, bringing together members of the Webb community for a wonderful evening.

WEBB IN BEIJING APRIL 2, 2025

The Webb community in Beijing gathered at the Bulgari Hotel on April 2 for a fabulous reception hosted by Paul Wang and Ada Lv P ’27. What a memorable evening!

WEBB IN SEOUL APRIL 3, 2025

Head of School Dr. Theresa Smith and Director of Development Kimberly Grant were joined by alumni in Seoul, South Korea for a special dinner at Wooga Korean BBQ. Among those in attendance was Alumni Council Regional Representative Chan Woo Sung ’86.

WEBB IN TOKYO APRIL 5, 2025

An alumni and parent reception was held at the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo, Japan on April 5. Thank you to Riku and Akino Sugie P ’28 for bringing together members of the Webb community for a great evening of connection.

newsNOTES events + highlights

ENGAGING CONVERSATIONS

As Webb looks ahead and begins shaping its next strategic vision, Head of School Dr. Theresa Smith has been engaging alumni, parents and thought leaders in conversations about the school’s future.

To support this work, Webb hosted a series of small dinners in Palo Alto, New York City, Los Angeles and Orange County. These gatherings brought together members of the Webb community and other key voices for thoughtful dialogue around topics such as AI and the future of education, as well as opportunities to leverage Los Angeles as an extended classroom.

We are grateful to all who joined these conversations and shared their perspectives.

Special thanks to Sameer ’91 and Laura Dholakia for hosting Webb in their home; Laura McBain, Managing Director at the Stanford d.school, and A.J. Hess ’12, who helped facilitate our AI-focused discussions; as well as Simon Osborn, Managing Director at Goldman Sachs, and Silvio Palumbo, Managing Director and Senior Partner at Boston Consulting Group for their participation.

NYC

Atherton, CA LA

WEBB IN PORTLAND MAY 15, 2025

Webbies in Portland, Oregon gathered at Lucky Labrador Brewing Company for a reception celebrating the Webb community.

SENIOR DINNER MAY 21, 2025

This past May, the Class of 2025 was welcomed into the alumni community at a special senior dinner hosted by the Alumni Council, celebrating this milestone moment. We hope your first year since graduating has been a great one!

newsNOTES events + highlights

WEBB IN HONG KONG AUGUST 7, 2025

Michael ’92 and Ian ’23 Chang hosted a reception at Sam Fancy Bar in Hong Kong, bringing alumni together to celebrate the end of summer.

ALUMNI COUNCIL RETREAT

SEPTEMBER 6, 2025

The Alumni Council met for its annual retreat to shape plans and priorities for the coming year. The day featured both in-person and virtual participation, beginning with breakfast at the Head of School’s home and continuing in Jackson Library. Presentations from Head of School Dr. Theresa Smith and Dean of Academic Enrollment Dr. Jamila Everett highlighted strategic initiatives, admission goals and opportunities for alumni engagement.

WEBB IN CORONADO SEPTEMBER 18, 2025

Alumni and parents gathered at the home of Head Emeritus Taylor and Anne Stockdale for a special reception. The evening offered a wonderful opportunity to reconnect and enjoy time together in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

WEBB IN NEW YORK DECEMBER 4, 2025

Alumni and parents attended a holiday reception in New York City at Corkbuzz Chelsea Market, where they enjoyed meaningful conversations and spread holiday cheer alongside Dean of College Guidance Hector Martinez.

YOUNG ALUMNI NEW YEAR’S CELEBRATION JANUARY 7, 2026

Lucky’s Coffee Roasters joined us on campus for our Young Alumni New Year’s Celebration, creating a welcoming afternoon of connection and community. Faculty, staff, students and alumni enjoyed the friendly service and delicious coffee, making it a bright and appreciated start to the new year.

ALUMNI

VS. STUDENTS SOCCER GAME JANUARY 3, 2026

Alumni and students kicked off 2026 with a spirited game of soccer at the nearby Sofive Soccer Centers in Upland. After the game, everyone enjoyed a nice lunch together, connecting over shared stories, laughter and a strong sense of camaraderie.

WEBB IN LAS VEGAS JANUARY 15, 2026

A special evening in Las Vegas brought alumni and parents together at Apex 64 inside the W Hotel, graciously hosted by Bill and Wendy Hornbuckle P ’19. The reception transitioned into an intimate dinner, creating a memorable setting for connection and conversation.

newsNOTES classnotes

Updates from Webb Alumni Around the World

1950s

1955 Class of 1955 Last year marked the 70th reunion for the class of 1955. Thank you to Elliott Trommald for serving as reunion chair!

1956 Class of 1956, mark your calendars! Your 70th reunion is coming up this fall, and we hope you’ll join us on campus for Alumni Weekend 2026 (October 23–24) to celebrate this milestone together. Interested in helping plan the gathering? Email alumni@webb.org to get involved.

Erik Larson spent his entire career with Boys Clubs of America, beginning in program roles and later directing and organizing clubs across California and the Midwest. In retirement, he has pursued a lifelong passion for Big Band and Swing Era music, entertaining audiences nationwide with programs celebrating the songs, vocalists, and bands of the 1930s and 1940s. Erik and his wife live in Prescott, Arizona, where they enjoy all four seasons.

1958 Joseph Fidanque and his wife Myra celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. Their children and grandchildren attended the party in Panama City, Panama, where Joseph and Myra live. 1

1960s

1960 The Class of 1960

Thank you to Bill Ripley and Jack Williams for serving as reunion chairs for the class’s 65th reunion. What a momentous occasion. Reunion is a time where we not only celebrate the years passed, but also the strong bonds, lasting friendships and sense of community that the Class of 1960 has carried forward since their days on campus.

Peter Plaut is enjoying retirement from the legal profession, spending his time cooking gourmet meals and appreciating the beauty of the great outdoors from his Colorado home. He remains enthusiastic about the Alf Museum and fondly recalls the Peccary trips he took during his Webb years. 2

Bill Ripley and his wife Erin spent some time visiting Webbies this past year. They visited Jim Wetrich ’75 in Dallas in June 2025. They also had a visit with Roger Witalis ’60 and spent some time with Jim Boyce ’75 and his wife Ginny. 3

1961 Class of 1961, your 65th reunion is coming up this fall! Join us on campus for Alumni Weekend 2026 (October 23–24) to celebrate this milestone together. Interested in helping to plan the gathering? Email alumni@webb.org for more information.

1963 Tom Butterworth and his wife Dahlia enjoyed attending the alumni vs. student soccer game in January. Tom is hopeful to attend an Alumni Weekend in the near future. 4

1964 Tom Thompson credits the Alf Museum with sparking a lifelong love of geology and continues to admire its contributions to research and education. He remains closely connected to the Museum, Webb and his classmates. Tom recently relocated to Portland, Oregon, and looks forward to connecting with fellow Webbies in the area. 5

1965 The Class of 1965 celebrated their 60th reunion last year virtually on October 1st. This milestone offered a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the lifelong friendships, shared experiences and enduring sense of community that began during their time here and have continued to shape their lives ever since. Thank you to Pat Stroop and David Wright for their work as reunion chairs to arrange this gathering.

Dwight Morgan was recognized during Alumni Weekend 2025 with the Colborn Distinguished Service Award, honoring his loyalty, generosity and unwavering commitment to service and leadership in support of the Webb Schools and the Alf Museum. Dwight is currently a volunteer with the Webb Archives on campus. 6

1966 Class of 1966, we’re excited to welcome you back to campus for your 60th reunion! We hope you’ll join us on campus for Alumni Weekend 2026 (October 23–24) to celebrate this milestone together. Interested in helping plan the gathering? Email alumni@webb.org to get involved.

Robert Ketchum’s photography career continues to flourish. This past fall, Bob was part of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park’s group exhibit entitled “Edges of Perception: Robert Glenn Ketchum, Barry Underwood, Jacob Koestler” and was also a part of the Akron Art Museum as a solo exhibitor for his exhibit entitled “Ordinary Miracles: Robert Glenn Ketchum’s Photographs of Cuyahoga Valley National Park.” From March–August 2026, Bob will be exhibiting “From Here to the Horizon: Photographs in Honor of Barry Lopez” at the California Museum of Photography in Riverside, California.

David Mirkin, MD retired after 30 years as Chief Medical Officer at Milliman. He remains active in the Webb community and recently enjoyed breakfast in Salt Lake City with fellow alumnus Larry Ashton ’70 and their spouses.

David and Larry serve together on the Alf Museum Board. 7

1968 Hugh Pitcher continues a long family legacy at Webb that dates back to the school’s earliest days. An avid traveler, Hugh recently visited England and Wales with his eldest daughter. He enjoys reminiscing about his Peccary Trips and is pleased to see the Alf Museum’s robust outreach programs thriving. 8

1969 Randall Lewis was in attendance for the official opening of Lewis Park in Claremont, the city where he resides, in March 2025. Also present was Corey Calaycay ’88, who was then serving as Mayor of Claremont.

1970s

1970 The Class of 1970 celebrated its 55th reunion during Alumni Weekend 2025, marking not only the passage of time but also the enduring friendships and strong bonds formed during their days on campus. Special thanks to Joe Thomas for his leadership as reunion chair. The celebration began Friday evening with a gathering at Joe’s home, where classmates reconnected and shared memories. Festivities continued Saturday with a full day of Alumni Weekend activities, including a behind-thescenes tour of the Alf Museum, a look at Phase 1 of the Les Perry Gym renovation, the Alumni Chapel Service, and more. 9

James Sylvester is an attorney who also finds time to volunteer in his Austin community. He remains close to his classmates and fondly cherishes his Webb experience, including playing soccer, serving on the Honor Committee and being named his class valedictorian.

newsNOTES classnotes

1971 Class of 1971, mark your calendars! Your 55th reunion is coming up this fall! We are excited to see you on campus for Alumni Weekend 2026 (October 23–24) to celebrate this milestone together. Want to help plan your class gathering? Email alumni@ webb.org to get involved.

1973 Harry Higbie recently visited campus alongside Chris Odgers ’73 and Bill Ripley ’60, enjoying the opportunity to reconnect with Webb. 10

Mike Howard recently returned from Israel, where he spent meaningful time with close IDF friends who supported his USMC battalion during two deployments to Iraq. The visit also included special moments with family and longtime friends. Michael extends his gratitude to Webb friends whose generous contributions helped sponsor protective gear — including helmets and flak jackets — for an IDF unit during the war in Gaza. In appreciation, the unit presented him with a signed flag as a heartfelt gesture of thanks.

Bill Monsour Bill is now residing in Amsterdam and is the unofficial tour guide for his visitors. As always, he is still singing, acting and dancing.

1975 The Class of 1975 is the newest class inducted into Club 50 as they celebrated their 50th reunion during Alumni Weekend 2025. The class had a great time reminiscing about shared memories and marked this special occasion with a 50th reunion ceremonial pinning. The celebration continued later in the evening as they cheered on Jim Wetrich who received an award during the Alumni Awards Celebration and Dinner. Thank you to Clark Atterbury, Steve Huffman, Greg Lynch, Anthony Paris and Jim Wetrich for your work as reunion chairs! 11

Jim Boyce and his wife, Ginny, welcomed Bill Ripley ’60 to their Laguna Beach home this summer. Bill presented Jim with Webb memorabilia, including a framed photo of the historic wooden sign Jim donated to the Webb Archives in 2023. 12

James Wetrich received the Alumni Outstanding Achievement Award during Alumni Weekend 2025 for his leadership and innovation in healthcare and business. 13

1976 Class of 1976, join us on campus this fall for your 50th reunion! This momentous milestone will be recognized in a special ceremony as well as an induction into Club 50. We look forward to celebrating the memories, friendships and accomplishments of your class. So mark your calendars for Alumni Weekend 2026 (October 23–24) to celebrate this milestone together. Interested in helping plan your class gathering? Email alumni@webb.org to get involved.

1978 Richard Dukes remains actively involved with Webb and recently helped establish a new endowed scholarship honoring beloved alumnus, former faculty member and former Head of School, Bill Ripley ’60 Peter Pierce was recently appointed Senior Attorney in the Office of General Counsel at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

1979 Larry Recht has been traveling extensively since retiring. When he’s not catching up with Webb classmates, Larry can often be found skiing at Mammoth Mountain. 14

1980s

1980 Congratulations to the Class of 1980 for reaching their 45th reunion milestone! Four decades later, the bonds and memories remain an important part of our school’s story, and we hope to reconnect at an upcoming alumni event.

ROGERS SCHOLARS DINNER

Col. John S. Rogers, USAF (Ret.) ’59, GP ’16 returned to campus with his daughter, Janet Rogers P ’16, for the 32nd annual Rogers Scholars Dinner, an evening that brings together both Rogers Scholars and Rogers Peccary Scholars to celebrate academic achievement, research and the Webb experience. Through the Mary Stuart Rogers Foundation, John has supported more than 300 Webb students honored as Rogers Scholars, recognizing those who exemplify strong character, leadership and high achievement.

The Rogers Peccary Scholars Program, now in its 26th year, provides students with the opportunity to pursue hands-on field and laboratory research at the museum. With generous support from the Mary Stuart Rogers Foundation, Peccary Scholars continue to make

meaningful contributions to scientific knowledge, with the program growing from just three students in 2000 to nine scholars this year. Throughout the evening, students shared reflections on their research and experiences at Webb, creating a meaningful opportunity for connection and conversation.

1981 Class of 1981, your 45th reunion is coming up this fall, so mark your calendars! Join us on campus for Alumni Weekend 2026 (October 23–24) to celebrate this milestone together.

Interested in helping plan your reunion gathering? Email alumni@webb.org for more information!

Stephen Farley’s public art installation, The Power of Pomona Is People, is featured at the new Pomona North Metrolink Station which opened to the public last year. The project represents more than 20 years of collaboration with the City of Pomona and honors the city’s everyday heroes. 15

1982 Scott Austin and his wife, Ana, are enjoying time with their four grandchildren and report that life is great. Their daughter Tori reenlisted in the U.S. Navy, continuing her 14–year career as a Navy Hospital Corpsman and now is serving at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. Daughter Ami has built a successful professional photography business and is relocating to North Carolina with her family, while son Scott Jr. works as a software engineer with Hitachi Global in Indiana. 16

David Ivey-Soto continues to serve the Webb community as Alumni Council Vice President. This past fall, he helped welcome alumni back to campus during Alumni Weekend and served as master of ceremonies at the 2025 Alumni Awards Celebration and Dinner. 17

Jason Keyes recently completed the Pacific Crest Trail — from Mexico to Canada — after an extraordinary 27–year journey. Along the way, he shared many backpacking adventures with Webb classmates, including a final trip to the Canadian terminus in August. Fellow hikers included John Wirum ’82, Dilip Da Silva ’82, Robbie Warner ’82, and Sam Gregory ’82, whose Webb spirit was present even when joining by phone. 18

Robbie Warner continues to stay closely connected with Webb friends. In 2025, he participated in a Webbie ski trip to Revelstoke and joined classmates for Mt. Baldy’s annual Run to the Top. He also enjoyed several reunion ski outings throughout the year. 19 20

1984 Jeffrey Cannon has joined the Alumni Council as a member at large.

Nicholas Corwin became a German citizen in May while retaining his U.S. citizenship.

Harry Oei recently completed an ambitious personal goal: visiting all 50 U.S. states, along with Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico. In each location, he made a point to attend a sporting event or participate in a recreational activity. Harry also returned to the Claremont area in January to take part in the Alumni vs. Students soccer game. 21

1985 The Class of 1985 celebrated its 40th reunion at Alumni Weekend 2025. Thank you to reunion chairs Evangeline Fisher Grossman and Robert Takata for their efforts in planning their reunion. The class gathered on Friday evening at Evangeline’s law firm in the Claremont Village for a great night of celebration. The festivities continued through the next day on campus where meaningful conversations and memories were shared. 22

Claudia Marcus left Rome in 2018 to pursue an MSc in occupational therapy at the University of Brighton and graduated in 2021. She then spent several years gaining experience in the U.K. before returning to Rome in January 2025. Her U.K. degree has now been officially recognized, making her a licensed occupational therapist in Italy. Claudia has also enjoyed reconnecting with Webb classmates abroad, including Eddie Chowaiki ’86. She welcomes fellow Webbies visiting Europe and would love to host a reunion in Rome. 23

1986 Class of 1986, we look forward to celebrating your 40th reunion at Alumni Weekend 2026 (October 23–24)! This is a great time not only to celebrate the time passed but the memories and friendships that have lasted since your time at Webb. Join us on campus to celebrate this milestone together. Interested in helping plan the gathering? Email alumni@webb.org to get involved.

Anne Lai and her husband, former Webb faculty member Rick Peterson, recently stopped by campus for a tour while Rick was visiting from Colorado. Anne is a veterinarian, and Rick practices family medicine. 24

Faye Karnavy Sahai is embracing a new phase of “rewirement,” focusing on board work, advising and travel. She is spending more time abroad, including in Thailand and Brazil, and looks forward to reconnecting with fellow Webbies during her travels and at the Class of 1986’s 40th reunion during Alumni Weekend 2026 (October 23–24). 25

1987 Kevin Browne and Jennifer Chassman Browne collaborated on a poetry collection, Born on a Fault Line, with Jenn writing the poems and Kevin illustrating them. In addition to her ongoing disability consulting work, Jenn has written See Us, Know Us: Profiles of Disability, scheduled for publication on October 6 and featuring classmate Hope Demetriades ’87. Kevin retired last year and has returned to drawing and painting while learning to play the flute.

Janel Henriksen Hastings and her husband, Glen, served as part of the support crew for the 2025 Susan G. Komen® 3-Day in San Diego.

1988 Corey Calaycay helped reestablish the sister-city relationship between Claremont and Guanajuato, Mexico — originally formed on November 10, 1961 — to promote cultural understanding, economic development and citizen diplomacy.

ALUMNI AWARDS 2025: CELEBRATING WEBB ALUMNI WHO INSPIRE AND LEAD

Webbies continue to shape the world in extraordinary ways. Through the Alumni Awards, the Alumni Council and Board of Trustees annually honor alumni whose achievements reflect Webb’s mission to think boldly, act with integrity, lead with distinction and serve with a generous spirit. Award recipients are celebrated during Alumni Weekend for their lasting impact and service. This year, Alumni Council Vice President David Ivey-Soto ’82 served as master of ceremonies, helping guide an evening dedicated to recognizing our exceptional alumni. Learn more about the awards and our recipients at webb.org/alumni/alumni-awards.

RECIPIENTS

Alumni Outstanding Achievement Award

James Wetrich ’75

Colborn Distinguished Service Award

Dwight Morgan ’65

Young Alumni Rising Star Award

Stacy Chen ’12

Sandra Lee Rebish was a featured speaker at LEADderm 2025, presenting The Art of Balancing Professionalism and Personality on Social Media . She also spoke at the AAD Innovation Academy in Chicago this past summer and was featured as a Jeopardy! clue on July 24, 2025.

Steve Shenbaum received the “Ray of Sunshine” Award from the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance in Sarasota, FL.

1989 Wendin Smith and her daughter, Luca, joined the Alumni & Friends Peccary Trip, marking Luca’s first Peccary experience. Luca is already eager to return for future adventures. 26

1990s

1990 The Class of 1990 celebrated its 35th reunion at Alumni Weekend 2025. From the All-Class Celebration at Claremont Craft Ales to revisiting Chapel and cheering on the Homecoming Football Game, it was an amazing celebration of 35 years of community and friendship. Thank you to Rajan Bhatt, Praveena Jeereddi, Rahmi Mowjood, Hewitt Pratt, Alex Stamires and Jennifer Tong for your efforts as reunion chair. 27

Rajan Bhatt, CEO of OrthoArizona, announced a new partnership bringing the elite Training HAUS NFL Combine Prep program to Scottsdale, Arizona. The 12-week program will prepare NFL draft prospects and free agents for the 2026 NFL Draft through integrated strength training, biomechanics, sports medicine, nutrition and injury prevention. Under Rajan’s leadership, OrthoArizona has built one of the nation’s most comprehensive orthopedic and sports medicine platforms, making Arizona an ideal West Coast training hub for world-class athletes. Rajan recently returned to Webb to celebrate his 35th reunion where he served as one of the Class of 1990’s reunion chairs. 28

1991 Class of 1991, your 35th reunion is coming up this fall! Reunion is a great time to reconnect and celebrate the community that has lasted since your time at Webb. Join us on campus for Alumni Weekend 2026 (October 23–24) to celebrate this milestone together. Interested in helping plan the gathering? Email alumni@webb.org to get involved.

1992 Helen Liu is currently enjoying life in Princeton, New Jersey.

Philippa Manley married Sebastian Marketsmueller on September 4, 2025. The couple lives and works in San Francisco. 29

1994 Becky Slattery is happy to report that she and her sister Kathy Upton ’94 are both breast cancer survivors and have been in remission for the past several years.

1995 Class of 1995 This past year marked the Class of 1995’s 30th reunion! Thank you to Jenna Gambaro and Jason Howard for your efforts as reunion chairs. We hope to see you at the 35th reunion in 2030!

Alexandra Dey recited her oath to defend the Constitution and became a lawyer last April.

Elliot J. Fung recently returned to Webb with his wife, Karie, and children, Emma and Jake, for a visit to campus. They currently reside in Hong Kong where Elliot is the Director of the Juris Doctor Program at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. This was Elliot’s first time back to Webb since graduation, and he enjoyed sharing his Webb experience with his family. 30

1996 Class of 1996, mark your calendars! Your 30th reunion is coming up this fall, and we hope you’ll join us on campus for Alumni Weekend 2026 (October 23–24) to celebrate this milestone together. Interested in helping plan the gathering?

Email alumni@webb.org to get involved.

Douglas Lee has brought great energy and spirit to the Alumni Council as a new member at large. Doug is looking forward to reconnecting with his classmates for their 30th reunion at Alumni Weekend 2026 (October 23–24).

Nicole Wyskoarko was recently honored at the Billboard Women in Music Awards alongside her female colleagues. She currently serves as President and Head of Urban A&R at Interscope Geffen A&M and shared her gratitude for the recognition.

1997 Aman Ahluwalia is looking forward to another adventure in consulting after launching GB Partners LLC in October 2025, a boutique governance, risk, and compliance consultancy that combines an institutional mindset with innovative technology. The firm leverages agentic AI, a robust technology stack, and decades of experience to provide clients with thoughtful, customized, and scalable solutions with whiteglove execution for every engagement. In addition, Aman and his wife recently became minority owners of Hellas Verona FC, an Italian Serie A football club, and now spend early mornings cheering on their squad. Forza Hellas!

1999 Jason Brooks recently returned to Webb during Alumni Weekend to speak on an alumni-student panel on Culture & Community at Webb. Jason shared the profound impact that Webb has had on his life, an influence he has chosen to commemorate in a very personal, permanent way.

2000s

2000 The Class of 2000 celebrated its 25th reunion at Alumni Weekend 2025. Thank you to Ben Dey and Albert Walsh for serving

as your class’s reunion chairs. It was a pleasure to have you back on campus and celebrate this occasion with you all. 31

2001 Class of 2001, join us on campus to celebrate your 25th reunion! Mark your calendars for Alumni Weekend 2026 (October 23–24) to celebrate not just this momentous milestone, but the lasting friendships and community that you have built since your time at Webb. Interested in planning your class gathering? Email alumni@ webb.org to get involved.

2002 Andrea Hobby is the Director of Data Science at an organization advancing laboratory medicine and diagnostics. She is currently pursuing her Doctor of Public Health at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, where her research focuses on the intersection of population health and AI. Last year, she spoke at UVA Darden on responsible AI. Outside of her professional and academic pursuits, Andrea and her spouse recently welcomed their son, Theo.

2003 Chris Forney and his wife, Alexis, recently welcomed their first child.

Alex Long and his wife, Kari, welcomed their son, Brooks, on November 14, 2025, the 10th anniversary of the couple’s first date. Brooks joins big siblings Emma and George, twins who celebrated their third birthday in September 2025. Saahil Sheth has launched a YouTube Channel about International Soccer, called “International Soccer Break,” with brother Raahi ’07 and is currently

focusing on the upcoming World Cup this summer.

Jayson Sohi reports that life is busy and full with his wife and their two energetic children. He is settling into his role as General Counsel at PopSockets and enjoying this new professional chapter.

2004 Kit Clark enjoyed returning to campus for his 20th reunion in 2024 and recently reconnected with Dr. Andy Farke in Denver. Inspired by his student involvement with the Alf Museum, Kit is now a senior geologist. He and his father, Richard, remain enthusiastic supporters of the Museum’s work, and Kit hopes to take his daughter on a future Alumni & Friends Peccary Trip. 32

Chris Waddell assumed command of U.S. Navy Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 25 on October 1, 2025. Stationed in Guam, Commander Waddell now leads approximately 350 Navy personnel — about 50 officers and 300 enlisted sailors — along with 20 helicopters supporting forward operations in the western Pacific. His assignment is expected to continue for approximately 18 months. 33

2005 The Class of 2005 reunited for its 20th reunion at Alumni Weekend 2025. The class had an amazing time together and enjoyed being back on campus. This truly was a great time for the class to celebrate the connections and friendships that have lasted since their time at Webb. 34

Becky Hsia is a successful stage manager in Los Angeles and Seattle. She has stage managed scores of dramas and musicals. 35 36

Kristen Priddy Maher welcomed her first child last May.

2006 Class of 2006, mark your calendars! Your 20th reunion is coming up this fall, and we hope you’ll join us on campus for Alumni Weekend 2026 (October 23–24) to celebrate this milestone together. Interested in helping plan the gathering? Email alumni@ webb.org to get involved.

Mark Torres is a tenured professor at Rice University and recently received a major grant from the National Science Foundation to support his research. He credits the Alf Museum’s paleontology program with influencing his decision to study geology at Pitzer College. Mark and his family also recently welcomed their second child. 37

2007 Alyssa Sittig Leppla and her husband, Nick, welcomed their third son, Brooks, on May 8, 2025. He joins big brothers Lincoln and Emmett. The family is enjoying life with three young boys and all the joy (and energy!) that comes with it. 38

Raahi Sheth currently lives in New York where he often gets together with other Webb alums in the city.

Summer Swee-Singh recently co-hosted a masterclass titled “Sessionist and Side Hustles” for emerging musicians, bringing together industry professionals to discuss creative careers and entrepreneurship in today’s music landscape. She also performed for the Alex Morgan Foundation’s Celebration of Confidence for the third consecutive year. 39

2008 Deborah Mekbib Kifle returned to Webb for a visit in June 2025. This was her first time back on campus since graduation! She enjoyed reminiscing about her time as a student, was impressed by the beauty of the campus and recent renovations, and even had a classic Webb moment with an unexpected wildlife sighting. 40

2009 Amanda Blount and her husband Christian ’08 welcomed their son, on September 1, 2025.

Sarah M. Fuentes welcomed her son, Oscar, on September 2, 2025.

Charisma Mylavarapu began a new role at City of Hope, joining the Medical Oncology group.

Kevin Sack shares that 2025 was a year of transition. He is now living in San Francisco and focusing on the next chapter, both personally and professionally. 41

2010s

2010 The Class of 2010 celebrated its 15th reunion at Alumni Weekend 2025. Thank you to Matt Abrams and Carly Paris for their work as reunion chairs. The class had an amazing time reconnecting on campus. 42

Will Baker was admitted to Cal State LA’s MBA program and will begin studies in Business Administration in Spring 2026.

Scott Chung is a Private Equity Director at Tikehau Capital and enjoyed reconnecting with classmates during his 15th reunion at Alumni Weekend 2025. In his spare time, he is working on restoring his beloved 170-year-old historic home. 43

Malick Diop launched Nvn Fitness in September 2025, an after-school fitness program based in Los Angeles. Inspired in part by his Webb experience, the program brings professional fitness training to school campuses, helping students build strength, endurance, and confidence in a supportive environment. Nvn Fitness aims to make exercise accessible, reduce injury risk, and foster lifelong positive relationships with physical activity. 44

Eunice Kim-Skenderian facilitated a Somatic Business Workshop for Eldest Daughter Entrepreneurs through the Eldest Daughter Collective in August 2025.

PARENT EVENTS

2/25

Cookie Mailing Assembly with Webb Parents

Each year, the Alumni Office, with the help of parent volunteers, prepares special midyear treats for college-aged Webbies to enjoy a taste of home. 1

4/4 Webb in Seoul

Parents gathered in Seoul for a special evening at Hanikwan, enjoying meaningful conversation and connection in a warm, welcoming setting. Many thanks to Dr. Alice Hyun-Kyung Tan P ’24 for her support in helping arrange this memorable gathering. 2

5/30 Senior Parent Reception

This cherished senior parent tradition mirrors the gathering held at the Head of School’s home four years earlier as they arrived on campus as first-year families. Senior families came together for a greeting from Dr. Smith and one final opportunity to connect with fellow parents before the Commencement ceremony the following day. 3

8/16–17 Orientation

The excitement of Orientation and Move-In marks the official beginning of the academic year. Families from near and far gathered on campus to help prepare their students for another memorable year at Webb. Orientation includes several sessions to get acclimated at Webb and opportunities to meet members of the community. 4

10/2 All In Tailgate

Parents were invited to a special Thursday Night Lights football game where they were able to attend the All In Tailgate celebrating the kickoff of fundraising for The Webb Fund. The evening showcased remarkable parent support, fostered meaningful connections ahead of Family Day and raised more than $700,000 toward this year’s $1.8 million goal. 5

10/3 Family Day

Family Day welcomes loved ones to campus for a firsthand look at a day in the life of a Webb student. The event offers meaningful time to connect with friends, faculty and coaches who help shape the Webb experience. 6

newsNOTES

Aesha Shah welcomed her son, Riaan, on September 13, 2025.

Eshaana Sheth shares that she is currently a writer and actor based in LA and is transitioning back into filmmaking after modeling for 4 years. In addition to her previous awards for direction and writing, her latest short film earned her an acting award on the international film festival circuit and is currently being screened in the US and Europe.

2011 Class of 2011, your 15th reunion is coming up this fall! Reunion is a great time to celebrate the wonderful memories and friendships that you have made since your time at Webb. We hope you’ll join us on campus for Alumni Weekend 2026 (October 23–24) to celebrate this milestone together. Interested in helping plan your class gathering? Email alumni@webb.org to get involved.

Dana Edwards welcomed her second child, Archer Daniel, on July 19, 2025 with husband Jake Okerman. She also recently completed her master’s degree in nursing.

Lauren Feeney and husband Matt welcomed their daughter, Charlotte Jo, on September 22, 2025. 45

Lauren Harvey is celebrating three years of running Taste Travel Co., a travel advising business that grew from a passion project into a full-time career. She specializes in culturally rich, personalized itineraries and enjoys planning trips to destinations such as Iceland, Italy and Japan. 46

Sean James recently celebrated his tenth year at Apple in Cupertino, where he serves as a senior software engineer on the GPU graphics team. He also enjoyed reconnecting with fellow Webbie Lance Morton ’11 and his wife, Amanda, during a visit to their new home on Whidbey Island, Washington.

Tyler Madrid and his wife are welcoming a new baby, expanding their family to five.

2012 Stacy Chen received Webb’s Young Alumni Rising Star Award during Alumni Weekend 2025 in recognition of her meaningful impact through storytelling, representation and community-building in her professional work. 47

Marja Diaz is the Senior Manager of Documentary Films at National Geographic. She recently got engaged to Thomas Heminger in November 2025.

Tim McGinley is engaged to fellow Cal graduate Naomi Movshovich. The couple will be married this spring 2026 in Ojai, with proud mom Christina Mercer McGinley ’84 and sister Cori ’16 celebrating alongside them. 48

AJ Hess married Kelly Mittendorf on September 27, 2025. 49

2013 Derek Chok married Annie Lam in October of 2025.

Marcos Lopez recently began law school at the University of Maryland

Francis King Carey School of Law, where he is pursuing a J.D. and plans to become a criminal trial attorney. 50

Shaun Mazzio is engaged to be married to Amber Boetger in April 2027 and is looking ahead to the next chapter. 51

Andi Phillips married her husband Robert Armatas on October 18, 2025 in Fallbrook, California.

Sophie Shufer married Franklin Downing on October 18, 2025.

2014 Lauren Carpio married Marcus Lew on April 19, 2025. Kristen Wang, Christy Wong, Sage Yang and Alicia Zheng attended the wedding as a part of Lauren’s bridal party.

Justin Chandrasekhar completed his first year at GEICO Insurance after four years with Smart Action. He also enjoyed a memorable vacation in Dubai. 52

ALUMNI CHAPEL TALKS AT ALUMNI WEEKEND 2025

Chapel talks are a time-honored Webb tradition, first experienced as students during senior year. During Alumni Weekend 2025, Carly Paris ’10 and Steven Huffman ’75, both joined by their family, returned to campus to celebrate their reunions and re-experience this meaningful rite, delivering two compelling chapel talks that shared reflections shaped by their time at Webb and beyond.

The Saturday Alumni Chapel Service was led by Bill Ripley ’60, highlighting the enduring connection alumni maintained with this longstanding Webb tradition.

Jonathan Rodriguez earned his Ph.D. in Mathematical, Computational and Systems Biology from the University of California, Irvine, and is currently conducting postdoctoral research at UCI. 53

Alicia Y. Zheng married Kevin Tsao on October 25, 2025.

2015 The Class of 2015 celebrated its 10th reunion at Alumni Weekend 2025. Thank you to Rena Patel and Spencer Hosch for serving as reunion chairs! 54

Danielle Myung married Ryan Fei on October 25, 2025.

2016 Class of 2016, your 10th reunion is coming up this fall, so mark your calendars! We hope you’ll join us on campus for Alumni Weekend 2026 (October 23–24) to celebrate this milestone together. Interested in helping plan your class gathering? Email alumni@ webb.org to get involved.

Armen Chalian is a Los Angeles Fire Department Firefighter/Paramedic. He received a special letter of commendation at the LAFD Foundation Valor Event held at Dodger Stadium on November 19, 2025. 55

Alex Cooley became engaged to Regis Bridgeland in October 2025.

Giovanna Tyndale married Nicolas Jones in Carmel, California, on September 6, 2025. She also earned her Master of Public Health from the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health in August 2025. 56 57

Jonathan Xing shared the arrival of a newborn baby in summer 2025.

Paul Yanez earned his B.S. from Harvard University in 2020 and his M.D. from the Medical College of Wisconsin in 2025. He is currently completing his residency at UCLA’s Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital, ranked among the top programs in the nation. 58

2017 Helen Ge married Joshua Bruno in April 2025 at a destination wedding in Tuscany. Many Webb alumni attended, with Sarah ’17 and Jessica ’17 Renfrew serving in the wedding party. Helen began culinary school later in the year.

Jordan Fuelling and Alexis Wilson completed the Yosemite Half Marathon together in May 2025.

Josh Ratinoff has moved to Washington DC this past summer ahead of starting an MBA program at Georgetown University with a concentration in Real Estate Finance.

2018 Matt Brailsford began medical school at Loma Linda University as a member of the Class of 2029. Prior, he earned an M.S. in Regenerative Medicine and Nanotechnology from University College London and completed a year of stem cell research in Seoul, South Korea. 59

Ryan Place and his wife, Deborah, welcomed their first child, Honey, in March 2025. 60

Peter Raus completed Naval Flight School in Pensacola, Florida, earning his wings in June. He is now stationed at Naval Air Station North Island in San Diego, flying helicopters. Peter married Emily in November, with his brother Luke ’20 serving as best man. 61 62

2019 Juliana Base recently concluded her NCAA Division I athletic career at UC Riverside, where she rose from walk-on to scholarship athlete on the Track & Field team. Competing in the javelin, she now holds the No. 2 mark in UCR history. She is completing her master’s degree at UCR in Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology and continues to train with plans to pursue professional javelin competition in Brazil. Juliana recently returned to Webb during Alumni Weekend where she was part of an alumni-student panel on Culture & Community at Webb. 63

JJ Cunningham became engaged to Taylor Moser in May.

Brooke Fakhoury visited campus in July 2025 with her boyfriend, Jack. She reminisced about the time she spent at Webb and remains close friends with Anne Lofgren ’19 and Izzy Gerard ’19. Brooke credits the experience she had in the phonathon program at Webb for the work she does today. She currently works at Georgetown University as an Assistant Director for Class Programs & Reunion Campaigns. 64

Jordan Fang recently began a new role as Senior AI & Automation Administrator at Articulate Global, where he focuses on integrating thoughtful, practical AI and automation into everyday operations. He also launched Omnis, a small consultancy partnering with organizations to implement responsible automation that delivers real results.

Jordan credits Webb with helping develop the adaptability and systems thinking that continue to guide his work and enjoys staying connected to the Webb community. Last year, Jordan joined the Alumni Council as a member at large. 65

2020s

2020 The Class of 2020 came together and celebrated its 5th reunion at Alumni Weekend 2025. Thank you to Kyle Burt, Jay Gupta and Luke Raus for their work as reunion chairs to bring your class together. Class attendees showed support at the Dynamic Dialogue with Culture & Community session where Max Urias participated as part of the alumni-student panel. 66

Luke Raus, now a member of the Webb faculty teaching mathematics and computer science, proudly served as best man at his brother Peter ’18’s wedding. 67

Max Urias recently returned to Webb and attended his 5th reunion during Alumni Weekend. He participated on the Dynamic Dialogue with Culture & Community alumni-student panel.

Amanda Wang was crowned Miss Taiwanese American 2025 on August 2, 2025, at a pageant celebrating culture, leadership and community involvement. 68

Sydney Wuu graduated magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from Dartmouth College in 2024 with a double major in Economics and Environmental Studies. Following graduation, she served as a Fulbright Scholar in Taiwan. Sydney recently returned to Pasadena and is now working as an Admissions Counselor at Caltech. 69

2021 Class of 2021, your 5th reunion is coming up this fall! This is the perfect opportunity for your class to gather and reconnect as well as network with other alumni. So, mark your calendars! We hope you’ll join us on campus for Alumni Weekend 2026 (October 23–24) to celebrate this milestone together. Interested in helping to plan your class gathering? Email alumni@ webb.org to get involved.

Mert Albeyoglu is completing his integrated master’s year in Computer Science at University College London. He won Europe’s largest student hackathon for the second consecutive year, this time focused on Generative AI. The achievement followed his summer internship as a Machine Learning Engineer at Spotify. 70

Abbie Arroyo is a firstyear master’s student in UCLA’s Producing Program. She is currently developing a short film set to begin production next year and has enjoyed connecting with industry professionals across film and television. Abbie hopes to share her experiences with Webb students interested in producing and development. Abbie recently returned to Webb during Alumni Weekend as a part of an alumnistudent panel to have A Dynamic Discussion with Culture & Community at Webb.

Iris Chiu is the assistant sound designer for the upcoming Broadway production Dog Day Afternoon , set to open in March 2026. 71

Jacqueline Cordes graduated cum laude from Pomona College in 2025. She has had a prolific year as a composer, releasing her latest album, Frozen Star, along with a music video introducing The Puppetmaker for the lead single, “Illusions of Amethyst.” Her first official soundtrack, written for the short film Three Angles, is now available ahead of the film’s public release.

Jacqueline also presented a webinar titled How to Create Colorful Music, co-authored a peerreviewed article on music and synesthesia and was profiled in the Claremont Courier. 72

Peter Graf was awarded a 2025 Burpee Museum Utah Dig Exposition Student Scholarship. His fieldwork included uncovering sauropod fossils — among them one of the largest Apatosaurus femurs discovered, as well as dinosaur material from the Hell Creek Formation in Montana. He is also engaged in theropod dinosaur research with his professor. 73

Laura Haushalter received an honorable mention at Loyola Marymount University’s Library Research Awards for her paper on the visual history of Southern California freeways.

Jake Sharifi is a secondyear law student at Vanderbilt Law School. He has secured summer internships for 2025 and 2026 with Kirkland & Ellis in Chicago. 74

Aliza Tyndale graduated from UC Santa Barbara in June of 2025, earning a bachelor’s degree in Film and Media Studies with a minor in Black Studies. 75

2022 Matthew Gooch earned his Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Bentley University in December 2025 and is completing his Master of Science in Accounting with a concentration in Corporate Financial Reporting. He will graduate in May 2026 and has accepted a position with KPMG.

Laura Li recently accepted a full-time position with McKinsey & Company in the firm’s Houston office. She shared her gratitude for the Webb alumni network, whose guidance and connections played a meaningful role in her consulting journey.

Sharon Xu won a prize at the SoCal Fiber Festival for her knitted colorwork gloves, showcasing both creativity and craftsmanship. She remains grateful for the analytical foundation and mentorship she received at Webb. 76

2025 Hector Vargas is enjoying dorm life and the start of his college experience at UC Riverside.

In Memoriam A celebration of life

ALUMNI

1944

We recently learned that CHARLES P. SKOURAS, JR., passed away on June 9, 2017. Charlie went on to graduate from West Point Academy before serving in the Air Force during the Korean conflict. Charles established a career in motion picture production and was a successful movie theater owner and operator until retirement. The organ in the Vivan Webb Chapel was donated by the Skouras family and was mentioned in the publication of Thompson Webb: Volume 1, the Years at Webb School 1922–1975.

JOHN G. VEDDER passed in June of 2025. His father, Glenn Vedder, taught Chemistry at Webb, and John grew up on campus, forming a lifelong connection to the school and Webb community. He was deeply grateful for the academic foundation Webb provided and often reflected on how it prepared him for college, graduate study and his professional career. Inspired by Raymond Alf to become a geologist, he passed up a career as a doctor after Navy medical training during WWII and pursued geology. He attended Pomona College and Claremont Graduate School, earning degrees in geology. During the Korean War, John mapped large regions of Alaska with the Army Corps of Engineers. He later joined the U.S. Geological Survey and continued his career for over four decades. John was appointed lead expert by the Department of the Interior following the 1967 Santa Barbara oil spill and later received a commendation medal for his work. John was also recognized as an authority on the southern borderlands and served as chief scientist on a joint marine expedition with Australia, the Solomon Islands, Fiji and Papua New Guinea. Outside of his professional life, John’s lifelong hobby was his magnificent shell collection, nearly all gathered personally while snorkeling and diving off the California coast and the Caribbean Sea, and later throughout the Indo-Pacific with his wife, Diane, who passed in 2023.

1945

We recently learned that M. RAYMOND HESTER passed away on September 14, 2018. Although only attending Webb for one year, the school had a profound and lasting impact on Raymond later in life. He remained connected to Webb and his classmates, even serving as a reunion chair for the class of 1945 and participating in phonathon outreach. Raymond attended Yale University, where he graduated with honors in economic, moral and political philosophy. He later moved to Los Angeles to start a career in the insurance industry before becoming President of the William Wilson Company, a real estate firm, a position he held until his retirement at age 62. Always a gentleman, Raymond was known for his

great intellect, sharp wit and gift of storytelling. He was kind, generous, humble, loyal and always interested in others.

1946

We recently learned that ANTON H. REYNOLDS passed away on September 20, 2023. Webb played an important role in shaping the man Tony became, and he held the school close to his heart throughout his life. He was always eager to share his Webb experiences and remained actively engaged as an alumnus, serving as a class agent and staying connected with many Webbies. After attending Princeton University, Tony settled in the Bay Area, where he also pursued graduate studies at Stanford University, where his wife worked in the school’s Alumni Office. He spent his professional career in retirement planning and investments.

1947

We recently learned that LAWRENCE C. THUM passed away on October 20, 2023. Larry was a thoughtful, kind and gentle man of great integrity and a lifelong scholar. A proud alumnus of The Webb Schools, Stanford University, and Harvard Medical School, he served for two years as a psychiatrist in the U.S. Army at Fort Hood before building a distinguished medical career. He was widely admired as an excellent physician by both his patients and colleagues. In retirement, Larry became an adjunct faculty member teaching the history of psychiatry at the University of California, San Diego Medical School and the US Navy. He was also chosen as a lifetime Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association in 2010. Larry thoroughly enjoyed his experience at Webb, participating in Chapel Choir, Debate Club, Library Carving and Stamp Club. He often returned to Webb for many Alumni Weekends to celebrate milestone reunions.

1950

HENRY F. KEIL, III , passed away on March 4, 2025, at his home in Fulshear, Texas. After attending the University of California, Berkeley for one year, Hank enlisted in the United States Coast Guard as a Seaman Recruit, serving on several vessels, including the USCGC Finch, which he was most fond of. He was honorably discharged in 1959 and received numerous commendations, including the National Service Defense Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Coast Guard Good Conduct Medal and the Korean Service Medal. Following his military service, Hank, known for his professionalism and integrity, built a long and successful 60-year career in financial consulting. He was also an avid sportsman who loved hunting, fishing and spending time at the gun range. Hank and his wife Evelyn shared many adventures together and created many beautiful memories that will be treasured by their family.

1951

We recently learned that JOHN A. ALLARD passed away on November 19, 2020. As a student, John was a top leader, serving as both football captain and class president. He also participated in track & field and baseball, contributed to Blue & Gold and El Espejo, and served on the Honor Committee. John earned an economics degree from Yale University before embarking on a career in real estate, as well as fuel oil and export sales. John remained engaged and connected to Webb throughout his years, has been a member of the Alumni Council, has participated in phonathon programs, and has served as a reunion chair for his 30th reunion.

KIMBALL FIRESTONE passed away on June 3, 2024, at his home in Middletown, Maryland. The two and a half years Kim spent at Webb and the early experiences he gained here meant a great deal to him, especially later in his life. While at Webb, Kim participated in football, basketball, baseball, Blue & Gold , El Espejo, Drama Club and Honor Committee. After graduating, he remained an avid supporter of Webb, served as a Class Agent for several years, and returned for many reunions. A Stanford University graduate and U.S. Army veteran, Kimball was a long-time proprietor of a popular Frederick, Maryland restaurant, Firestone’s Culinary Tavern, and a former executive of the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company founded by his grandfather Harvey S. Firestone. Deeply engaged in his community, Kimball was active in numerous civic, charitable, and healthcare organizations and remained hands-on in managing his farms and breeding thoroughbred horses. He is remembered as a thoughtful leader, dedicated community member and passionate supporter of the culinary arts.

We recently learned that ALLAN D. HAYES passed away on August 16, 2023. While at Webb, he accomplished many things, including serving as editor of the Blue & Gold and participating in El Espejo, drama, basketball, baseball and track & field. After attending Stanford University, Allan entered the advertising industry. Allan also had a strong interest in Southwest art and pottery, and was generous in sharing his knowledge. During his lifetime, he published several books about the artworks of the southwest as well as a book on Enid Foster, an eccentric Sausalito artist whose paintings and other works are in the Sausalito Historical Society, where Allan volunteered.

We recently learned that FRANK C. KNEBEL passed away on July 8, 2012. Frank served his community as an Episcopal Priest and also worked as a college instructor and writer. He credited Webb, chiefly Ray Alf, for instilling in him his love of learning and a sense of what the best of humanity should exemplify.

We recently learned that ALAN W. PENINGER, D.D.S., passed away on September 5, 2024, in Jacksonville, Florida. Alan had attended Stanford University and the University of Southern California for his dental degrees before practicing in Long Beach, California.

We recently learned that ARTO VAN WEST passed away on February 7, 2017. Arriving from Japan, Arto spent a year and a half attending Webb. He went on to attend the Cal-Aero Technical Institute and the Northrop Aeronautical Institute, studying aviation mechanics and jet engines, with an interest in joining the U.S. Air Force, before continuing his studies at Glendale College.

1952

H. EARL “BUD” HOOVER, II , passed away on June 17, 2025. Bud always spoke fondly of his experience at Webb, crediting it for instilling in him honor, compassion and leadership. He frequently shared stories of the people who inspired him — especially Howell Webb, who sparked his lifelong interest in law enforcement — and the unexpected path that later positioned him as a key leader in shaping Webb during the 1960s through the 1980s. His experience provided a firm base for his future community and business participation. Bud attended Claremont McKenna College and the Sheriff’s Academy before serving his country with honor as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army. Upon return, Bud embarked on a distinguished career in banking. His dedication to community service was extensive, leading Bud to many leadership roles across different southern California regions as well as organizations tied to the arts and education, including at Webb as a member of the Board of Trustees. Upon accepting his role as Chairman of the Board of Trustees, he remarked, “...Webb would always be first,” a sentiment reflected in his decades of service as an alumnus, trustee and grandparent. Bud also served as Alumni Association President, a class agent and reunion chair, and in countless other roles. In recognition of his service and dedication to Webb, Bud was unanimously voted as a Life Trustee upon completing his tenure on Webb’s Board of Trustees in 1980 and, in 2017, he received the Colborn Distinguished Service Award.

1953

R. WICKS STEPHENS, II passed away in February of 2025. After Webb, Wicks attended UCLA, Stanford University and Fuller Theological Seminary. He remained connected to many classmates and frequently return to Webb for reunions, even serving as reunion chair for his 60th reunion.

In Memoriam A celebration of life

1955

JOHN G. “GARY” RYAN passed away on November 1, 2025, at his home in Newport Beach, California. Gary often shared that Coach Les Perry played an important role in his life. He proudly lettered in both football and track & field while at Webb and continued his football career at Claremont McKenna College where he also participated in ROTC. After serving in the U.S. Army’s 82nd Airborne Division in Germany, he began a distinguished career in real estate spanning from property management to investment real estate in his later years and establishing his own firm. Faith and service were central to Gary’s life. This was reflected in his active involvement at both Lake Avenue Congregational Church in Pasadena and St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Newport Beach and his support of various veterans’ organizations and local hospitals. He embraced the California lifestyle he loved, cherishing the outdoors and activities like enjoying the ocean, playing golf, skiing with his family and returning to the family farm in Illinois each summer. Gary found joy in adventure, friendship and the time he spent with those he loved.

FULTON WRIGHT, JR. passed away on October 27, 2025, in Scottsdale, Arizona. Although only attending Webb his senior year, Fulton quickly became an active member of the Webb community. He played on both the varsity basketball and tennis teams, contributed to the Blue & Gold newspaper as well as El Espejo and participated in Peccary trips. Fulton went on to earn a Bachelor of Art in Physics from Pomona College and a Ph.D. in Physics from the University of California, Berkeley. After completing his postdoctoral work at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, he embarked on a distinguished career in education as a well-respected and beloved educator. Fulton spent 25 years teaching science at Yavapai College and later also served on the board of Prescott College in Arizona.

1956

LESLIE D. EPSTEIN passed away on May 18, 2025. Leslie left a lasting impression on his teachers and classmates in the two years that he attended Webb. He was deeply involved in campus life, serving as an editor for Blue & Gold , contributing to El Espejo, lettering twice in tennis, and participating in the California Scholarship Federation, Debate Society, Drama Club, Music Club and the Quill & Scroll Honorary Literary Society. His passion for writing was evident from early on. At commencement, Leslie received the Paul Howard English Cup and Book for excellence in English composition and placed first in both the Quill & Scroll Society’s Essay Contest and the Current Affairs Contest. After Webb, Leslie earned his bachelor’s degree in English from Yale University. He became

Webb’s first Rhodes Scholar, studying anthropology at Oxford University, and later earned a master’s in theater arts from UCLA followed by a Ph.D. in playwriting from the Yale School of Drama. Leslie went on to have a remarkable career as both a writer and educator. His work appeared in major publications across the country, and he authored 10 novels, including the critically acclaimed King of the Jews, published in 11 languages. He also served as director of the Creative Writing Program at Boston University for 36 years, shaping generations of aspiring writers.

1959

JAMES E. HALL passed away in December 2025. Jim was a life trustee for the Alf Museum, a proud alumnus, a generous volunteer and supporter, and a dear friend to many in the Webb community. Anyone who spent time with him would undoubtedly describe him as warm, smart and kind person. As a student, Jim was deeply engaged in life at Webb, participating in multiple sports and serving as student body president, a member of Honor Committee and co-editor of Blue & Gold . He was also active in the Debate Club, El Espejo and Orchestra. An energetic and driven student, Jim believed that when he set his heart on something, anything was possible. That spirit was evident during his first Peccary trip in 1957, when his determined searching led to the discovery of a saber-tooth skeleton, which he carefully prepared for display in the Alf Museum. The experience sparked a lifelong fascination with science, prompting Jim to independently investigate and collect fossils in the Santa Barbara and Barstow areas. He went on to earn an astronomy degree from Pomona College as well as a master’s and Ph.D. in physics from University of California, Riverside. Jim built a long and distinguished career as a tenured professor at the University of California, Irvine, authoring numerous technical publications throughout his career. His work spanned everything from cataract formation to Alzheimers research. As an alumnus, Jim remained a devoted supporter of Webb and the Alf Museum. His commitment and volunteer service were recognized during his 55th reunion with the Colborn Distinguished Service Award. Jim regularly attended Alumni Weekend and the Peccary Dinner, served on the Alumni Council for more than a decade, returned as an alumni speaker and most recently served as a Museum Trustee beginning in 2017.

1960

We recently learned that ROBERT GENTILE passed away on February 22, 2020.

STEPHEN E. GEREMIA passed away on May 10, 2025. Steve was an active member of the community who participated

in student government, wrote for school publications and played multiple sports. He served as class secretary and on the Honor Committee, wrote for Blue & Gold , and was a part of El Espejo. His love for sports was prevalent at Webb where he participated in football, tennis and soccer. After graduating from Webb, Steve earned a degree in business from UC Berkeley and an MBA from USC. He joined the family citrus business in Ojai and developed a very successful lemon business in Santa Paula. Steve’s passion, however, was in sports, and he built an extensive career in Santa Barbara as a coach for tennis and soccer. Mr. Football, as he was famously known as later in life, attributed his experience with Les Perry and Sam Parkman as the cornerstone of his coaching career saying that the experience he received “enabled me to do my best for the young people entrusted to me.” He also had a very popular radio broadcast, bringing his insight and enthusiasm for sport to all who listened.

We recently learned that ROBERT LETTEAU passed away on December 18, 2025. A cheerful and highly engaged student, Bob was deeply involved in life at Webb, particularly through athletics. Bob established himself as a sporting authority, participating in basketball, track & field and soccer as well as sports editor for Blue & Gold . Beyond athletics, Bob also contributed to El Espejo, was active in the Debate Society and participated in Drama. After Webb, Bob earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Stanford University and a law degree from Hastings College. He began his legal career in private practice before being appointed to the Superior Court of California in 1982, where he served with distinction for 21 years. During his tenure, he presided over courthouses in Van Nuys, downtown Los Angeles and Santa Monica, earning numerous honors, including Trial Judge of the Year (1986), the Outstanding and Devoted Service Award (1999) and the Judicial Civility Award (2001). Following his retirement in 2002, Bob continued to serve the legal community as a respected mediator, receiving repeated recognition from the Los Angeles Daily Journal. Bob also dedicated decades of leadership to some of Los Angeles’ most historic cemeteries, serving on the Board of Roosevelt Memorial Park and the Board of Inglewood Park Cemetery. Outside of his professional life, Bob loved literature (especially collecting signed books), traveling with family and friends, listening to country music and spirited discussions about politics and taxes. Bob is remembered for a legacy defined by public service, humility, fairness, honor, a die-hard sports fan and the many quiet ways he improved the lives of others.

1961

ROBERT A. BAUM passed away on October 8, 2025. Webb and Ray Alf shaped much of Bob’s life, inspiring his curiosity,

humor and love of learning. Affectionately known as “Bumsy,” a nickname given to him by Ray Alf, some of Bob’s fondest memories were from Webb such as participating in Peccary Trips as well as being a part of the Movie Crew, Soccer Team and Theater. He was even present when the famous fossil footprints (now on display in the Raymond M. Alf Museum) were discovered, and his photo still appears beside the Cats and Camels prints he helped find in 1957. A loyal alumnus and supporter of the Alf Museum, Bob remained deeply connected to Webb throughout his life. He went on to become a beloved educator in the Los Angeles City Schools, teaching fourth grade until his retirement in 1999. A proud great-grandson of The Wizard of Oz creator L. Frank Baum, he often spoke at conventions and festivals that helped keep the spirit of Oz alive for new generations of movie enthusiasts.

DON GIRARD passed away on September 18, 2025, surrounded by his family. Don was an outstanding athlete and scholar, co-captaining the soccer team, and also participating in lacrosse and baseball, all while earning membership in the California Scholarship Federation. He was actively involved in the Camera Club and Blue & Gold, a member of Block W, and served as a counselor at Webb Camp School during the summer. Don’s energy, leadership and dedication to service were evident throughout his time at Webb and remained hallmarks of his life thereafter. Following his graduation, Don attended Pomona College before earning his M.D. from Baylor College of Medicine. He served his country as a Major in the United States Army and went on to a distinguished career in academic medicine. Don spent more than four decades at Oregon Health & Science University, where he served as a professor and Associate Dean for Graduate and Continuing Medical Education. He was a member of the Oregon Medical Board and served as President of the Association of Program Directors in Internal Medicine, in addition to playing a founding role in the Oregon Wellness Program and championing physician wellness nationwide. Patients trusted him completely, friends sought his counsel in their most difficult moments and his family learned by example how to live with kindness, integrity and love.

1962

ROBERT C. MICHAEL passed away after a lengthy illness on October 11, 2025, in Fort Collins, Colorado. As a student, Bob was known to be a brilliant and good-natured scholar with exceptional abilities, especially in history. He remained a loyal supporter of The Webb Schools throughout his life and frequently expressed his respect and admiration for the Raymond M. Alf Museum of Paleontology. Bob often told his friends stories of the adventurous Peccary trips he joined while at Webb. In fact, it was Ray Alf who inspired Bob to

In Memoriam A celebration of life

earn a degree in geology from Pomona College and pursue graduate studies at the University of Wyoming. This began a lifelong career as a respected geologist. Over the course of his professional life, Bob worked with Texaco, Molycorp and Chevron before establishing and managing a successful oil and gas consulting firm. During his life, Bob, a passionate mountaineer and adventurer, was a member of many different mountaineering clubs and climbed hundreds of peaks around the world including all of Colorado’s 14ers as well as many notable peaks in the western U.S., the Himalayas, the Andes and the Alps. He was even instrumental in petitioning to name Mt. Mahler, a 13,000 feet peak in Colorado. Beyond mountains, Bob also enjoyed volleyball, classical music, movies and cats. He was a devoted fan of Colorado State University Women’s Volleyball and rarely missed a Rams home game. Bob was also a dedicated patron of the arts, often frequenting the Fort Collins Opera, the Fort Collins Symphony and the Colorado MahlerFest. Bob lived a full life.

1967

PASCAL H. “TIM” GODDARD passed away on September 7, 2025. Through his time at Webb, Tim became a strong and well-balanced student, excelling in cross country and the piano. He attended Prescott College, earning a bachelor’s degree in English, before attending Arizona State University where he received a master’s degree in English and his law degree. Tim was Director of the Arizona Senior Citizens Law Project for over 25 years, providing legal services for senior citizens, most of whom could not afford legal representation. His work received national recognition from the American Bar Association in 2015 when he received the John H. Pickering Achievement Award. Tim was also honored with a Caring Spirit Award from the Area Agency on Aging. Tim loved music. He was an accomplished musician, playing the guitar and piano. He knew the lyrics to just about any song you could name, the 60s and 70s were his specialty. In his final months, Tim enjoyed attending the music program at Hospice of the Valley dementia campus where he led the rhythm section. Tim cared deeply about his family, the many cats and dogs that found their way to the Goddard home, and the beauty of the Sonoran Desert. Tim had a wry sense of humor and never met an ice cream flavor he didn’t like.

LAWRENCE E. NELSON passed away on October 21, 2024. Larry was an active member of the Webb community as a student. He participated in many sports teams and was also a part of Debate, Blue & Gold and El Espejo. He earned a degree in business management from University of Southern California before attending Pepperdine University for his law degree. He founded Nelson Enterprises and worked in the law and the entertainment industry. Larry supported

Webb as a volunteer, often remaining connected to friends and classmates as a class agent and has also helped with phonathon as well as returning to campus for Alumni Weekend. Larry’s key takeaways from Webb were “a good education, good study habits and Principes non Homines.”

1972

RICHARD MEYER passed away on February 19, 2025. Anyone who knew Richard knows that he was “Mr. School Spirit” whether at Webb or in college. As a student at Webb, Richard was an active member of his class, serving as class president as well as participating in community service, creative writing, art, cross country and track & field. Richard went on to attend the University of Southern California where he majored in English with a minor in film history. Richard built an extensive career in financial services marketing and sales in the banking, investment and information systems industries. He also founded his own consulting firm, Business Designs & Strategies, that specialized in the business planning and capital acquisition process needs and served a diverse group of clients from a wide array of industries. In 2004, Richard took his expertise back to his alma mater, USC, where he supported the Office of the Vice Provost and Dean of Admission and Financial Aid as an Executive Officer in divisional activities as well as strategic planning and initiatives.

1980

MICHAEL ALVAREZ passed away on June 8, 2025. At Webb, Michael displayed exquisite character and integrity. He was known by students and teachers alike for his honesty, uncompromising morals, overall enthusiastic nature and as a modest leader. These exceptional qualities lead to his appointment on the Honor Committee in his senior year. Michael also played on the baseball and football teams while at Webb. Michael went on to work in the film and television industry as an accountant and as a propmaker. He shared a beautiful life with his wife, Estella. They were the proud parents of four children and grandparents of eight grandchildren. His father, Al, and mother, Helena, both worked at Webb for decades, whom he frequently visited.

WALTER LINAWEAVER, III passed away on July 19, 2025. His keen sense of leadership and people skills while a student at Webb enabled him to develop close relationships with many on campus. Walt was an effective communicator, often helping to bridge the gap between faculty and students. This led to his appointment as co-chair of the Honor Committee in his second year, a feat not typically accomplished in such a short time. He also played basketball and served as an

assistant coach for the cross country and basketball teams. While earning his bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Denver, Walt returned to Webb each summer to assist with the summer program as a lifeguard, coach and assistant teacher, working closely with Jeffrey Fast to lead English classes. Upon graduating from the University of Denver, he was invited back as a faculty member and Dean of Students. His passion for guiding young people made him a gifted teacher, an outstanding coach and a respected leader, inspiring him to pursue a degree in education from California State University, East Bay, followed by a master’s in education from Chapman University. This launched a threedecade career in education, serving as a teacher, assistant principal and head of school at several institutions. Even in retirement, Walt continued championing young people through his service on the board of the Boys and Girls Club.

1985

W. TODD MCNICHOLS passed away in his sleep on August 16, 2025, just two weeks before his wedding to Dawn Davis. Since his days at Webb, Todd was known for his love of socializing and for being a strong, positive leader in the community. He was recognized for these qualities at graduation by receiving the coveted Gildred Award for Best School Spirit, an award decided on by the student body. Todd went on to attend Hobart & William Smith College, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology, before returning to Claremont to complete his master’s degree in human resources development from Claremont Graduate University. He subsequently built a nearly 30-year career in human resources. An avid music lover from a young age, Todd once formally requested permission to attend a concert on a school night during his junior year, an anecdote that perfectly reflected his passion for music, strong sense of responsibility and good standing within the community. Classmates and friends would often run into Todd at concerts and shows, especially if Paul Weller was involved. He remained closely connected with many of them, frequently returning for Alumni Weekend, and proudly served as a reunion chair for his 20th and 25th reunions.

2000

We recently learned of NICOLE J. MACBETH HILL’S passing in May of 2024. Although only attending Webb for one year, Nicole had made lasting friendships that continued through her time at Webb. She earned a liberal arts degree from Pepperdine University. Nicole utilized her degree to provide enriching learning experiences and positively shape the lives of many young children as a kindergarten teacher and volunteer in several church preschool programs.

2008

ERIK Y. TYE passed away unexpectedly on November 22, 2025. Erik is remembered for the warmth, energy, curiosity and the generous spirit that he brought to the Webb community. His commitment to excellence was apparent in the ways he challenged himself academically, often taking on a rigorous academic schedule that included numerous Advanced Placement and honors courses while continuing his passion for music in Symphonic Orchestra. After Webb, Erik earned his undergraduate degree from the University of California, Berkeley before completing medical school at Case Western Reserve University, where he was inducted into Alpha Omega Alpha. He completed his orthopedic surgery residency at Harbor–UCLA Medical Center, followed by a lower extremity reconstruction fellowship at the Scripps Clinic. Erik devoted his professional life to caring for others as an orthopedic surgeon, where his compassion, skill and dedication left a lasting impression on patients and colleagues alike. Beyond his medical career, Erik embraced life fully. He loved travel, music and athletics, and found great joy in snowboarding, surfing, running, hiking, yoga and many other sports. A lifelong music lover and accomplished violinist, he carried a deep appreciation for the arts throughout his life.

FACULTY AND STAFF

SUSAN LACROIX passed away on April 2, 2025. Susan’s time at Webb spanned 30 years, starting in the Admission Office as an administrative assistant before transitioning to Registrar. In that time, she handled close to three thousand transcripts. For her avid dedication and tremendous service to students and alumni, Susan received the Joann Robinson Staff Distinguished Service Award in 2013.

JOAN PRESECAN , founding VWS faculty member, passed away on January 2026. As a founding faculty member of VWS, Joan helped shape the school’s academic foundation and foster a culture of intellectual curiosity, rigor and adventure that continues to define Webb today. For 21 years, she taught Fundamental Biology and Advanced Placement Biology at Webb with extraordinary dedication. Teaching was never simply a job for Joan, it was her calling, and she loved every minute of it. She found her drive by staying at the forefront of scientific discovery and developing curriculum to pass that knowledge on to her students. Joan lived life fully and continued her commitment to education and community long after retiring from Webb, serving on the Claremont Unified School District Board, the Baldy View Regional Occupation Program Board and volunteering at the California Botanic Garden. Her influence lives on in the generations of students she inspired.

The Final Word By Will Allan ’94

As Susan Nelson so eloquently stated in her graduation speech, [at Webb] “you know when you’re truly cared for.”

My mom has a knack of using a simple yet powerful saying to illustrate a point. When people ask about where she lives, she responds without hesitation that it is not only her house but more importantly it is her home. Using this logic, I can safely say that Webb is not only my alma mater and my employer, but more importantly it is my home.

During different stages of my life, whether it was growing up in my mid-teens or now, as I’m turning 50, Webb has welcomed, nurtured and molded me for over 30 years. I have straddled both sides of the Webb equation: from an eager bright-eyed freshman boarder in the fall of 1990, to a young teacher forgetting to call my former teachers and now new colleagues by their first names, to currently the third most tenured faculty member on campus.

What makes it home for me? Is it the fact that I have lived in the same dorm-adjacent house for 27 years, enjoyed the campus amenities to their fullest, or eaten in the dining hall for three meals a day? To draw from a famous ’90s political quote that Dave Fawcett would recall, the answer is quite simple: “It’s the economy people, stupid.” (Credit: James Carville, 1992)

The ability to forge a home out of what Ramsy Harris, via Honor the Blue and Gold , described as a “Spartan mold” might seem surprising to an outsider. For anyone who

has experienced the kinship and togetherness of Webb’s community, it is not surprising at all. Where else do you know your friends so well that you call them by their middle names, or recognize who is showering in the Alamo bathroom by the towel hanging over the stall? With this kinship and bond comes familiarity, security and belonging.

Like all good things worth having, this sense of home doesn’t happen overnight. As a freshman, moving into the dorms is a major life event full of both excitement and doubts. Those doubts are part of a timeless human response to a new environment: entering something unfamiliar, learning how to navigate it, making it your own and eventually passing it on to the next generation. Moving into the dorms, I had the same questions all new boarders have — Do I belong here? Am I going to make it? Will anyone like me? — but it didn’t take long to realize how many people were there to support me. Friends and mentors, both students and teachers, became a central part of my

life, and that perspective still guides me today. Orientation weekend and helping new students move into the dorms remain my favorite parts of being a dorm head, rooted in the relationships that first gave me a lasting sense of belonging.

Everyone defines “home” differently. Yet Webb students tend to share two common experiences that shape how the campus becomes home: its unique layout and its scent. At first, campus feels like a maze of roads and pathways — always seemingly going uphill. Over time, it becomes familiar and comforting. Helping a lost visitor find the gym, or leading students down a hidden path near the chapel and watching uncertainty turn into delight, reflects what it means to truly know a place. Once you know the campus like the back of your hand, it becomes a home you never forget.

The outdoor, wild setting plays a powerful role as well. Of all our senses, smell is the one most deeply tied to memory, capable of transporting us instantly and vividly to another moment in time. I distinctly remember the scents of pine and pollen as a freshman boarder. When I catch those same smells on campus 36 years later, I am immediately taken back to madly running out of Holt to make soccer practice on Chandler Field. Both the campus itself and its unique scents are cornerstones of Webb as home.

Alumni weekends are especially meaningful to me. Beyond reconnecting with classmates, I treasure the opportunity to see former students return. Many make a point of visiting their old dorm rooms. It doesn’t matter how many students have lived in the dorm room before and after, each alumnus thinks of it as “my” room. When the current resident happens to be inside, the exchange of stories that follows is always entertaining and deeply affirming.

One alumnus in particular stands out. As a student, he kept the faculty on their collective toes — tracking him down for study hall, nudging him awake for class — he needed his share of encouragement! Fast forward years later, he returned for his reunion, this time with unmistakable confidence and enthusiasm. I welcomed him back, shook his hand and gave him a hug. After catching up for a couple of minutes, I asked what he thought of his Webb experience. Without hesitation, he said, “I love Webb. This is where I grew up. This is my home!”

Every student who attends Webb and every alumnus who returns brings a personal definition of what “home” means. Susan Nelson named it as the moment you realize you are truly cared for. My mother has always defined it as something deeper than a house; it’s a place that shapes who you become. And for the alumnus who told me, “This is where I grew up,” home was inseparable from identity itself. Different words, same truth. As the author Arul Selvan wrote on LinkedIn, “...home is where memory, belonging, and self-understanding intersect.” That intersection is where Webb has lived in my own life for more than three decades. It shaped me, grounded me and continues to welcome me back, not just as an alumnus or faculty member, but as someone who belongs.

For that, I am grateful beyond words to call Webb my home — now and always.

It doesn’t matter how many students have lived in the dorm room before and after, each alumnus thinks of it as “my” room.

above: Enjoying dorm life with students.

left: Photo of Will Allan with his parents and brother on the Alamo Lawn, spring 1993. That year, Allan received the Hempel Cup in recognition of his sportsmanship and athletic achievement.

ADMINISTRATION

Theresa A. Smith, Ph.D.

Head of School

Susan Carpenter

Director of Marketing & Strategic Communications

John Choi

Director of Culture & Community

Jamila Everett, Ed.D.

Dean of Enrollment Management

Andy Farke, Ph.D.

Director, Raymond M. Alf

Museum of Paleontology

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

2025-26

Rahmi Mowjood, D.O. ’70, Chairman

R. Larry Ashton, Jr. ’70, Chairman, Raymond M. Alf Museum of Paleontology, ex officio

Tammie Brailsford

Blake Brown ’68

Kathy Chen Liu ’99

Deval R. Dvivedi ’00

Jenna Z. Gambaro ’95

Jessica Gupta ’05

Wendy Hornbuckle

William Hornbuckle

Jennifer Ishiguro ’91

Naveen Jeereddi ’92

Jae Bum “JB” Lee

Ming (Andrew) Pan

Dakota Santana-Grace ’11

Theresa A. Smith, Ph.D., Head of School, President and Chief Executive Officer, ex officio

Wendin Smith, Ph.D. ’89

Jordan Taylor ’02

Lance Williams ’97

LIFE TRUSTEES

Robert (Bob) Adler

Anne Gould

H. Earl (Bud) Hoover ’52

Ann Longley

Claire H. McCloud

Kimball (Kim) McCloud ’67

Roger J. Millar ’61

Susan A. Nelson

Paul M. Reitler ’54

Peter F. Ziegler ’63

Michael Hoe ’04

Assistant Head of School

Kurt Johnson

Chief Advancement Officer

Hector Martinez

Dean of College Guidance

Reco Sanders

Director of Campus Operations

LeAnne Schweitzer

Chief Financial Officer

ALF MUSEUM BOARD OF TRUSTEES

2025-26

R. Larry Ashton, Jr. ’70, Chairman

Gretchen J. Augustyn

Terry W. Baganz, Secretary

Richard H. Clark

Jeffrey C. Cripe ’08

Andrew Farke, Ph.D., Museum, Director, President, ex officio

Daniel Gluckstein, M.D.

Ronald P. Hagander ’66

Lexington B. Henn ’09

F. Gard Jameson, Ph.D. ’71

Carl W.R. Lachman ’86

David P. Mirkin, M.D. ’66

Rahmi Mowjood, D.O. ’70, Chairman

L.J. Patrick Muffler, Ph.D. ’54

Michelle Plyley

Mary W. Rose, Ph.D.

Elizabeth A. Smith ’92

Theresa Smith, Ph.D., Head of School, ex officio

Charles Steinmann, M.D.

Page W. Thibodeaux

Thomas Yu ’06

Tammy Zipser

LIFE TRUSTEES

Anne G. Earhart

John R. Lynas ’55

Douglas F. Myles

Michael O. Woodburne, Ph.D.

EDITORS

Amanda Sun, Susan Carpenter

DESIGN

Shari Fournier-O’Leary

NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY

The Webb Schools admit students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin, sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the schools.

The Webb Schools do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law in administration of their educational policies, tuition assistance, athletic, and other school-administered programs, or any other basis in law.

THE WEBB SCHOOLS – MEMBERSHIPS

The Association of Boarding Schools; National Association of Independent Schools; California Association of Independent Schools; Western Boarding Schools Association; Western Association of Schools and Colleges; National Coalition of Girls’ Schools; Independent Curriculum Group; College Entrance Examination Board; Educational Records Bureau; Association of Independent School Admission Professionals; National Association of College Admission Counselors; Council for the Advancement and Support of Education; and the Cum Laude Society.

ALF MUSEUM – MEMBERSHIPS

Geological Society of America; Society of Vertebrate Paleontology; American Alliance of Museums; Association of Science Museum Directors; American Association for the Advancement of Science; Society for the Preservation of Natural History Collections; and the National Association of Geology Teachers.

PUBLICATION INFORMATION

WEBB Magazine is the official publication of The Webb Schools.

POSTMASTER

Send address changes to:

The Webb Schools 1175 W. Baseline Road Claremont, CA 91711

PH: (909) 626-3587

FAX: (909) 621-4582

EMAIL: alumni@webb.org webb.org

Webb’s mission is to provide a dynamic learning community that nurtures and inspires our students and alumni to:

• think boldly, mindfully, and creatively;

• act with honor and moral courage;

• lead with distinction;

• serve with a generous spirit.