2000 Edgehill, Winter 2023

Summer2023 2022 The Magazine of Peabody Demonstration School & University School of Nashville Winter

2 0 0 0

On the Cover Artclectic Artist in Residence James Threalkill speaks to fourth graders before showing them his painting techniques on October 17, 2023 in the West Wing Atrium. Threalkill, a parent of an alumna (Imani ’11) and an artist at Artclectic for many years, returned a few days before the three-day art show to give demonstrations around University School of Nashville. Read more on pages 12-15.

We’d love to hear from you about anything you read in this edition of 2000 Edgehill and whatever you have to say about your family’s days here. Help PDS/USN, faculty, and classmates keep up with what is happening in your personal and professional lives by:

This edition of 2000 Edgehill was published in December 2023 by the Office of Marketing & Communications and Alumni & Development Office for the Peabody Demonstration School and University School of Nashville community.

The editor thanks all who contributed to this magazine: Creative Services Specialist Marisa Bell, former Alumni Director Leigh Ivey Hicks ’05, Photographer Kimberly Manz, Director of Annual Giving Lorie Strong, Archivist Kat Trammell ’99, Development Director Anne Westfall, faculty who shared their time and classrooms, and alumni who responded to requests for information, submitted Class Notes, and photographs.

n Using #beyondEdgehill when sharing good news and

PDS/USN memories on social media n Sending a letter to the editor:

Juanita I.C. Traughber, Director of Marketing & Communications, 2000 Edgehill Ave. Nashville, TN 37212 or emailing jtraughber@usn.org n Emailing alumni updates for Class Notes to

alumni@usn.org with photos attached at the highest resolution available Find 2000 Edgehill online at usn.org/publications.

University School of Nashville 2000 Edgehill Avenue Nashville, Tennessee 37212 usn.org

Click here to read the list of generous donors who support the news & programs shared in this magazine.

Visit usn.org/connect

The Magazine of Peabody Demonstration Sc hool & University Sc hool of Nashville Winter 2023

2 0 0 0 new beginnings

2

2 Welcoming the New Director creative expression 6 A Song of Loyalty 8 Crafts as Arts 12 Painting Success at 2000 edgehill 16 Campus News 19 Campus Security 22 Helping Tennesseans Plan Ahead 23 An Investment for Future Generations 24 Returning to Edgehill 28 Distinguished Alumna beyond edgehill 29 Class Notes & Alumni Spotlights 42 Weddings & Births 44 In Memoriam

8

24

2

2000 EDGEHILL

T

he Director Search Committee announced the hiring of Amani Reed as the 11th Director of Peabody Demonstration School and University School of Nashville just over two years ago. Yet his life story with the school intertwined with the school’s history books years before. Having first set foot at 2000 Edgehill Ave. during a conference on equity and justice more than two decades ago and returning to the auditorium in February 2015 to sit on a panel as part of a discussion with heads of schools connected to universities during the Centennial Symposium, Reed was well-familiar with USN. Reed joined USN after serving as Head of The School at Columbia University and earning a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership at Teachers College, Columbia University, where founder and first director of Peabody Demonstration School Thomas Alexander created a progressive undergraduate experience to shape future educators. A century later, this moment makes full circle the PDS/USN fondness of Columbia blue, the school’s surviving tie to the old University of Nashville.

He brought to USN 25 years of experience in education, having worked in academic and administrative roles at highly-regarded independent schools: middle school principal at University of Chicago Laboratory Schools in Illinois, assistant director of middle school at Lakeside School in Washington, and director of diversity and associate director of admissions and financial aid at Sewickley Academy in Pennsylvania. He also has coached high school varsity soccer, served in a variety of roles for several local, regional, and national independent school associations and on the boards of two independent schools, and cohosted a podcast with three administrators of color at independent schools to share thought leadership in education. Throughout his career, Reed has explored and facilitated partnerships among independent schools, universities, and communities and emphasized innovation in academics. He earned his bachelor’s degree in secondary education from the University of Portland, where he was a member of the men’s soccer team.

Director Amani Reed introduces PBS Newshour Co-host Geoff Bennett, a speaker during USN Evening Classeson March 24, 2023.

UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF NASHVILLE

3

(Clockwise) Director Amani Reed meets Amy Sullivan, Mason Sullivan ’32, and John Sullivan on August 9, 2022 during a Meet & Greet in the Garrison Reading Room. Reed and his son Taye Reed ’23, a member of the first graduating class at USN for which the new Director conferred degrees. Asauda Radford ’25 speaks to Reed during a student roundtable on July 12, 2022. Outgoing Director Vince Durnan and Reed have a fireside-chat-style discussion on their leadership transition on May 16, 2022 in Durnan Auditorium. Their 90-minute conversation became a four-part “Head to Head” video series, which earned national and regional awards.

His historic appointment marks the first time a person of color has led the PDS/USN. It is an example of the school leaning into its mission to “reflect the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville.” Nashville is 37.6% people of color, according to the 2020 U.S. Census. Thirty-six percent of students at USN today self-identify as being a person of color.

During his first weeks on campus, Reed and the Director Transition Committee hosted nine Meet & Greets with more than 500 pre-registered attendees. Students, their families, faculty, and staff, and even those beyond Nashville got to know the new Director through a video series shared by email with the PDS/USN community before the school year began. It began with outgoing Director Vince Durnan and Reed meeting in the school’s iconic auditorium for a 90-minute fireside chat that was split into the four “Head to Head” videos. The following videos included a pro

4

file on Reed’s family and academic experience, a tour of Nashville with Trustee Chris Chamberlain ’88 that included stops at the restaurants of USN alumni and his first experience with Nashville hot chicken, and a student roundtable with a group of students in Grades 3-12 students for an open discussion on topics including school traditions, lunchtime, athletics, homework, uniforms, and school safety. The introduction earned a national award from the National School Public Relations Association and five regional awards from the Public Relations Society of America.

2000 EDGEHILL

(Left) Director Amani Reed reads “This Is a School” by John Schu to second graders during their Caldecott Unit on January 12, 2023. (Middle) Middle School Athletics Director Michael Gimblette explains the rules of basketball to Reed, a collegiate soccer star, during the Homecoming Pep Rally on January 20, 2023.

As the new Director, Reed inherited the role of coaching faculty through their annual Homecoming basketball game against High School students. (Right) Reed and Peabody, the school mascot, at the Back-to-School Popsicle Party on August 14, 2022. (Below) Reed addresses the school body and guests during his Investiture as the 11th Director of PDS/USN on April 17, 2023 in Sperling Gym.

The ceremony included performances by several USN students and Vanderbilt University Research Professor of Law & Political Science Samar Ali gave the keynote address.

The high academic standards of USN resonate with Reed, who also respects the significance of USN’s deep connection to the Nashville community and values its place as a national leader among independent schools. He already has set foot on the stage with the National Association of Independent Schools several times to represent USN. Now in his second year at the helm of USN, Reed is carrying the school forward in the work at the core of its mission.

In the summer of 2023, USN began a strategic planning process,

UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF NASHVILLE

which Reed said he hopes will not only set long-term goals for the school and move toward tangible improvements but also mold a cohesive academic experience and community across Lower, Middle, and High Schools. nn — Written by Director of Marketing & Communications Juanita I.C. Traughber

Visit usn.org/director to watch the Incoming Director video series and Investiture.

5

Longtime teacher leaves lasting legacy though music By Juanita I.C. Traughber, Director of Marketing & Communications

P

lay D, B, B, A sharp, B, A, G consecutively and anyone who has attended University School of Nashville will stand and recall how to lift their voices upward. Composed by former Music Teacher Doni Princehorn, the alma mater connects three generations of USN students and alumni and counting.

“When I came to USN in 1980, I realized that the school didn’t have a school song that I could find. There was a Peabody Demonstration School song, but not a USN song. So probably it was 1981 when I decided I would write one and started teaching it. And I’ve just taught it ever since,” she said.

Princehorn penned lyrics first, using her then-elementary-aged daughter Molly (Princehorn) Darr ’92 for inspiration. She composed what she calls a “ simplistic” melody, and used the Suzuki method to teach memorization by ear to hundreds of students.

The song inspires loyalty to USN beginning in kindergarten when it is taught in Lower School music classes. Students in grades K-8 sing it at the start of their Wednesday morning assemblies in Durnan Auditorium, it is played at several special events including the K-12 pep rally, and students in Maestra Arcelia Vázquez’s classes use motions to help them learn “USN Alma Mater lyrics” in Spanish.

6

Retired Director of Admissions & Financial Aid Juliet Douglas, retired Lower School Music Teacher Doni Princehorn, and Immediate Past Board President Tina Modi smile on stage at Commencement 2023.

Princehorn ensured it was a final note for the Class of 2023 when she addressed graduates and played their fourth-grade performance of the song during Commencement. She retired after 44 academic years at USN in May — though remains a music teacher leading small classes in several memory care facilities in Franklin, Tennessee and returns to 2000 Edgehill to watch her grandchildren’s performances.

“The fact that they can still sing that song is really touching. There are grandparents that have had children here that know the song. So we’ve got three generations singing the alma mater which is really nice,” she said.

However, there was no sheet music for decades.

Beginning in Princehorn’s class in kindergarten and continuing with the USN Show Choir, John Clayton ’09 developed a lifelong love of music. At Yale University, where he majored in linguistics, he took music theory courses and sang in three choral groups. Among his class projects at Yale was to write music for the classic USN songs.

Putting pen to paper, Clayton arranged the “USN Alma Mater” and the fight song “USN Forever” as traditional hymns with four-part harmony. They are stored in the PDS/USN Archive.

2000 EDGEHILL

(Left) Lower School Music Teacher Doni Princehorn at her final Fourth Grade Farewell on May 12, 2023. (Right) She was known to open weekly assemblies in the auditorium by playing “USN Alma Mater” on piano. (Below) John Clayton ’09 arranged the sheet music during a music theory elective at Yale University.

“As a fun, exciting task, I sat down to see if I could arrange them. Mrs. Princehorn was grateful, and I am glad something has come of it,” Clayton said when he learned faculty were circulating his sheet music.

He earned his Doctorate of Philosophy in IndoEuropean Studies at University of California, Los Angeles in 2023 and is a lecturer there on the subject. “I really love those lyrics and was very happy many years later to get my hands on the music and get to play with it.”

Clayton also has worked on a music archival project “taking forgotten arrangements and giving them new life by typesetting them,” he said, moving handwritten music into an engraving program.

“Linguistics and music theory feel very similar to each other — applying an ordered system to what can sometimes feel like chaos. You find structure in the art.” nn

UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF NASHVILLE

USN Alm

Music & Lyrics by DONI P RINCEH ORN

   





1. We 2. The

To the

   

Thee pride





  

goes o ur that yo u



will



alternate

  

stilled

  will

     

 in the

 

Arrange JOHN C ment by LAYTO N

      al

- ma m a - ter ma jes - ty you

 











    

de vo - tio in † (See n.

† 

9

up - war d gave u s s,



stilled

    

  Chorus:        

  

     †

5



    

lift our vo i he ri - tage ces you

          

a Mater

be



 

Our rhythm) hearts

 

 

ours

     

  



to Thee we for ev - er -

         

 raise. more.

  

be

- ver - si - ty Sc      hool, w e sing          to Thee  so glo     ri - ous       to view.  (U         S N, 13 we si ng to       Thee  so      glo - ri   - ous  to    view.  So glo  rious!)    In the day          s of me - m          o - ry,      our  hearts      for - ev     - er     true.     7          U - ni



praise. wore,

 

Uncommon arts electives take shape in Tibbott

By Juanita I.C. Traughber, Director of Marketing & Communications

W

hen High School Art Teacher Chris Cheney lugged a 1,000-pound letterpress that dates back to the 1930s up to his Tibbott Center second-floor classroom, it was his third time making the heavy lift. This time it found new friends among Vandercook #0 tabletop presses that date back to the 1920s and dozens of High School students eager to try a new art form.

Cheney extended his quarter-length printmaking class to a full semester in the fall of 2023. Students start by printing with rubber stamps, move to collagraphy — “which is sort of like a cardboard cutout,” Cheney said — work with etching presses, experiment with screen printing, and finish their studies on the letterpress using synthetic wood blocks.

“I will wax poetic about that letterpress,” Cheney said, “A class like my printmaking class is uncommon in a high school and similar to the curriculum of a college course. This is amazing what we’re doing here by keeping these old presses running.”

A century ago, some schools offered a similar course as a trade for students to become typesetters at letterpress companies and newspapers. Today print shops are having a resurgence as creatives use the letterpress to create unique art or run a business, he added. Crafts and trades have taken shape in the Tibbott Center as arts electives for USN students. The Arts Department offers Middle and High School students more than 30 electives, including glass, printmaking, and woodturning.

8

2000 EDGEHILL

(Opposite) Art Teacher Chris Cheney holds the Class of 2023 print off his near centuryold letterpress in his classroom on the second floor of the Tibbott Center.

(Above) Cheney give a demonstration on screen printing to students his Printmaking class before Maya Guha ’24 (below).

Cheney started screen printing through trial and error in his garage before studying at Tennessee State University, interning at Hatch Show Print, and later opening his own letterpress shop before coming to USN. He traded Alan LeQuire (USN parent of alumna Acadia ’22) an etching press from TSU for the letterpress. Eliana Gorden ’24 cannot stay away from it and created an independent study class built around the letterpress in spring 2023.

“I started doing this originally because of someone we studied in [Mr. Cheney’s] class. And then they’re just like a bunch of artists that I picked up and I was like, this seems like a way that I can be more deliberate and like conscious in my art, but it’s also just something I think is so beautiful,” Eliana said. “I love the way that it looks. I love the way that a printing press works. And I like working with my hands in, like, a very physical way.”

UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF NASHVILLE

9

(Above) Art Teacher Trent Boysen talks Colette Neul ’23 through cold-cutting glass, and (below) removes a decorative glass dish from the kiln. (Opposite) Woodturning Teacher Steve Robins assists Quinn Dehner ’25 on the lathe.

Meanwhile downstairs, the son of a glassblower who started glass programs at Southern Illinois University and Penland School of Craft — site of the first Glass Art Society Conference in 1971, brought the art form to USN following his summer experience at the conference in 2016. High School Art Department Co-Chair Trent Boysen developed a small glass studio in the Tibbott Center to teach fusing, slumping, and kiln casting techniques.

“Students learn how to take various types of glass and create something functional or purely decorative. They create a design and apply glass to that design. Starting with a full-color sketch, they then pick out the type and color of glass, cut and assemble the piece, then expose it to heat depending on what final result is desired. This can be one or more firings in a kiln.

After the heat work, the piece is cold worked to finish out the shape,” said Boysen, who has shown his glasswork at Artclectic and at various other shows across the country. His students have made functional pieces like fruit bowls and soap dishes and also decorative pieces meant to hang on walls.

For Dara Udom ’24, carefully observing Boysen’s demonstrations and lectures is challenging and rewarding.

“I really like how I am able to use my hands,” said Udom while cold-cutting strips of blue and red glass to create a new design.

“I really like how you can be creative. Who thought you could make so many different combinations of colors and textures with glass?”

2000 EDGEHILL

The glass room also doubles as home to four lathes and a high-powered vacuum that sucks dust and tiny wood shavings from the air. After several students expressed interest in then-Head of High School Steve Robins’ garage hobby, he began assisting them through independent studies and then teaching a small woodturning class shortly after the school’s new art-dedicated building opened. Although Robins retired as a division head in 2016, he returns to the Tibbott Center most weekdays to continue teaching woodturning.

“For some kids, it’s a craft. For some kids, it’s an art. And I try to help them go down whatever path they’re interested in,” said Robins, whose students often focus on bowls and cups but also branch into sculpting wood. “Sometimes the kids come with more of a traditional arts training, and that really excites me because then they look at the work not as simply a development of a skill or utility piece but a technique that could be used to create art.”

Also in a new 3D art elective offer this school year, Middle Schoolers refurbish old bike frames, sanding away cracking paint and using acrylics to restore them.

They have given one to Staff Member Don Brown, and the class plans to take a group ride on their restored bicycles. nn

Visit usn.org/tap to support student artists and join Tiger Arts Patrons, our booster club for performing and visual arts. Membership funds celebrations of USN artists and performances — including the Kick-Off Cabaret at the beginning of the year, and TAPstravaganza, a black-tie event that ends the academic year — and includes admission for musicals and most plays.

UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF NASHVILLE

11

Artists become educators for annual art show

By Juanita I.C. Traughber, Director of Marketing & Comunications

12

2000 EDGEHILL

(Opposite) James Threalkill speaks with students during Education Day. (Above) Third graders enthusiastically speak with an artist on Education Day. (Right) Outdoors on the White Top, 2022 featured artist Grant Garmenzy ’03 shapes hot class as fifth graders watch from a safe distance while wearing protective eye gear.

E

very October, USN’s annual art show featuring as many as 60 juried artists brings together the school’s finest elements: volunteer spirit, community outreach, and art appreciation.

Artclectic includes events for parents, alumni, and the Nashville community. With the addition of a featured artist for the past two years, Artclectic volunteers have expanded the valuable art education for K-12 students during the school day.

The featured artist sets up demonstrations around the Edgehill Campus and visits Tibbott Center classrooms to show students their technique and how they use their medium in short, age-appropriate lessons that draw in faculty, staff, and volunteers passing by.

Glass artist Grant Garmezy ’03 returned to his alma mater in 2022 as the featured artist to sculpt glasses, birds, dinosaur hands, and other animals upon request from sand heated to over 200 degrees on the White Top as students watched and wore protective eyeglasses.

Parent of an alumna James Threalkill (Imani ’11) was the featured artist for 2023. An Artclectic veteran known for spackling vibrant colors onto his canvases during the art show, he painted in the West Wing atrium outside of first and second-grade classrooms and in Edgehill Lobby.

After spending the week with USN students, Threalkill said he experienced “withdrawals” from the energy of Artclectic.

UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF NASHVILLE

13

(Clockwise from top) Students speak with artists. Artists enjoy each other’s company during the Preview Party. Featured artist Grant Garmenzy ’03 creates a bluebird from fired glass. Featured artist James Threalkill speaks with Director Amani Reed and Trustee Mimi Bliss.

“The glowing faces of the students are something I truly missed after being in the midst of such splendor for an entire week.

I was incredibly humbled and honored to be asked to serve as the featured artist. After all of the years of participating in Artclectic, that gesture and invitation meant so much to me.” he said. “The Artclectic show is considered one of the premier exhibitions in the arts community. The attention to detail in accommodating artists, the amenities, and the ease of operation in managing the show are exceptional qualities of the highest standards.”

The Friday of Artclectic has long been Education Day when students — and parents of alumni and former faculty and staff returning to view art over coffee and pastries — meet and learn from artists visiting 2000 Edgehill from around the country.

Parent volunteers join as docents.

14

2000 EDGEHILL

(Clockwise from top) Featured artist James Threalkill with Head of Middle School Shavon Davis Louis and a friend. Artists speak with Lower School and High School students on Education Day. USNA Past President Anna Cramer, parents of an alumnus Jules and Amani Reed, and USNA Past President Joanna Hall during the Patrons Party. USN parent Edward Rittenberg speaks with USNA Past President and Artclectic Chair Angie Howard during the Preview Party.

In all during the three-day art show, which includes several after-hours parties and concludes with a day of family-oriented activities open to the public, buyers purchase art ranging from $3 to more than $10,000. In Artclectic’s 27-year history, only the show in 2019 resulted in more sales than 2022 and 2023, said Artclectic Coordinator Susan Chapman, who works with USNA volunteers from March to November to plan and execute the October art show. She said the boost in sales over the past two years may be attributed to the committee’s conscious effort to include more diverse artists and approachable price points.

And often purchasers become lifelong customers of Artclectic artists.

Thirty percent of sales go to the Artclectic Endowment for Innovative Teaching, which funds faculty professional development to attend workshops and conferences and explore ideas to write new curricula. The endowment’s fund now holds over $707,000. nn

UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF NASHVILLE

15 15

Campus NEWS Operations Director Erik Mash ’93, River Campus Director Bret Mash, and Maintenance Manager Jimmy Mash assembled a deck around an oak near the end of the mulched section of the Back Field. The tree deck, funded by Music Night proceeds, has become a popular playspot for Lower Schoolers.

Tiger harriers continue to put their best feet forward for USN. The girls cross country team is the 2023 region champion and the boys team was runner-up, following being back-to-back state champions in 2022 and 2021. Both teams finished the 2023 season as state runner-ups. Girls track and field athletes also finished their 2023 season as state runner-up.

Retiring at the close of the 2022-2023 academic year were Mindfulness Consultant Mary Agee, Admissions & Financial Aid Director Juliet Douglas, Lower School Art Teacher Stephen Douglas, USN Bookstore Manager Susy Gillette, Head of Middle School Jeff Greenfield, First Grade Teacher Marty Kennedy, Business Office Controller Norma Miller, and Lower School Music Teacher Doni Princehorn.

The Office of College Counseling has refreshed its fourth-floor conference room with a Commencement-themed mural painted by members of the Classes of 2023 and 2024.

1616

2000 EDGEHILL

USN was recognized among regional and national public relations agencies and multinational corporations with four Parthenon Awards from the Public Relations Society of America for the nine-month campaign “Renewing Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at USN,” which culminated with the 2021 DEI Report.

Installed in May 2023, the Class of 2022’s senior gift puts free sanitary products within reach of students with nine dispensers in restrooms frequently used by Middle and High School students in the Main Building and Tibbott Center. The idea began with students in the Class of 2026 working on their Eighth Grade Change Project and led to a schoolwide conversation on accessibility.

UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF NASHVILLE

Campus NEWS

Generous gifts from USN families who love sports of all sorts funded a new practice facility at the River Campus. The 50x80-foot covered structure includes turf and net systems that create three bays with five separate retractable hitting areas for baseball, softball, and golf teams.

17

Campus NEWS The High School Quiz Bowl team won the state championship and took fifth in the Small School National Championship Tournament in Chicago in the spring. Middle School Quiz Bowl teams also placed first and second at the Tennessee Quiz Bowl tournament and competed at the National Academic Quiz Tournament 2023 Middle School National Championship. This year’s High School team also has qualifed for the Partnership for Academic Competition Excellence national tournament in June 2024.

Middle and High School scholars continue to demonstrate their exemplary knowledge of Latin grammar, Roman history, and mythology, winning the AA Division of the 2023 Mid-State Convention of the Tennessee Junior Classical League.

USN has grown to a fully integrated school counseling program with a full-time mental health professional for each division. The Counseling Department provides individual student support, crafts the student social emotional curriculum, and complementary parent education workshops on a range of topics including stress, anxiety, perfectionism, substance use, and specific aspects of USN’s curriculum.

18

2000 EDGEHILL

School shooting shifts USN policies

By Juanita I.C. Traughber, Director of Marketing & Comunications UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF NASHVILLE

19

W

understanding and meeting state regulations as they evolve, and taking steps to exceed national standards for school security.”

In fall 2022, USN began an internal security audit with Vanderbilt University Public Safety to ensure the school meets national standards and by winter had moved to an attendance and communication platform that allows administrators and faculty to account for all students from the palms of their hands and communicate with High School students, who may be scattered around the Midtown neighborhood for lunch.

Local and national media coverage included many familiar faces.

USN students quickly put their minds together to support their peers at Covenant and advocate for voting and gun legislation to protect classrooms. Some 150 High School students staged a walkout and received excused absences to attend a protest at the Tennessee State Capitol. Back at USN, librarians set out banners and markers in Hassenfeld for K-12 students to share heartfelt messages with Covenant. By the summer, the Back Field fence was replaced, all interior door handles were retrofitted with locks, cameras were added, and protective film was placed on exterior first-floor windows and glass doors.

hen an adult gunman returned to her elementary school — just 6 miles south of USN’s Edgehill Campus — The Covenant School tragedy became an in-my-back-yard moment that has led to great changes for many Middle Tennessee schools, including USN. Three students and three adults were killed March 27, 2023, bringing closer to home an epidemic troubling schools across the country and leading to a range of emotions among members of the USN community, some of whom are neighbors and friends with those grieving at the private school affiliated with a Presbyterian church in Green Hills. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, guns are the leading cause of death among American children and teens. Such violence is reshaping our independent school too.

“My goal is to ensure we are doing everything we can to maximize our resources and reach best practices with our facilities, procedures, and training,” said Director Amani Reed. “We have a sense of urgency, yet need to get it right. My administrative colleagues and I remain committed to researching best practices,

20

In the days following the Covenant shooting, the Counseling Department hosted a series of sessions and forms with psychologists for students, faculty, and families to process the tragedy as well as to support parents and families with age-appropriate, donow strategies for helping support their children they continue to think and reflect on last week’s violence. The following month, law enforcement joined USN administrators to address our school’s security and communication procedures.

Operations Director Erik Mash ’93 speaks to parents and families in Durnan Auditorium during one of the Forums on Safety and Security in April. (Above) Ella Murdock ’30, Lower School Student Support Coordinator, -Kari Jansen, who both have connections to Convenant School victims, stand on the Edgehill Lawn with Director Amani Reed to greet Covenant administrators visiting USN during their #1000ThankYous campaign in September.

2000 EDGEHILL

(Above) Fifth graders pause on the Edgehill Lawn during a walk out on April 3, 2023.

(Right) USN High Schoolers are among thousands rallying outside of the Tennessee State Capitol on March 30, 2023 to advocate for gun legislation.

Tennessee legislators also passed a new state law that mandates all schools to keep their exterior doors locked while classes are in session and requires them to perform lockdown drills with students present. Once the proper hardware was installed in the fall, the 21st garage, 19th Avenue, and Edgehill Lobby entrances are locked following morning arrival and accessible only to employees with a key fob. Families, vendors, and visitors now must show an ID at the 19th Avenue entrance to enter the Edgehill Campus, certainly a culture adjustment for the USN community.

“Convenience and security are inversely proportional,” Operations Director Erik Mash ’93 said of these changes made in efforts to protect students.

VUPS has a direct feed to monitor USN security cameras and the ability to lock and unlock individual exterior doors remotely in the event of an emergency. Vanderbilt police officers also have a growing presence at the Edgehill and River Campuses, with the appointment of Capt. Aerin Washington as the Director of Safety and Security and the contracting of two School Resource Officers, joining the Community Service Officers already used for several years. In this role, Washington will develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive physical security plan and school safety program specific to USN and its needs as an urban campus.

She also coordinates safety-related inservice training for faculty and staff, organizes age-specific safety education programs for students, and ensures USN’s compliance with local and state regulations regarding school safety.

UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF NASHVILLE

“The road to building the Office of Safety and Security at USN is part of a long-term journey building on the school’s existing crisis preparedness framework,” said Washington, a commissioned law enforcement officer with extensive experience in higher education, who joined USN in September from the Michigan State University — the site of another mass shooting earlier this year.

“A number of initiatives have been recommended as part of an overall safety and security plan for the University School of Nashville through last academic year’s security audit, vendors, and concerned parents. As we evaluate these initiatives, our goal is to provide the safest and most secure environment to University School of Nashville while causing the least amount of disruption to the educational environment and feeling of community.”

At its core, the giving, community-focused nature of USN remains the same. USNA fed Covenant faculty as they welcomed students to a temporary campus in Brentwood. Representatives from the Christian private school visited USN in September to spray Edgehill sidewalks with a chalk stencil as a show of their appreciation for USN’s support during their #1000ThankYous campaign. nn

21

HBCU Fair helps families of color navigate college admissions

By Juanita I.C. Traughber, Director of Marketing & Comunications

H

undreds of high school students from Metro Nashville Public Schools and public, private, and charter schools as far as Clarksville and their families have gathered at University School of Nashville for two consecutive years to meet college admissions officers and learn about making informed decisions on higher education.

USN’s Office of College Counseling has begun offering Tiger Talks, small, informal Q&A to USN families at the end of the ninth grade year and an in-depth overview of the new and evolving ways that colleges price their education and provide financial assistance to USN families midway through the eighth grade year.

“At USN, we do not have a myopic view of success for our graduates. They can reach their ultimate goals through a variety of paths. For our students of color, we want them to understand how HBCUs can offer different environments and opportunities than other universities. For all of our students, we want them to research colleges beyond a name, prestige, or perception,” said USN Director of College Counseling Aaron Fulk.

Hosted by the Office of College Counseling and Office of Diversity and Community Life in August 2022 and August 2023, USN hopes to make this event an annual staple to help families of color navigate the college application process. nn

One in four USN students self-identify as a person of color and 11 percent as Black; however, the purpose of the HBCU Fair is much broader.

“USN has embraced its heritage as an independent school with a public purpose,” said USN Director of Diversity and Community Life Roderick White. “All students, no matter where they attend high school, who want to attend college should have the opportunity to get informed about the admissions process, and we have a responsibility to assist in any way we can to make that a reality.”

Admissions representatives, provosts, and a president from 16 historically black colleges and universities in the Southeast have gathered in Sperling Gym to speak with prospective students.

During the August 2023 fair, most of their families walked to Durnan Auditorium to hear from Tim Fields and Shereem Herndon-Brown, authors of “The Black Families’ Guide to College Admissions,” who discussed the tensions when choosing between a predominantly white institution and an HBCU. Herndon-Brown said exposure to higher education, mapping high school courses, and discussing finances and testing options should begin in eighth or ninth grade for families to make better-informed decisions later during their child’s senior year of high school. Then, during the college application and admissions process, they should weigh cost, location to be physically and emotionally safe, academic major, and career choice.

22

Authors Tim Fields and Shereem Herndon-Brown share their perspectives on making college decisions with parents during the HBCU Fair USN hosted on August 26, 2023.

2000 EDGEHILL

Former Buhl House grows USN’s endowment

By Juanita I.C. Traughber, Director of Marketing & Comunications

U

SN has returned to two campuses. Affectionately known as the Buhl House, the residence at 3600 Woodmont Blvd. was home to former Director Vince Durnan for 22 years and sold for $1.5 million, which was added to the endowment and will be used to support the mission of USN in perpetuity.

The late Iris and Arthur “Mike” Buhl III generously donated their 4,236-square-foot family home to USN in 2000. Iris chaired the school’s first Annual Fund campaign, was the second president of the University School of Nashville Association, and served on the Board of Trustees from 1981 to 1985. Mike was an esteemed USN faculty member who taught history and economics and led Youth in Government. Their son, Michael, graduated from USN with the Class of 1985.

“The Buhl family’s direct gift of real estate to USN more than two decades ago was a generous donation that provided for a need at the moment,” said Director of Development Anne Westfall. “We still feel Iris and Mike’s love for USN today. With the leveraging of this highly-appreciated asset, we have been able to achieve greater philanthropic impact and will continue to support academic excellence and school operations for generations to come.”

Located 3 miles south of the Edgehill Campus in the heart of Green Hills, the two-story 1930s residence sitting on a 1-acre lot became home to Durnan to raise his three alumnae daughters and a warm gathering spot for faculty and families. Over the years, faculty holiday parties, welcome dinners for visiting authors, academics, and guest speakers, and intimate conversations with independent school colleagues and USN parents were held at the property. nn

Scan to read an article from the PDS/USN Archive on the home and the Buhl family’s commitment to USN.

(Left) Director Vince Durnan speaks to Iris Buhl and Director Harvey Sperling before the Buhl Lecture on April 11, 2019. (Below) Previously known as the Buhl House, 3600 Woodmont Blvd. sits on 1 acre in the Green Hills neighborhood and was used as the Director’s home from 2000 to 2022.

UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF NASHVILLE

23

24

2000 EDGEHILL

Alumni in classes ending in three and eight celebrated their reunion the weekend of May 4-6, 2023. Festivities kicked off Thursday evening with an All-Alumni Party at Streetcar, followed by a Gold Circle coffee on campus with Director Amani Reed on Friday morning. Class parties for all years were hosted all around town in alumni homes and restaurants on Friday and Saturday evenings.

Celebrating its milestone 50th Reunion, the Class of 1973 joined the hundreds of Gold Circle alumni whose ties to 2000 Edgehill remain strong, for which we are sincerely grateful. Extra applause was extended for John Culley, Class of 1948, who attended the grand luncheon to celebrate his 75th Reunion.

We appreciate the enthusiasm of our Reunion volunteers who plan and coordinate their class parties every spring. You are the glue to maintaining connections with classmates and your alma mater year after year. And big thanks to our Reunion leadership Bob Doochin ’58, Gold Circle Chair, Simone LeBlon ’78, Mollie Shmerling Perry ’03, and Bobby Perry ’03, Reunion Co-Chairs for hosting the weekend’s festivities.

UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF NASHVILLE

25

Our Alumni Dinner Tour took Director Amani Reed and Alumni Director Leigh Ivey Hicks ’05 coast to coast to meet graduates of PDS and USN. They visited (clockwise from top) Washington, D.C., Boston, Los Angeles with Human Resources Director Inita Wells and Acting Chief Financial Officer Phylicia Moye, and Chicago with Head of High School Quinton P. Walker, Assistant Head of High School for Student Affairs Nicole Jules, and Assistant Head of Middle School Kelicia Cox. Visit usn.org/alumni for a list of events taking place across the country in 2024.

26

2000 EDGEHILL

T

he River Campus track was formally renamed in honor of Retired PE Teacher Zaf Ahmed on May 4, 2023. Many alumni — former runners — and their families attended the event, which began PDS/USN Reunion. Ahmed joined USN in 1992 and coached track and field, cross country, and ice hockey before retiring in 2020. The track was resurfaced in summer 2022.

In April 2022, Mazi Ralsulnia ’97 chose to honor his coach and mentor by establishing the Zaf Ahmed Scholarship Fund at USN. He invites fellow alumni of all ages, track and cross country athletes, to join him in honoring Coach Ahmed with a gift to this scholarship fund.

“Zaf positively impacted my life, and I’m grateful for the many hours and years he shared with me and others. The Zaf Ahmed Scholarship serves as a perpetual reminder of Zaf’s dedication and leadership to the school and the student body.” — Mazi Ralsulnia ’97

UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF NASHVILLE

27

Distinguished Alumna: Jane Buchanan ’92

T

he PDS/USN Alumni Association presented the 2023 Distinguished Alumni Award to Jane Buchanan ’92 for her outstanding work in international human rights advocacy and activism.

While at USN, the two-sport athlete was inspired by the questions posed in her 10th grade Social Conscience class, she said, and the discussions on social responsibility, human dignity, and justice Buchanan had at 2000 Edgehill continue to motivate her work. After graduating from USN, Buchanan majored in Russian and graduated from Bowdoin College with honors and as a member of Phi Beta Kappa. During her undergraduate years, she studied abroad in St. Petersburg, the first of many experiences living and working internationally.

After completing her master’s degree in international affairs and economics in 2002, Buchanan directed a Moscow-based human rights group before joining the leading global human rights organization Human Rights Watch, where she worked for 17 years. Buchanan now works independently in partnership with several international human rights and humanitarian organizations to advance the rights of marginalized groups and has spent much of the last year documenting the human toll of the war on Ukraine.

When speaking to the Class of 2023 during Convocation, Buchanan shared takeaways from discussions she has with her family on the topic of facing a world that can be hostile toward you, your community, or your values.

“It may not always feel like it, but you have more allies than enemies,” she said. “When the worst of humanity is on display, so is the best of humanity. … And, when given the choice to go or not to go, you should go,” Buchanan finished.

The Distinguished Alumna/Alumnus Award was established in 1978 to honor a graduate of PDS/USN who has made outstanding professional or civic achievements on a local, national, or international level. Recipients have included authors, educators, researchers, musicians, and volunteer leaders. In addition to honoring these individuals, the award brings them to the attention of the PDS/USN community and the city at large. Their accomplishments serve as an inspiration to students and graduates as well as a reminder to the citizens of Nashville of the high-quality education that has long been at the foundation of USN. Email alumni@usn.org to nominate a classmate. nn Jane Buchanan ’92 addresses seniors during Convocation on May 15, 2023.

28

2000 EDGEHILL

n usn.org/alumni

CLASS NOTES Former faculty and staff reunited at the service of Gracie Scruggs Allen in October 2022.

1954 Richard “Buddy” Shaffer Jr. was indicted into the Middle Tennessee Football Officials Hall of Fame Class of 2022. He has been on the football field for 65 years and worked for Vanderbilt University, Tennesse Titans, Tennessee State University, and the Music City Bowl every year since its inception.

1956 Classmates were among the honorary pallbearers at Charlie Appleton’s funeral.

Lauren Simmons Beem, Karen Ward Knox ’66, and Caitlin Habib Mello ’98

Cathy Goodwin is an author, speaker, and on line marketing consultant living in Philadelphia and has published a new book chronicling ageism and stereotypes.

1966 Del Bryant recalled for Southern Living magazine the origin of his parents’ popular song “Rocky Top.” During a monthly hike at Larkspur Conservation, Karen Ward Knox ran into Caitlin Habib Mello ’98 and Lauren Simmons Beem. Karen’s family was integral in the founding of Larkspur. Lauren’s mother, beloved Interim Director and Director of Development Kay Simmons, is buried there.

1968 Luther Harrell reunited with former Director Vince Durnan for a run on the island of Kauai, Hawaii in September 2022.

1961 classmates Bill McKee, Dennis Salisbury, Perry Happell, and Aiken Gillespie

1961 Among the attendees of the funeral for Bob Collier were his classmates Bill McKee, Dennis Salisbury, Perry Happell, and Aiken Gillespie.

UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF NASHVILLE

Leigh Ivey Hicks ’05 and 1968 classmates, Shannon Paty, David Miller, Barry Kammerud, Steve Griffith, Luther Harrell, Patty Klein, Diana Blackwell Wiles, David Pilcher, Bob Rosenfeld, and Kathy Small Hattendorf

The Class of 1968 held its best-attended monthly Zoom in November 2022. Alumni Director Leigh Ivey Hicks ’05 joined Shannon Paty, David Miller, Barry Kammerud, Steve Griffith, Luther Harrell, Patty Klein, Diana Blackwell Wiles, David Pilcher, Bob Rosenfeld, and Kathy Small Hattendorf as the group covered topics including wacky holiday traditions, recent travels, and updates on classmates.

Luther Harrell ’68 and former Director Vince Durnan

1969 Metier Records has released a new CD of Rodney Lister’s music, “Faith-Based Initiatives.”

Fanfare Magazine’s Colin Clarke reviewed the piece, stating, “This is a wonderful disc; faultlessly produced and recorded. Maybe it is Rodney Lister’s time for full recognition; on the basis of this evidence, I do hope so.”

1971 Jan Alice Keeling’s piece, “High Rise-Dreaming” was awarded first place in the “Watercolor and Wash” category in the 2022 Art Ability show.

29

locker room and dugout and met Sounds’ dog Cheerio and team mascot Booster. In August 2023, Betsy moved out of the classroom to become the Lower School Art Teacher.

Barry Wilker published his first novel, “The Lapone Sisters,” which follows the changing lives of three sisters in the summer of 1976.

1972

1985

The Hartford Business Journal recognized Jim Shmerling among the 2022 Lifetime Achievement & C-Suite Honorees. Shmerling is the CEO of Connecticut Children’s Medical Center.

Tom Bailey’s products were spotted at The Turnip Truck. Tom is the founder of Professor Bailey’s, purveyors of small-batch, delicious pimento cheese, biscuits, and gougeres.

Paula Underwood-Winters proudly welcomed grandson Derek Douglas Winters Jr. in October 2022.

1973 The Nashville Entrepreneur Center inducted classmates Amy Kurland and Mike Shmerling into the Entrepreneurs’ Hall of Fame. Both were formally honored at the 2022 NEXT Awards at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center and were featured in the NEC’s “Circle Back” podcast. Forbes recognized the occasion with an article on Amy and the history of her famous Bluebird Café.

Laurie Slotchiver Rummel, Lori Greenbaum Fishel, Missi Shainberg Friedenberg, Beth Moskovitz Zeitlin, Alicia Mazur Berg, Francie Goldner Niederman, Diane Esstman Sacks, and Cathy Hays Zabriskie.

1976

1982

Patrick Gilbert joined EOA Architects in late 2022 and is the firm’s Quality Assurance Director.

Provider Trust and Senior Vice President General Counsel Michael Rosen and Corporate Secretary of Meharry Medical College Ivanetta Davis Samuels ’86 work together as partners in solving and keeping fraud out of health care.

U.S. President Joe Biden appointed Marisa Richmond to the Presidential Advisory Commission on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity for Black Americans. Marisa is also the narrator for the Nashville LGBTQ History Driving Tour, which launched on March 30, 2023.

1979 Cheryl McKissack Daniel, CEO of the largest Black-owned construction company in America, McKissack Group Inc., appeared at Invest Fest 2023. Daniel discussed her company’s management of over $50 billion in construction projects over the past decade.

Betsy Greenbaum Hoffman ’83 and second graders

1983 Rick Ewing was selected for the 2023 Nashville class for the Young American Leaders Program at Harvard Business School. The focus for the Nashville cohort was the continuing incubation of Nashville’s biomedical technology sector.

Betsy Greenbaum Hoffman and second graders visited Benjamin Goldberg ’98 and Max Goldberg ’01 at The Band Box. During a class trip to the Sounds Stadium, they toured the

Deryl McKissack has been selected to join The Black Owner & Women’s Collective, a group of 100 women CEOs dedicated to empowering and furthering female entrepreneurship.

1981 Members of the Class of 1981 gathered to celebrate their 60th birthdays and honor the memory of their dear friend and classmate, Janet Levine March. The celebration included

30

David Ewing, CEO of Nashville History on Tour, has been selected to serve in the 2023-2024 Signature Program Class X of Leadership Tennessee. The Signature Program is designed to bring leaders from across the state together to identify solutions to issues facing the state of Tennessee.

1981 classmates Laurie Slotchiver Rummel, Lori Greenbaum Fishel, Missi Shainberg Friedenberg, Beth Moskovitz Zeitlin, Alicia Mazur Berg, Francie Goldner Niederman, Diane Esstman Sacks, and Cathy Hays Zabriskie

1987 Karen Jordan wrote to share the annual Harold Jordan Diversity and Inclusion Lecture, which took place at Vanderbilt University Medical Center on June 9. The lecture series was established to honor Dr. Jordan’s contributions to the field of psychiatry, mental health services in Tennessee, and the VUMC Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and neighboring Meharry Medical College. Dr. Jordan was the first Black resident at VUMC, is a former USN Trustee, and is the father of four USN alumni: Karen, Harold Jordan ’81, Vince Jordan ’83, and Kristi Jordan Graham ’90.

1988 February 2023 was a busy month for Tim Ozgener, whose OZ Arts hosted Conversations at OZ, based on the “Salon de Paris,” and Tom Bailey ’85

2000 EDGEHILL

1995 When David Schach learned that the tour of Tommy Prine ’14 would take him to nearby Novato, California, he decided to see the show and surprise Tommy by wearing a USN T-shirt.

“His reaction was priceless,” David said.

Nancy Proctor Bieschke has returned to USN as the new Lower School Music Teacher.

1997 Lyra Chef & Owner Hrant Arakelian won the Nashville Scene’s Iron Fork competition on April 28, 2022 at First Horizon Park in Nashville.

Braden Boucek ’94 and Will McLemore ’94

featured Seth Feman ’97 and Hunter Claire Rogers ’07 as table hosts. The Ozgeners also received recognition in Cigar Aficionado magazine for their generous contributions to earthquake relief efforts in Turkey and Syria through the donation of proceeds from the sale of cigars from the Ozgener Family Cigars’ Bosphorus line. NFocus magazine also profiled Tim Ozgener and OZ Arts on the eve of the venue’s 10th anniversary.

1991 Eric Jewett started a new position as Vice President, Revenue Strategy & Analytics at SkyKick.

McLean Johnston Barbieri and Imaan Ferdowsi ’98 have joined the Nashville Public Library Foundation’s Board of Directors.

Nina Interlandi Bell represented Maine as a home cook contestant on the 13th season of Gordon Ramsay’s MasterChef: United Tastes of America.

The Nashville Business Journal profiled Seth Feman in the “Who to Meet” section of the June 16-22 issue. Seth is the CEO and Executive Director of the Frist Art Museum.

Investigative reporter Rosalind Helderman was one of The Washington Post’s journalists awarded the 2022 Pulitzer Prize for Public Service for examination of the January 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol. Roz was also

1992 Darek Bell was featured in the Nashville Business Journal for his recent project in Franklin, a 151,000-square-foot self-storage facility at Berry Farm.

The Baltimore Sun named Maria Maguire on its list of the 2021 “Marylanders of the Year” for her efforts in combating the COVID-19 pandemic. As health officer of Talbot County, Maryland, she led all aspects of the pandemic response for the county. She is also a pediatric hospitalist with Children’s National and an associate faculty member in the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

Srijaya Reddy, along with proud big brother Kethan ’35, welcomed Seetha Karra Reddy on June 24, 2022.

Included in The New York Times’ roundup entitled “25 Restaurant Dishes We Couldn’t Stop Thinking About This Year” was the kakigori dessert at Locust, named Restaurant of the Year by Food & Wine Magazine and a concept of Strategic Hospitality, owned and operated by Ben Goldberg and Max Goldberg ’01.

1994

UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF NASHVILLE

among The Washington Post journalists who won the Pulitzer Prize for National Reporting in 2018.

1998

Jane Buchanan received the 2023 USN/PDS Distinguished Alumni Award for her work in international human rights advocacy and activism.

Classmates Braden Boucek and Will McLemore reunited in the courtroom when Braden argued McLemore v. Tennessee. Will wrote, “Braden Boucek argued before the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals in my case this morning and was a legal marvel! Dr. Lavine and Mr. Buhl would have been proud to see it!”

Claire Meneely ’00, Julia Sullivan ’01, and Anna Myint ’04

1999

Tommy Prine ’14 and David Schach ’95

The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health featured Beth Perry Bennett’s journey from intrepid third-grade poet to Doctor of Public Health candidate. In her doctoral work, Beth explores how women executives can best use

31

Beyond Ben Fundis ’97 Edgehill Ben (pictured with his wife) found his footing at USN on stage through theater, jazz band, and Music Night.

His career has included a variety of filmmaking, and today he is a producer, musician, and owner and operator of a movie theater in Massachusetts.

Q: What do you tell someone when they ask you what you do?

A: My family and I own a small movie theater in coastal Massachusetts, and I also help produce a web series on YouTube called “Acorn to Arabella.” The show features a fellow who’s spent the last eight years building a boat from trees on his property. He has never sailed in his life. The first time he sails will be on his own boat. It’s a hard undertaking that he’s doing. It’s a study in tenacity if anything. Not many people would keep going after the obstacles that he continues to run headlong into. He’s just out there in the cold, working with his hands. It’s going to be a hearty vessel that he’s going to take to some pretty far-flung places. It’s very satisfying. Once the boat is built, the YouTube channel will turn into a sailing channel and I can’t wait for that.

Q: Trace your path from USN to Newburyport and where you all are today.

A: At USN I was involved in all things music and theater, so I thought I would be doing some combination of those two things in college. I attended Bard College, which had a really cool film program. The program was primarily based on 16mm black and white film back then at a time things were just transitioning to digital video, but I dove right into the digital video end of it and started making content that way.

After college, I worked for television stations filming shows for the Food Network and CMT, and mostly doing odd jobs. But in 2008 I was whisked away on a lark with a friend: we had an idea to make a film about the U.S.-Mexico border. We traveled the border 2,000 miles and made a documentary as we were going which was really fun. It was called “Border Stories,” and you can look it up on YouTube. That kind of changed my path. I had been doing a lot of commercial work and TV up until that point, and it just didn’t sit well to do it that way anymore after making a film that really meant something to me.

32

I went to upstate New York and met my wife working in a movie theater there at Upstate Films. During the pandemic, a colleague of hers who had been programming a movie theater in Newburyport, Massachusetts contacted her and let us know about this opportunity to own The Screening Room. We had the experience and an extreme amount of passion for the monastic task of running an independent movie theater in 2023, which is sort of like taking on a newspaper. It’s another one of those things that’s not college tuition stuff but maintaining an arts organization that is a for-profit business. The margins are small. But it is so rewarding. And I’ve never been able to pass up rewarding in the heart versus having to endure something just to get a check. It holds no shine for me.

It was difficult to move to north shore Massachusetts — it can be fairly insular — but the community that surrounds the movie theater is extremely passionate and protective of The Screening Room as its landmark and as its place. It was founded in 1982 and is celebrating its 40th year, and people knew that we almost lost it to the pandemic, so the response of the community to us has been just so grateful and really wonderful to experience.

We don’t have a ton of time off at night [with] one of us always clicking on the projectors and popping the popcorn, but through the doors of the movie theater we’ve really gotten to know the community. We greet everyone who comes in, and it’s something we always take really seriously. We greet both in the lobby and then also right before the movie. It’s nice to tell everyone what’s coming up and thank them for coming out, we crack a joke and make it fun and give people a personal experience. It’s like a show.

For me it’s an extension of performing as I ever did, of getting up there and bringing people into an experience, and then letting the movie take over.

Q: Were you making art or involved in artist pursuits while at USN? A: It was theater all the time. Loved my experience at USN with [the late High School Theater Director] Gus Gillette and all my people there. I rarely missed a play. I started I think freshman year.

I was in the band for the school’s production of “Hair.” Before that I was in the band for “Working” by Studs Terkel, and then I realized I had to get on stage. Gus gave me a lot of opportunities to take on bigger roles and I really appreciate that. I got to do “Pippin” as Pippin, which was fun. And music. I was in jazz band with [Band Director] Rick Palmiter. I also wrote songs and would perform at Music Night. So many of the people I played with — William Tyler [’98], Shooter Jennings [’97], and Gabe Dixon [’96] — have since developed these big-time Nashville careers, which has been so much fun to watch.

2000 EDGEHILL

Q: How did your USN experience prepare you for what you’re doing today?

A: It freed me from feeling like I was a cog in some machine. I went to a large public school up until middle school, and it was sort of endless hallways of lockers and it just crushed me. I felt so lucky that my parents both were able and willing to let me try something else and also that there then happened to be an opening at USN mid-year. I had an opportunity to be in a small place with a group of cool, diverse kids, and I was allowed at an early level — both in Middle and in High School — to have wonderful relationships with teachers that encouraged me to do the right thing. I was able to make my own choices. I was able to fail on my own in a supportive environment. Just to have the space to have that type of freedom was key for me.

their first 100 days on the job to increase their long-term success and effectiveness and how it differs from their male counterparts.

2000 Claire Meneely (Dozen Bakery), Julia Sullivan ’01 (Henrietta Red), and Anna Myint ’04 (International Market) were invited to speak at a public interest luncheon at the Centennial Club on February 23. The three entrepreneurs spoke about owning restaurants in Nashville.

USN English Department Chair Freya Sachs attended the 2022 Departmental Leadership Institute at The Pomfret School in Pomfret, Connecticut. Also in attendance was Montgomery Bell Academy English Department Chair Gracie Killman Bassett ’06. Freya wrote that the program offered participants “the opportunity to pause and reflect–about how to give and receive feedback effectively, about how to guide conversation towards curricular change, and about how to build capacity for leadership and communication.”

Lacie Vincent Thorne graduated from Yale School of Management’s MBA program with a focus on Sustainability in May 2023.

Q: Do you have any advice or words of wisdom for USN students?

A: I feel irresponsible for saying all of these things. Do some of what I’ve done. There’s nothing wrong with following what your gut is telling you is the right thing to do. You can’t map it all out on a spreadsheet, you can’t pros and cons completely your way into knowing deep down what’s right. If the question keeps coming up, yes it is courageous to wake up each day and go to a crappy job, but you might not have to if there’s a path towards something else. Take it. You don’t know where it’s going along the way. Failure. Success.

All sorts of things, it all happens regardless of what you’re doing.

Q: Anything else you want to add?

A: [Songwriter and musician] Warren Zevon said, “enjoy every sandwich.” nn

Stephen Schleicher joined the Medical Advisory Board for the Tennessee Breast Cancer Coalition. He also co-hosts the new podcast “Oncology Onward: ConStephen Schleicher ’01 versations with Innovators and Changemakers in Cancer Care.”

Williams-Sonoma recognized Julia Sullivan as part of the 2023 Williams-Sonoma Chef’s Collective.

Ariel Neaderthal Voorhees and her family have relocated to Burlington, Vermont, and are eager to connect with local USN alumni. Gather Round, Ariel’s personal chef service for busy families, has relocated too.

2002

Gracie Killman Bassett ’06 and Freya Sachs ’00

2003 George Brandes and Teresa welcomed Wilhelmina “Mina” Grace Brandes on April 3, 2022.

Victor and Crystal Churchwell Evans, along with big brother J.R., welcomed Julia Evans on November 16, 2022.

Ivan Lett was named Publicity Manager at Basic Books.

2001

Clay Capp has been elected to Nashville’s Metro Council, where he represents District 6.

Max Goldberg and Alice Farquhar welcomed Jasper Peter Rapoport Goldberg on January 10, 2023. He has also joined the board of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corporation.

USN Evening Classes Assistant Grace Ann Cunningham Lukach has taken on managing the USN Bookstore as it evolves to become the USN Spirit Store.

Andrew and Julie Eskind Galbierz, along with big sister Sadie, welcomed Thomas “Tommy” Eskind Galbierz on December 4, 2022.

2004

Kim Sandler Rhodes has been named co-chair of the Lung Cancer Screening Steering Committee for the American College of Radiology.

Sandler is an associate professor of Radiology and Radiological Sciences at Vanderbilt.

Jennifer Goldstein Hoffman and her husband Mark recently relocated to Nashville and welcomed son David Hoffman on March 19, 2023.

Perrin and Bryant Mayne welcomed Everleigh Sutton Mayne on April 24, 2022.

Russell Ries and Eleanor Schneider ’05 welcomed James Gawain Holbrook Ries on July 7.

UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF NASHVILLE

Katie Yeaworth Acopine and Joshua welcomed Thomas “Tommy” Radnor Acopine on July 25.

Cate Adams is a Senior Vice President, Production at Warner Brothers. Princeton’s Alumni Weekly featured her as the “Tiger of the Week” and included an interview about her role as an executive producer for “Barbie,” the movie.

33

2005 Nearly 20 years after the completion of their joint “Filmmaking Independent Study” as High School students at USN, Kathryn Berk and William Akers ’06 have joined forces once again, this time as the executive producer and writer for “Coleman — Adventure is Everywhere,” with Director Abraham Felix and Curfew TV. Reflecting on their independent study and about this project in particular, Kathryn wrote, “William took a break from writing a pilot with Martin Scorsese to write this script with Abraham Felix, so I think it paid off.”

Scott Collins ’05

Nicolo Davidson has joined Mars Inc., where he serves as the Assistant General Counsel.

Darrell Hardin earned his Doctor of Physical Therapy from the University of Miami in May. He began his orthopedic residency in Miami over the summer.

Anna Myint has been recognized as a member of the Nashville Emerging Leaders’ 2023 cohort, and was selected as a finalist for the group’s annual Hospitality & Tourism award. Additionally, she was accepted into Leadership Connect through the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce.

NFocus interviewed Mclaine Richardson about her artistic background, carrying forward the legacy of Margaret Ellis Jewelry, and how she chooses to give back to the Nashville community.

Avery Brandes gave the eighth-grade commencement address at The Auburn School in Silver Spring, Maryland, where he teaches seventh and eighth grade English and history and founded the school’s History Club.

Allison Duke Budslick and Paul, along with big sister Bea, welcomed Jack Duke Budslick on May 5, 2022.

Los Angeles-based law firm Sklar Kirsh LLP elevated Jenny Cohen to Partner. She was named to Super Lawyers’ list of 2023 Southern California “Rising Stars.”

Scott Collins earned a Doctorate of Education from Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College in May 2022 with a concentration in K-12 educational leadership and policy. Collins’ capstone defense explored the sustainability of small independent schools, and his findings were shared by the National Association of Independent Schools. Collins also joined the alumni association board of directors for his alma mater, Wofford College. He was promoted to Director of Enrollment for USN in summer 2023.

Rebecca Lazarus Mittleman joined VisitGreenvilleSC as the organization’s Director of Sales.

Kaile Barnes O’Morrissey and Greg welcomed Benton Matthew O’Morrissey on May 17, 2022.

Becky Paxton passed the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test in January. A pair of ikebana vases she crafted was featured in the Community Clay Show at the Centennial Art Center at Centennial Park.

David and Amy Yazdian Pearl welcomed Elliott Rafael Pearl on March 21.

Zach Wexler began a new position as Director of Information Technology at the HCA Healthcare Research Institute on March 1.

2006 John Early’s standup tour kicked off in May and brought him to Nashville for a show attended by several USN alumni at City Winery on June 6. The Cut profiled John ahead of the June 17 release of his first solo special, premiering on HBO, “John Early: Now More Than Ever.”

Earlier in the year, John joined Dax Shepherd on his podcast, “Armchair Expert,” and starred in Taylor Swift’s “Anti-Hero” music video.

Hawkins Entrekin completed the New York City Marathon on November 6, 2022.

Alex Garmezy was promoted to Senior Director, Market Development for Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe.

Amanda Pargh Haze and husband Chase welcomed Marlena Sunshine Haze on April 22, 2023.

Edward “Teddy” Atwood Jarrett joined Katie Goldstein Jarrett, Ben, and big brother Charlie, on April 26, 2022.

Jeremy McBride joined Energybox as a Financial & Energy Analyst. Jeremy’s career has focused on business analysis, risk assessment, and client trends, and he looks forward to bringing this expertise to the energy sector.

John Early ’06

“This is Not Financial Advice,” a documentary by cinematographer Nick Kraus, premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in the festival’s Spotlight Documentary category. The film follows retail investors, including “Dogecoin Millionaire” Glauber Contesso, as they navigate the volatile world of cryptocurrency.

Avery Brandes ’05

34

2000 EDGEHILL

Alison Douglas Reedy welcomed son Sebastian on March 28. Additionally, she was promoted to Senior Clinical Scientist at Bristol Myers Squibb.

Maureen Shelton enjoyed her final year of residency as Chief in Psychiatry at Mayo Clinic.

Maureen and her husband Luke welcomed their son Conrad Shelton in June 2021.

Marci Levy Kleinrock and Jacob welcomed Anna Rose Leigh Kleinrock on November 29, 2021.

Laura Kuhn and Shaunt Halebian welcomed Lennox Julius Halebian on July 6, 2022.

Amy McElroy wed Nash Hickman in May 2022.

Ellie and Skyler Moots welcomed Mildred “Millie” Elizabeth Moots on July 21.

Frances Wright and Pierce Trumbo welcomed Silas Faxon Trumbo.

2007

Andrew Fair and Alice LaBour Fair welcomed Hazel Roberta Fair on July 1.

The CMA’s “In Their Boots” series followed Gabriel Huang, also known as Gabe Lee, as he released a new record and performed at Dee’s Country Cocktail Lounge. “In Their Boots” profiles many of the talented people behind the scenes of the Country Music industry. In the April 19 episode, the Nashville native and singer-songwriter gave an inside look from start to finish at what goes into creating a record release day party in Music City.

Jess Jowers Burkey and husband Hunter welcomed Henry Oliver Burkey on March 18, 2023. Former USN nurse and proud grandmother Brenda Jowers wrote, “Big brother Theo is indifferent.”

Cornelia Overton graduated with her Master of Landscape Architecture from Rhode Island School of Design as the RISD 2020 Frederick Law Olmstead Scholar. She is a landscape architect in Nashville.

TJ Ducklo returned to U.S. President Joe Biden’s team as a Senior Advisor for Communications in July.

Aliza Sir and Sam Gerstle welcomed Jude Lambert Gerstle on September 14, 2022.

Dillon Goodson and wife Abby relocated to St. Louis, where Dillon has expanded his consulting practice. He recently cofounded Public Sphere Projects, which brings award-winning strategic insight to place managers, city agencies, community leaders, and property leaders who champion the venture’s ethos: the belief that public places can be more just and joyous, better resourced, and loved.

Preet and Kathryn Gibson Gurusamy, along with big brother Ash, welcomed Meena Grace Gurusamy in December.

Nicole Williams ’08 and Eli Motycka ’13

Head of Membership and Communications for Soho House Nashville Hunter Claire Rogers was named one of 15 of Nashville Lifestyles’ Women in Business and honored on August 18, 2022.

2008 Miranda Merrick Buell was hired at the Sexual Assault Center in Nashville as a Clinical Therapist. In her new role, Miranda works with survivors of sexual assault and spends one night a week providing group counseling services to survivors of human trafficking.

Nicole Williams and Eli Motycka ’13 returned to campus to talk to AP Government students about covering local government in a 21st-century media landscape and their respective work as a columnist and journalist for the Nashville Scene.

2009 Elizabeth Allen joined the department of Development & Alumni Relations at Vanderbilt University, where she is the Assistant Director of Stewardship.

Jamye Hardy ’10, Jessica Friley Ensley ’06, Savannah Espinosa ’11, Jameice Holmes ’13, Ben Jelsma ’10, Kayla Miller ’10, and Dalaina Kimbro ’13 with Director Amani Reed

UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF NASHVILLE

Nashville Voyager interviewed Alex Spieth about filmmaking and its future. Alex has made over 30 shorts and feature films on microbudgets, which she describes as “dark comedies about gender, sex, religion, and ambition.”

2010 Alumni Board member Jamye Hardy hosted a small-group luncheon for Director Amani Reed and several alumni friends in September 2022.

The group enjoyed the conversation and toured the Edgehill Campus. In attendance were Jessica Friley Ensley ’06, Savannah Espinosa ’11, Jameice Holmes ’13, Ben Jelsma ’10, Kayla Miller ’10, and Dalaina Kimbro ’13.

Jamye was also promoted to Associate Director, Leadership, Outreach, Training — Student Care Coordination, at Vanderbilt University, where she has been on staff since 2018.

Kayla Miller and Jamye Hardy reunited again on the first day of school for KIPP Academy Nashville, where Kayla is Principal.

Volunteers from the community were invited to applaud and welcome students back to school as they entered the building on their first day of classes, and Jamye jumped at the chance to celebrate the young students and her USN classmate too.

Nani Durnan and Basyl Durnan welcomed Sylvie Jane Durnan on May 16.

35

Beyond Marcus Maddox ’12 Edgehill

A self-taught photographer and bookmaker, Marcus describes himself as an artist with a humanist focus. His three-volume series “Pom Poms” captures the underground music scenes of Nashville, Philadelphia, and Brooklyn and also chronicles Maddox’s coming of age and the personalities he has met along the way.

Q: How do you describe yourself as an artist?

A: I describe myself as an artist with a humanist focus. I like people, I like taking portraits, and I like work that is about people.

Any time there’s not a person in my shot, the shot exists only insofar as to tell some sort of story about a person. My work is mostly about making images and having a point of view about people in the world around me.

Q: What was your path from USN to your life now?

A: I tried college for a little bit but left Middle Tennessee State University after realizing I wanted to freelance. I was in Nashville until 2018, and that’s when I started working on my book series called “Pom Poms,” about the music scenes in different cities.

“Pom Poms I” is about the Nashville scene. I spent my early 20s in the underground Nashville music scene photographing people for the book. I released the first version as a soft-cover book with a lot of those early pictures.

Then I decided to move to Philadelphia to focus on Part II of that book. A lot changed between then and moving to New York, where I now live. I learned a lot about bookmaking, spent a lot of time at the Parkway Central Library, and got to know a lot of artists and people in the art department at the library. I realized quickly that my second book would have to be better than my first one — the way it was made, presented, and came out overall. It took me four years to learn everything. In Nashville, I didn’t even know how to make the images high resolution; I was that new to photography. I didn’t know how to handle the files. In Philadelphia, I learned all of that: how to handle the files, and how to design the book. I handled the whole thing by myself. I wrote the text and everything. It took years of just messing around by myself and even just making dummy books and prototypes, with all of my mistakes. And just continually correcting with each round.

Eventually, I completed all of that work, I felt like I hit a dead end in Philadelphia. Aside from the book — and the book was my main thing, it was my whole life pretty much — I was also doing commercial work: I began shooting for The New Yorker and The New York Times. I shot a cookbook for QuestLove — I had never done food photography, but shot all of the food for the cookbook. But all of the commercial work, even the stuff for the big magazines, was all to me a side project and beside the point of my personal work, which was to continue to make “Pom Poms.” So

36

I continued on that journey, and after I finished the second book which has just been released, I moved to New York to make “Pom Poms III.” That will be the trilogy, and that will end the series.

Now I’m in my late 20s, so it’s not only been about the music scene but also a way to capture my twenties and my viewpoint and my personal life. The most important thing about “Pom Poms” is not that they’re about musicians, but that they’re about friendships and relationships. All in all, these are people that I care about. These are all real moments. Nothing is posed, nothing is moved around, and I didn’t ask anyone to do anything. This is all just life as I lived it. And I think that’s the most stunning thing about photography. You can render the truth in a way that you’re not exactly telling the truth, but you’re showing the world your subjective view of reality. A candid photograph of people in the world — in your world, and in your context — just showing that point of view. “Pom Poms” is filled with love. It’s filled with people with style, with people with expressions on their faces that make you wonder what they’re thinking. Just filled with people.

I’m trying to put my own viewpoint on life.

Q: Your photography has been described as having a painterly quality. I’ve also seen you talk about finding inspiration in music, and the camera serving as your instrument. Where do you find inspiration for your work?

A: I definitely find inspiration through paintings and classical work. I use a technique called the harmonic armature to compose and select my images. It’s a 14-line grid that the rule of thirds derives itself from. It’s more advanced than the rule of thirds. It’s points of intersection that your images can hit. Juliette Aristides will use that to lock her subject into her painting. I try to do the same thing when I look at my images — things that are working in the images are things a viewer might not notice at first, but given a closer look and if you were to drop that 14-line grid on the work, you’ll drop the 14-line grid on it and see it. People’s bodies and arms and facial expressions — the way people are turning their heads, even. That all goes into the way you experience an image. People’s eyes are drawn to certain elements and it makes it more pleasant to look at.

Q: What kind of art were you making while at USN? How has that evolved or changed?

A: I really didn’t make a lot of art. It took a long time for me to

2000 EDGEHILL

realize that art is about communicating a certain kind of feeling to people and sharing your sensibility with the world and with people. And in sharing, sharing that much of yourself can turn into a bigger broader sense of community. What is unique to you sometimes resonates with a whole group of people, and that group can be big or small. But what that thing is about yourself and your life is something that can touch a lot of people if you express it fully. I think that’s what art is about — touching people and communicating with people.

all around me gave me aspirations to be more of a thinker. And to have a passion for knowledge. I think I got that from USN. I never really was a great student if I’m being honest, but I love having knowledge for things outside of school. It’s like the harmonic armature, for example — being excited to learn about that. I’m an unconventional learner — tests and grades were not in my wheelhouse, but I also go to the library a lot. I love to learn. What I saw at USN was that it was cool to learn. People were ambitious and strove to be their best. They were proud of their work.

Q: How did your USN experience prepare you for what you’re doing now?

A: I would say that the kids at USN are really inspiring. It was a really smart group and they really encouraged me to debate well and how to think and how to think critically. Observing people

Q: What words of wisdom do you have for USN students today?

A: Don’t worry if you feel confused about your path. There’s always time to change. Follow your intuition, and find the things you enjoy, and work from there. nn

2011 Julia Durnan joined Arnold Ventures in January. As a Criminal Justice Manager, Julia will provide strategic support and assist in managing a Pretrial Justice portfolio.

The Cambridge University Poetry and Prose Society recognized Diana Hays as a shortlisted author for the 2023 Cambridge University Poetry and Prose Prize. Diana wrote, “I was just shocked and excited that this happened — no doubt in part thanks to my wonderful English teachers at USN!” Bryard Huggins ’13

Aaron Rosen is engaged to marry Jamie Solomon in summer 2024. The couple reside in Chicago, where Aaron is a product manager for Optum.

2013

UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF NASHVILLE

“Churches Go Last: An Influx of Wealth Has Remade 12South” by Eli Motycka was featured as the cover article for the June 30, 2022 issue of the Nashville Scene.

2012 “Don’t Look Black” by Preston Crowder premiered August 19, 2022, and ran through September 3 at Nashville’s Darkhorse Theater.

The production was developed during Preston’s fellowship with Tennessee Playwrights Studio in 2020 and focuses on four white friends who enter an underground Black immersion experience.

Bryard Huggins ’13 with singer Gladys Knight

Wales as the featured guest artist on Gladys Knight’s tour, finishing with his debut at London’s Royal Albert Hall. Additionally, he was invited to join the Recording Academy’s 2023 New Member Class.

Bryard Huggins performed for sold-out crowds in the United Kingdom, Scotland, and

Moorey Phillips ’14 and Horizons scholars

Nick Williams received his Doctor of Education in Leadership and Learning in Organizations from Peabody College of Education and Human Development at Vanderbilt University.

His capstone project examined how NCAA Division I universities can improve upon philanthropy and engagement for their Black student-athlete alumni — a topic near and dear to his heart.

37

2014 “Refuge,” a play by Mary Frances Noser, premiered June 3, 2022, at the Los Angeles LGBT Center. Tackling the themes of duty, love, forgiveness, safety, and family through the prism of a pair of fraternal twins surviving a pandemic, Noser’s play is an exploration of survival, identity in the face of mounting death, and the redeeming power of love.

Moorey Phillips visited the Edgehill Campus to share his story of becoming an entrepreneur with the high school scholars in Horizons at USN, a summer enrichment program for Metro Nashville Public Schools students. Moorey is a master electrician and founded Lights Out Electric in 2019.

Tommy Prine took the stage at The 2023 Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival in September.

2015 Metta Devine-Qin signed with Nashvillebased professional Ultimate Frisbee team NightShade, where she joins Margie Quinn ’09 and Jesse Shofner ’11.

2016

featured Baxter and her student experience in an article in Northwestern Magazine.

As part of his graduate work in nuclear proliferation and terrorism studies through Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey, Eli Horton spoke to USN High School students on behalf of the Critical Issues Forum — High School Nonproliferation & Disarmament Education Program.

A short film by Jaran Huggins entitled “Sheet Music” premiered at the 53rd annual Nashville Film Festival in September 2022. The film features his brother Bryard Huggins ’13, an original song performed by composer Chloe Kibble ’13, and was helped by the behindthe-scenes photography of Marcus Maddox ’12.

Jaran spent spring 2023 as an Office Production Assistant at El Matador Productions, where he supported post-production efforts for FX’s documentary series “Dear Mama: The Saga of Afeni and Tupac Shakur.”

Sarah Knight has joined Hauser & Wirth as a Communications Assistant.

Margo Ghertner joined the staff of The Skimm, where she is an Assistant Editor.

Samantha Olivares-Mejia has joined the Sonoran Desert Network as a Geographic Information Systems Assistant, as part of the

McKenna Harrington stars as Grace in the new crime drama “Tulsa King,” featuring Sylvester Stallone and available on Paramount+.

National Park Service’s Scientists in Parks Program.

Madigan Wheelock was named the Admissions Officer at USN in summer 2022. Madigan joined the Admissions Office in 2020 as the Admissions Assistant.

Led by senior Adam Wooten, the Michigan Wolverines clinched the regular season Big Ten title in men’s gymnastics.

Short film by Jaran Huggins ’18

2019 Rachel Becker graduated from the University of Southern California in May and relocated to New York, where she has joined Joele Frank as an Account Associate.

George Corzine and the No. 15 Swarthmore Men’s Basketball team were crowned the Centennial Conference Champions with a stunning win over No. 7 Johns Hopkins.

Ittai Eden and Nate Petty graduated from the University of Michigan on April 29.

Max Kleiner represented Baylor University at the 2022 Challenger Sales Institute competition, sponsored by Love’s Travel Stops. As part of the Sales Management and Ethics Case competion, Max’s team was charged with revamping the evaluation and training programs for Love’s sales organization. The team presented a solution built on a competency-based approach to evaluation and development and won first place.

2017 Henry Hicks wrote on the Tennessee Three for the July cover story of “In These Times.”

George LaBour has returned to USN as the Library Assistant in our Hassenfeld Library.

Emma Larson will pursue her master’s in Health Informatics at Rutgers University in the fall.

Sydney Stevenson has relocated to New York City and has joined the Legal & Compliance division at Blackstone.

2018 Madeline Baxter graduated from Northwestern University in May 2022. The university Jaran Huggins ’18

38

2000 EDGEHILL

Ittai Eden ’18 and Nate Petty ’18

2020 Lewis Walker spent the summer as a Production Assistant at Relationary Marketing, LLC. Gordon Yancey graduated from Belmont University and has joined The Aegis Group as a commercial property tax consultant.

2021 Occidental College named Yenni GonzalezSalinas to the 2023-2024 cohort of Barack Obama Scholars. Obama Scholars are selected based on a strong record of academic achievement and a demonstrated commitment to the public good, with an emphasis on firstgeneration students, veterans, and community college transfers.

Alumni lacrosse and Ultimate Frisbee games at the River Campus

MULTIPLE CLASS YEARS USN alumni come together each Thanksgiving Break for a little friendly post-turkey competition at the USN River Campus for games of men’s lacrosse, women’s lacrosse, and Ultimate Frisbee.

Max Kleiner ’19

The Tennessean ran an op-ed by Harper Johnston on January 9 called “Why grass lawns are burning your pockets and our planet.”

2022 Krishin Parikh spent the summer interning at ImmersiveTouch, a Chicago-based company developing virtual reality and haptics solutions for surgeons and patients.

UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF NASHVILLE

39

Beyond McKenna Harrington ’16 Edgehill

McKenna started at USN in Middle School and found her way to the auditorium stage, now crediting USN faculty with supporting her stand in the spotlight in spite of a health challenge. Today the actress stars in a comedy and crime drama streaming on Paramount+.

Q: Making it as an actress is incredibly difficult. What has been your journey?

A: Have I made it? That’s so nice. I basically feel the same way I did last year. Last year, I did a movie called “Susie Searches” directed by Sophie Kargman. It premiered at TIFF (the Toronto International Film Festival), and is a podcast-themed mystery. I had a bit part in that and a scene with Rachel Sennott who at the time I vaguely knew. Now it’s crazy that I did something with her. It was a very small scene, but that same casting director casted me in “Tulsa King.” She’s really the only person who’s given me a job, so I don’t know that I’ve “made it.”

I went to college with a lot of people who had been to performing arts high schools, and I didn’t feel any less prepared by not having gone to an arts-based high school. My parents were pretty intent upon me going to a high school with academic rigor, plus I didn’t necessarily think I was going to go to college for theater until my senior year. And my focus at first really was on finding colleges as academic fits, and would then sort of sign up for these auditions for their programs that included Fordham Lincoln Center where I ended up going, but everyone was so supportive at USN, too.

When I was a senior, USN reached out to alumni who were already in college for theater in places around the country and they would give us their reviews of these outstanding theater programs at places like Yale, Juilliard, and Carnegie Mellon. At the time I’m not sure I really appreciated it, but looking back on it, our college counselors are so good. [Then Director of College Counseling] Janet Schneider and [then Assistant Director of College Counseling] Cristin Viebranz, I just love them so much.

Q: What are “Tulsa King” and your role on the show?

A: I’ve just finished season one of “Tulsa King,” and I play a character named Grace. The show was created by some of the writers and producers of “The Sopranos,” and these characters live in a similar world. Basically, Dwight — Sylvester Stallone’s character

40

— has been in prison for 25 years, he gets out of prison, and he’s been doing time without giving up the family. He goes back to the family he’s been protecting to find they don’t really have anything for him, that times have changed, so they send him to Tulsa because there’s nothing out there and he can start his own thing.

And he basically goes into the first dispensary he sees and starts extorting them. He starts to build his own empire in Tulsa. And very quickly becomes the Tulsa King, and kind of creates his own gang of misfits. So my character works at that dispensary — they shaved my head for the role, and I had fake tattoos everywhere and ear gauges, and I’m pretty strong.

It’s rare, even now, to do a show where they’re writing it as they go, so my role went from small to big, from the beginning of the season to the end of the season. And we didn’t know when I was cast if I would be on for one or two episodes, or the possibility that I would be on for more episodes, which is ultimately what happened, but it was very gradual and everyone was very patient.

I was in scenes with Sylvester Stallone where he would stop and ask, “Wait, what was your line again?” And he would rework it and tell me to say something else instead, on the spot.

No one else has the power to do that on any set really, but doing a scene — that’s what you want as an actor, because the truth is, actors don’t usually have that kind of clout and power on set, but this was Sylvester Stallone and he’s both the producer and an actor on the show, and so it felt like I was just among greats. I was among some really amazing talented people and I felt so lucky.

2000 EDGEHILL

Q: How did your USN experience prepare you for what you’re doing now?

A: [The late High School Theater Director] Catherine Coke and [Technical Theater Director] Jim Manning ran such a superb program. And I am so proud of all the work I did at USN still to this day, which is not something a lot of people can say about their high school experience. I look back at some of the shows we did and they really were genuinely good. There are so many production photos, too. I have been using production photos from what’s now the Durnan Auditorium for my profile, resume, and website for years because they were just so good.

I was also super into dance and I just loved Caitlin Del Casino [’08] and [then Dance Teacher] Mindy Congleton. The community at USN I think prepared me in that it made me look for a community everywhere else. Not only the school I went to — I always felt a little bit like Fordham Lincoln Center was a little bit like USN 2.0 just in that it was similarly an intimate size, and in the middle of the city. I was diagnosed with diabetes as a junior, and I remember being in “Pippin” rehearsals at the time when I was across the street at Vanderbilt [University Medical Center] and received my diagnosis. I remember I walked back to campus, and first Catherine Coke comforted me, and then [USNA Office Manager] Debra Alberts showed up and reassured me that I was going to be fine, took me up to the Health Room to see [Health Room Staff] Cherie Robbins, Margee Brennan, and Amy Harkness, and they literally had me out of there in an hour ready to go to rehearsal. They just gave me that sense of normalcy and convinced me that I had nothing to worry about. At first I did spend a lot of time in the Health Room, but I think they took such good care of me in a way that prepared me to take care of myself eventually, too. I was 16. I thought I was grown.

And of course, USN prepared me academically, I always felt kind of like one of the smartest actors in the room coming out of USN. I also like to joke now that I am way dumber now than when I was coming out of USN because I felt like I had such a depth of knowledge in almost every aspect. I have to shout out to [High School Math Teacher] Jason Shuster and [High School Math Teacher Justin] Fitz. I am not a math person. And they made me feel like I

was. [High School English Teacher Freya] Sachs [’00] and [High School English Teacher Robbie] McKay are some other greats. I think all the time about [High School Science Teacher Wilson] Hubbell being my science teacher in fifth grade. So I showed up having moved from Mexico City, speaking Spanish half the time in and out, not because I didn’t know English but because I was just used to speaking Spanish. Mr. Hubbell seriously was my first USN friend. I was in his advisory. This teacher literally did everything for us. I just cannot believe how much he put up with.

I think that’s the pattern of my USN experience — I was fully being taken care of, but it never felt overbearing which is such a good thing because I think it promotes such independence, and most of the people I know who graduated from USN are still people I see and want to hang out with. And I’m always struck by how all of these people are just so independent and good at a lot of different things. One of my best friends is in medical school and another one is in a band. And they’re both doing amazing things.

Knowing all of these interesting people makes me feel like USN did something right.

Q: Do you have any advice or words of wisdom for USN students?

A: Try to go into your USN experience as open as possible. Try everything because you feel the freedom to try things, do it while you can, and while you’re in an environment like USN. If you fall in love with something, do it and do the other things available to you, because all of your experiences inform and enrich one another. Try not to get too worried about the specifics. nn (Opposite top) Harrington in the one-act play “Icarus’ Mother.” (Opposite bottom) The cast of “Tulsa King” on the red carpet.

In spring 2016, during her final semester at University School of Nashville, Harrington played lead roles in the High School musical “Chicago” (left) and “Six Degrees of Separation” (above).

UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF NASHVILLE

41

Weddings

(Right) Connor Crenshaw ’15 wed Udit Kumar on July 3, 2023.

(Below) Sahar Fakhruddin ’14 and Huzaifah Mahmood held a reception on June 11, 2022.

(Above) Laura Lea Rubino ’09 wed Michael Cavopol on September 23, 2023.

(Middle) Sarah Berkman ’11 wed Phillip Dinner on May 27, 2023.

42

(Right) Kathryn Berk ’05 wed Peter Sjolander in September 4, 2023.

2000 EDGEHILL

Births

Kethan ’35 and Seetha, children of Srijaya Reddy ’97

Everleigh, daughter of Bryant Mayne ’02

Gawain, son of Russell Ries ’02 and Eleanor Schneider ’05

Tommy, son of Julie Eskind Galbierz ’02

David, son of Jennifer Goldstein Hoffman ’03

Teddy, son of Katie Goldstein Jarrett ’05

Conrad, son of Maureen Shelton ’06

Theo and Henry, sons of Jess Jowers Burkey ’07

Anna Rose, daughter of Marci Levy Kleinrock ’07

Millie, daughter of Skyler Moots OF ’07 NASHVILLE Hazel, daughter of Alice LaBour Fair ’09 UNIVERSITY SCHOOL

Jude, son of Aliza Sir ’09 and Sam Gerstle ’09

43

In Memoriam

Peggy Jackson Crenshaw ’46 July 22, 2019

Evelyn Barnett Wright ’42 July 29, 2023

John Duckworth ’45 September 14, 2023

Jim Garrison ’45 February 14, 2020

Trudy Lasseter Patch ’46 September 15, 2022

Lucy Wilkes Pentecost ’46 March 24, 2023

Elaine Gore Amis ’48 July 4, 2022

Jack Stubblefield ’50 August 4, 2023

Joy St. John Tutino ’51 July 31, 2010

Sue Bomar Bartlett ‘52 May 22, 2023

David Criley ’52 August 8, 2022

Solon “Ed” Davis ’52 March 24, 2023

Eugene “Gene” Frazer ’53 November 15, 2020

Charlie Appleton ’56 February 25, 2023

Emeline Riddle Tilley ’56 December 2021

Baiba Strautins Wilson ’56 April 19, 2023

Gentry Paul ’57 January 18, 2013

Linda Alley Mercer ’60 April 20, 2022

Bob Collier ’61 January 23, 2023

44

Anna Ley Ingraham ’45 February 2, 2022

Kay Fryer Alexander ’46 July 14, 2022

Anne McKeown Smalley ’48 Lula “Peggy” Lea Murphy ’49 January 16, 2023 November 22, 2020

Doris Tenzel Fleischer ’50 November 6, 2023

2000 EDGEHILL

We remember these deceased alumni, former students, and faculty for their contributions to PDS/USN and beyond Edgehill. Included on this page are those of whose deaths we have recently learned, even when some years have passed. To read their obituaries, visit usn.org/publications.

Robert “Robbie” Lagemann ’61 October 26, 2022

Tom Roberts ’61 July 23, 2023

Frank Farris Stuart ’61 April 17, 2023

Gwen Hale White ’62 January 20, 2023

Andrea Charles Brewer ’63 July 19, 2023

Nancy Vining Van Ness ’63 February 10, 2023

Michael Ralph ’69 April 9, 2023

Paul Brill ’73 date unknown

Frances Hayes Pelfrey ’73 October 28, 2018

Vicki Mills ’74 July 2023

Steven Matthew Weingartner ’78 August 20, 2023

Carson William“Bill” Beck ’80 June 4, 2023

Brian McCullough ’94 December 7, 2022

Paul DiSilvestro ’07 April 13, 2023

Gracie Scruggs Allen PE Department Chair 1967-1977, 1980-1986 September 30, 2022

Jeannine Winter Bowers French Teacher 1963-1971 November 5, 2023

Lyonel Gilmer Assistant Head of MS 2000-2010 September 23, 2022

Dolores Nicholson LS Music Teacher 1972-1977 October 20, 2022

Alumni and former students without High School pictures in the PDS/USN Archive: Roger Danner ’73 September 26, 2022

Luther “LD” Ralph Jr. Art Teacher 1957-1986 July 11, 2022

José Rodrigues Art Department Chair 1977-1989 December 28, 2021

UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF NASHVILLE

Eric Smith Bus Driver 2005-2023 October 24, 2023

Alys Venable English Department Chair 1980-1999 February 12, 2023

45

In Memoriam

We also fondly remember the following trustees who made indelible contributions to the PDS/USN legacy.

Gertrude Caldwell Emeritus Trustee Former Board President April 25, 2023 The dedication of Former Board Chair and Emeritus Trustee Gertrude Caldwell’s family to PDS/USN spans a century. The daughter of PDS alumnus Vernon Sharp ’24, her tenure on the Board ran from 1979 to 1984, during the early years of the school’s transition to USN. She worked closely with Director Harvey Sperling to modernize the governance structure of the Board — ensuring term limits to a selfperpetuating Board and that trustees would represent the entire USN community — and to establish the financial security of the young USN. Mrs. Caldwell followed hours-long board meetings with late-night coffee meetings with the Director and was known for her kindness, ready smile, and uncommon insight. She is survived by her children Trudy Caldwell Byrd, Sarah Caldwell Hedrick ’83, Ben Caldwell III, and their families.

46

Henry “Hank” Foster Jr., M.D. Emeritus Trustee September 25, 2022 The impact of Emeritus Trustee “Hank” Foster Jr. can still be felt today in our hallways and classrooms as well as in the greater Nashville community. Parent of Wendell Foster ’81 and the late Myrna Foster ’80, he served two terms on our Board of Trustees from 1983 to 1994 and as professor and dean of the School of Medicine at Meharry Medical College. His career spanned from being the only Black medical student among 96 peers at the University of Arkansas to becoming known nationwide for his work as an obstetrician with more than 17,000 births and for his work in reducing teen pregnancy. The PDS/USN Archive holds a glowing letter about Dr. Foster from Director Ed Costello to USN parents in the newsletter as he was being considered for U.S. Surgeon General.

Joel C. Gordon Emeritus Trustee March 30, 2023 Health care industry legend and USN Emeritus Trustee Joel C. Gordon was a leader in the Nashville community and on our campus over many decades. Our Gordon Wing for Middle School classes and High School sciences bears his family name. Always extending his listening ear and counsel, he was an advisor, confidant, and friend to USN’s Directors. Mr. Gordon attended dozens of Grandparents’ Day celebrations to watch his grandchildren do the Turkey Trot or waltz with his fourth grader.

He never missed their sporting events at the River Campus and Sperling Gym. He is survived by a host of family, including four generations of connections to our school.

2000 EDGEHILL

Heber Rogers August 4, 2023

Heber Rogers began at Peabody Demonstration School in 1957 as a history teacher and over the next four decades went on to fill many critical roles, including Assistant Director and Interim Director during the 1978–1979 academic year. Alumni recall him having more cameos in High School plays and musicals than any other faculty member and how he infamously rappelled from the auditorium roof while costumed as a superhero as part of a faculty talent show. Even after his retirement in 1995, Mr. Rogers remained connected to and present at University School of Nashville. He returned for many Reunions, to visit former colleagues, and to hand-deliver boxes of memorabilia and books to our Archive. He also was among the writers who contributed an essay to “The Same River Twice: A Century of Reminiscences from Peabody Demonstration School-University School of Nashville” as part of the school’s centennial celebration. His celebration of life was held in Durnan Auditorium on October 22, 2023. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Fran and Heber Rogers Endowed Scholarship Fund at USN.

UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF NASHVILLE

47

2000 EDGEHILL