Berkshire Bulletin Winter 2024

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32 Angela Meredith-Jones ’87

33 Zach

BULLETIN

James L. Haskel ’86, P’20,’22,’25 CHAIR, BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Pieter M. Mulder P’22,’26 HEAD OF SCHOOL

Andrew Bogardus P’23,’24 DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT

Carol Visnapuu

DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING

Bulletin Editors: Megan Tady FREELANCE EDITOR

Lucia Mulder P’22,’26 ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

Class Notes Editor: Robin Gottlieb

DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT

Class Notes Coordinator:

Sue Delmolino Ives P’15

Design: Hammill Design

Printing: Qualprint

Photography: Advancement, Berkshire School Archives, Communications and Marketing

Class Notes: classnotes@berkshireschool.org

All other alumni matters: alumni@berkshireschool.org

Published by Berkshire School’s Communications and Marketing and Advancement Offices for alumni and friends of the School.

Go Green!

To receive an electronic issue only, email alumni@berkshireschool.org.

Berkshire School admits students of any race, color, religious affiliation, national and ethnic origin and qualified handicapped students to all rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students. We do not discriminate in violation of any law or statute in the administration of our educational policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic or other school-administered programs.

LETTER TO ALUMNI & FRIENDS

Dear Berkshire Bears,

As I look out my office window on this winter day, I am amazed by the beauty of our campus, framed by Mount Everett gleaming with a dusting of snow. I’m fortunate to have this view, and I’m also fortunate to have the opportunity to interact with so many people connected with this great school. As I chat with Berkshire alumni, I’m inspired by how many of you take such pride in your time under the Mountain. I hope the following pages will invite you to recall your own pride and fond memories of campus and your time at Berkshire.

We are returning to a print edition of the “Berkshire Bulletin” for this winter issue. In these pages, you’ll find a Reunion recap, alumni profiles on Angela Lange Meredith-Jones ’87 and Zach Haberman ’96, photos from receptions across the country, Class Notes, and more. We will be returning to print for all winter issues that follow a Reunion celebration.

Looking ahead to upcoming events, on May 17 and 18, 2024, we will welcome back all legendary Bears who have already celebrated their 50th reunion for the first annual Beyond 50th Celebration. The weekend will include two days of campus activities and many opportunities for alumni to deepen connections with one another and with Berkshire.

In addition, given the remarkable success of our Multi-Year Reunion in 2022 (and this summer’s increased construction activity associated with the student center renovation project), our next Reunion will take place June 6–8 in 2025. We are excited to celebrate classes ending in ’4s + ’9s, ’0s + ’5s, ’1s + ’6s, and are thrilled to be unveiling the newly renovated student center at this milestone occasion for so many alumni. This expanded format will allow for connections across more class years and will provide an even more robust reunion experience. If you are interested in joining a Reunion Committee to help plan the celebration, please feel free to reach out to me at rgottlieb@berkshireschool.org.

I thank you for being part of the Berkshire School community and for your continued support. Whether it’s attending your reunion or other events, helping as an alumni volunteer, sending in a class note, or following us on social media, please stay connected with the School and with each other.

I look forward to seeing you under the Mountain sometime soon.

Best wishes,

Save the Date Multi-Year Reunion Celebration for the Classes of ’4s + ’9s, ’0s + ’5s, ’1s + ’6s

June 6–8, 2025

SEEN AROUND

1. Young female skaters from the local Berkshire Rattlers Youth Hockey program joined the Girls Varsity Hockey team for warm-ups during the annual Skate for Her game. The Bears skated to a 4–3 win over Lawrenceville while raising funds for Morgan’s Message, an organization dedicated to eliminating stigma around mental health in student-athletes.

2. October morning light covering the Mountain

3. The Bears delivered a 4–3 win over Taft to reclaim the D’Arco Cup in the 16th annual “Pink Out” game. The game honors the memory of Lucille D’Arco, a supporter of both schools and mother of Brad D’Arco, former Berkshire hockey coach and Taft alum, with proceeds from the event benefiting breast cancer research. Photo courtesy Robert Falcetti/Taft

4. A pair of Bears at the summit of Mt. Everett on Mountain Day

5. Alums and friends gathered on Nantucket in August at a reception graciously hosted by Brian and Suzanne O’Callaghan P’22. More photos on page 20.

FAREWELL IN MY HEART

Farewell to Board Chair

Lara Schefler McLanahan ’86, P’16,’16,’19

After serving on Berkshire’s Board of Trustees for 14 years— the last four as board chair— Lara McLanahan is stepping down from the board. She was honored at a farewell dinner, with trustees expressing their gratitude for her service. Head of School Pieter Mulder also announced The McLanahan Bookstore Fund, an endowed fund named in her honor.

McLanahan’s tenure spanned the COVID pandemic, and her colleagues praised her for guiding the School through a tumultuous time.

In September, at McLanahan’s last meeting as board chair, former Board Chair and Trustee Emerita Alice Cole ’76 shared in a tribute, “From keeping the School, teachers, and staff safe and running through the COVID protocols to fairly moderating unique idiosyncratic societal issues of the last four years, Lara’s leadership was steadfast. Her fairness, judgment, moral compass, and compassion allowed Berkshire students, educators, and staff to deal with and resolve these difficult affairs.”

the Berkshire Forever Campaign.

Proud parent of Berkshire graduates Georgia ’16, Jake ’16, and Brooke ’19, McLanahan joined the board of trustees in 2010 and has served on multiple committees. She was named board vice chair in 2014. Prior to joining the board, she served as a class agent, Reunion Committee chair, member of the Advisory Board and Parents’ Committee, member of the Hail Berkshire Campaign Committee, and is currently co-chairing

Former Board Chair and Trustee Emeritus Chip Perkins ’73, P’14,’14 shared, “I have been on the board with many board chairs, all of whom have faced some difficulties and challenges during their different terms, but no one besides Lara has faced a school shutdown and a pandemic. She handled all the challenges and issues associated with this with what appeared to be ease and calm instead of the panic many of us felt. I am in awe of what she accomplished.”

The McLanahan Bookstore Fund, which is on track to hit $200,000 thanks to generous donations, will support bookstore purchases—from Berkshire sweatshirts to school supplies and textbooks—for students in need. Mulder spoke on how the Fund honors McLanahan, saying, “This is an effort here on campus that I know is so near and dear to Lara’s heart. The McLanahan Bookstore Fund will make a thoughtful and compassionate contribution to the experiences of our Bears on campus going forward.”

At the farewell dinner, McLanahan expressed her gratitude for Mulder’s leadership, and to the entire board. “I find myself at the end of one road personally, but hopefully still a long one for the McLanahan family at Berkshire School,” she said. “I want to say thank you to all of you here tonight for all you do for our School, for making me exceedingly proud to call myself a Berkshire alum, and for allowing me the opportunity to give back to this amazing place. It will forever be in my heart.”

Board Chair Jim Haskel ’86, P’20,’22,’25 thanked McLanahan for her fearless leadership, kindness, steadying hand, and for the ways she has “inspired all of us to be the best leaders we can be for Berkshire.”

A REMEMBRANCE

A “Portrait of Charles, 2023” by E.V. Day ’86

Members of the Class of 1986 gathered on campus this winter for the unveiling of “Portrait of Charles, 2023,” an installation by artist and classmate E.V. Day. The piece honors the memory of Charles “Chuck” Gordon Beyer ’86, who passed away in 2021, and hangs at the entrance of the Kennard Visual Arts Center, welcoming students into the space. The ceremony included members of the Beyer family, as well as trustees, faculty, staff, and friends.

Day, a renowned multi-disciplinary artist and sculptor, crafted the bronze plaque in memory of her good friend Beyer. In the work, Beyer’s portrait takes center stage, surrounded by replicas of drawings he created to illustrate daily life at Berkshire in the 1986 yearbook. A sunburst pattern composed of 12 polished-bronze rays radiates around Charles’ image, each representing a different symbol of creativity from various cultures of the ancient world. Day said she chose the particular symbols because they “all express the idea of life as a continuum, in which death and rebirth and renewal are essential stages in the act of invention.”

In celebrating Charles for his diverse talents as a writer, visual artist, collaborator, and muse, Day said, “He was a pure artist who didn’t need traditional forms of recognition, who made artwork simply out of a love for creating and sharing his gifts with his friends.”

Among the guests were Charles’ sister, Allyne Beyer, and her two sons, Will and Henry LeFevre. Both nephews paid tribute to their uncle by donning special items from his wardrobe. “Charles’ four years at Berkshire helped cultivate his love and passion for unique mixed

media creativity,” said Allyne. “Having this shared experience of the unveiling for me and my family helps us know Charles’ spirit is forever alive in a place where he was truly happy.”

The evening was also a celebration of The Class of 1986 Memorial Scholarship Fund for the Arts—an endowment that provides annual financial assistance for a student with a proven interest in the arts. As of June 2023, the Class has raised more than $130,000, contributing more than $5,000 annually to support a student pursuing the arts at Berkshire.

On Stewardship

David Rondeau ’78’s invocation at the January 2024 Board of Trustees meeting

I am often asked what it is that so defines the Berkshire experience. If you will permit, let us think back to those golden days of yore, Berkshire 1977. C. Twiggs Myers Hon. ’57, already at that time our Senior Master of 24 years, was tasked with pulling together a “Berkshire at 70” remembrance campaign. The campaign highlighted stories of days gone by when faculty legends strode the campus and tales of their exploits were handed down through generations, including surviving the Great New England Hurricane of 1938, hurricanes Carol in ’54, Diane in ’55, and Donna in ’60—torrents of water raging through Buck Valley—as well as numerous blizzards and subsequent losses of power (a scenario that still haunts my classmate [Director of Facilities] Tim Fulco ’78 to this day), when students warmed soup over Bunsen burners in the chemistry lab in Berkshire Hall. A true tale.

Marjorie Sweet served as assistant to five heads of school between 1936–1972 while, “keeping track of admissions, college recommendations, pay rolls, report cards, infirmary reports, trustees’ meetings, and finally, Commencement details” according to the the Spring/Summer 1972 issue of the “Berkshire Bulletin.”

So, tasked by my Buck Dorm Head Mr. Myers (in those days when one was “asked,” one “did”), and as a good reporter for “The Green and Gray,” off I dutifully went sending requests to those both near and far (Mr. Chase, Mr. Beattie, Mr. Godman, Mr. Eipper, et al.), asking for their various reminiscences and stories to fill the pages of our monthly paper of record. Back came handwritten missives that kept us busy editing and providing excerpts, not only through the calendar year, but well into the following one as well.

One of my favorites was an article by Marjorie Sweet. Miss Sweet, as she was properly addressed, had requested to remain anonymous, and her article was published simply titled, “A School Secretary

Remembers.” This resulted in me being thoroughly castigated by scores of alums for not recognizing her by name. Literally hundreds of letters overflowed the mailbox, which were bundled up and sent to her in Housatonic, where she’d retired. She responded, by hand, to each letter in a Palmer script that was a thing of beauty and a wonder to behold. One day, as we sat pondering the common theme of these many disparate chronicles and how to tie them all together, Mr. Myers, in his inimitable style, leaned over and said, “Stewardship, Mr. Rondeau, stewardship.”

The notion of something beyond ownership, but rather a collective buy-in— whereby succeeding generations provide an endless stream of caretakers, united by love of school and willingness to labor on her behalf— has seen Berkshire through the proverbial good times and bad.

The other great thread through Berkshire’s history has been the line of teachers and educators whose personal commitment and selfless dedication in the classrooms and dorm rooms resonate down through the decades. From Dean and Eipper, Stevens and Beattie, Myers, Chaffee, Stewart, Hunt, Young, Stein, MacDonald, and Morgan, to those of today, they’ve nurtured generations of students, instilling a sense of belonging in a thriving collective whose strength and resiliency will help current and future generations take on the myriad challenges of the 21st century.

Five decades on, the challenges of Mr. Chaffee’s English V Honors class remains the toughest bar I’ve yet faced— all subsequent academic pursuits pale

Frank W. Beattie in 1966, the year of his retirement after 40 years at Berkshire, having served in various roles: assistant to the headmaster, sophomore class advisor, music and mathematics teacher, organist, director of athletics, and football and track coach

in comparison. In his seminal novel “A Separate Peace,” John Knowles wrote of a return to the fictional New England boarding school, Devon, 15 years after the novel’s events, and speaks of the polished nature of buildings and facilities that left a museum-like feel that seemingly disassociated the narrator from his former school. I am happy to report that no such feeling exists as I walk through Berkshire and see a revitalized campus enjoyed by students and faculty alike.

I will conclude with the reminiscence of the aforementioned Mr. Beattie, from

his entry submitted to “The Green and Gray” of October 29, 1977: “When I come back to the School and stand by the pitch gazing up at both Rock and Pinnacle, I think about that jaunt up the driveway some 50 years ago and am reminded of the immutable nature of our mountain setting and the timeless promise of our academic mission. I loved Berkshire then, I do now, and I always will.”

Nothing else need be said.

Activities for everyone! Reunion Weekend 2023

Over 300 alumni and guests gathered on campus last June to celebrate Berkshire class years ending in ’3s and ’8s. From dinner under the tent on Friday night to a moving Service of Remembrance on Sunday, and many fun-filled festivities in between, it was a glorious weekend under the Mountain!

Taste of the Berkshires

Berkshire Archives Scavenger Hunt

Discovering Berkshire’s treasures with Archivist Bebe Clark Bullock ’86, P’14,’17,’21. From left: Devon Kessler ’14, Sam Maher ’12, Karolin Kreke ’13, Ximena Lascurain ’13, Bullock, Kyla Rabb ’13, Hattie Waldron Monks ’13, Julia Reger ’13, David Watkins ’13, Matt Renzi ’13

Paint and Sip

Lexi Fortune ’18 and Krystal Palmer ’18 capture the beauty of campus on canvas.

League of Bears

Following the Class of ’73 Arts reception, members of the League of Bears gathered at The Bear statue. From left: Robin McGraw ’70, Alec Wyeth ’73, Rex Morgan ’73, Chip Perkins ’73, Jeff Follert ’73, Ken Gordon ’73, Carol Chamberlain (sister of Bill Drake

Golf Outing

50th Reunion Parade

Chip Perkins, Rex Morgan, and Lyman Bullard lead the Class of 1973 into Benson Commons.

Alums of Distinction

On Saturday, June 10, Head of School Pieter Mulder awarded Jillian Hooper Joseph ’97 with Berkshire’s Distinguished Alumni Award, the highest honor that the School confers on one of its graduates, and John Watkins ’73, P’06,’07,’13 with the Kellogg Volunteer of the Year Award.

Jillian Hooper Joseph ’97

Distinguished Alumna of the Year

Jillian Hooper Joseph is changing the workforce for women in America. As a managing director and associate general counsel at Nuveen, the asset management arm of TIAA, she’s been diligent and intentional about calling for diversity and inclusion, particularly in law firms. She told the “Berkshire Bulletin” in 2019, “As a leader, I have been steadfast to ensure that I have women on my team who participate in the voice of what TIAA

real estate and law looks like. I foster an inclusive culture, and I call people out when they do not. I think we have to challenge more leaders to do that.”

That’s all while excelling in her own career supporting Nuveen Real Estate, one of the largest real estate investment managers in the world, with $165 billion in assets under management. As a lead attorney with over $6 billion of debt originations each year, she leads

mortgage, mezzanine, and other structured debt transactions for the Nuveen Debt platform, as well as secondary market executions, including note-on-note, repo, and subscription line placement.

In addition to her extensive debt leadership, she also supports the Global Impact and Affordable Housing Sector that focuses on building the vitality and sustainability of entire communities by enriching the lives of their residents. And

Reunion

she leads efforts on diversity, equity, inclusion, and company culture. She is responsible for Nuveen Real Estate’s groundbreaking outside counsel diversity program and sits on TIAA’s culture action team and supplier diversity programs.

Outside of TIAA, Joseph serves as a corporate director on the board of Carver Federal Savings Bank (NASDAQ: CARV), a publicly traded bank founded in 1948 to provide banking and financial resources to African American communities. She is also the vice chairman of the board of directors of the Brooklyn Navy Yard, a 300-acre mission-driven industrial park, home to over 450 businesses employing more than 11,000 people and generating over $2.5 billion per year in economic impact for the city.

Joseph earned her J.D. with honors from University of Pennsylvania Law School and her undergraduate degree cum laude from Colgate University. She resides in Brooklyn, New York, with her husband Randall, and two children, Christopher and Victoria. Her sister Natalie Hooper ’01 and niece Morgan Murphy ’24 are also fellow Bears.

Classmate Erin Yoffe Halper ’97 congratulated Joseph on her achievements, writing, “Jillian is no doubt impressive. Throughout her life, she has navigated antiquated and systemic barriers to reach the highest of heights in her education and career. But what really blows me away about Jillian is how intentional she has been about leveraging her place at the top to lift others up along the way.” Natalie Hooper added, “As the younger half of the ‘Hooper Sisters’ dynamic duo, I have been privileged to witness firsthand Jillian’s accomplishments, accolades, and commitment to Berkshire School. I could not think of someone more deserving of the Distinguished Alumni Award.”

Director of Advancement Andrew Bogardus shared the countless ways in which Joseph is the definition of this award: “She has been and remains wildly successful throughout her professional

career, and yet her instinct at every step is to give back. She’s what we want our students to become.”

In accepting her award, Joseph described Berkshire’s profound impact on her, saying, “It was at Berkshire School I learned to be great.” She then said, “It was at Berkshire I learned to navigate difficult conversations. At home I was the majority in my community. Here I was the only and the other, more akin to what the world would look like. So it’s here I learned to advocate for myself, to protest, to demand parity, and as you can imagine, lessons I learned and use each and every day as a Black female New York City executive. Berkshire taught me the language and experiences of the privileged. It opened my eyes to what may have been denied me but owed to me in the future.”

“She has been and remains wildly successful throughout her professional career, and yet her instinct at every step is to give back. She’s what we want our students to become.”

—ANDREW BOGARDUS, DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT

When Head of School Pieter Mulder awarded John Watkins the Kellogg Volunteer of the Year Award, he noted, “John’s volunteer commitment to Berkshire has been so distinctive and long.” Since 2006, Watkins has been a member of the board of trustees, serving as co-vice chair through fall of 2023. From 2004 to 2011, he served on the School’s advisory board, as well as the Centennial Committee in 2005, the Parents Committee from 2005 to 2007, and the Reunion Committee in 2012. This last year, Watkins worked diligently with other Reunion Committee members toward organizing a monumental 50th Reunion for his beloved Class of ’73.

“Over the last two-and-a-half decades, John has been instrumental in steering Berkshire School not only toward physical sustainability, but toward great success,”

remarked then Board Chair Lara McLanahan ’86, P’16,’16’19. “There’s no doubt in my mind that we wouldn’t be where we are today as a school without John’s wisdom and dedication.”

In addition to his service to Berkshire, Watkins was the vice president and single family chief credit officer with Freddy Mac, roles he had held since 2012. Previously, he was a senior VP at JP Morgan Chase, where he began working in 2005. He has held several risk management and capital market roles at Citigroup and Capital Markets Assurance Corporation. He earned a bachelor’s in business from Skidmore College and an MBA from the University of Connecticut.

“If I could describe his attributes in connection to Berkshire in a few short words, they would be dedication,

“When you love doing something, it’s not work. I’ve been so blessed. We’ve changed lives [at Berkshire]. The School certainly changed mine.”

—JOHN WATKINS

perseverance, commitment, and loyalty,” said classmate and former roommate Jeff Follert ’73. “His volunteer efforts are consistent, often under the radar, but they’re truly extraordinary.” Chip Perkins ’73, P’14,’14 congratulated his friend of 54 years, writing, “John has always been a loyal Bear and supporter of the school. He offered and continues to offer both time and treasure. He has earned and deserves this tremendous honor, and I hope he continues to serve.”

After accepting his award, Watkins said, “When you love doing something, it’s not work. I’ve been so blessed. We’ve changed lives [at Berkshire]. The School certainly changed mine.” Watkins and his wife, Ann, have three sons, all Bears: John ’06, Tom ’07, and David ’13.

Exhibition Recognizes Artists in Class of 1973

The artistic prowess of the Class of 1973 was on full display during Reunion Weekend through a unique exhibition held in The Warren Family Gallery in the Kennard Visual Arts Center. Titled Class of ’73 in the Arts, the curated collection recognized alumni who have excelled in the arts, including fine art painters, photographers, poets, writers, comedians, woodworkers, and sculptors.

Rex Morgan ’73 and Michele Robins ’73 spearheaded the show with the support of the 1973 Reunion Committee, describing it as a tribute to artist Bill Drake ’73. “Bill not only spotted talent and celebrated his fellow artists, but as class ‘connector’ he enthusiastically forged partnerships between his creative classmates,” the committee shared, calling Drake “our beloved ‘Bear Meister.’”

Committee members also included Nancy Lo Galbo, Jeff Follert, Henry Johnson, Chip Perkins, John Watkins, and Jerry Weil.

At the exhibition’s reception, Morgan delivered opening remarks, saying, “When we were organizing for our reunion, we looked around the class and realized that we have all these tremendous artists and interesting elements in the art world to celebrate—not only fine arts, but writing. And that got us rubbing our chins to figure out how we could fill up the studio here.”

Robins, as she laughingly put it, “stalked a lot of people in this room” to contribute their artwork in the name of Drake’s legacy. “Bill was the kind of artist that put himself on the back burner and wanted to make everyone else shine,” Robins said. “He was the connector of our class. And I thought, ‘What a great tribute for Bill to have all of us come together and to see everyone’s talent.’ Because I think that art is a way to bring people together.”

All told, 13 alumni shared their artwork for the show, which was available for viewing throughout the Reunion Weekend.

Reunion Weekend 2023

Photobooth Fun!

Save the Date

Multi-Year Reunions!

Given the resounding success of our Multi-Year Reunion in June 2022, we’re excited to announce that beginning in June 2025, Berkshire will be moving to a multi-year format, with gatherings taking place every three years. This will allow three consecutive classes (e.g. 1974, 1975, and 1976) to attend the same reunion, creating more connections among adjacent class years and providing an even more robust reunion experience.

Who?

Alumni with graduation years ending in ’4s + ’9s, ’0s + ’5s, ’1s + ’6s

What?

A Multi-Year Reunion Celebration under the Mountain!

When?

June 6–8, 2025

Please stay tuned for more details. We can’t wait to see all our Bears back under the Mountain!

3-Year Reunion Cycle

2025

Classes invited ending in ’4s + ’9s, ’0s + ’5s, ’1s + ’6s

2028

Classes invited ending in ’2s + ’7s, ’3s + ’8s, ’4s + ’9s

Urmston

OPERATION

FORMER BERKSHIRE FACULTY MEMBER BEN URMSTON DREAMS BIG, AND THEN HE GOES AFTER THOSE DREAMS WITH A GALE FORCE. LEARN SIGN LANGUAGE? CHECK. TRAIN AS A CERTIFIED ARBORIST? DONE. EARN A PRIVATE PILOT LICENSE? YEP. BECOME AN ASTRONAUT? HE’S CLOSE (REALLY). LIVE AND WORK IN ANTARCTICA? MANY TIMES, BEGINNING IN 2006 AS A GENERAL ASSISTANT.

Something about this frozen tundra continues to beckon him—so much so that Urmston is back for his eighth season, living and working at McMurdo Station, a U.S. research station based on the southern tip of Ross Island in Antarctica. This time, he’s working as a field training supervisor. During past stints, which typically span four to five months, Urmston was an antenna rigger and a solar and wind power specialist. In 2021, he was an electronics technician aboard one of the U.S. Antarctic Program’s research vessels. He credits the book “Endurance,” which chronicles Ernest Shackleton’s Antarctic exploration, for sparking a lifelong interest in the continent.

“My team focuses on teaching the scientists and support workers how to work safely in the Antarctic, periodically going out with science teams as safety mountaineers, and also serving as primary members of the search and rescue team,” Urmston said. “Anyone who leaves the station has to come through our course to learn things like how to use a stove, how to set up a tent, and what to do if they’re caught out in a storm.”

In November, the search and rescue

team was put to the test when a fast-moving storm stranded people who couldn’t drive their vehicles because of whiteout conditions. “We navigated by GPS and RADAR, as visibility was maybe 50 feet,” he said. “We rescued eight people in five different vehicles, as well as nine people stuck at the airfield.” As a thank you, the station manager instructed the galley to set the dinner tables with tablecloths—a rare treat.

Urmston holds a B.S. in aerospace engineering from the University of Colorado Boulder and a master’s in electrical and computer engineering from Johns Hopkins Whiting School of Engineering. He was an instructor for Outward Bound and the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS). He continues to lead NOLS one-month expeditions that include sailing in Baja and mountaineering in Alaska and British Columbia; most recently, his students included NASA astronauts. Naturally, he’s also a certified wilderness EMT.

Working at McMurdo fulfills Urmston’s desire to be professionally energized.

“There’s a mission that everyone’s bought

“It’s nice knowing that I’m doing a little part to help keep this continent clean.”

—BEN URMSTON

into,” he said. “We’re all here to advance scientific memory and scientific learning. I like having that community and that shared purpose. That common mission and shared purpose was something that also drew me to Berkshire School.”

Part of that scientific research is on the impacts of a warming climate. Urmston is already witnessing drastic changes to Antarctica since he first traveled there not quite two decades ago. “The amount

of sea ice floating around Antarctica typically gets big and then it gets smaller depending on the time of year, but this year it is alarmingly low,” he said. “Where I’m stationed, there are glaciers pouring into the valleys, with lakes at the bottom of the valleys. The lakes are all rising significantly as those glaciers melt. They’re melting so fast that [team members] are breaking down permanent structures to move them all up the sides of the slopes.”

Urmston has played a role in transitioning the continent to renewable energy. “All these camps used to run on diesel generators for 12 hours a day for four months,” he said. “And now, thanks to the solar power setups that I worked on, they only run the generators for 10 hours during that entire time. It’s nice knowing that I’m doing a little part to help keep this continent clean.”

At Berkshire, Urmston wore many hats. From 2015 to 2021, he taught physics, engineering, astronomy, and aviation science, and he coached varsity cross country, thirds ice hockey, and one season of JV boys lacrosse. He was

the “commissioner” of Faculty Hockey, responsible for rallying players every Tuesday night in winter. In astronomy, Urmston launched two weather balloons into the upper atmosphere (one reaching 102,000 feet), which students tracked all the way to a tree in Athol, Mass. Famously, he climbed the tree using his arborist skills to retrieve the balloon and sensor to analyze in the classroom.

“I really loved the Berkshire community, from other teachers to the staff to the grounds crew workers,” he said. “I feel grateful to have had that time there.”

He also started Berkshire’s engineering program. “I love teaching people that failure is part of the deal,” he said. “And that you have to persevere, be systematic, troubleshoot, and ask for help. Teaching those life skills was really gratifying.”

As for Urmston, he’s persevering in an austere and desolate place—although Ross Island has more of a social scene than one might imagine. He plays soccer and pickleball, watches movies, does yoga, and catches up with family. His band Icepatch performed at the

Halloween party, playing cover songs of his brother’s band, Dispatch. His narrow dorm room has a coveted feature: a window. From his perch, Urmston, likely strumming his guitar, has a view of the harbor, with the Royal Society Mountains just beyond. In February, when the ice breaks up, he’ll see Orca whales and seals and penguins. “At the South Pole, you get what we call ‘flat white,’” he says. “Here, it’s a pretty vibrant place.”

BEARS BEYOND BERKSHIRE

SOUTHAMPTON

Alums and

Bears Luke Plamondon ‘25 and Petie Szakats ‘26 provided great reads as caddies! A big thanks to hosts William McLanahan and Bart Johnston.

DALLAS

NANTUCKET

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Bears

in

PORTLAND

Alums gathered in Portland, Ore., at Jeff Kovel ‘91’s architecture

Skylab Architecture, for an event organized by the Regional Advisory

Chapter whose members are Jon Nicolazzo

Class Notes

1944 80 th

Tom Wolf writes: “I am planning on attending my 80th reunion in 2025. I’m looking forward to the event.”

1948

George Church III jayneme3@gmail.com

1949 75 th

Robert W. Doyle, Sr. robertwdoylesr@gmail.com

1950

Hugh Hessler writes: “I am happy to say that I am still a member of the living. In my community, all of my close friends of my age have passed away. I am curious if any of my classmates are still alive?”

1951

John B. Hull III (413) 528-1528

1953

John G. Cluett jcluett34@gmail.com

1954 70 th

Richard M. Davis dandkdav@msn.com

1955

Frederick C. Twichell ttwichell@thacher.org

1956

Daniel C. M. Crabbe crabsail@icloud.com

Mike Gusick writes: “I am still active in the workplace despite the recent acquisition of the music company I founded 40 years ago. I have already begun operations with a new dance music entity, and I am planning to continue in that role for the foreseeable future. Looking forward to our 70th reunion!”

1957

Thomas B. Anderson III reno_retired@yahoo.com

Walter S. Henrion walthenrion@gmail.com

Walt Henrion writes: “Your class agent is getting a little weary; it must be my age! Page and I visited Berkshire in October. One of our best friends bought a very old home 10 minutes from the school. We also visited Pieter Mulder, Sue Ives, and Penny Hudnut. In addition, we had a mini-college reunion for the Class of ’61 in Williamstown, MA. The photo of Dann Stringer and me, as many of you will recall, was when we departed for New York City and our boat the day following Bob Burbank’s post-graduation party in Armonk, NY. We had one Vespa motor scooter, two bedrolls, one pup tent, a small gas stove, a few clothes, and $200 each in cash. We did run out of money but never wired home for help. Somehow, we made it to Le Havre, France, for our return boat home. Hope all is well with you, and please stay in touch.”

1959

65 th

Sandy Creighton writes: “Elizabeth and I are relatively well in Lincoln, MA, and will be celebrating our 58th anniversary in April. Elizabeth is retired, and I am just tired. We both are very active with our passions: board members of our condo association and our church choir (51 years). I continue to pollinate new ideas around building community and sustainability. Our daughter, Frances, lives in Austin, TX, and as a single mom raised our only grandchild, Parker Delaune, a junior at Texas A&M. Jordan, our son, and his partner of 21 years, Erika, are still working (now remotely) from their 47-foot sailboat and are on the first leg of a journey west around the world—echoes of our 8-month trip in the same direction 50 some years prior after I left Vietnam.”

Sandy Creighton also writes of classmate Williamson “Wick” Murray’s passing: “I had no idea that Wick had such an influence beyond his academic career, sharing in his books, his research into military strategy, and other historical wisdom he discovered along the way. He possessed an active, brilliant mind as I came to know him in our AP classes. I am sorry that Twiggs Myers

isn’t here to tell us his tales about one of his most esteemed history class prodigies. Twiggs inspired Wick to ‘light his candle’s wick!’ Berkshire has lost another great!”

1960

Joseph D. Bodak, Jr. jdbodakjr@hotmail.com

Stephen P. Norman steve@spnormanco.com

Harry MacLean writes: “My book, ‘Starkweather: The Untold Story of the Killing Spree That Changed America,’ was published in November. The killing spree began in my hometown of Lincoln, NE, in 1958. “Publishers Weekly” declared it ‘an instant true crime classic’ and the “Washington Post” described ‘the paradoxical joy of reading MacLean—the raw chill creeping through your veins that feels authentic to the place and the crimes, the lean and vivid sentences rivaling Capote’s ‘In Cold Blood’ and Mailer’s ‘The Executioner’s Song.’”

1961

Peter R. Kellogg pkellogg@iatre.com

Peter Kellogg writes: “I was hoping to get all of you to Hudson Farm in November, but we had to pick a later date. Here’s what is happening with our classmates. Bill Klingenstein had an OOPS and is getting around with a walker; give him a call. Since I last saw Bill Parke in New Jersey at the A-Cat races, he had settled into a nice home in Edgewater, MD, with a narrow view

of the Chesapeake just down the street. Now, six years later, he’s beginning a slow move north to Cambridge, NY, where his sister, Leslie, has her studio. Leslieparke.com, check it out, she’s very good. At 80 years, he’s losing friends he once laughed and played with, so he’s selling his boats, boxing up stuff he wants, and trashing the rest. His college roommate called him the other day from Japan. He’s returning to the States and moving aboard a 1950 Huckins PT boat hulled cruiser. Bill will probably need to help him with that. Meanwhile, he’s off to the dump with another load. Pete Richardson is recovering from a spinal operation and is now using a walker before he has another operation to fix things. John Ellwood and his son visited Garry Morfit at his ‘camp’ for wounded Vets. John says the fishing was great, but the highlight of the visit was meeting several of the Vets who are involved with Garry’s organization, Healing Waters. The organization does an amazing job helping Vets who have sustained physical and mental trauma ‘move on’ through fishing. It was a memorable experience for John and his son. Don Goodrich continues to support Afghans as they adjust to this country. He has provided housing, education, and jobs. Remember, if you make a donation to his Peter Goodrich Fund, I send a match to Berkshire, and you get the credit for the Berkshire gift two-for-one. Corky Wheat is happy to report their daughter, Charlotte, had a baby in November, and they traveled to Michigan to welcome their first grandson. Ned Newton is up and about. However, doing things much slower. He’s got lots of aches and pains, but nothing serious. He tries not to think about how old you all are. According to Tony Nuland, he still lives, runs, skis, and drinks red wine. George Beebe retired

farming and is managing real estate and rooting for the Berkshire teams. Walt Wilson is still here among us. He’s now living in Florida. Mel Grover is doing well. He wakes up every day and wonders what is going to hurt and how bad. With Parkinson’s, he has embarked on a four-day-a-week exercise program that includes boxing. Add grandkids and doctors, he is a busy guy. Says he’s got enough docs to fill the New York phone book. My best to all!”

1962

Andrew S. Berkman aberkman@cpny.com

1963

Peter V. K. Parsons pvkp2@msn.com

Ray Garrison writes: “I just wanted to say what a special reunion weekend my wife, Bettie, and I had at Berkshire last June. We stayed on campus for the weekend, which made it very memorable and special. And all the events were well planned, and we all had a great time. We particularly enjoyed the reception at the Head of School’s home in that awesome location across from Berkshire School.”

1966

Harlan J. Swift, Jr. timswifty@gmail.com

Allan Eustis writes: “After 47 years, the ‘Alaska Weather’ show I produced and hosted back in 1976 went off the air. See apnews.com for the article. Not a bad legacy, and at 75, I still manage to climb a few Appalachian mountains.”

1967

F. Woodson Hancock III woods1949@gmail.com

Dave Brooks writes: “The highlight of the year was our trip to Scotland (see the photo of Pat and the owl). The trip took us from Glasgow through the magnificent highlands via the Trossachs

to Edinburgh to view the Military Tattoo and then to Inverness to board a European Waterways barge for a trip down the Caledonian Canal. The year started with my right hip replacement and new knee after Scotland. I’m hopeful for a full recovery before we take a Rhine River Christmas market cruise at the end of November. Plans are in the works to take the family to Sicily, Italy, in 2025 for a little return to homelands for Pat.”

Bob Mustard writes: “In the last year or so, we’ve visited the Netherlands, Greece, and went on a safari in Tanzania. Enjoying retirement in Massachusetts (Duxbury and Chatham). We now have six grandchildren.”

1968

1969

55 th

K.C. Clow writes: “My nephew, Nathan Opat ’03, and his wife, Rebecca, now have a second son, Arthur DeSalvio Opat, born on July 24 in Dallas, TX.”

Steve Morgan writes: “My son, Kane Morgan ’22, was in the starting pitcher rotation for his freshman year at Bard

1964

60 th

Bill Sheehan writes: “I’m still working as the general counsel of the American Bird Conservancy. Serving on the board of the Amazon Conservation Association, the Montgomery Countryside Alliance, and the American Bird Conservancy Action Fund. Taking piano, riding, and squash lessons, where persistence substitutes for talent. Practicing a sentence all men my age should learn and repeat early on: ‘And that’s all I have to say about that.’”

College last spring. He’s loving college baseball. With the empty nest, I’ve gone down the rabbit hole of audio engineering, recording and mixing my songs. Other than that, getting back to frequenting the gym 4–5 days a week, without which I’d probably rust, as I’m still all original parts!”

Dave O’Hara writes: “I finally retired after 23 years with FactSet. Looking forward to more time for sailing, golf, fishing, and shooting. We bought a place in Vero Beach, FL, so I will spend some time away from the snow too. Best to everyone.”

Jim Sheldon-Dean writes: “I’m developing Trouble and Together with Jimmy’s Party of Nine, which includes many of Vermont’s finest rock, blues, and jazz musicians (including Hannah Sheldon-Dean ’06), in tribute to my many musical influences, showcasing music by artists from Paul Butterfield to Frank Zappa, Miles Davis to Joni Mitchell, from ’60s rock and blues to free jazz and pop tunes from the ’70s and beyond, all focused on the troubles we all face from time to time, and coming together in peace and love to overcome those troubles. ‘Trouble and Together’ will be presented at Flynn Space in Burlington, VT, on Friday, April 12, and Saturday, April 13, with a 7:00 p.m. showtime, with no charge for admission. See you there!”

1970

Robert L. W. McGraw berkshire.blackrock@gmail.com

1971

Kevin J. Bruemmer kevin.bruemmer@gmail.com

Kevin Bruemmer writes: “Fifty-three years and counting. My old Berkshire roommate, Charlie Murdock, visited me in my new home in Reno, NV, just

David Hanson writes: “I retired from a 35-year law practice and am living in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. I enjoy being a grandfather and still ski and handcycle. ‘Pop till I drop’ is my motto. Wondering where Jim Warfield ended up.”

north of Lake Tahoe. Charlie hails from Austin, TX, and we went to the American Century Classic golf tournament this summer in South Lake Tahoe. I dug up a photograph of Charlie and me from 1970 when we had a room in Eipper. While we certainly have aged, we remain strong friends.”

The Bears’ Den

For campus news, events, and more!

Stay connected at berkshireschool.org/bearsden.

1972

John Y. G. Walker III jwalker2353@gmail.com

John Walker writes: “Well, retirement ain’t so laid back as it is advertised! After leaving the financial services game in 2017, I decided to follow one of my passions: narrating audiobooks and doing voice overs. I currently have 18 books on Audible and Apple, and I am working on four more. I am happy to provide promotional tokens for my books if anyone is interested! My email is jwalker2353@gmail.com.

Continuing my love for equestrian sports, I announce horse shows. Last summer, I announced in Lexington, KY; Middleburg, VA; and Lake Placid, NY. In

addition, my wife, Kim, and I partnered in 10 horse shows on the North Shore of Long Island. I also serve as treasurer for the local library in Kent, CT, where we live. Retirement? Not so much!”

1973

Rex S. Morgan, Jr. rexsmorgan@gmail.com

Michele Robins michele.robins@gmail.com

Leon J. Weil, Jr. jerryweil.tennis@gmail.com

Chris Groves writes: “Michele Robins suggested I drop you a note concerning a great trip I just returned from. Since my son-in-law is Turkish, and we love visiting his family, we spent nine days on

the Turkish Mediterranean shore in Kas. Fabulous day trips to the Greek Islands, boat trips to see a sunken Roman city, and the ancient city of Patara.

Dave Moore writes: “It has been 50 years since my graduation in 1973. So many amazing memories with amazing people. I’m raising chickens and turkeys on a few acres near Athens, Ohio. I’ve been subbing at local schools for the last five years and watching two beautiful grandsons grow. May you all be happy and healthy.”

Jerry Weil writes: “Being a father of a son with an autism spectrum disability fuels my passion for expanding

recreational opportunities for all individuals with disabilities. For the past two years, I have been board president of HERO, Inc. (www.herony.org). Founded by Janet Lefkowitz in 1992, HERO, Inc. has served 17,000 adults and children in combating social isolation by providing adaptive tennis programs in the greater New York area to diverse groups, including people with developmental disabilities, autism, cerebral palsy, MS, traumatic brain injury, PTSD, and visual and hearing impairments. The United States Tennis Association invited HERO to the US Open on September 9 (women’s finals) to lead two adaptive tennis clinics for 60 participants.”

1974

50 th

A. Clement luluinsf2005@yahoo.com

1975

Joe Fusco writes: “This has been a great summer for seeing Berkshire friends— too many to mention, you know who you are! Special mention to Nat Bruning, wife Linda, and Elisabeth Kinney Robinson ’76 for hauling me to Croatia and back; Ward Doonan and Robin MacAusland ’76 for hosting off-campus reunions, and Hayden Cadwallader, whose daughter Lauren makes some great California wine!”

1976

Stephen H. Hassett shasse01@gmail.com

1977

Richard M. McGivern rmcgivern@msn.com

Michael George writes: “Many fond memories of my time at Berkshire. I hope all my classmates and teachers are well. I am blessed with a beautiful family, a tremendous career, and good health. Just celebrated 40 years of marriage and raised five lovely daughters, three of whom graduated from Berkshire. Currently have five incredible grandchildren and look forward to the next George generation attending Berkshire. All the very best to my classmates!”

1978

Frank Potash writes: “We took our first big trip since the pandemic, visiting various places in the Pacific Northwest, including some time with Chuck Stewart and his wife, Miyuki, at their farm outside Eugene, OR.”

Birney B. Boehland bbboehland@gmail.com

Bart Landenberger writes: “I have gotten old. My 30-year-old son, John, got engaged to Emily Powers. My wife and I adore both of them and are so happy that they have found each other.”

Carolyn Shapiro-Wall writes: “After moving full-time to Florida five years ago, I’ve had the opportunity to reconnect with Amy Schock Kurtz. It’s amazing that after 45 years, our time together feels seamless. We have a connection like we did at Berkshire, but as adults. I have really enjoyed spending time with Amy. She and her husband, Jerry, have welcomed me into their home on several occasions and also onto their boat.”

1979 45 th

David Gefke writes: “Two major life events have occurred. My son, Dylan

1980

Kimberley C. Fuchs kcfuchs33@verizon.net

Ralph J. Lamberto uticaeyedoc@icloud.com

Steven P. Veronesi sveronesi@cox.net

Lawrence Gefke, had a son, Dylan Lawrence Gefke, Jr., who he and his wife call DJ. My daughter, Lauren, got engaged, and the wedding will take place in Stuart, FL, in 2024. I never thought my children would leave Boston; life has an interesting way of evolving, however, as I grew up in Stuart, FL, along with Van Johnstone and Pete Gersky.”

Van Johnstone writes: “The golf program I’ve run since 2007 had its best year in 2022. We won the Southern California High School Boys Golf Championship, capping off a second consecutive undefeated season. The PGA Championship star, Michael Block, has two sons, and they both play for me.”

Andy Giddings writes: “I still live in Reno, NV, working as the med safety officer for the University of Nevada-Reno School of Medicine. My youngest daughter graduated with a neuroscience degree.”

Vero Veronesi writes: “My family had the excitement of being in attendance and watching our son, Keith ’10, raise

Keith Veronesi ’10, director of scouting for the NHL’s Vegas Golden Knights, celebrating the team’s 2023 Stanley Cup victory

the Stanley Cup on the ice as a member of the Vegas Golden Knights followed by ‘a day with the Cup’ at our home in Connecticut.”

1981

Sue Ann Stanton sasroyale@yahoo.com

Lindsey Fielder Cook writes: “Greetings everyone, sending smiles from across the ocean. Reached the amazing 60, and I started playing the cello, taking long hikes with my husband, Robin, and being ever more in awe of my adult children. I continue to work as the representative for the Human Impacts of Climate Change with the Quaker United Nations Office in Geneva, Switzerland, advocating for stronger global action to transform human activities driving climate change and related planetary crises.”

Dean Ellerton writes: “Holly Harwood Ellerton (former faculty) and I traveled to Arlington, VA, in August to attend the wedding of Alison Pratt (to Bradley

EACH CAST OF THE FLY ROD

Garry Morfit ’61 leads therapeutic Alaskan fishing trips for military Veterans.

There’s something healing about the majestic landscape of Ketchikan, Alaska. So much so that for the last 18 years, Garry Morfit and his team have led Ketchikan-based therapeutic fishing trips for Veterans who are adjusting to post-military life. The combat experience often leaves Veterans struggling with post-traumatic stress, along with physical disabilities. Morfit, a Vietnam Veteran himself, founded Healing Towers to give servicepeople a safe place to land, unwind, heal, and find peace.

Each season, Morfit hosts several dozen Veterans—two to three per week-long trip—on his 42-foot sail/trawling vessel called the “Hot Ruddered Bum.” He’s also purchased a large two-bedroom seaside home in Ketchikan that’s only reachable by boat or seaplane, giving the Veterans and their families a true sense of off-thegrid tranquility. Morfit launched Healing Towers, a nonprofit, after he volunteered for several seasons with a different organization dedicated to supporting Veterans. He’s now hosted more than 5,000 days of trips for Veterans—at no cost to the Vets—including some who are double- or triple-amputees and/or wheelchair bound.

Morfit says Veterans experience unique struggles when they return from war, many of which are invisible to the public. Shockingly, a 2022 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report found that over 6,000 Veterans had died by suicide in 2020.

“Most people have no idea what it’s like to be in war, so that’s very difficult for Veterans,” Morfit says. “Being in an

atmosphere in Alaska where the people directly around them understand what they’re going through is a tremendous help. People often ask, ‘So your trip is about fishing?’ And I say, ‘No. It’s about camaraderie.’”

On a typical cruise, Morfit says “we see more bears than we do people.” The humbling, jaw-dropping landscape can serve as a balm for the soul. “We anchor up in a fjord, and we’re the only people there.

It’s like being in Yosemite on a boat. There are 4,000-foot-high mountains on either side and, with the water below, we are totally surrounded by nature.”

Morfit is an experienced captain and saltwater fly fisherman, teaching each veteran how to cast into Alaska’s waters, hopefully reeling in dinner, which he cooks on the boat. Veterans often return home with coolers packed with frozen fish.

Many of the people who join Morfit and

his team in Alaska start out as strangers who become his lifelong friends. One of those happens to be former longtime Berkshire faculty member Bill Gulotta, who first joined Morfit on his boat in 2015 following his retirement. The pair only knew of each other, but their admiration quickly grew. Gulotta, who also served as a firefighter in Sheffield, Mass., and a police officer in Baltimore, Md., has since volunteered his time on seven other trips.

Gulotta finds Alaska equally transformative, especially for Veterans who have endured a darker side of humanity. “Being there shows you that there’s a vastness to this Earth, that there’s more out there for you that is gorgeous and beautiful, and that it can help you move on,” he says. “Garry helps the Veterans see a world other than the one they’re living in their head. In many cases, they’re now living a much fuller and better and safer life since their time in Alaska.”

The structure of the day, with Veterans tasked with specific duties—like cleaning fish, Dungeness crab, and shrimp— bestows a sense of accomplishment. A handful of Veterans have returned to help Morfit, now age 80, winterize the boat and house, and even build a handicappedaccessible guest cabin on the property.

“I get encouraged when I see these guys and gals come back to help,” Morfit says. “One guy was helping in the yard, and he put down his weed cutter and said, ‘I’ve been avoiding doing this stuff at home. I’ve just wanted to hide. Now look at me.’ I can see people change from the day I pick them up at the airport until the day they leave. Some Veterans arrive very quiet, or bitter, and then all of a sudden they shift. It hasn’t worked for everybody on that level, but I’m surprised that one week does as much as it does.”

Beyond the landscape, Gulotta says he’s most humbled by “being with these men and women who have put their lives on the line. It’s just mind boggling to

“Garry helps the Veterans see a world other than the one they’re living in their head.”

—BILL GULOTTA

contemplate their service, whether we agree or disagree politically.”

What they’ve endured and sacrificed, Gulotta says, makes it difficult for Veterans to seamlessly transition back to civilian life. “They’ve seen that their lives could be terminated at any minute, and then they come back to, say, an office job with cutthroat politics over who’s going to get the best days off, and it must seem like nothing.”

Driving this sentiment home is a letter Morfit received from a lieutenant colonel in the Special Forces who joined a fishing trip with his son:

“As a combat veteran, we leave a piece of ourselves overseas that once allowed us to connect to the world we came from. Because of that disconnect, we never fully return. Be it the chaos of a firefight, or the seeming superficiality of our overloaded contemporary society, we remain tightly wound. We find ourselves unable to relate and isolate, because of a lack of common and shared realities. We feel judged because we judge ourselves for our experiences and actions at our own hands while overseas. Yet with each cast of the fly rod, I felt the coil unwind, healing to the rhythm of the motion, relaxing and

settling into the cadence of the natural magnificence that surrounds us. A simple moment, a shared moment with my son that will last a lifetime. Thank you for helping me come home.”

Gulotta also expressed his gratitude to Morfit. “He’s doing it all because he’s seriously committed to helping these men and women who have served our country so well. It’s all coming from his heart. He’d probably be living the life of Riley, except he busts his tail to help them. He’s remarkable.”

Morfit’s program runs entirely on the generosity of donors. Many businesses in the Ketchikan community have given in-kind donations, such as lumber and building supplies. As Morfit contemplates how to keep the program running in the future, he continues to be motivated by the Veterans themselves. “Knowing the individual stories of these vets and how far they have progressed has been an inspirational experience,” he says in his website’s video. “Our gratitude for their service and sacrifice is never ending.” healingtowers.org

Raynor), daughter of former faculty members Reyna Kushner Pratt and Larry Pratt. So great to see the Pratts celebrate Ali and Bradley with a beautiful backdrop of the National Mall.”

Cynthia Montgomery writes: “After visiting Beaufort, SC, last summer and falling in love with the small town feel and the towering oak trees dripping with Spanish moss, my husband and I decided to make a ‘pre-retirement’ move! I said goodbye to my colleagues and students after teaching at Westminster School in Atlanta, GA, for 25 years, sold our house, and 10 months later, we moved into our new home! I’m teaching third grade at Beaufort Academy and cherishing the sunrise drive over the historic Beaufort bridge to Lady’s Island each morning. (Not missing Atlanta traffic at all.) Please look us up if you’re ever in Beaufort! Would love to see you!”

Tony Scheinman writes: “I am supporting the Ukrainian struggle, having completed recording the audiobook of the first English translation of Ivan Franko’s historical novel, ‘Zakhar Berkut’ (‘Voices of Ukraine’), my 20th audiobook, in June. I also received a special citation from the U.S. government in recognition of my 35 years of service. I’ve worked with the United States Department of Homeland Security since 2002 and with the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service from 1988 to 2002.”

SUPPORT BERKSHIRE’S ANNUAL FUND!

BECOME A CLASS AGENT!

Email alumni@berkshireschool.org

1982

Andrew Champagne (802) 540-0717

James E. Demmert jamesdemmert@gmail.com

Rosemary G. Fitzgerald rose@spiderwebstudio.com

Jay K. Overbye jay@bhsusa.com

Gayle S. Saks gaylesaks@gmail.com

Andrew Champagne writes: “Greetings as always from beautiful Vermont! As I write this note, I can’t believe that it has been 30 years since I have seen my great roommate (Hi Doug!). It’s been 40 years since I have seen some of my favorite teachers (Mr. Kaghan [now known as Mr. Sinclair], Mr. Napear, and Ms. Nye). And let’s not forget our beloved classmates who are no longer with us (John Behrmann, Tom Boyd, Peter Culkin, Brian Fahy, Jennifer Gardner, Jim Josephson, Peter McCurrach, Bob McManus, and Jim Stone). As Neil Young eloquently put it, ‘Time Fades Away.’ Please reach out. I would love to hear from you.”

Every gift supports a Berkshire experience. Mini Berkshire reunion in Massachusetts on Cape Cod. Bart Bartholomew ‘82, Scott Harwood

Craig Vachon

1983

Karen Schnurr Secrist karensecrist6@gmail.com

Elyse Harney Morris writes: “Great Berkshire reunion—such fun getting together with the gang! We need to do it more often! Demi Osborn comes to Salisbury, CT, four times a year, and we always drive up to our beloved Berkshire School!”

1984 40 th

Debra Drucker druckerdeb@yahoo.com

Stephen McGlynn writes: “Greetings Berkshire. My wife, Lisa, and I reside in Skaneateles, NY. Lisa is a thirdgrade special ed teacher. I am in the

renewable natural gas business. Our four children have left the nest. Three are out in the working world in Boston, MA; New York, NY; and Boulder, CO. Our youngest is a sophomore at the University of Wisconsin. Go Bears!”

1985

Mary Brosnahan Wachter mtbwachter@gmail.com

Carla Gómez Klein writes:

“I am proud to announce that I accepted an offer to work as a council facilitator for Snapchat in London, England. I left Santa Monica, CA, after three years and moved to the UK in October!”

1986

Rhonda M. Bentley-Lewis teamwork72222@gmail.com

Anthony S. Clifford tclifford11@gmail.com

Lara Schefler McLanahan lara.mclanahan@berkshireschool.org

Ann C. Zimmerli-Haskel azh@me.com

Erik C. Zimmerman erikzimmerman46@gmail.com

David Weiner writes: “Life is good in Los Angeles, CA, but I miss Berkshire! Currently, I’m writing/directing a new installment of my ‘In Search of Darkness’ documentary series, this time as a twopart documentary about ’90s horror movies. I’m once again interviewing filmmakers, actors, and SFX experts from the era—like a kid in a candy store.”

1987

Janna Klyver Cord jcord3214@gmail.com

Angela Lange Meredith-Jones ameredithjones@gmail.com

Jennifer G. Nichols nifnichols@gmail.com

Jen Nichols writes: “Would love to see any Bears that make it out to Seattle or the Pacific Northwest. Be in touch.”

1988

James D. Watt, Jr. jdwattjr@gmail.com

Ellie Glaccum writes: “My photograph, ‘All Friends Get Dropped When a Baby Comes Along,’ has been selected by the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame for their fifth annual Photo Finish: Juried Photography Exhibition. The exhibition debuted last November at the Saratoga Springs Museum in their von Stade Gallery. It is also featured on the museum’s website.”

1989 35 th

1990

Natalie Bradley Clarke ninabclarke@gmail.com

Katharine Cutler Coughlin katecoughlin1@gmail.com

Natalie Dillon natdillon28@gmail.com

Dee McGaffey Schwein writes: “I’m 50!

Chad and I moved to Fort Wayne, IN, a city of about 350k. Much less expensive than California, and few enough people that we actually get to go out and do things. And wow, is there stuff to do— this town has festivals almost every week! We’re still masking when we’re out, but so far, it’s all clear. We bought a beautiful house and have been having a grand time redecorating it and hosting friends. I’ve caught up with Drew Nicholson ’89, who lives in Chicago, and Melissa Harrison-DiCicco, who lives in Cincinnati, OH (on separate trips), as well as visits to Hawaii, California, North Carolina, and a few trips to Chicago and Detroit. It’s lovely being centrally located!”

1991

John K. Fretz jfretz@outlook.com

BERKSHIRE SPARKS A LIFELONG INTEREST IN ART

Q&A with Angela Lange Meredith-Jones ’87, P’25,’25

Private art consultant, curator, and researcher Angela Meredith-Jones is currently a collection specialist in the the Museum of Modern Art’s (MoMA) Department of Painting and Sculpture. Meredith-Jones grew up in Düsseldorf, Germany, until her family returned to the U.S. in 1983. She received her B.A. from Bennington College and an M.A. in art history from Hunter College. She is currently a member of Berkshire’s DEI Alumni Council, and parent of two Bears, Mirabelle ’25 and Caspar ’25.

How has the art world evolved in the last few years?

The art world has changed so much over the past 30 years. A noticeable transformation I have witnessed is how art has grown exponentially in popularity. Social media has made the world smaller, and artists, galleries, and museums are, therefore, available around the clock.

The largest and most successful galleries have expanded to Europe and Asia to broaden their reach, representing artists and their estates, with curators and art historians on staff. They regularly organize important exhibitions, blurring the lines of what was traditionally museum-only programming. Finally, women are taking the helm at many

galleries and museums, both as artists and art historians, and rebalancing what had been a field dominated by men.

What’s your advice to anyone newly interested in collecting art?

It’s so basic but if someone is new to art, I would first suggest spending a lot of time looking at art. The process can be overwhelming, but it’s an opportunity to get curious: Discover what kinds of art interest you (figurative, abstract, or threedimensional); what era; which medium (painting, drawing, print, photograph, or sculpture); and lastly, what budget you have in mind.

Meredith-Jones at architect Luis Barragán’s home and studio in Mexico City in spring of 2023

What changes have you noticed from your time as a student?

The changes I have noticed from my time as a student are, to highlight three: The significant architectural changes made and being made to the campus; Pro Vita, an incredible opportunity for students to enjoy a week of alternative learning, on campus or off; and thirdly, the creation of the DEI Alumni Council in 2020—a really timely and meaningful prospect with which to support Berkshire’s BIPOC and LGBTQ+ students, faculty, and staff.

What attributes did you learn at Berkshire that you carried into your professional life?

The education I received at Berkshire deeply sustained my interests and love for learning. It was, however, an introduction to ceramics and art history during my junior year that sparked my lifelong interest in art, and I owe much to art teacher Larry Valentine who encouraged me to find my expressive visual language in clay and my passion for art history.

FROM ONE ASSIGNMENT TO THE NEXT

Q&A with journalist-turned-communications exec Zach Haberman ’96

During his 22-year career as a reporter and editor, Zach Haberman has worked for a variety of media organizations, including the “New York Post,” the “New York Daily News,” ABC News, “2020,” and “Primetime.” He reported on major stories, such as the Bush–Gore election of 2000, the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and numerous trials involving the Mafia and terrorism.

During his time at NBC News, he worked as an editor on such politically historic events as the 2020 election, the appointments of new Supreme Court justices, and the January 6 Capitol riots. Last year, Haberman accepted a position as a director on the legal affairs and crisis team with BerlinRosen, a toplevel strategic communications firm and creative agency. He lives in Weehawken, N.J., with his wife, Whitney, and their two young daughters, Eve and Celia.

What are the similarities and differences between journalism and public relations?

One thing that’s the same: Situations needing immediate attention will arise at any minute, whether or not they fit into how you envision your day. Many of the same skills apply to both worlds. [Working in PR] is a narrower prism than being an editor who oversees several areas of coverage and delivery methods. Using critical thinking and knowing the clock is ticking apply to both in the planning and execution stages.

Haberman in the “New York Daily News” newsroom on Election Night in 2016. “We had a 20-page election section with the first 10 pages of Hillary,” he remembers. “A little after 9 p.m., I flagged the reality that we needed to get back in the room and draw up 10 new pages because the results were not going to be clear for the earlier print editions. And that continued until the paper ‘went to bed’ for the night at 2 a.m. Then we had another hour and change of digital updates to do before we finally called it a night at 3:15 a.m., knowing we had to be up in a few hours.”

What is your approach to crisis communication?

The word “crisis” does not mean the worst has happened, could happen, or will happen. It’s about being situationally prepared, while also prepared for the unknown and what reality becomes. But all of it, everything, starts with listening to your client.

What led you to pursue a career in journalism?

I grew up in newsrooms and foreign bureaus [Haberman’s father, Clyde, is a renowned journalist who’s contributed to “The New York Times” since 1977], but had never viewed the profession as a personal path. I took a summer internship at the “New York Post” in 2000. The interns and young staff were called “copy kids.” We handed out mail, faxes, carted around reams of newspapers, moved elements around the various desks involved in the print process to the beckoning of “Copy!” from any number of editors.

On my eighth day, I was sent on my first story assignment. I went out with a couple of pens, a notepad, and no clue what I was getting myself into. Apparently, I did well enough to get sent out again, and then again, never knowing what was coming from one assignment to the next.

What’s your advice to someone interested in a career in journalism or communications?

In both professions, you must be prepared to fail and equally prepared not to be deterred when failures occur. Rather, view those failures for what they are: experiences to learn from, helping you succeed the next time. And, one person can only be so effective on their own. It takes collaboration, staying open to other ideas and to learning, feedback, and, of course, criticism. And always, always, always ask questions.

Josh Fields writes: “Pedro Mejia was in town this July, and we had a long and lively catch up in New York City. Truly amazing after 25 years to get together and feel like not a day has passed!”

Josh Isenberg writes: “Enjoying life teaching phys ed and health at a middle school in the Bronx, NY. My daughter began her freshman year at RPI studying aeronautical and mechanical engineering. Son is in sixth grade, plays Little League, and loves Pearl Jam and Alice In Chains. My wife teaches social studies and does her best to keep me out of trouble. Still in touch with, but not nearly enough, dorm and floormate Curt Solomon.”

1992

Abram W. Duryee III bduryee@hotmail.com

1993

Hilary Ivey Mueller hilary@schoolsuitessoftware.com

Tenley E. Reed tenley@mac.com

1994 30 th

Joan H. Frantz jfrantz8888@gmail.com

1995

Bradley P. Hunt colgate1399@gmail.com

1996

Katie C. King katiecking@yahoo.com

Jules A. Lemire juleslemire@gmail.com

Dylan B. Mattes dylan.mattes.nyc@gmail.com

Seth J. T. Sanders sjtsanders@gmail.com

Javier Winnik writes: “After years of working in the arts and education to various degrees, I am now an art teacher at the Montgomery C. Smith Elementary School in Hudson, NY! My family has moved to Hyde Park, and we have started our next stage of life.”

Winnik

out Berkshire’s online networking platform:

• Personalized feed of alumni updates: Stay up-to-date with contacts

• Full Berkshire directory: Re-engage with alumni, parents, and students

• Mentorship program: Network and give/receive professional advice

• Job board: Post openings and find job leads

• Events: Stay in-the-know about gatherings across the country

1997

Kristina Thaute Miller kthaute@yahoo.com

Julie Rubinstein Bronder writes: “In May, after about 13 months living in Spain, my husband and I, along with our dog, returned to Chicago, IL. In July, we took a trip to California, where I had a wonderful lunch with former Berkshire teacher, coach, and dorm parent, Sarah Bakhiet ’83.”

1998

Lauren Levin Budz lauren98@aol.com

Malinda L. Lareau mlaurenlareau@gmail.com

Lauren Levin Budz writes: “Julie Rubinstein Bronder ’97 and her husband, Nik Bronder, lived in Barcelona, Spain, for a little over a year beginning in spring 2022. In April 2023,

my husband, Adam Budz, and I went to visit. One night, we took a sunset cruise on the Mediterranean Sea. We had a beautiful view of Barcelona. They were amazing tour guides!”

1999 25 th

Michael D. Gutenplan michaelgutenplan@aol.com

George S. Scoville III gscovillempp@gmail.com

Scott Gordon writes: “Greetings from the DC region. Twenty-one years later, and I’m still dodging political policy wonks in the metro. Twice divorced, and I’ve met a nice woman so consider this class note a save-thedate for divorce party number three. I hope you’re all well, and if you’re in the Arlington, VA, area, stop by my restaurant/bar, The Bronson Bierhall.”

2000

Matthew D. Boynton

2001

Shannon M. Flynn flynnshannonm@gmail.com

Peter A. Kearney, Jr. pkearneyjr@gmail.com

John Plumb writes: “2023 has been a great year for the Plumb family. Due to the especially hot weather, we did our best to escape Houston, TX, for Newport Beach, Austin, and any body of water that we could find. I am vice president at Hines, and Katherine is a partner at Deloitte Tax. Mary (12) is in sixth grade and playing volleyball and competitive swimming. Jack (10) is in fourth grade and playing football and taking guitar lessons. Kackie (8) is in second grade and playing soccer, softball, and doing gymnastics.”

Caity Roesler writes: “After years climbing the ranks within the restaurant industry, I made the decision to no longer be in management. This decision has given me more time to pursue my artistic passions. I’ve been showing digital artwork prints locally and spending more time creating knit and crochet pieces for my Etsy shop:

BumbleBeeFibers. I am hoping to get back into the wedding photography game next summer. I was shooting weddings almost every weekend prior to COVID times and can’t wait to get back to it now that I have more time for myself. Currently living in Moretown, VT, in the Mad River Valley with my husband of 11 years, Mike, and our adorable fur babies: Dory and Maximus.”

2002

Jaclyn Brander Marshall jbrander@gmail.com

Matthew P. Sposito matthew.sposito@gmail.com

Emily Bean Livezey writes: “I am still in Atlanta, GA, operating my boutique w.port and totally loving it 12 years later. I have four little ones: Finley, Rawson, Rivers, and Willa. I hope life is grand for you all, and if any of you ever find your way down here, I hope you’ll pop into w.port and say hello!”

Matt Sposito writes: “I did a 50-mile run around Nantucket, MA, in September. It got written up by the ‘Nantucket Current.’ (See Nantucketcurrent.com.)

Tim Rotolo, my Berkshire roommate and classmate, helped make it happen by hosting my family. I’m also having twins this winter!”

2003

Robert

2004 20 th

Faye Abrams Klein fayevklein@gmail.com

William C. Stern wcstern1@gmail.com

Kraig D. Strong kskraigstrong@gmail.com

Nick Uhorchak ‘04 and his wife outside the Razorbacks’ stadium in Arkansas

Nick Uhorchak writes: “The Army has again afforded me the opportunity to go back to school, this time to pursue a Ph.D. in industrial engineering! I once again have packed up and moved my family across the country, this time from Arizona to Arkansas, to attend the University of Arkansas, Woo Pig! I have three years to complete the program, and from there, I will return to regular Army life in the fall of 2026.”

2005

Matthew G. Crowson matthew.g.crowson@gmail.com

2006

Stephen W. Piatelli steve.piatelli@gmail.com

Courtney Kollmer Siemborski courtney.siemborski@pwc.com

John Beebe writes: “Our wedding in Italy last year, filled with fashionable Berkshire alums, was recently featured in ‘Vogue.’ Check vogue.com for the slideshow.”

Chris Drake writes: “I would like to report that fellow classmate Ben Weil is now the proud owner of a brand new Weber Spirit II gas grill. He enjoys spending his evenings grilling BBQ chicken and asparagus for his wife. Congratulations on becoming quite the grill master, Ben!”

Jeff Wexler writes: “I’m working at the White House. I was appointed to serve as special assistant to the President and deputy director of management and administration earlier this year.”

2007

Casey A. Larkins casey.larkins@gmail.com

Allison A. Letourneau aletourneau@berkshireschool.org

Births & Adoptions

2004

Jillian Bowron Morgan ’04 and her husband, Ethan, welcomed their third child, Leo Scott Morgan, on August 1. Jillian writes: “Big brother, Briggs (4), and big sister, Charley (2), are very excited about their new baby. Leo gets smothered in head-to-toe kisses regularly. We are hoping to bring our party of five under the Mountain for our 20th reunion! Time flies.”

2009

Casey Larkins writes: “Still working in politics and living in Hartford, CT. If anyone is ever in the area, please reach out!”

2008

Kayla Arsenie Fitzgerald ‘08 and her husband, Garrett, welcomed their second child, Scottie Fitzgerald, on May 18, 2023. Kayla writes: “Together, with brother Rory, our family is complete! Sending a hello and hugs to all under the Mountain.”

2011

2008

Christopher J. Buonomo cjbuonomo@gmail.com

Erica Ginsberg Murphy eginzie@gmail.com

Mary E. Pace maryelizabethpace@gmail.com

Abigail I. Tufts abigail.tufts@gmail.com

Joe Cohen writes: “I got married this summer in Leavenworth, WA. We had an incredible honeymoon afterward, hiking the Haute Route in the Swiss Alps. We live in Shoreline, WA, with our big fluffy sheepdog, Bruce, and a flock of friendly chickens. I manage a craft beverage distributor called River Barrel, helping small breweries and others get their tasty products out to folks all around western Washington.”

2009

15 th

Kelly Wallace Abbott kellyabbott05@gmail.com

Gregory T. Piatelli gpiatelli@gmail.com

Molly Ryan Rubins mollyrubins1024@gmail.com

Kelly Wallace Abbott writes: “On July 28, 2023, in San Francisco, CA, my wife, Lowell Abbott, and I welcomed our daughter, Beau Wallace Abbott, into the world. The entire Abbott family is overjoyed and filled with love for their newest member. Additionally, we are excited to announce that Shannon Kerr Wright has been chosen as Beau’s godmother. Shannon’s open and generous heart, humor, and loyal and devoted friendship have made her an invaluable addition to guiding Beau throughout her life.”

Engagements & Weddings

2010

Charles B. H. Brey cbrey11@gmail.com

William R. Hearty wrhearty@gmail.com

Christopher B. Landry landrycb@gmail.com

Kelsey A. Markiewicz kelsey.markiewicz@gmail.com

Shannon E. Nelson senelson913@gmail.com

Tyler J. Reighley tyler.reighley@gmail.com

Alexandra Colbert Roselli alexbroselli@gmail.com

Yuan Shen shenyuan1991@gmail.com

Noah Dunn writes: “A warm and hearty congratulations to Yuan Shen for his marriage to Emily Kiener on July 22, 2023. May your love, joy, and happiness shine through your years together.”

Marshall Wade writes: “Congratulations to Joel Halpern and his fiancée, Kayla, on their engagement!”

2011

Arthur M. Copstein acopstein@gmail.com

Margaret A. Fiertz maggiefiertz@gmail.com

John C. Krueger jckrueger19@gmail.com

2012

Samuel C. Maher samuelcmaher@gmail.com

2013

Harriet Waldron Monks hattiewaldron@gmail.com

2014 10 th

Jacob A. Grant jkgrnt12@gmail.com

Emily M. Hubbard emilymhubbard1@gmail.com

2015

Andrej P. Bogdanovics andrebogdanovics@gmail.com

Jeffrey A. Erazo erazo.jeffrey@gmail.com

Hannah Z. Honan hannahzhonan@gmail.com

Grayson G. Keith graysonkeith203@gmail.com

Mackenzie Lancaster Keith mackenzie.lancaster13@gmail.com

Chelsea A. Leeds chelsea.a.leeds@gmail.com

Kris Govertsen writes: “I’ve just completed my interdisciplinary engineering doctorate from Northeastern University in Boston, MA. Now I’m a postdoctoral research associate at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in Portland, OR, enjoying Mountain Day vibes every day!”

2016

Peter D. Bahr peteydb@gmail.com

Natalie C. Harrington natalieharrington17@gmail.com

Lane W. Mayher lane@mayher.com

Anne M. van ‘t Wout annemijn@vantwout.net

Karin M. Vantine miavantine97@gmail.com

Anna Flaherty writes: “In July, I traveled to Oahu, Hawaii, to watch the finish of the Transpacific Yacht Race and surprise my friends who had sailed 2,500 miles from Los Angeles, CA, to Hawaii. Before their arrival, I ran into Hannah Weymuller ’18. Hannah was also there to watch the finish. At first, I couldn’t quite place where I recognized her from. After about 15 minutes, we figured out our Berkshire connection. We both were members of the Alpine ski team, which I had closely followed

after graduation. So great to meet a fellow Bear 5,000 miles from the place we both called home. Hope to see Hannah on more sailing, skiing, and Berkshire adventures in the future!”

2017

Andrea L. Cass cass.and@northeastern.edu

Margaret P. Curran maggiecurran99@gmail.com

Benjamin W. Dixon benwdixon@mac.com

Juliana L. Kokot julielkokot@gmail.com

2018

Charlotte B. Childs charlottebchilds@gmail.com

Isabelle W. Maher isabellewmaher@gmail.com

2019 5 th

Gohta Aihara gohta.aihara@gmail.com

Daniel A. O. Akomolafe dakomolafe8@gmail.com

Danielle R. Malarney dmalarney4@gmail.com

Elizabeth B. Nutting enut8089@uni.sydney.edu.au

James H. Schoudel jayschoudel@gmail.com

Elias E. Sienkiewicz ees4@williams.edu

Aichen Yao aichenyao07@gmail.com

2020

Katherine R. Aiello kaiello@colgate.edu

Ashanti S. Bruce ashantibruce@gmail.com

Giang H. Le giang.le@tufts.edu

Nathan J. McShane nate.mcshane@richmond.edu

Emmanuel F. Roldan-Lezcano emmanuelroldan22@gmail.com

Amelia C. Schelle aschelle1@tulane.edu

James T. Welch jtw7ct@virginia.edu

2021

Henry R. Alpaugh henry.alpaugh@richmond.edu

Angela B. Ansah aba126@miami.edu

Reid C. Curran reidcurran2@gmail.com

John W. Fiore jwf203@gmail.com

Abigail R. Hayes ahayes5541@gmail.com

Gillian M. Maher gillianmaher66@gmail.com

Nam H. Nguyen hngnam25@gmail.com

Sophia R. Pasquale sophiarpasquale@gmail.com

2022

EliJose Araujo elijose.araujo04@gmail.com

Alexander C. Byrne acbyrne8@gmail.com

Natasha G. Fertig ngf@cornell.edu

Alice M. Fisher alice.m.fisher@icloud.com

Christian D. Kim christian.d.kim@gmail.com

Amanda C. Miller acmiller80@gmail.com

James E. Nemeth jnemeth240@gmail.com

Madison H. Rabb mrabb26@amherst.edu

DeVon C. Thompson devont922@gmail.com

2023

Chandler P. Gilbane chandlergilbane4@gmail.com

Jessica A. Lomo naajessie10@gmail.com

Aidan J. Pesce aidan.pesce@gmail.com

Justin P. Price Jpalmp1204@gmail.com

Justine A. Rabley justine.rabley@yahoo.com

Adelaide A. Robertson addierobertson2004@gmail.com

Xuan De A. Shen andrewxdshen@gmail.com

Former Faculty and Staff

Bart Elsbach writes: “Although we haven’t seen Berkshire students on site since the daze of COVID, the Fairgrounds in Great Barrington are still actively in use and faithfully preserved from commercial development by our nonprofit organization. We hope to see students here again soon, helping our volunteer efforts to preserve and protect the site.”

The community garden at the Fairgrounds in Great Barrington, in partnership with Multicultural Bridge (run by Maya ’22 and Westley Hampton VanSant ‘26’s mother, Gwendolyn), provides food for local underserved families.

Don and Susan Morley write: “Our daughter, Siiri Morley ’96, is in the Peace Corps and is the director for

The Gambia, West Africa. She met Randa Wilkinson-Bouvier, the Peace Corps director of Lesotho, in Ghana at a Peace Corps conference. Randa’s son is Fletcher Bouvier ’04.”

Ben Urmston writes: “I am currently in Antarctica for six months at McMurdo Station acting as the field training supervisor, supervising the department of mountaineer-educators who train the scientists and support workers on how to operate safely in the Antarctic.” Read more on page 17.

In Memoriam

The Berkshire School community extends its sincere condolences to the families of the following alumni and friends of the School. To send obituaries or remembrances of classmates or family members, please email alumni@berkshireschool.org. To view the obituaries for those listed below, please go to www.berkshireschool.org/inmemoriam.

ALUMNI

Raymond Milne, Jr. ’47

September 16, 2023

Harry M. Jewett ’54

August 2, 2023

Ralph “Pete” Hall ’57

December 2, 2023

Thomas P. McNamara ’57

July 23, 2023

Williamson “Wick”

Murray ’59

August 1, 2023

William V. Ott ’59

June 23, 2023

Guy E. Randlett ’69

July 5, 2023

Jill Bryant

July 5, 2023

Bernadette Learnard

October 23, 2023

Marshall Miles

June 24, 2023

W. Thomas Stimson ’71

November 22, 2023

Mark T. Richardson ’73

January 15, 2024

Alexandra C. Holton ’74

January 15, 2024

Kristin Schoellkopf

Borowiak ’86

June 20, 2023

Nadia Kukowski

Altmire ’95

August 29, 2023

A note to our readers:

Eleanor Stewart

June 20, 2023

Susan B. Young

January 14, 2024

The list of names is reported from June 12, 2023 through February 15, 2024. For the names of alumni who passed in 2022, please visit www.berkshireschool.org/ inmemoriam. If we have missed someone, please accept our apologies and email us at alumni@berkshireschool.org.

A SECOND MOTHER TO MANY

Remembering Susan B. Young, Former Faculty Member

Susan Young’s 27-year tenure under the Mountain commenced in 1968 when, having been hired by John F. Godman, she arrived to Berkshire as assistant librarian; over the course of almost three decades, “The Chief” (as she was fondly known) went on to leave an indelible mark upon myriad students who sought solace in her warmth and guidance— qualities that led to life-long friendships with countless alumni.

From 1973 to 1995, Young served as head librarian. She was also the co-chair of the New England Association of Independent School Librarians. During her time on campus, she experienced the advent of coeducation in 1969; served as a pioneer of girls’ athletics as coach of Varsity Girls Tennis in 1972; and witnessed the mid-1980s conversion of Geier Gym into a library. “I am delighted that the move to the new library will take with us elements of homeyness and welcoming for our younger students, yet provide much expanded facilities for our older ones who will need special skills as they move on to the university level,” she said, expressing the keen observation and concern for others that ultimately earned Young the reputation of ardent champion and trusted confidant.

for her students to every interaction, providing [them] with a sense of home during their years under the Mountain, and inspiring in them a deep-rooted loyalty to Berkshire for years thereafter,” said Head of School Pieter Mulder.

“I was lucky enough to be among the first of her rescues and therefore had the joy of her counsel and love for over half a century.”

—DR. JACK BACON ‘72

“Susan brought this same level of care

In 2008, the Susan B. Young Mezzanine in Geier Library was named in her honor. From the very first class she encountered (which, at the time, was all boys), Young’s reputation as a second mom to many in her sphere, including Dr. Jack Bacon ’72, was already being solidified. “I was lucky

enough to be among the first of her rescues and therefore had the joy of her counsel and love for over half a century.” Her impact on students did not wane with her tenure. “The Youngs were a second family who did a lot for me, not only as a student but also as a person,” said Willard “Willie” Brown ’90. “I had a special relationship with the Chief, and we spoke once a week for a lifetime.”

During Reunion Weekend in 2022, Dr. Bacon, who was awarded that year’s Distinguished Alumnus award, shared that he and his wife, Kathleen, were dedicating a percentage of their estate to Berkshire to establish a scholarship to “honor the nine pioneer women

that made this place what it is today and honor the Youngs, who made me who I am today.” The scholarship is among multiple funds established in honor of Susan and Tom Young.

“We’ll remember Susan best of all for her incisive wit, her amazing ability to spin a Berkshire yarn—perhaps matched only by Tom—and her unfailing warmth and dedication to students,” said Mulder, underscoring Young’s “unique talents and style” which permeated all she touched, including her celebrated and award-winning needlework. Each year, she hand-crafted holiday ornaments for her many grandchildren (and honorary grandchildren) around the globe.

Farah Osman Nurse ’86 credits Young with inspiring her to read for fun.

“[She] opened up a huge world to me, for which I am forever grateful.” Young’s deep affinity for books, coupled with her enduring connections among the extended Berkshire network, culminated in her identification of works authored by alumni, parents, and friends, as evidenced by a permanent collection residing in Geier Library.

Young died at home of natural causes on January 14; she is survived by her husband of 63 years, Thomas H. Young, III, and their children: Nate Young ’84 (Annie Young), Tom Young IV (Liz Dryfoos), and a very special “son” Willard “Willie” Brown ’90; grandchildren include Sophie, Charlie, Hattie ’25, Lucy, and Tom Young V. A Celebration of Life is planned in Sheffield on June 15.

“Susan was a second mother to me,” said Trustee C. Kirk Kellogg ’87. “She was a tough mother but got me through three years of Berkshire with flying colors. When she would call, I always started with a time frame because if I didn’t, she could talk all day. So sometimes I blurted out ‘15 minutes’ and [other] times, in jest, ‘two hours,’ although she could always fill the time. She will be missed.”

From the Archives

THE COPY BOY AND THE COWBOY

The Lifelong Friendship of Two Berkshire Alums

Adolescence is hard. Add the uncertainty of World War II, rationing, and the threat of invasion, and you have an untenable storm. Charles Sutton ’48 remembers, “We went to school with air raid drills. At the railroad station, we would wave at troop trains, giving the ‘V’ signal. Solemn soldiers would wave back.”

Uncertainty, though, makes friendships more precious. Charles and Bill Boardman ’50 were childhood friends in Fairfield, Conn., before Berkshire, where both boys made their mark. Arriving in 1945, Sutton, a hard worker, found success in the classroom. Headmaster Del de Windt wrote on his report card, “Few boys in the school’s history have been voted A Group (the discipline system ranking students from A to D Groups, with A honoring the best-behaved students given the most privileges) during their first year. He is a fine boy doing an outstanding job.”

The following fall, Sutton recruited Boardman to join him under the Mountain. The classroom was not Boardman’s cup of tea; instead, he distinguished himself on the football field as a two-year captain. The friends had previously played sandlot football (no equipment) for several years. At Berkshire, they both played guard for the 1947 season even though they were “lightweights” physically, but not mentally.

Boardman, who Mr. de Windt described as “a great kid, wild as a hawk,” discovered his love of the West during summer vacations from Berkshire that included hitchhiking to Oregon, picking apples in Washington, and cowboying on a Montana sheep ranch.

Paths diverged in college: Sutton went to Cornell, and Boardman went to Yale. Perhaps influenced by their war-years childhood and by college classmates who were veterans on the GI Bill, both soon volunteered for military service.

Sutton joined the Naval Reserve and completed a three-year stint as a U.S. Navy officer on loan to the National Security Agency as a Russian crypto-linguist, a military professional who monitors,

translates, and analyzes messages to give insight and intelligence to decision makers to protect troops and win battles.

Meanwhile, Boardman studied Chinese military radio at Yale before enlisting as a sergeant in the U.S. Army. He served as a military intelligence French interpreter in the Korean War, where he witnessed a French general warning Presidentelect Dwight D. Eisenhower not to enter the conflict in Vietnam. He was awarded the Korean Service Medal with three bronze stars, the Presidential Unit Citation, the United Nations Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal for service to his country.

After the Korean War, Sutton started his newspaper career as a copy boy at “The New York Times,” and was assigned to the “Times’” United Nations Bureau for the 15th General Assembly. It was then that the Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev took off a shoe and pounded it repeatedly on his desk.

Sutton went on to write for daily newspapers for 17 years. During the last 30 years of newspapering, he moved to a monthly publication, as co-publisher of “Vermont Country Sampler,” which his wife started in 1984. He also trekked in Nepal and took trips to Kenya, China, Japan, and Burma.

As for Boardman, he sailed on freighters to Taiwan before earning a master’s in social welfare from UC Berkeley. He spent the next 60 years traveling to and from Durango, Mexico, where he had many adventures building affordable housing, exploring remote silver mines on horseback, flying planes, working in a car wash, and becoming fluent in Spanish.

Through it all, the two friends kept in touch into their nineties until Boardman passed away earlier this year. Sutton is writing a children’s book on how wildlife adjusts to climate change. Lives well lived.

BERKSHIRE SCHOOL BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2023–2024

OFFICERS

James L. Haskel ’86, P’20,’22,’25

Chair

Westport, Conn.

Roney Eford ’91 Vice Chair Wallingford, Conn.

M. Casey Herman ’82 Vice Chair and Treasurer Chicago, Ill.

TRUSTEES

Andrew D. Allen ’89, P’19,’20 Far Hills, N.J.

Caroline Weil Barnett ’76, P’17 Chevy Chase, Md.

Pablo E. Calderini P’18,’21,’25,’27 Greenwich, Conn.

Kenneth R. Coard ’85, P’22,’23 Southampton, N.Y.

Katharine Cutler Coughlin ’90, P’20,’22,’24 Dedham, Mass.

James E. Demmert ’82, P’25,’25 Sausalito, Calif.

Courtney Chiang Dorman ’88, P’23,’23 Piedmont, Calif.

John P. Esposito P’20,’22,’25 Greenwich, Conn.

James D. Feeley ’92, P’25,’27 Nantucket, Mass.

Peter B. Freund P’26,’26 Bedford, N.Y.

Kenneth M. Gammill, Jr. P’16,’19,’20,’22 New Canaan, Conn.

Kate E. Gilbane P’23 Chestnut Hill, Mass.

William J. Grace III ’82 New York, N.Y.

James E. Hooper ’69 Dedham, Mass.

Jennifer Hayes Johns ’86 Longmeadow, Mass.

Pieter M. Mulder P’22,’26 Secretary Sheffield, Mass.

Robert S. Boyd Assistant Treasurer Salisbury, Conn.

Amy Cullett Controller Pittsfield, Mass.

C. Kirk Kellogg ’87, P’16 Palm Beach, Fla.

Matthew J. Kopel ’09 Rumson, N.J.

Robin Levi P’21 Oakland, Calif.

Ann Brackbill McKee P’15,’19 Darien, Conn.

Lara Schefler McLanahan ’86, P’16,’16,’19 New York, N.Y.

Robert W. Moran ’87, P’24 Chatsworth, Calif.

David H. Morse P’17 New York, N.Y.

Brian O’Callaghan P’22 Katonah, N.Y.

David T. Rondeau ’78 Haworth, N.J.

Hillary Beard Schafer P’25,’27 Rye, N.Y.

Matthew E. Sharp P’22,’26 New York, N.Y.

Jeffrey M. Soffer P’16,’18,’22 Aventura, Fla.

Thomas D. Steiner P’10,’12,’12 Longboat Key, Fla.

Lauren Walsh P’23 Riverside, Conn.

John W. Watkins, Sr. ’73, P’06,’07,’13 Fairfield, Conn.

Sheffield, Massachusetts 01257-9672

Address Service Requested

For Parents of Alumni: If this magazine is addressed to a son or daughter who no longer lives at home, kindly call us with the correct address: 413-229-1225.

BEYOND 50TH CELEBRATION

May 17 & 18, 2024

We’re welcoming back our legendary Bears—those who have already celebrated their 50th reunion—for two days of campus activities and deepening connections with one another and the School.

Mark your calendars and stay tuned for more information!