Fireside by Brownell Talbot

Dr. Kristi Gibbs, Head of School

It is hard to believe I have been a Brownell-Talbot Raider for nearly six months. My time here at the School has been very fulfilling. While met with the challenge of a first-year learning curve, I am finding that our students, faculty, staff, and community are genuinely and passionately invested. It is energizing and I am looking forward to learning so much more. A goal I set for myself this year is to build upon the strong and unique relationships that exist between alumni and faculty and staff. Collaboration is key as we build a strong foundation from which our students can excel, achieve, and lead once they leave the halls of Brownell-Talbot. It’s been fantastic getting to know our community personally. During the first month of school I’ve had the opportunity to visit with over 30 families. I’ve learned that families are proud of the rich traditions and history of Brownell-Talbot. I’ve also learned that academic success and opportunities are what draw families to the School, while the caring community and individualized learning environment is what keeps them here. Additionally, I’m happy to have assembled the HOS Advisory committee, a committee designed to identify and share core beliefs. Most importantly, I hope to gain a clearer understanding of the meaning of our School’s mission by extending my one-on-one meetings from families to students, alumni, and faculty, as well as engaging in focused conversations with community members and friends of Brownell-Talbot. My overarching goal this year is to maintain and build trust. With transparent and frequent communication and adherence to the initiatives above, I pledge to lead our community with stability, confidence, and future growth. Jason and I have three children attending BT—Jake in seventh grade, Abbi in second grade, and Ana in kindergarten. When asked about our first few weeks at the School, we respond with smiles and gratitude. We love everything about BT. It is my hope that everyone shares my excitement and enthusiasm as we all continue to play a crucial role in the lives of our students on a daily basis. We feel very fortunate to have been welcomed so warmly into the Brownell-Talbot community.

The Fireside Room occupies a treasured spot in Worthington Hall and a treasured spot in the hearts of Brownell-Talbot alumni and friends. It is here in this elegant room—with that subtle, reassuring smell of leather-bound books and furniture polish— where many of the artifacts and historical documents of this proud institution reside.

A traditional gathering place, the Fireside Room was originally a commons area reserved for Brownell boarding students. The Fireside Room is located in the oldest building on campus, Worthington Hall, which was built as a dormitory in 1923. The Fireside Room was remodeled and re-dedicated in 1992 with the generous support of the Kountze family–descendents of pioneer Omaha financier Herman Kountze.

Beating Ebola

Hi, Robot!

Brownell students take on the world

Behind the headlines and into the classroom

Homecoming 2015

But the Fireside Room is much more than a historical repository and symbol of the past. It is also a meeting room where the future of Brownell-Talbot is discussed, debated and meticulously charted out.

It seemed fitting then to name this magazine Fireside, honoring the traditions of Brownell-Talbot School while at the same time looking forward so we—all of us together—can build a vibrant and relevant future for the School we cherish.

We are confident you will enjoy reading about the extraordinary achievements of BT students, faculty and staff; getting an insider’s view of future School plans; and catching up on news about your fellow alums.

Annual Sustaining Campaign

Unleashing Creativity

Learning with the Orff Method

Graduation 2015

If you like, curl up in front of a fireplace to thumb through these pages. It only seems fitting. If you have a story idea or alumni news contact: Renae Mackender at Renae.mackender@brownell.edu or 402.556.3772 x1012 Fireside Contributors: Editors: Renae Mackender, Anne Constantino Writers: Don Browers, Renae Mackender, Angie Drew Photographers: Casie Schlueter, Don Browers Graphic Designers: Don Browers, Angie Drew © 2015 Brownell-Talbot School. All rights reserved.

Alumni News & Notes

Looking Back, Looking Forward

Hi, Robot! Brownell students take on the world Buzz. Whir. Click. A compact little machine that looks a bit like an erector set mounted on wheels jam-packed with circuit boards and wires scoots across a 12-foot square ring. After the machine’s claws grapple to clamp onto three hollow plastic cubes, its arms accordion to a height of more than six feet. Then, responding to the human driver’s flick of a joystick, it neatly drops the cubes onto a post. Students at ringside erupt in cheers, applause, and laughter. Welcome to the intense world of competitive robotics where BrownellTalbot students are not only on the leading edge of technology, they are setting the pace. Fireside sat down with five members of the robotics team and their coach to learn how robotics has grown from a club to become a full-fledged school activity. This year marks the tenth year of competitive robotics at Brownell-Talbot. The School started with three teams in 2006. The program has expanded and grown more successful every year since. In recent years, BT has qualified six teams for the VEX World Robotics Championships where more than 600 teams from all over the world compete. (VEX, the sponsor of the competition, manufactures robot kits.) Last year thirteen Nebraska teams qualified for the world championships and three of those were BT teams—a remarkable achievement especially considering that Nebraska is a hotbed for robotics. By comparison, the entire state of Iowa only qualified three teams. 2

In addition to the world championships, BT robotics teams compete in tournaments in Omaha, Iowa and Kansas. Each year for the competition all teams in the country build and program robots to compete in a specific game, which requires them to manipulate objects like tennis balls, bean bags or hollow cubes. This year’s tournament theme is “Nothing but Net” and teams must get their robots to shoot small balls into baskets. Application of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education is at the very heart of robotics. Robotics has put many BT students on a path toward STEM college degrees and careers. Senior Julia Fiksinski says “Math is my favorite subject in school along with physics. Robotics is a perfect way to combine the two with engineering for a career…so I thought I’d give it a go.” But to be world class competitors the students must develop many additional skills. BT senior Jordan Willett says success requires “teamwork, creativity and hard work. There is a lot of thinking outside the box and using different ways to solve problems.” BT Upper School Math Teacher and Robotics Coach Carrie Rise says, “The more that they can figure out the way to get from one step to the next to the next, I see that carry over to the classroom. They can solve their way through

“(Success requires) teamwork, creativity and hard work. There is a lot of thinking outside the box and using different ways to solve problems.” Jordan Willett, BT Senior and training for BT summer camps, Girls, Inc., NorthStar Foundation and at other venues.

a problem because they have had the confidence of taking a chance on a creative solution and having it work.”

Mrs. Rise tells you “(the robotics team members) have a decent outlook. There is pressure to be successful but they know where they are going and are able to keep perspective.” And you can bet these BT students are going places. Reid Rise aspires to be an electrical engineer. Senior Lindon Liu has his sights on a top tier high-tech university like MIT or Carnegie-Mellon. “I see myself hands-on designing and building robots.” Jordan Willett and Julia Fiksinski are aiming for computer science degrees. Jack Sevening says, “I am really interested in cybernetics—mechanical arms, legs, and (other) prosthetics. I lost an eye when I was younger. It would be nice if I could work and bring something like that back.”

All the robotics team members place a high premium on collaboration. It’s like a NASCAR team, the students will tell you. There is one driver but everyone has input on how the robot is performing and how to make it better. Everyone is conscious and respectful “Programming for the robotics team has taught of each others’ roles. “Robotics builds teamwork and (my son) to work with many different personalities, listening skills,” says senior Reid Rise. Jack Sevening, to respect other ideas and ways of thinking.” also a BT senior, observes, “In the heat of battle -Suellen Willett, BT Parent tempers rise and at times it can be stressful, but we hang together as friends. We all pull together.” Mrs. Rise adds, “Everyone is passionate and has some ideas. Notable Recent BT Achievements Working together builds maturity and growth.” in Activities & Athletics Hard work and commitment are more than just abstract concepts for the Brownell-Talbot robotics team. During the school year they devote at least 12 hours a week to their robots outside the classroom. During summer vacation, on days when classes are out for teacher conferences or other events, and on many weekends, you will most likely find the robotics team members hunched over computers or surrounded by gears, wires and circuit boards trying to coax just a little bit more from their mechanical creations. They are also passionate about sharing their knowledge of robotics. They volunteer for robotics demonstrations

• The 2014-2015 cheerleaders earned runner-up in the Class C-2 non-tumbling state competition. • The 2014-2015 powerlifting team was new this year and won their division level at the state competition. • The Upper School speech team has won 13 straight district championships and 6 state titles.

Beating Ebola Behind the headlines and into the classroom The news reports were grim. For 18 months starting in February 2014, West Africa suffered through the worst outbreak of the Ebola Virus in history. By the time the disease had run its course more than 11,000 people died. But there were success stories, too. Some patients were treated and beat the disease. Two of those successes catapulted the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s Biocontainment Unit to the front page of nearly every newspaper and at the top of nearly every television newscast in America. Collaborating with a BrownellTalbot parent, a BT teacher moved this story from the headlines into her classroom. Ebola is a deadly virus that causes bleeding inside and outside the body. As it spreads it damages the victim’s Notable Recent BT Achievements in Academics • Brownell-Talbot offers 12 Advanced Placement courses. 87 students in grades 10-12 are currently taking AP classes (83% of the students). •

“The small class sizes at BT help to ensure that teachers are able identify strengths and weaknesses in each of our children and then successfully meet their academic and social emotional needs.” Katie Sewell, BT Parent

•

The Upper School Mathletes won the 2014-2015 UNL Math Competition – its 6th consecutive state mathematics title.

immune system and organs. One treatment strategy is to administer a “cocktail” of antibiotics. However, scientific evidence suggests that Ebola quickly mutates to block the ability of antibody-based treatments to ward off the infection. Upper School life science teacher Micki Wayman recalled that at the time Ebola was in the headlines “in Advanced Placement Biology we were learning about viruses…how they can mutate and how that connects with the ideas of evolution.” Here, she thought, was an opportunity to match what the students were learning in the classroom to the real world. “For me as a teacher,” Mrs. Wayman explains, “I try to pick up on what’s relevant. Young people in my classroom were discussing Ebola and travel in the U.S. in their own side conversations.” Mrs. Wayman reached out to Dr. Steven Lisco who is a professor and the chairman for the Department of Anesthesiology at UNMC, a member of the biocontaiment team, and is also the father of a BT Middle School student. She asked Dr. Lisco to share with her students what it was like to treat Ebola patients and what he had learned as a physician. He enthusiastically agreed. “I think it is of tremendous benefit to students interested in biology to learn about the real world clinical applications of the basic science they learn about in their classroom,” Dr. Lisco said. “I think this type of exposure puts the learning in context and often answers the question ‘why do I need to learn about this stuff ?’” Mrs. Wayman’s students were in for much more than just an interesting talk. They got a real glimpse of what it is like to face Ebola. Dr. Lisco brought with him one of the biocontainment RNs, Morgan Shradar, a slide show, and two bio-hazard suits, the exact suits that medical personnel in the unit must wear when treating Ebola patients. Two of the BT students suited up. BT sophomore Zoe Gaupp said, “I thought it was a really cool element that they brought in the suits they wear when the patients are in the various rooms. Two students actually got to put on the outfits and sit in them for a while so all the students could realize how hot it would be to have that on for the amount of hours they work

• BT offers 100 hours of college counseling curriculum beginning in the 8th grade.

A strategic collaboration gives BT students a one-of-a-kind learning experience.

in (the unit).” The students were surprised to learn from Ms. Shradar that once nurses suited up and entered the Biocontainment Unit for a ten-hour shift they could not eat or use their cell phones. Even drinking coffee or water was severely restricted, because the only bathroom inside was for the patient and the nurses could not use that one. “For me, I wanted the students to understand the dedication, the time, and the sacrifice (of the medical personnel) because of the many hours they spent with the patients,” Mrs. Wayman said. Dr. Lisco recalls, “The kids were really engaged. I think they also enjoyed the demonstration on personal protective equipment. I think that seeing two of their peers dressed in the same garb we wore in the Biocontainment Unit when caring for Ebola patients made it both real and fun for them.” John Whittle, a BT senior, was one of the students who suited up. “I cannot imagine doing eight hours of work in this suit,” he said. “You are hot and sweating profusely. Your hands are covered with four layers of gloves. It’s hard to grab things. It was very humbling. I realized these (doctors and nurses) were putting their lives in danger to save (others).” After Dr. Lisco’s presentation, as the Ebola story continued to play out in the media, the students viewed the news stories about the disease with a fresh perspective. BT senior Chip Karlson said “I wasn’t really worried about (Ebola), but what surprised me was how few (treatment) locations there are and how expensive it is to treat the patients. It is an insane amount of money per day to treat these patients. It got me thinking about what would happen if there

was another type of outbreak…inside another more welldeveloped country where people travel more.” “I hope the students developed a more complete understanding of the disease itself and a greater appreciation for the patients afflicted by this ailment and those struggling in West Africa to contain and treat it,” Dr. Lisco said. The presentation also stimulated the students’ academic interests. Chip said “I am looking into independent study with the father of one of my classmates and learning from him what it is like to be a research biologist, because I might want to get into that when I am older.” Brownell students are enthusiastic about how parentteacher collaborations expand the learning experience. Zoe offered this perspective: “It is important to spread the word about what is going on around here and how our teachers are able to bring in such great people to talk to us about things like this that are in the news. It is such a great resource to have. It gets kids a lot more involved in their learning.” Dr. Lisco has some words of encouragement for other BT parents who could bring their expertise and community connections into the classroom. “Do it!” he says. “Education is always more exciting when students connect it to real world events. It makes it both memorable and meaningful for them. I think it is even more exciting when they see applications right here in Omaha, right in their own town. It is also very gratifying as a parent to know that this type of experience is available to students at BT.” I think this type of exposure puts the learning in context and often answers the question “why do I need to learn about this stuff?” Photo of “Ebola virus particles” courtesy of Thomas W. Geisbert, Boston University School of Medicine

Unleashing Creativity Learning with the Orff Method Is it possible for children—even children as young as three years-old—to learn how to sing and play musical instruments as easily as they learn how to talk? Brownell-Talbot Lower School Vocal Music Teacher Nancy Robson would tell you: yes, an emphatic, thumbs-up yes. Mrs. Robson has been teaching music for a total of 38 years and for 6 years at Brownell-Talbot School. She is a master of the Orff Method, a way of teaching which gets her students performing music almost immediately and kindles in them a lifelong love and appreciation of music. The Orff Method was developed in the 1920s by German composer Carl Orff as a way to teach music in a natural and comfortable setting. The

Orff Method is child-friendly and developmentally appropriate. At Brownell-Talbot School, Mrs. Robson teaches students from preschool through grade 4 using the Orff Method. With this approach students learn by doing and all are treated as equals. It allows for individual expression, Mrs. Robson will tell you, but it is also about how you come together as a group. “It starts with playing, singing and moving,” Mrs. Robson explains. “Those three things are the main components you work with in Orff. The first thing you might do is some movement…and maybe that movement is exactly what you are supposed to be doing to play an instrument. It all rolls together so smoothly. It lends itself to students of every level. I can have a student who has played the piano since they were three years old and I can have a part that is challenging for them to play as well as (parts for) those who can barely keep a beat.” This approach removes the pressure and anxiety of performing that often comes with an abstract skill like making music. Early childhood development these days hones in on the idea of individualized instruction by building on the child’s interests. The same is true of the Orff Method. Mrs. Robson explains it this way: “(We) give (the students) a basis to start out with, but then we let them get involved. In a sense you are letting them be the teacher. What would be cool with this song? What instrument would sound good with this? For instance we are going to do some African songs for the spring program. They are going to know immediately from their experimentation…what’s going to be great to add to those pieces.” To make music the Lower School students use a variety of instruments, but they start with lots of rhythm instruments such as drums and shakers of all kinds. Then melodic instruments are added including xylophones with wooden bars, glockenspiels (an instrument with flat metal bars that when struck sound like ringing bells) and metallophones (another

instrument with flat metal bars. “Kids just love them; they are like ants on honey,” Mrs. Robson says with a chuckle. “When (they) come in they just want to GO and I’ll let them go—for a while—just to experiment and have fun.” Although the kids play with the musical instruments, they are not play toys. Carl Orff believed for children to make the best sounds they have to have the best instruments. Brownell’s instruments are pricey because they are real instruments. After her first year at BT, Mrs. Robson wrote a grant and the School was awarded nine thousand dollars from the Storz Foundation to equip the music room with everything she would need to be successful with the Orff Method. Now BT students have instruments that can measure up even to the discerning standards of professional musicians. While students are learning to make music, they are also learning to appreciate music including the works of the masters. “For instance,” Mrs. Robson explains, “junior kindergartners will again be going to the Mission Imagination Concert with the Omaha Symphony. We start listening to those pieces from the beginning as soon as we know what the repertoire they are going to play is. The (children) will do movement; they’ll do rhythm instruments with it and the kids (become) very familiar with those orchestral pieces.” In the spring the junior kindergartners will attend the concert and even play their rhythm instruments and sing with the symphony for one or two numbers. “We have a great partnership with the Omaha Symphony,” Mrs. Robson says. A solid foundation of music training using the Orff Method has paid dividends for Brownell students when they reach Middle and Upper School. “At the last major music competition, the Malcolm Middle School Music Festival, all of the BT Middle School choruses–fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth grade– earned Superior (Level 1) ratings, and the fifth/sixth grade chorus actually earned a 1+ rating because they received a perfect score from all three judges,” said J.R. Gould, Middle and Upper School Music/Band/ Chorus teacher. “Among the nearly 25 choirs who competed in the two-day contest, they were the only

chorus awarded that rating. The seventh and eighth grade jazz bands also earned Superior ratings that day.” The Upper School Choir has earned Superior Ratings at the NSAA District Music Contest for the last five years in a row. The US jazz combos are on a 4-year winning streak, and our Raider-Blues Jazz Combo has earned the highest honor in the state, being accepted to perform at the Nebraska Music Educators Association’s All-State Conference. Brownell is one of only seven high school groups in the state to earn that honor this year. Notable Recent BT Achievements in the Arts • “My daughter has taken vocal lessons from fine teachers, but it was at BT she learned an advanced technique to expand her range.” Jill Bydalek, BT Parent • 12 students in grades 7-12 earned Scholastic visual art awards for 2014-2015. • The 2014-2015 musical, Shrek, had 3 soldout performances and 72 students in Middle and Upper School participated. • 12 Upper School students were named to All Conference honor band and 9 received allstate honors in 2014-2015.

Class of 2015 Accomplishments

The 37 members of Brownell-Talbot’s Class of 2015 were offered admission to 80 colleges and universities in 28 states and 6 countries.

More than $4.2 million in college scholarships were offered.

76% of graduates were offered one or more scholarships.

The average college scholarship award was over $54,000.

Mean GPA: 3.46 (through fall 2014).

Mean ACT Composite: 27.

23 graduates received a score of 30 or higher on one or more ACT sections.

Mean SAT Critical Reading/Math: 1285

21 graduates were eligible for the Frontier Academic All-Conference Award. To achieve this academic award, students must have a minimum of a 24 ACT and a 3.5 cumulative grade point average.

GRADUATION 2015

1940s Carolyn Kreycik Engler, ’49, has down-sized to a senior living apartment in Austin, TX and reports “my daughter and family will keep an eye on me.” 1960s These BT alums all ran into each other while in Minnesota in July, 2015. Pictured are: Mary Marshall Kerr, ’67; Lee Webster Shaw, ’69; Ann Lauritzen Pape, ’65; Connie Dorman Heiden, ’65; and Ann Rosch Duffield, ’65.

included: Scott Clinton, ’94; John Heininger ’95; Matt Amandus ’94; Derek Witt, ’99; Paul Rohwer, ’94; Justin Demerath, ’94; Jason Kohll, ’97; Heidi Venteicher Dingman, ’94; Nicole Goodman, ’02; and Heather Goodman, x’00.

Scott Clinton, ’94, married Terry Oliver on May 17, 2014, in Charlotte, NC. BT alums joining the celebration included Jesse Hutmaker, ’89; Nikki Upah, ’91; Kris Goodman, ’94; Justin 1970s Demerath, ’94; and cousin and fellow BT alum, Naomi Norman, ’71, was named the University Billy Kroupa, ’99. Scott is the owner/operator of Georgia associate vice president for of Scott Clinton Photography and Simulacra instruction in March 2015. Dr. Norman is a Photography, New York, NY and Charlotte, Josiah Meigs Distinguished Teaching Professor NC. and veteran administrator in the department of the classics at the University of Georgia. Kelly Crowell, ’96, is the chief operating officer of My Little Patient. This organization Candice Flower Richter, ’72, shares she is has a new venture called My Little Clinic in “phase 3 of life. Downsized house but big converting shipping containers into selfenough to allow visits from families. Five sufficient and sustainable health care facilities. grandchildren so far.” More information can be found at www. mylittlepatient.com 1980s Tom Kafka, ’86, makes flying history. Lt. Col. 2000s Tom Kafka made history becoming the first Jonnique Peters, x’00, received the Omaha Airman to fly over 1,000 hours in the F-22 Community Playhouse Barbara Ford Award for Raptor and 2,000 hours in the F-15C Eagle. To outstanding performance in a supporting role read more about Kafka’s distinguished career, go (Female/Play) for her performance as Susan in to www.tyndall.af.mil Race in 2014. 1990s The Class of 1994 gathered in April 2015 for a belated 20-year class reunion. Pictured are: Front row (L to R): Heidi Veinteicher Dingman, Max Samland, Arun Agarwal.Next row back: Kris Goodman, Courtney Neal Holiday, Paul Rohwer, Yelena G. Agarwal (wife of Arun). Next row back: Beth Burkstrand-Reid, Lissa Dolfay, Josh Hansen, Tiffany Hansen (wife of Josh). Back row: Brian Reid (husband of Beth BurkstrandReid), Matt Amandus, Scott Clinton Kris Goodman, ’94, married Fran Berry in November 2014. BT alums gathered for the celebration

Nick Mayo, ’02, and his wife Kassandra, a BT preschool teacher, welcomed baby Eloise on June 25, 2015.

Shivani Sharma, ’04, married Chris Pomerleau in May 2015. Katie Anderson, ’05, married Matt McCarville on October 4, 2014. Cassie Mayo Nelson, ’05, was a bridesmaid. Joel Passer, ’05, married Dr. Sonia Step in September 2015. Kacey Hahn, ’06, married Drew Stauder on June 21, 2014. Caty Adderton, ’06, married Matt Moser in November 2014. Raphael Cherney, ’07, recently ran into BT faculty member Mr. Mike Recker and a group of BT students at the Musée d’Orsay in Paris. Raphael is currently working at the Wyss Institute at Harvard University developing robots for use as learning tools in classrooms. Aaron Passer, ’07, is working as a senior consultant for Capgemini in Dallas. Katelyn Schindler, ’08, married Andrew Laflin in 2014. Pictured are BT alums that gathered for a local wedding reception: Andy Mayo, ’07; Elijah Mayo (Andy and Saidah’s son); Saidah Yapp Mayo, ’08; Sarah Bleicher, ’08; Katelyn; Katie Browning, ’08; Sonya Schindler, ’11; and Blair MacDonald, ’08.

Kevin Stricklett, ’10, earned his masters degree in education from Creighton University. He Christian Correa, ’04, married Lauren Case on received his undergraduate degree in history October 11, 2014 at the St. Matthias Chapel on and ancient studies from St. Olaf College in the BT campus. 2014. Megan Frantz, ’04, and Capt. Rosser Jones, ’04, were married in the spring of 2014.

BT faculty members Rob Schindler and Heather McIntyre-Haas gathered a few alums from the 2000s while in Chicago for The class of 2004 gathered for a 10+1 reunion professional development. Pictured are in October 2015. Attendees included Chaela Geoff Kuhn, ’12; Austin Taylor, ’13; Jonny Robinson, Carly Mathews, Alan Cogen, Jess Trinh, ’12; and Josh Wright, Shivani Sharma, Dave Phillips, Megan Cohen, ’12. They Frantz Jones and Ross Jones. Jeremy Pace and are all sporting BT sunglasses. his wife Jackie came to campus during the Katie Browning, weekend with their daughter Jade, 7 months ’08, enjoyed dinner old. out with her former teachers on a different evening.

Beatrice Reimers McLaughlin, ’28 D. May 17, 2014 Bea was our oldest living alumna—103 years old—at the time of her death. Alabelle “Allie” Hunter Hueter, ’42 D. May 16, 2014 Eleanor Smith Coates, ’42 D. June 30, 2014 Mary Jean Loucks Neiswander, ’43 D. November 6, 2014 She is survived by her sister Patty Loucks Carlson, ’47; and sister-in-law Cory Cook Loucks, ’50. Her sister, Barbara Loucks Berger, ’47, died October 18, 2014. Jean Pettis McDonald, ’43 D. August 22, 2014 Joanne “Jo” Conrad, ’44 D. April 14, 2015 Barbara Loucks Berger, ’44 D. October 18, 2014 She is survived by her sisters Patty Loucks Carlson, ’47; and Mary Jean Neiswander, ’43; and sister-in-law Cory Cook Loucks, ’50. Barbara Olson Beckwith, ’45 D. March 1, 2014 Mary Ellen “Ellen” Denny Heiberg, x’45 D. January 16, 2014 Nancy Jane Green McCulloh, ’48 D. January 22, 2014 Diane Young Hamsa, x’51 D. July 13, 2014 She is survived by sister Gail Young Koch, ’49; and twin sister Daphne Young Fletcher, x’51. She was preceded in death by sister Susan Young Charlton, ’54. Letitia Anne “Tish” Low Pemberton, ’52 D. March 11, 2015 She is survived by daughter Letitia “Missy” Pemberton Devlin, ’75; and sons James “Tiff” Pemberton, x’80; and Jeff Pemberton, x’78. Kay Watson, x’54 D. December 15, 2013

In Memoriam

Carolyn Giesler Schellhardt, ’61 D. March 26, 2014 Trix Robinson Bartlett, ’62 D. September 1, 2013 Catherine “Kate” Rauscher, ’63 D. August 25, 2014 CeLora E. Haviland, ’64 D. February 12, 2015 She is survived by children Liz Dingle, x’88; Mike Dingle, x’94; and Pam Dingle Durkan x’90; and sister Pamela Haviland McGuire, ’62. Harriett “Holly” Dever Weigand, ’65 D. May 21, 2013 Carol Randolph (Brandt) Bowie, ’70 D. August 13, 2015 She is survived by sister Joan Bowie Brown,’64; and brothers Russ Bowie, ’74; and Scott Bowie, ’67. Charles Kepler, ’71 D. January 29, 2015 Michael Ginn, x’82 D. August 20, 2015 He is survived by his sister Robyn Ginn Hubbard, x’74. Tim Dunning, x’90 D. January 12, 2015 Survived by parents Nancy and John Webster, x’66; sister Holly Dunning, ’87; and aunt Lee Webster Shaw, ’69. Denise McClain, x’93 D. January 19, 2015 Brian Rossi, ’03 D. January 15, 2015 He is survived by sisters Nicole Rossi Lanum, ’98; and Jennifer Rossi Hadenfeldt, ’97; and niece Corbett Lanum, 2026. Kristin Carosella, x’09 D. September 1, 2014 She is survived by brother Cole Carosella, x’11. Nicholas “Nick” Braun, ’10 D. April 19, 2014 He is survived by brother Ben Braun, ’10.

Friends: Willard “Will” Rosegay D. December 6, 2014 Father to Alison Brockman, ’13; and Meredith Brockman, ’11. Thomas “Tom” Albers D. May 5, 2015 Father to Madison Albers, ’13. Tim Fangman, M.D. D. June 6, 2015 Father to Meg Fangman Knopp, ’00. Jeff Schramm D. December 7, 2014 Survived by wife Jennifer Gay Schramm, ’86. Dolores Lang D. May 5, 2015 Longtime BT substitute teacher. James Campbell Hill D. February 14, 2015 Jim was the Director of Food Services at Brownell-Talbot at the time of his death. He is survived by his wife Hyla, children, and grandchildren. Lee Seemann D. June 2, 2015 He is survived by wife Willa Davis Seemann, ’43; sons Lee Seemann, Jr., x’67; and Scott Seemann; daughter Anne Seemann Drickey, ’68; grandson Neal Drickey, ’96; and his wife, Melinda Meidl Drickey, ’95. He is preceded in death by daughter Jane Seemann, ’74. Blaine Ward D. April 7, 2015 He is survived by wife Noreen Ward, long time BT teacher; Amy Donelson Huelle, x’87; and Eric Donelson, x’84. Linda Gay D. April 8, 2014 Linda is survived by daughters Sarah Gay, ’92; Allison Gay McLeay, ’87; and Jennifer Gay Schramm, ’86.

About “In Memoriam” An X in front of the class year indicates former students who attended but did not graduate from Brownell-Talbot. Due to space restrictions only relatives who are alumni are listed with each obituary. For more detailed information about each person please access the online listings at brownell.edu/Fireside. Memorials may be made to Brownell-Talbot at 400 N Happy Hollow Blvd, Omaha, NE 68132. The school notifies families of gifts made in their loved one’s memory. Our sincere apologies if someone was missed. The listings are complete as we knew them as of September 20, 2015. Updates can be emailed to renae.mackender@brownell.edu or submitted with the online form at brownell.edu.

“We are all just walking each other home.” – Ram Dass “We are all just walking…” Who is with you on your life’s journey? When you reflect on your years at Brownell Hall, Talbot School for Boys, or Brownell-Talbot, who walked with you? Teachers, classmates and family were likely your earliest travel companions. As you continue further along on life’s journey, who is traveling with you now? While those accompanying you may have changed as the years passed, many are blessed to still have their Brownell friends with them along the way. They are with you as we are “…walking each other home.” Home, a place of security and support, of being welcomed and loved. Brownell-Talbot is such a place. No matter where you are on your journey, Brownell is still “home.” Welcome home! Renae Mackender, Director of Constituent Relations

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400 N. Happy Hollow Blvd. Omaha, NE 68132

Our Mission Brownell-Talbot College Preparatory School is a safe, caring community dedicated to academic excellence and to preparing students for success in college and in life. Through experiences in academics, activities, and the arts, students learn passionately, think critically, act responsibly, and lead with integrity.