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2013 MacDuffie Alumni Magazine.
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The MacDuffie Schoolmagazine for alumni and friends
Alumni NewsFaculty FeatureFacilities ImprovementsStudent SpotlightCommencement 2013Traditions Athletics Update
The MacDuffie School
Volume 5 Issue 1 Fall 2013
The MacDuffie School66 School StreetGranby, MA 01033
Prsrt Stnd
U.S. Postage
PAID
Hartford CT
Permit #2346
MacDuffie Student Performers presentWinter Music & Dance ConcertFriday, December 13 at 7:00 p.m.
Admissions Open Houses Come for a tour of the Granby Campus.Meet current students and faculty.Sundays 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.January 12, February 9 Wednesday, April 30, 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Speaker Series
“Pig Latin, Ubbi-Dubbi, & the Cat’s Elbow: Secret Languages as a Window on the Human Mind”John McCarthy, Professor, UMass AmherstThursday, November 21, 7:00 p.m.
“On Studying Film” Robin Blaetz, Professor, Mount Holyoke CollegeTuesday, December 10, 7:00 p.m.
“The Future of Healthcare & the Evolving Roles of Nurse Practitioners & Physicians Assistants”Robert Russell, Tufts University School of MedicineTuesday, January 21, 7:00 p.m.
Please join us for student performances, athletics and other special events!
Save the date! Reunion 2014 Saturday, April 26
Visit www.macduffie.org for the current season’s athletic schedule.
The MacDuffie Theater presents
Spring Musical PlayTBA
Friday & Saturday, February 28 & March 1 Performances at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, March 2Admissions & Alumni Reception at 2:00 p.m. Matinee Performance at 3:00 p.m.Contact us to reserve complimentary matinee tickets.
Saturday, April 26 MacDuffie’s
3rd Annual 5K RunInternational Student FestivalAlumni ReunionandSpring Music ConcertContact us or visit our website for details.
Watch for details coming soon on our website, Facebook page and in the mail.
Nominations are open for 2014 Distinguished Alumni and Young Alumni Awards. Please contact Valerie Fontaine ([email protected]) or Dina Lyman (dlyman@ macduffie.org) with names of alums you would like to nominate.
We look forward to seeing you at Reunion 2014!
The MacDuffie School is a rigorous college preparatory school whose mission is to foster in all students the intellectual habits of mind, high ethical standards and respect for diversity required for becoming effective individuals in their personal and work lives and moral and responsible participants in the world beyond.
MISSION
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Advisory Board
Wayne BrewerManaging Director
Craig Brewer Director
Dal Swain Director
Steven Griffin Head of School
Thomas Addicks Assistant Head of School
Carole Bielizna Business Manager
David Denno History and English Teacher
Timothy Duff Headmaster, Pioneer Valley Christian School, Springfield MA
Danielle Williams Class of 1994
Leslie Pitt Chehade Class of 1987
Gina Placek Past Parent
Nina Metz Current Parent and Past Co-President of Parents’ Association
The MacDuffie School
Magazine for alumni and friends Fall 2013
Steven Griffin, Head of School
Diana Lyman ’66, Dean of Boarding Life and Alumni Relations
Valerie Fontaine, Administrative Assistant, Deans’ Offices
EDITOR Linda Keating ’65, Editor former Director of Admissions
PHOTOGRAPHY Gabriel Cooney Beth Reynolds Chi Huang ’14 Linda Keating ’65
PLEASE CONTACT USThe MacDuffie School MagazineAttn: Valerie FontaineThe MacDuffie School66 School StreetGranby, MA 01033413-255-0000Or e-mail: [email protected] The MacDuffie School is a coeducational college preparatory school for grades 6 – 12.
Contact Alex Seymour, Director of Day Admissions, at [email protected] for more information.
Pamela Pinckney DeFore McArthur ’55 of Spartansburg, South Carolina on July 31, 2013
Ann Colton Nussbaum ’59 of Essex, Connecticut on December 20, 2012
Patricia O’Koon Ernenwein ’61 of Newburgh, New York on August 12, 2013
Alison Brunell ’62 of Brooklyn, New York on July 24, 2013
Gay Walsh Matteson ’63 of East Longmeadow, Massachusetts on June 5, 2013
Skyler Anderson-Coughlin ’15 of Springfield, MA on November 10, 2013
Two years ago, after my mother’s funeral, I found out that Dr. Sheets had passed away
around Halloween, 2010. I found out because I finally decided to search him out via
the Internet, with a desire to contact him and finally let him know what an important
teacher and mentor he had been to me during my years at MacDuffie in the mid-1980s.
Unfortunately I was too late.
For me, he was a non-traditional teacher of Spanish and U.S. History, who encouraged
students go out on extensive limbs in the tree canopy of ideas that exists in any
discipline, and yes—he taught rigorous courses. There are times when I am reminded
of certain “ah-ha” moments I had in his classes at MacDuffie. Perhaps the strongest
of these occurred when the issues of slavery and civil rights came up in U.S. History.
Among other things, he had gone south during college in the 1960s and participated
in peaceful aspects of the civil rights movement. But what had the most impact on
me was that he presented some basic ideas of cross-cultural misunderstanding and
miscommunication, including what is now understood to be psychological phenomena
like bullying, oppression and post-traumatic stress disorder, which played roles in the
centuries of this difficult theme in our history. This hit me like a ton of bricks. It made
so much sense to me then (and now), but I am continually surprised by how this is not
realized or understood by some folks, even today.
Beyond the sphere of teaching, I felt a trusting, supportive bond—and friendship—with
Dr. Sheets. When hearing of his passing, I also found an article in The New York Times
that was written for him by a high school student of his before he came to MacDuffie, Dr.
Mark Dow. His words were so deep that I practically lost my balance; and it was clear
that Dr. Sheets had been a mentor to him, as well. I could not believe how similar were
some of the memories we both had of Dr. Sheets as an inspiring high school teacher,
but in different places. For example, “…Sheets loved to imitate in the air the gesture he
imagined an abstract expressionist painter was making on a canvas. He would enact
it to inhabit it, an actor’s grimace on his face as he stilled himself for precision of the
brushstroke, hand raised, standing on his tip-toes.” (You can see the rest at: http://
opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/12/22/span-a-remembrance/)
I was very saddened to hear of his passing, and I hope that he is at peace.
Maria Aliberti Lubertazzi, Ph.D. ’88
To see the complete text of this Memoriam to Dr. Sheets, please visit the MacDuffie
Alumni Facebook page.
In Memoriam: Dr. Harold F. Sheets
In Memoriam…..
We fondly recall members of our community who have passed on.
Greetings from the Head of School
Last year’s magazine focused on introducing alumni to the new MacDuffie campus in
Granby. There have been myriad changes to the physical plant this year, including new
roofs, two new ramps for accessibility, a new chemistry lab, and renovated and enlarged
spaces for art, music, dance and theatre. All told, we have spent $1.725 million on
capital improvements to the property since we moved here in July, 2011.
What are the results of these changes? You might say that “the more things change, the
more they stay the same.” We have expanded opportunities for our students, and they
still receive the same excellent educational experience, within a caring community, for
which MacDuffie is renowned.
We have also instituted the “Head’s CIRCLE awards”. We use the acronym CIRCLE to
capture and communicate the values that we seek to instill in our students: Community,
Integrity, Respect, Creativity, Leadership, and Excellence. The awards recognize Junior
students who exemplify these values, and their names are engraved on plaques that
hang outside my office.
This year, when we climbed Mount Holyoke as a community and returned to MacDuffie
to engage in the tradition of Candlelight, our student leaders focused on the theme of
“Difference”. We are a School that embraces diversity and respects differences. At the
end of the ceremony, when we are standing in a single circle, each holding a lit candle,
we form one indivisible unit, with tighter bonds because of our differences.
I hope that you still feel as much a part of the MacDuffie circle today as ever. It is my
true hope that this Alumni Magazine will help in a small way to rekindle the flame of the
great memories, friends and education you received at The MacDuffie School.
Sincerely,
Steven Griffin
Amity Murray Spiegel Currently living in Fort Greene Brooklyn with
husband Mike (just celebrating our eighth
anniversary) and son Cole (3) who keeps me
busy and active! I work as an esthetician at
Soho Sanctuary which I love, as well as doing
some mom blogging at New York Family.com.
Latest blog took me to New York Fashion Week!
I would love to hear from anyone from class of
1995 and hope we can see each other soon!
http://www.newyorkfamily.com/glam-mom-hair/
’96
Tasha Thompson Hillery I’m currently living in West Chester, PA with
my husband Tony, son TJ (5) and daughter
Samantha (2).
’03
Tadd LymanTadd is a Captain in the 82nd Airborne
stationed at Ft. Bragg, NC. He will begin
his second deployment to Afghanistan in
December, and on November 2nd Tadd
celebrated his marriage to his wife Lauren in a
ceremony in the Cadet Chapel at West Point.
University) and Ho Wing (Maggie) Wang
’07 (back to work in Hong Kong), Sai Ka
(Kathy) Lam ’05 and Sze Hau (Shelly)
Tso ’05 (currently working in Hong Kong).
’07
Amanda Keating 6 years (what?!) out of MacDuffie, and I’m
currently living in New York City with two close
friends and a cat named Maggie. I’ve been
focusing on my playwriting career and have
produced a couple of my plays in Manhattan
(“Roast” in photo) and Brooklyn. I also work
for an arts non-profit, Fractured Atlas, helping
artists with the logistical burdens of producing
their work. The major defining feature of my
new-found urban pseudo-adulthood? How
much time (and money) I spend on finding
(and probably not cooking) food. Cheers!
Hope my fellow alums are all well.
Benjamin RosenI’m currently living in Los Angeles, and after
working successfully for a talent management
company here, I’m leaving to shoot an original
short film and web series pilot. With four close
friends I’ve also just started a sketch comedy
group called “Love Ronny” releasing new
online material weekly.
Heather Wilson Hello everyone! I can’t believe it’s been
over five years since I graduated from
MacDuffie. Now I have a degree in Hospitality
Management: Theme Park Management
from the University of Central Florida and am
living in Orlando, working as a Team Leader
at Universal Orlando. On a trip to California
in May with my family, my fiancé Michael
proposed to me in Disneyland! We’re planning
a January 2015 wedding at Walt Disney World.
From time to time I see alumni who travel to
Orlando on vacation. Hope everyone is doing
well and staying safe.
’10
Nina LassonnierSome great news! I will be graduating from
college in May 2014 and already have a job
lined up to work as an engineer at Cummins Inc.
in Columbus, Indiana. [email protected]
’11
Brian MagnierI’m a junior at Cornell, studying “Ecology and
Evolutionary Biology” and doing lab work
for a post doc researching thermoregulatory
adaptations of Red Squirrels. I hope to do
some of my own research soon, and to
go to Alaska for six weeks this summer.
Last summer I was an intern working at the
Southwestern Research Station in Portal, AZ.
In my spare time, two friends, also there from
Cornell, and I took video of all kinds of wildlife
for a possible nature documentary we’re
putting together this year. After AZ, I took a
course on Marine Invertebrates at Shoals
Marine Laboratory in Maine, an island run by
Cornell and UNH.
14 3
’06
Che (Frank) Kuo My hobby in oil painting still remains, as I
paint to relax every summer in Taiwan. Here
is a piece I did this summer; hope you like it.
I still talk to some Ames Hill friends, Jung-Il
(Jack) Lee ’07 (formerly of Castle House
and currently attending NYU), Yuen Ling
(Elaine) Ng ’06 (currently working for
Goldman Sachs in Utah), Ho Yip (Sunny)
Wang ’08 (Senior year in Penn State
“The new school is beautiful. I was there in October and toured all over. If you are in the area, make a point of going there. It is a new home for MacDuffie, but the values are the same as always.” Carole Rund Robinson ’58
Cover, L to R: Seniors Magdalene Taylor, Naomi Phelps, Kimberly Jones, Jessica Schwartz and Kitty Carbon.
Amanda Keating
Che (Frank) Kuo
Heather Wilson
Kay Simpson ’76, Vice President of the Springfield Museums, was the recipient of the 2013 MacDuffie Distinguished
Alumni Award. Kay holds a B.A. from Smith College and an M. Ed. from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
During more than 25 years with the Springfield Museums, Kay has served as Director of Museum Education and
Institutional Advancement, supervised the Museums’ adult, school, and family programs, overseen the Development Office
and spearheaded innovative exhibitions. We were proud to present Kay with the Distinguished Alumni Award and have her
as guest speaker at an all school assembly last spring.
Marta Maleck ’06 skyped in to a May assembly to speak to the MacDuffie community and to receive
the 2013 Young Alumni Award. Marta works for AmeriCorp in New Orleans helping to rebuild housing
and infrastructure after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. Starting out in prestigious NYC fashion
houses after graduating from the Rhode Island School of Design, Marta changed course to pursue a life
of service.
Her message to students is not to be afraid to change their path along the way. Doing well personally
and in the community merits consideration as much as being successful professionally.
Torrey Joyner ’07 returned as the guest
speaker for a Friday morning assembly
last March. A star on the basketball court
and a respected and well-liked citizen both
in and out of the classroom at MacDuffie,
Torrey graduated from Emmanuel College
and planned to pursue a Master’s degree at
Columbia University.
A serious illness struck Torrey in 2012, and he was hospitalized for
several months. He’s made great strides on his road to recovery,
and we were honored to have him visit MacDuffie and to share his
experience with the community.
Torrey first asked three questions, urging us to look deep inside
ourselves for answers. “Who do you think you are?” “Who are you?”
“Who do you want to be?” He challenged and encouraged us to set
personal goals.
’87
Tracy Rau Graduated from UMASS Boston in 1994 and
Suffolk University Law School in 1999 and
married Christopher D’Errico the same year.
We moved to Las Vegas in 2000 and have lived
here ever since, but reckon I’ll always think of
Boston as “home”. I was a partner at a large
litigation firm for almost 10 years, and in May of
2012, with a dear friend, I opened my own firm,
Karris Rau, LLPC, which involves all aspects of
litigation with a focus on domestic relations law.
I appreciate the freedom that comes with my
own practice but am still working on perfecting
the administrative tasks. Still married, no kids.
I stay in touch with some of my MacD friends
on facebook and had the pleasure of visiting
with Sarah Wilkins Bagley ’87 and Liz
Goodnow ’87 during an east coast trip in
June, and with Leslie Chehade Pitt ’87 in
September. [email protected]
Caris “Katie” Thornton Drury After years of commuting back and forth,
we have decided to move to Bermuda on a
full time basis. My son Will started college at
Mitchell College in New London, CT, and my
daughter started year 11 at Bermuda High
School for Girls. It’s been an adjustment,
but we’re settling in. Would love to host
an alumnae gathering or help recruit new
students! 45 Lolly’s Well Rd Smith FL06
Bermuda 441.533.7390
’88
Kelli BarryI wanted to share that I was selected as a
Commission in the Status of Women, Unsung
Heroine of 2012. The award was presented at
the State House in Boston on May 16, 2012.
Unsung Heroines are “women who don’t make
the news, but they make the difference. They
are the women who use their time, talent and
enthusiasm to enrich the lives of others and
make a difference in their neighborhoods,
cities and towns.” My nomination was for my
work in Massachusetts with the American
Cancer Society where I serve as the State
Vice President for Development. I also want
to say that it has been wonderful connecting
with old MacDuffie friends on Facebook, and
I look forward to coming out to see the new
campus soon.
’93
Amy Royal I was recently featured as the cover story in
Lioness Magazine, a national magazine for
female entrepreneurs. Still heading up Royal LLP,
a boutique, management-side labor and
employment law firm in Northampton, MA, rep-
resenting businesses throughout the Northeast.
[email protected], www.royalllp.com
’95
Kerrie McKinstry-Jett I’m currently teaching at Westfield State
University & Manchester Community College
and tutoring. My wonderful guy, Christopher
Jett, and I got married at the Log Cabin in
Holyoke August 4, 2013. The day was beautiful,
and everyone had a great time. Elena
(Hovagimian) Shannon ’95 was one of my
bridesmaids. Chris and I are living in our condo
in Agawam with our cat, Merrill, and we could
not be happier. Well, OK, I’d be happier if these
stacks of labs would grade themselves.
advocate on health access and social justice
issues. Work at a great public interest law
and advocacy organization for which I happily
don’t need a law degree! Got married, got
divorced. Had 2 fantastic boys, Caleb and
Elijah now age 17 and 12. I am in touch with
MANY MacDuffie alums: it is the best thing
about Facebook. Picture is my original crew
at MacDuffie: me, Lisa Casey Joyner, Dawn
Marshall Williams, Donna Grandison and
Debbie Duncan – all ’83 alums.
Ann JimIn June I became a Certified Government
Accountant (CGA) for Merrimac, MA. where
I’ve been the town’s accountant and IT
coordinator since 2007. In September I spent
two weeks traveling in Hong Kong, Malaysia
and Singapore. Last spring my son, Thomas
Wing Ho Mitchell, graduated from St. John’s
Preparatory in Danvers, MA, and he started at
Georgetown University in September.
’86
Judy McComb 2012 was a tremendous year of growth for
me – I lost a job I loved when the company
closed, I started over in a new industry,
lost my brother, my relationship of 15 years
disintegrated, and my wonderful greyhound
died from cancer. I really didn’t think I could
go on, but I picked myself up, dusted myself
off, and found more inner strength than I knew
I had. Reconnecting with old friends from
MacDuffie on Facebook has been a wonderful
blessing, and there are many little things to
celebrate every day.
4 13
Alumni News2013 Alumni Awards
Torrey Joyner ’07Inspiring Assembly Speaker
2012 Alumni Cheer on Mustangs
Torrey posed a fourth question. “What are you doing to get there?”
He shared that he wants to be a school superintendent, and talked
of the character and drive he’ll need to be successful. “What is your
handicap?” he asked. Still in a wheelchair, Torrey asked what people
thought his handicap is. To Torrey his wheelchair is not a barrier
preventing him from what he wants to achieve, and therefore is not a
handicap to meeting his goals. He asked students to look deep into
themselves to discover what prevents them from meeting their goals.
Torrey later followed up with advisee groups to reflect on his five
questions as an important component in our Advising Program’s Path
to Excellence.
Many thanks to Torrey and our best wishes for a full and speedy
recovery as well as success in achieving his personal goals. Come
back soon!
Among the fans cheering on the MacDuffie Mustangs at an October
Varsity Soccer match at Watkinson School this season were
Vitor Campos ’12 and Robin Chen ’12. Vitor is from Brazil and is
currently a sophomore at the University of Hartford, and Robin hails
from China and is attending Trinity College nearby. Their former
classmates’ enthusiastic support spurred the Mustangs on to a
10 – 0 victory over Watkinson and meant a great deal not only to the
team, but also to coach, Meirion George. Go Mustangs!
Tracie Gardner
Kerrie McKinstry-Jett
21
43
65
87
109
’69
Ruth Sanderson I’ve illustrated over 80 books during my
career as a children’s book illustrator and
have an upcoming solo exhibition of fairy
tale paintings from The Twelve Dancing
Princesses, Cinderella, and others at the
Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, MA
from Nov. 23, 2013 - Feb. 23, 2014 (opening on
Dec. 7th, 4-6pm). My newest book is “Golden
Dreams, the Art of Ruth Sanderson”. Visit my
website www.ruthsanderson.com for more
information.
’72
Leslie Bozigian Curtin I’m the Director of Nursing Services at
Southpointe Rehabilitation and Care Center in
Fall River MA, and love keeping in touch with
classmates on Facebook.
’73
Joan Barnes Flynn My creative writing workshop – Dune Hollow
Writers – is having an E-book published in
October by the Provincetown Public Press,
titled “Shadow & Light: An Anthology of
Poetry and Prose by the Women of Dune
Hollow Writers”. It will be available on
Amazon, iBook and KoBo. We are very
excited and hope everybody will check it out!
Valerie Hird I’ve been an adjunct professor of art at Saint
Michael’s College in Colchester, VT for 13
years. As a fine artist I’m represented by the
Nohra Haime Gallery in NYC and the NH
Gallery in Cartagena, Colombia, as well as at
the Lucky Street Gallery in Key West, Florida.
I’ll be teaching at the Art Student’s League,
NYC next summer and giving a lecture about
my travels with nomadic tribes for the Key
West Library next February 24th. My next
exhibition, The Maiden Voyages Project is at
the Center For Book Arts in NYC October 4 –
December 13. Visit my website at valeriehird.
com for more information.
’74
Midge Kruger Kra I never write these blurbs, but nearly forty
years later it’s probably time to catch up. I
graduated from Penn in ’77, got married two
weeks later and had three children in five
years. They are all grown and live in Israel.
Abby, 35, is married with four children; Yoni,
32 is married with two sons; Daniel, 30, is a
swinging single. David hopes to retire next
year, and we’re planning a move to Jerusalem
where we’ve already found an apartment.
With three children and 6 grandchildren there,
where else would we go? I’d love to talk to old
friends. I’m on Facebook as Midge Kruger Kra.
’77
Clara Hayden Pinkham Still living in Rochester, MI with husband,
Lawrie (Belmont Hill School, class of ’79).
Working for a local veterinarian, and at a
weaving/knitting store (retail and teaching).
Kids are great! Oldest daughter Sara, married
to Chris Jones, living in Grand Prairie, TX
with the most perfect grandchild ever, Ezra
Graham (age 2), who will be joined by another
in March. I love being Granny! Son Nick lives
in Rochester, MI, and is a web/video game
designer working in the automotive industry
and involved with volunteers reclaiming
abandoned Detroit parks for inner city families
and kids. Daughter Lydia (in the Coast Guard,
stationed in St. Petersburg, FL) is married to
Austin Clary (also in Coast Guard, stationed
in Seattle, WA). I look forward to seeing what
my classmates are up to! Don’t get back to
Western MA very often, and miss seeing old
friends. Photo: (L to R) Nick, me, Ezra, Chris,
Sara & Lawrie
’78
Tabi Freedman I live in NYC and VT, and recently formed
my own IT Consulting firm after spending 13
years on Wall Street. Still have Weimaraners,
currently Remy (Remington Steele) who has
done a few photo shoots and likes to open
the refrigerator by himself. I’m still skiing, and
teaching skiing in Southern Vermont, but have
crossed over to Telemark Skiing, and have
just become a member of the United States
Telemark Ski Team, Eastern Region.
’80
Susanna Betzel Just had my sixth historical novel published,
“The Executioner’s Heir: A Novel of
Eighteenth-Century France” which is the true
story of a pair of tragic, converging lives in
prerevolutionary France. http://www.amazon.
com/dp/B00EXPZQBG
’81
Laura Bray Parent I enjoy living in central New York near my
mother. I’m employed at Upstate Cerebral
and use my college degree dealing with
autistic and handicapped children. I also work
in daycare teaching preschool children in
preparation for Kindergarten. I miss my father
from time to time as do my brothers and sister.
’83
Tracie Gardner I graduated from Mount Holyoke as an
English Major where I took a class from
James Baldwin, was directed in a play by
Suzan Lori Parks, and Maya Angelou was my
commencement speaker! I lost a childhood
friend to HIV/AIDS in 1985 which became the
catalyst for more than 20 years work as an
12 5
At the end of last school year, Jan Hill retired after 27 years teaching
English to untold numbers of MacDuffie students, almost all of them
now alumni, and certainly all of them enriched by the experience.
Throughout her years at MacDuffie as teacher, advisor, Middle School
Head, and Academic Dean Jan has always been a leader in developing
multicultural, multidisciplinary and innovative curriculum to prepare our
students to participate as informed members of the world community.
In recent years, with the growth of MacDuffie’s international population,
particularly from East Asian countries, Jan recognized that studying
Asian literature would help both American and international students
develop an appreciation and respect for each other’s cultures. So, she
decided to study the literature and the cultures that produce it far more
extensively to learn how to integrate it into MacDuffie curriculum. She
asked questions, researched, attended both the Indiana University
program on “Teaching East Asia Literature in the High School” and
the Korean Academy for Educators in Los Angeles, participated in
programs at the East Rock Institute affiliated with Yale University,
joined the National Consortium for Teaching about Asia, and read a
great deal of Asian literature. She brought all that she learned directly
back to MacDuffie to inform and enrich World Literature curriculum,
to share with teachers of other classes, and to make courses more
relevant to the international and American students in our classrooms.
Quite an undertaking.
Jan imagines that “world literature is like a confectioner’s shop.” What
a great image, and how like Jan to find the key that opens the door so
our students can enter and sample the sweets! And open their minds
and hearts to new perspectives, to cultural understanding – to the
world.
“I’m glad I caught that last train” remarked a senior student on the last
day of Jan’s Honors World Literature class. We are glad, too, that so
many MacDuffie students had the opportunity of having Jan Hill for
their English teacher. We will all miss her and wish her well.
“Starting in a new environment can be exciting
and invigorating,” says Jenn Blackburn about
her first year teaching English at MacDuffie, her
first private school experience, too. She’s taught
at a number of public schools, most recently at
Granby High School, and is originally from
Long Island.
Jenn’s father was also an English teacher, and she remembers that
every evening he shared a story about his day teaching. It was clear to
her that he was happy in his work. He loved books and discussing them.
She’s glad she decided to become an English teacher, too, and loves
discussing books and writing with her students just as her father did.
After attending Skidmore College for two years Jenn transferred
to SUNY Binghamton, but says she really missed the small school
community at Skidmore. “As a student,” she says, “it’s special to be able
to talk with and get to know teachers.” Having taught classes with up to
thirty students in public schools, Jenn really enjoys the small size of her
English classes here, and is already getting to know her students well.
Jenn is also the Volunteer Coordinator and is “overwhelmed by how
much students want to get involved” at MacDuffie – in community
service organizations, clubs and other school activities. She also loves
the technology available to students and faculty here. “It is so easy to
communicate with students via google e-mail!”
Jenn “couldn’t wait for Candlelight and Mountain Day,” and now that
she’s participated in both, we’re sure she’s had a proper MacDuffie
welcome to our community.
Peter Shelburne teaches Math at MacDuffie,
coaches our championship Math Team, is the
parent of three MacDuffie students, and is also a
playwright!
Recently, Peter wrote “Red State of Marriage”,
which was performed last May in Northampton
and Greenfield.
He spent most of the summer of 2012 writing and then editing the play
in the fall, and said that “as a mathematician he was interested in the
structure of the play.” It is written for just two actors playing multiple
roles, with lightning-quick shifts of character, voice and costume. In the
first act, one actor plays a single character while the other actor plays
all of the others, and then in the second act, the actors switch.
Keeping his creative ideas flowing, Peter penned another original play,
“Stealing the Packard”, performed in the summer of 2013 in upstate
New York. “Stealing the Packard” will also have a staged reading in
Somerville, MA next summer.
Faculty Feature
Jan Hill Jenn Blackburn
Peter Shelburne
Clara Hayden Pinkham
’62
Mary Mallis Greendale Still in Holliston and very active in the
community, now producing two television
shows on local access. Professionally I do
some freelance writing and also grant writing
for farmers and agricultural organizations in
state. My grand-kids all live nearby except
one who just started at UMass Amherst at
the Stockbridge School of Agriculture. I think
he caught my passion for ag. The others are
14, 13, two are 12, and one 7. I see them
often and enjoy having them as a big part of
my life. I am happy, content and really just
enjoying life. Hope all is well with my former
classmates. Any word from Jane Thomee
’62 or Nancy Dion ’62?
Susan Aylward Brown Recently, Simone Bergeron McCarthy ’61
and I met at the Tivoli Day Pancake Breakfast;
she recognized me first! Simone was with
husband, Terry, and we shared quite a few
memories. She and her husband winter in
Florida, summer on Martha’s Vineyard where
Simone grew up and have nine grandchildren.
Last spring I studied for and passed the
ServSafe Examination, required by our
church’s certified kitchen for preparing and
servng food to the public. The study skills that
were finely honed in Howard Hall were called
forth from the depths of memory! In winter
the church hosts a weekly Community Supper
open to all on Martha’s Vineyard at no cost
as part of our outreach ministry. Usually a
homebody, I’ve recently cruised with friends
in Maine – lobster was delicious, visited
grandsons in Connecticut, went to a reunion
in Baltimore, MD, heading to Ft. Lauderdale
in November, and then plan to be back to
the Florida Keys for my regular three months
starting in January. Best to all.
’63
Stephanie Murray O’Shaughnessy I would love to be in contact with old
classmates again. I’m a full-time potter with 10
others at The Pottery in Galena, IL. Please go
to our website http://www.twentydirtyhands.
com for photos and information about our
work and Art Shows. I also teach occasional
pottery workshops at Adamah Clay Studios
in Adamah, WI, have two daughters and
am a grandmother of five AWESOME
grandchildren! [email protected]
’64
Sandra Volanakis Hanson I have retired and been living in Sun City
Hilton Head, South Carolina for 5 years.
My son Peter, his wife and my beautiful
granddaughter, Alexa, now 22 months were
just here visiting from Colorado. Life is good!
’65
Andrea Pickett Brode
Dr. Andrea Brode is now Director of Student
Success and Career Development at
Beacon College in Leesburg, Florida. www.
beaconcollege.edu.
’66
Nancy “Nan” Lewis Since 1966 I’ve lived from Cape Cod to
Jacksonville Beach, Florida. My career
began in marketing and PR in NYC, first in
home furnishings/interior design, then in the
entertainment industry, where I enjoyed many
years working with celebrities and touring
Broadway shows. After leaving Manhattan,
I started Nancy Lewis Public Relations, now
Entertainment Works, was PR Director of
Reggae Ambassadors Worldwide (“RAW”),
an international non profit, and rejoined the
corporate world in Florida.
My heart “adventures” (3 heart attacks and
24 cardiac surgeries since 2008) prompted
early retirement, but not giving up. I reopened
Entertainment Works in 2012, and recently
expanded to include an office in Belgium.
Single since 1989, I have one daughter,
Alexandra Lewis, 44 and happily married, now
in her second career as a registered dietician.
“Lexy” had a mild heart attack in 2007 (age
38) and left a stressful job to get a second
bachelor’s degree and master’s in Nutrition.
She is lovely, and I am very proud of her (see
photo). I would love to connect with my two
best friends at MacDuffie, Shari (Shelby)
Horn Burnett ’66 and Janice Randall ’69.
(904) 249-2523 [email protected]
’68
Hannah Gutfarb MazerMike and I are still in DC; Annie lives in
Boston and Bob, in San Francisco.
Here’s a picture of my family: l-r Annie,
Hannah, Mike and Bob.
118
Commencement 2013
6
MacDuffie celebrated the achievements of its one hundred twenty third graduating
class on Sunday, June 16, 2013. Though only the second year MacDuffie has held the
ceremony at Abbey Chapel on the campus of Mount Holyoke College, the site blends
beautifully with our long-standing commencement tradition.
In honoring the diverse group of fifty four graduating seniors, Steve Griffin, Head of
School, commented that “the Class of 2013 is well and truly on the path to excellence.
This is an accomplished group, with a diverse set of interests – the fact that they share
one thing first and foremost – a MacDuffie education, is an honor for our institution.”
“Some are returning home to complete their studies; some will travel the world. Some
will study in select colleges across the country.”
Graduating classmates chose Nikai Fondon and Shangzhe Dai, Student Body Vice
President and President, to speak, and fellow seniors Eva Snyder and Joseph Lupa
shared vocal performances. The Faculty Speaker Joan O’Brien, History Department Chair,
and Guest Speaker Martin Miller, CEO and General Manager of New England Public
Radio, addressed the audience of assembled students, families and guests as well.
Congratulations to the class of 2013!
Daughter of Nancy “Nan” Lewis
Hannah Gutfarb Mazer
Class Notes’45
Nancy Bowman BlomquistHi Classmates: The family has expanded from
3 children (I lost one son) to 5 grandchildren to
5 great grandchildren, and they are! I’m doing
okay as I live through the aging process as
we all do. I’m 85 now. I have some very fond
memories of my 8 years at The MacDuffie
School for Girls – yes, through the war years.
I graduated from UMass Amherst in 1949. I
married a senior co-student, Donald Blomquist
in 1949, and my graduation gift to him was
Christina Louise now 63 and a Nana! It is
quite an adjustment when your “kids” become
grandparents! My address is The Willows
Health Center, 101 Barry Rd #204, Worcester,
MA if you would like to reconnect.
’46
Priscilla Perkins Wilson I am living in a cozy little house in VT my
husband and I built as a vacation home. I have
three children and eight grandchildren. Prior
to VT, we lived in Knoxville, TN where George
was head of the science department at Webb
School, and I taught in the Oak Ridge schools.
For several years I was a graduate teaching
assistant at the University of TN. We were
pleased to have a visit there from Joanne
Albrecht ’46 who was touring as the Mother
Abbess with the Sound of Music. Genealogy
and gardening are favorite pastimes. I find
George is probably a distant cousin of Ann
Lansing ’46.
’49
Jennifer Mead Hatcher I am living in Denver Colorado, a 3 minute
walk from my youngest son Patrick, wife
Pamela and 2 grandchildren, Wells, 8, and
Barrett, 5. Two years ago I left Washington
DC where my oldest son Christopher lives
with wife Jennifer and daughters, Caroline
and Courtney, both in their teens. I am very
lucky to be able to work painting in my studio
in downtown Denver. I work in oils within
abstraction yet always with a suggestion of
nature. Have a yellow Labrador who keeps me
walking. Wish I lived closer to MacDuffie.
’53
Cynthia Crane Story Still waiting for the Irving Picard/Madoff
Claw-Back ax to fall, but mercifully they keep
postponing the trial. I still kayak on the Bay,
but no more getting tan and now wear an
SPF suit. Husband, girls and grandsons all
well. Facebook https://www.facebook.com/
CynthiaCabaretCrane keeps me in touch with
all so say hello! [email protected]
’55
Barbara Lennon Fleming I was so lucky to be a recipient of such a
great education for three years at MacDuffie.
I treasure those years, maybe more as I
grow older. Dave and I celebrated our 50th
anniversary this past August and traveled
to Maine for some time in Ogunquit at the
Beachmere. Just loved it there! Ate out,
relaxed, read some books, walked the
Marginal Way many times and visited friends.
We’re both retired, Dave from banking and
I from teaching. Enjoyed those productive
years, but boy, it’s nice to retire, too! We were
blessed with four boys, seven grandchildren,
two great daughters-in-law. We’re busy doing
charity work, gardening, exercising daily and
traveling to see children and grandchildren.
’56
Carolyn Bjorn Stringham Married Chuck Stringham on 9/28/11 in Ocean
Park, Maine and currently living in Salem,
Oregon, where Chuck is an ER doctor. Chuck
took me to my senior prom at MacDuffie,
and we were engaged to be married in 1960.
Fifty one years later, the wedding took place.
Between us we have 2 daughters, 7 sons, 6
daughters/sons-in-law, and 12 grandchildren
(counting steps) and another on the way... Life
is a constant surprise!
’58
Carole Rund Robinson All is well in our family. In December Dave
and I celebrate our 55th wedding anniversary.
Where has the time gone? Our children all
live within two hours of us. Son Jonathan
and wife Wendy are in Vermont, busy with his
historical archiving and her travel agency; her
three children, Shaun, Jessica and Danny,
are all grown. Daughter Leanne, who went
to MacD, just finished a master’s in special
education, works in Amherst schools and
lives in Belchertown with husband Michael
and daughters Bridgette (12) and Morgan (3).
Daughter Debby lives in Amherst and works
in sales at Hazen Paper in Holyoke. Jenny,
Deb’s twin, lives in NH with husband Dave and
children Savannah (16) and Shea (6).
We’re finishing up our Greenleaves project,
independent living for seniors. I keep busy
with volunteer work, and our home overflows
all the time with family and friends. I would
love to hear from you. FYI… The new school
is beautiful. I was there in October and toured
all over. If you are in the area, make a point
of going there. It is a new home for MacDuffie
BUT the values are the same as always.
’61
Lonsdale “Lonnie” Torrey Snyder In May of 2013 I graduated from Phillips
Theological Seminary with a Masters of
Divinity Degree (MDiv).
Carla Rueckert McCarty Teaching, counseling, channeling and doing
research for L/L Research on paranormal
subjects, especially ET channeling. Living in
Anchorage, KY with husband Jim McCarty
and three cats who are much beloved. Most
recent publications: Collected Poetry.
Helen Cochran DickeLiving in Hartland, VT with husband, Eric.
Teaching yoga; traveling most recently to
Europe where we did some hiking.
Ann PartlowLiving in New York, NY, in “green” stock
ventures and consultant to others in the same
area. Traveled recently to Eastern Europe to
follow interest in native folk dancing.
Elizabeth HelsingerProfessor and writer living in Chicago with
husband, Howard.
10 7
Traditions
Athletics Update
Diversity Day Mountain Day and Candlelight
Congratulations to the 2012/2013 MacDuffie Boys Varsity Soccer and Basketball Teams!
The Mustangs created MacDuffie soccer history by finishing the season as New
England Class D Finalists, Western New England Class D Runners-up and winners
of the Western New England Class D Excellence and Sportsmanship Award! This
was the second year running that the team has made it through to the post season,
and they’re off to a another strong start this fall.
The MacDuffie Basketball team’s talent “out classed” their opponents in NEPSAC
Class D and had the opportunity to play “up” to Class AA last year. This affords the
Mustangs the chance to play more competitive Class AA teams and to attend some
popular tournaments throughout New England as well. An exciting move up for the
Mustangs!
Best of luck to all of our Mustang teams in their 2013/2014 season!
Mountain Day and Candlelight continue to be time-honored occasions to
welcome new students, faculty and staff into the MacDuffie fold, and as each
new year begins in the fall, they are etched anew in our collective memory.
Music, dance, origami, world languages, guest speakers and international
culinary delights. Diversity Day not only celebrates our differences, but
encourages us to share them with each other, so once again, our sense of
belonging in the MacDuffie community is reinforced each spring.
A day without classes, fabulous. Sharing it together, priceless!
00 009
Maddie is a six year senior from Stafford Springs,
CT. Her sister, Mimi, is also at MacDuffie in 8th
grade.
Maddie plays soccer, loves Ms. Tomkiel’s AP
English class, wants to pursue nursing in college
and hopes to spend at least a semester studying abroad.
She has already been recruited to play soccer and been accepted
by Converse College in North Carolina, but she still plans to apply to
colleges closer to home.
She was named Female Youth Soccer Referee of the year in 2012 by
the Northeast District of the CT Junior Soccer Association and refs for
soccer associations and tournaments in Enfield, Stafford Springs and
Tolland, CT and in Burlington, VT.
After 5 years as a day student, Maddie moved on campus to be a part
of the boarding program for her senior year. She’s enjoying it so much
she “wishes she’d done it sooner.” Thanks to living on campus she’s
become closer friends with international boarding students and has
encouraged other day students to make new friends and participate
more in boarding life, too. Not only has Maddie enriched her own
MacDuffie experience, but she has also taken a leadership role in
expanding the experience of her fellow MacDuffie students.
Kitty is the youngest of five siblings, all living in
the U.S., and she came to MacDuffie last year from
Dominica, a small island in the Caribbean. She
knew her high school there would not provide the
opportunities she needed to attend a competitive
U.S. university.
She expected MacDuffie to be bigger and to find it more difficult to
make friends, especially starting in her junior year. She was pleasantly
surprised, however, when on the first day of school a large group
of students were “all in my room introducing themselves, asking
questions and wanting to get to know me”. She felt welcome at
MacDuffie from that first moment on.
Kitty has excelled academically and embraced the life of the MacDuffie
community participating in volleyball and crew, working on tech for
dance concerts and plays, and volunteering for our Annual Run for
Hope. Kitty led a workshop on Caribbean music for Diversity Day
last year, using the skills she developed studying both classical and
Caribbean flute music in Dominica, and this year she’s thinking about
a workshop in Caribbean cooking. She is looking forward to taking
on more leadership roles this year, perhaps at the Run for Hope and
managing the basketball team.
Tulane, Stanford and Lafayette are schools Kitty is considering
applying to, and she is thinking about a double major because she has
such varied interests – biochemistry, history, international relations,
literature, traveling and volunteering among them. Most important to
her is not being isolated, but connecting to the world and making it a
better place.
CIRCLE Awards were made to rising seniors at Academic Convocation
in June for the very first time last year. Students earn these awards
by exemplifying MacDuffie’s core values of Community, Integrity,
Respect, Creativity and Excellence.
The 2013 CIRCLE recipients are: Community, Marianne Magnier;
Integrity, Jiaching Liu; Respect, Yuguang Lin; Creativity, Chi Huang and
Excellence, Caleb Shelburne.
Each year student award winners’ names will be added to
commemorative plaques hung in the main hallway at MacDuffie.
Congratulations to our student 2013 CIRCLE winners!
Honored at a banquet sponsored by MassMutual in May, MacDuffie’s
Math Team celebrated being the first place team in the Western
Massachusetts Mathematics League for 2012/2013. The team received
a trophy and plaque with the names of previous winning schools, but
Deerfield Academy is the only other school to have achieved first place
since 2001. A real accomplishment for MacDuffie!
“We had an experienced team with great kids, and everything went our
way. We just had an amazing year,” said Peter Shelburne, Math Team
advisor. Congratulations to team members Ling (Kelly) He, Fan (Helen)
Zhou, Xinyi (Dela) Lin, Jiachang (Harry) Liu, Kehan (Thomas) Chen
and Bingyan (James) Ren and alternate Shangzhe (Jason) Dai.
Daniil, whose family is originally from Korea, came
to MacDuffie from his home in Moscow, Russia in
tenth grade. As a senior he’s taken on a leadership
role as boarding prefect. He enjoys participating in
Cross Country and Ultimate Frisbee, and is enjoying
AP Physics, but says “it’s a really hard class”.
While it was Daniil’s mother’s decision for him to leave Russia to
come to the United States for high school, he “goes with the flow”,
so he kept an open mind about what to expect. It was easy for him
to adapt to MacDuffie, but he thinks that sometimes students arrive
full of expectations that make it harder for them to adjust to a new
environment.
Daniil will visit NYU with his mother over Thanksgiving break, and he’s
thinking of exploring agriculture and IT security in college.
“A really good experience” is Daniil’s description of MacDuffie’s
boarding program. He enjoys being part of it and feels well prepared
for his next challenge – exploring the college experience.
Students in the Spotlight
Madison (Maddie) Jung ’14
Kitwanie (Kitty) Carbon ’14
CIRCLE Awards
Math Team Has Winning Season!
Daniil Kim ’14
New Science, Arts, and Athletic Facilities
8
MacDuffie students, faculty and coaches are wasting no time this fall taking advantage of our brand new Chemistry Lab, Arts Wing (spacious Dance, Music and Art Studios), expanded Little Theater, and outdoor Tennis and Basketball courts. New and enhanced classroom, arts and athletic facilities are vital to support the enriched educational and extracurricular programs that MacDuffie takes pride in providing to students.
Shop School Store!Men’s silk club neckties and women’s large square silk scarves in maroon and white with the MacDuffie logo are available through School Store for $50 each, both of very fine quality. Holiday 3" ornaments, maroon with our logo in white, are $10.
Inventory also includes fleece scarves, flannel pajama pants, T and sweatshirts, pencils, lanyards, mugs…the list goes on! All feature the MacDuffie logo proudly and most have a choice of maroon or white background. Great for children, grandchildren and alums!
The Parents’ Association operates the store – a volunteer activity, and sells at School events throughout the year. To purchase an item, or for information, e-mail [email protected]. Proceeds benefit Parents’ Association fundraising.
00 009
Maddie is a six year senior from Stafford Springs,
CT. Her sister, Mimi, is also at MacDuffie in 8th
grade.
Maddie plays soccer, loves Ms. Tomkiel’s AP
English class, wants to pursue nursing in college
and hopes to spend at least a semester studying abroad.
She has already been recruited to play soccer and been accepted
by Converse College in North Carolina, but she still plans to apply to
colleges closer to home.
She was named Female Youth Soccer Referee of the year in 2012 by
the Northeast District of the CT Junior Soccer Association and refs for
soccer associations and tournaments in Enfield, Stafford Springs and
Tolland, CT and in Burlington, VT.
After 5 years as a day student, Maddie moved on campus to be a part
of the boarding program for her senior year. She’s enjoying it so much
she “wishes she’d done it sooner.” Thanks to living on campus she’s
become closer friends with international boarding students and has
encouraged other day students to make new friends and participate
more in boarding life, too. Not only has Maddie enriched her own
MacDuffie experience, but she has also taken a leadership role in
expanding the experience of her fellow MacDuffie students.
Kitty is the youngest of five siblings, all living in
the U.S., and she came to MacDuffie last year from
Dominica, a small island in the Caribbean. She
knew her high school there would not provide the
opportunities she needed to attend a competitive
U.S. university.
She expected MacDuffie to be bigger and to find it more difficult to
make friends, especially starting in her junior year. She was pleasantly
surprised, however, when on the first day of school a large group
of students were “all in my room introducing themselves, asking
questions and wanting to get to know me”. She felt welcome at
MacDuffie from that first moment on.
Kitty has excelled academically and embraced the life of the MacDuffie
community participating in volleyball and crew, working on tech for
dance concerts and plays, and volunteering for our Annual Run for
Hope. Kitty led a workshop on Caribbean music for Diversity Day
last year, using the skills she developed studying both classical and
Caribbean flute music in Dominica, and this year she’s thinking about
a workshop in Caribbean cooking. She is looking forward to taking
on more leadership roles this year, perhaps at the Run for Hope and
managing the basketball team.
Tulane, Stanford and Lafayette are schools Kitty is considering
applying to, and she is thinking about a double major because she has
such varied interests – biochemistry, history, international relations,
literature, traveling and volunteering among them. Most important to
her is not being isolated, but connecting to the world and making it a
better place.
CIRCLE Awards were made to rising seniors at Academic Convocation
in June for the very first time last year. Students earn these awards
by exemplifying MacDuffie’s core values of Community, Integrity,
Respect, Creativity and Excellence.
The 2013 CIRCLE recipients are: Community, Marianne Magnier;
Integrity, Jiaching Liu; Respect, Yuguang Lin; Creativity, Chi Huang and
Excellence, Caleb Shelburne.
Each year student award winners’ names will be added to
commemorative plaques hung in the main hallway at MacDuffie.
Congratulations to our student 2013 CIRCLE winners!
Honored at a banquet sponsored by MassMutual in May, MacDuffie’s
Math Team celebrated being the first place team in the Western
Massachusetts Mathematics League for 2012/2013. The team received
a trophy and plaque with the names of previous winning schools, but
Deerfield Academy is the only other school to have achieved first place
since 2001. A real accomplishment for MacDuffie!
“We had an experienced team with great kids, and everything went our
way. We just had an amazing year,” said Peter Shelburne, Math Team
advisor. Congratulations to team members Ling (Kelly) He, Fan (Helen)
Zhou, Xinyi (Dela) Lin, Jiachang (Harry) Liu, Kehan (Thomas) Chen
and Bingyan (James) Ren and alternate Shangzhe (Jason) Dai.
Daniil, whose family is originally from Korea, came
to MacDuffie from his home in Moscow, Russia in
tenth grade. As a senior he’s taken on a leadership
role as boarding prefect. He enjoys participating in
Cross Country and Ultimate Frisbee, and is enjoying
AP Physics, but says “it’s a really hard class”.
While it was Daniil’s mother’s decision for him to leave Russia to
come to the United States for high school, he “goes with the flow”,
so he kept an open mind about what to expect. It was easy for him
to adapt to MacDuffie, but he thinks that sometimes students arrive
full of expectations that make it harder for them to adjust to a new
environment.
Daniil will visit NYU with his mother over Thanksgiving break, and he’s
thinking of exploring agriculture and IT security in college.
“A really good experience” is Daniil’s description of MacDuffie’s
boarding program. He enjoys being part of it and feels well prepared
for his next challenge – exploring the college experience.
Students in the Spotlight
Madison (Maddie) Jung ’14
Kitwanie (Kitty) Carbon ’14
CIRCLE Awards
Math Team Has Winning Season!
Daniil Kim ’14
New Science, Arts, and Athletic Facilities
8
MacDuffie students, faculty and coaches are wasting no time this fall taking advantage of our brand new Chemistry Lab, Arts Wing (spacious Dance, Music and Art Studios), expanded Little Theater, and outdoor Tennis and Basketball courts. New and enhanced classroom, arts and athletic facilities are vital to support the enriched educational and extracurricular programs that MacDuffie takes pride in providing to students.
Shop School Store!Men’s silk club neckties and women’s large square silk scarves in maroon and white with the MacDuffie logo are available through School Store for $50 each, both of very fine quality. Holiday 3" ornaments, maroon with our logo in white, are $10.
Inventory also includes fleece scarves, flannel pajama pants, T and sweatshirts, pencils, lanyards, mugs…the list goes on! All feature the MacDuffie logo proudly and most have a choice of maroon or white background. Great for children, grandchildren and alums!
The Parents’ Association operates the store – a volunteer activity, and sells at School events throughout the year. To purchase an item, or for information, e-mail [email protected]. Proceeds benefit Parents’ Association fundraising.
Class Notes’45
Nancy Bowman BlomquistHi Classmates: The family has expanded from
3 children (I lost one son) to 5 grandchildren to
5 great grandchildren, and they are! I’m doing
okay as I live through the aging process as
we all do. I’m 85 now. I have some very fond
memories of my 8 years at The MacDuffie
School for Girls – yes, through the war years.
I graduated from UMass Amherst in 1949. I
married a senior co-student, Donald Blomquist
in 1949, and my graduation gift to him was
Christina Louise now 63 and a Nana! It is
quite an adjustment when your “kids” become
grandparents! My address is The Willows
Health Center, 101 Barry Rd #204, Worcester,
MA if you would like to reconnect.
’46
Priscilla Perkins Wilson I am living in a cozy little house in VT my
husband and I built as a vacation home. I have
three children and eight grandchildren. Prior
to VT, we lived in Knoxville, TN where George
was head of the science department at Webb
School, and I taught in the Oak Ridge schools.
For several years I was a graduate teaching
assistant at the University of TN. We were
pleased to have a visit there from Joanne
Albrecht ’46 who was touring as the Mother
Abbess with the Sound of Music. Genealogy
and gardening are favorite pastimes. I find
George is probably a distant cousin of Ann
Lansing ’46.
’49
Jennifer Mead Hatcher I am living in Denver Colorado, a 3 minute
walk from my youngest son Patrick, wife
Pamela and 2 grandchildren, Wells, 8, and
Barrett, 5. Two years ago I left Washington
DC where my oldest son Christopher lives
with wife Jennifer and daughters, Caroline
and Courtney, both in their teens. I am very
lucky to be able to work painting in my studio
in downtown Denver. I work in oils within
abstraction yet always with a suggestion of
nature. Have a yellow Labrador who keeps me
walking. Wish I lived closer to MacDuffie.
’53
Cynthia Crane Story Still waiting for the Irving Picard/Madoff
Claw-Back ax to fall, but mercifully they keep
postponing the trial. I still kayak on the Bay,
but no more getting tan and now wear an
SPF suit. Husband, girls and grandsons all
well. Facebook https://www.facebook.com/
CynthiaCabaretCrane keeps me in touch with
all so say hello! [email protected]
’55
Barbara Lennon Fleming I was so lucky to be a recipient of such a
great education for three years at MacDuffie.
I treasure those years, maybe more as I
grow older. Dave and I celebrated our 50th
anniversary this past August and traveled
to Maine for some time in Ogunquit at the
Beachmere. Just loved it there! Ate out,
relaxed, read some books, walked the
Marginal Way many times and visited friends.
We’re both retired, Dave from banking and
I from teaching. Enjoyed those productive
years, but boy, it’s nice to retire, too! We were
blessed with four boys, seven grandchildren,
two great daughters-in-law. We’re busy doing
charity work, gardening, exercising daily and
traveling to see children and grandchildren.
’56
Carolyn Bjorn Stringham Married Chuck Stringham on 9/28/11 in Ocean
Park, Maine and currently living in Salem,
Oregon, where Chuck is an ER doctor. Chuck
took me to my senior prom at MacDuffie,
and we were engaged to be married in 1960.
Fifty one years later, the wedding took place.
Between us we have 2 daughters, 7 sons, 6
daughters/sons-in-law, and 12 grandchildren
(counting steps) and another on the way... Life
is a constant surprise!
’58
Carole Rund Robinson All is well in our family. In December Dave
and I celebrate our 55th wedding anniversary.
Where has the time gone? Our children all
live within two hours of us. Son Jonathan
and wife Wendy are in Vermont, busy with his
historical archiving and her travel agency; her
three children, Shaun, Jessica and Danny,
are all grown. Daughter Leanne, who went
to MacD, just finished a master’s in special
education, works in Amherst schools and
lives in Belchertown with husband Michael
and daughters Bridgette (12) and Morgan (3).
Daughter Debby lives in Amherst and works
in sales at Hazen Paper in Holyoke. Jenny,
Deb’s twin, lives in NH with husband Dave and
children Savannah (16) and Shea (6).
We’re finishing up our Greenleaves project,
independent living for seniors. I keep busy
with volunteer work, and our home overflows
all the time with family and friends. I would
love to hear from you. FYI… The new school
is beautiful. I was there in October and toured
all over. If you are in the area, make a point
of going there. It is a new home for MacDuffie
BUT the values are the same as always.
’61
Lonsdale “Lonnie” Torrey Snyder In May of 2013 I graduated from Phillips
Theological Seminary with a Masters of
Divinity Degree (MDiv).
Carla Rueckert McCarty Teaching, counseling, channeling and doing
research for L/L Research on paranormal
subjects, especially ET channeling. Living in
Anchorage, KY with husband Jim McCarty
and three cats who are much beloved. Most
recent publications: Collected Poetry.
Helen Cochran DickeLiving in Hartland, VT with husband, Eric.
Teaching yoga; traveling most recently to
Europe where we did some hiking.
Ann PartlowLiving in New York, NY, in “green” stock
ventures and consultant to others in the same
area. Traveled recently to Eastern Europe to
follow interest in native folk dancing.
Elizabeth HelsingerProfessor and writer living in Chicago with
husband, Howard.
10 7
Traditions
Athletics Update
Diversity Day Mountain Day and Candlelight
Congratulations to the 2012/2013 MacDuffie Boys Varsity Soccer and Basketball Teams!
The Mustangs created MacDuffie soccer history by finishing the season as New
England Class D Finalists, Western New England Class D Runners-up and winners
of the Western New England Class D Excellence and Sportsmanship Award! This
was the second year running that the team has made it through to the post season,
and they’re off to a another strong start this fall.
The MacDuffie Basketball team’s talent “out classed” their opponents in NEPSAC
Class D and had the opportunity to play “up” to Class AA last year. This affords the
Mustangs the chance to play more competitive Class AA teams and to attend some
popular tournaments throughout New England as well. An exciting move up for the
Mustangs!
Best of luck to all of our Mustang teams in their 2013/2014 season!
Mountain Day and Candlelight continue to be time-honored occasions to
welcome new students, faculty and staff into the MacDuffie fold, and as each
new year begins in the fall, they are etched anew in our collective memory.
Music, dance, origami, world languages, guest speakers and international
culinary delights. Diversity Day not only celebrates our differences, but
encourages us to share them with each other, so once again, our sense of
belonging in the MacDuffie community is reinforced each spring.
A day without classes, fabulous. Sharing it together, priceless!
’62
Mary Mallis Greendale Still in Holliston and very active in the
community, now producing two television
shows on local access. Professionally I do
some freelance writing and also grant writing
for farmers and agricultural organizations in
state. My grand-kids all live nearby except
one who just started at UMass Amherst at
the Stockbridge School of Agriculture. I think
he caught my passion for ag. The others are
14, 13, two are 12, and one 7. I see them
often and enjoy having them as a big part of
my life. I am happy, content and really just
enjoying life. Hope all is well with my former
classmates. Any word from Jane Thomee
’62 or Nancy Dion ’62?
Susan Aylward Brown Recently, Simone Bergeron McCarthy ’61
and I met at the Tivoli Day Pancake Breakfast;
she recognized me first! Simone was with
husband, Terry, and we shared quite a few
memories. She and her husband winter in
Florida, summer on Martha’s Vineyard where
Simone grew up and have nine grandchildren.
Last spring I studied for and passed the
ServSafe Examination, required by our
church’s certified kitchen for preparing and
servng food to the public. The study skills that
were finely honed in Howard Hall were called
forth from the depths of memory! In winter
the church hosts a weekly Community Supper
open to all on Martha’s Vineyard at no cost
as part of our outreach ministry. Usually a
homebody, I’ve recently cruised with friends
in Maine – lobster was delicious, visited
grandsons in Connecticut, went to a reunion
in Baltimore, MD, heading to Ft. Lauderdale
in November, and then plan to be back to
the Florida Keys for my regular three months
starting in January. Best to all.
’63
Stephanie Murray O’Shaughnessy I would love to be in contact with old
classmates again. I’m a full-time potter with 10
others at The Pottery in Galena, IL. Please go
to our website http://www.twentydirtyhands.
com for photos and information about our
work and Art Shows. I also teach occasional
pottery workshops at Adamah Clay Studios
in Adamah, WI, have two daughters and
am a grandmother of five AWESOME
grandchildren! [email protected]
’64
Sandra Volanakis Hanson I have retired and been living in Sun City
Hilton Head, South Carolina for 5 years.
My son Peter, his wife and my beautiful
granddaughter, Alexa, now 22 months were
just here visiting from Colorado. Life is good!
’65
Andrea Pickett Brode
Dr. Andrea Brode is now Director of Student
Success and Career Development at
Beacon College in Leesburg, Florida. www.
beaconcollege.edu.
’66
Nancy “Nan” Lewis Since 1966 I’ve lived from Cape Cod to
Jacksonville Beach, Florida. My career
began in marketing and PR in NYC, first in
home furnishings/interior design, then in the
entertainment industry, where I enjoyed many
years working with celebrities and touring
Broadway shows. After leaving Manhattan,
I started Nancy Lewis Public Relations, now
Entertainment Works, was PR Director of
Reggae Ambassadors Worldwide (“RAW”),
an international non profit, and rejoined the
corporate world in Florida.
My heart “adventures” (3 heart attacks and
24 cardiac surgeries since 2008) prompted
early retirement, but not giving up. I reopened
Entertainment Works in 2012, and recently
expanded to include an office in Belgium.
Single since 1989, I have one daughter,
Alexandra Lewis, 44 and happily married, now
in her second career as a registered dietician.
“Lexy” had a mild heart attack in 2007 (age
38) and left a stressful job to get a second
bachelor’s degree and master’s in Nutrition.
She is lovely, and I am very proud of her (see
photo). I would love to connect with my two
best friends at MacDuffie, Shari (Shelby)
Horn Burnett ’66 and Janice Randall ’69.
(904) 249-2523 [email protected]
’68
Hannah Gutfarb MazerMike and I are still in DC; Annie lives in
Boston and Bob, in San Francisco.
Here’s a picture of my family: l-r Annie,
Hannah, Mike and Bob.
118
Commencement 2013
6
MacDuffie celebrated the achievements of its one hundred twenty third graduating
class on Sunday, June 16, 2013. Though only the second year MacDuffie has held the
ceremony at Abbey Chapel on the campus of Mount Holyoke College, the site blends
beautifully with our long-standing commencement tradition.
In honoring the diverse group of fifty four graduating seniors, Steve Griffin, Head of
School, commented that “the Class of 2013 is well and truly on the path to excellence.
This is an accomplished group, with a diverse set of interests – the fact that they share
one thing first and foremost – a MacDuffie education, is an honor for our institution.”
“Some are returning home to complete their studies; some will travel the world. Some
will study in select colleges across the country.”
Graduating classmates chose Nikai Fondon and Shangzhe Dai, Student Body Vice
President and President, to speak, and fellow seniors Eva Snyder and Joseph Lupa
shared vocal performances. The Faculty Speaker Joan O’Brien, History Department Chair,
and Guest Speaker Martin Miller, CEO and General Manager of New England Public
Radio, addressed the audience of assembled students, families and guests as well.
Congratulations to the class of 2013!
Daughter of Nancy “Nan” Lewis
Hannah Gutfarb Mazer
21
43
65
87
109
’69
Ruth Sanderson I’ve illustrated over 80 books during my
career as a children’s book illustrator and
have an upcoming solo exhibition of fairy
tale paintings from The Twelve Dancing
Princesses, Cinderella, and others at the
Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, MA
from Nov. 23, 2013 - Feb. 23, 2014 (opening on
Dec. 7th, 4-6pm). My newest book is “Golden
Dreams, the Art of Ruth Sanderson”. Visit my
website www.ruthsanderson.com for more
information.
’72
Leslie Bozigian Curtin I’m the Director of Nursing Services at
Southpointe Rehabilitation and Care Center in
Fall River MA, and love keeping in touch with
classmates on Facebook.
’73
Joan Barnes Flynn My creative writing workshop – Dune Hollow
Writers – is having an E-book published in
October by the Provincetown Public Press,
titled “Shadow & Light: An Anthology of
Poetry and Prose by the Women of Dune
Hollow Writers”. It will be available on
Amazon, iBook and KoBo. We are very
excited and hope everybody will check it out!
Valerie Hird I’ve been an adjunct professor of art at Saint
Michael’s College in Colchester, VT for 13
years. As a fine artist I’m represented by the
Nohra Haime Gallery in NYC and the NH
Gallery in Cartagena, Colombia, as well as at
the Lucky Street Gallery in Key West, Florida.
I’ll be teaching at the Art Student’s League,
NYC next summer and giving a lecture about
my travels with nomadic tribes for the Key
West Library next February 24th. My next
exhibition, The Maiden Voyages Project is at
the Center For Book Arts in NYC October 4 –
December 13. Visit my website at valeriehird.
com for more information.
’74
Midge Kruger Kra I never write these blurbs, but nearly forty
years later it’s probably time to catch up. I
graduated from Penn in ’77, got married two
weeks later and had three children in five
years. They are all grown and live in Israel.
Abby, 35, is married with four children; Yoni,
32 is married with two sons; Daniel, 30, is a
swinging single. David hopes to retire next
year, and we’re planning a move to Jerusalem
where we’ve already found an apartment.
With three children and 6 grandchildren there,
where else would we go? I’d love to talk to old
friends. I’m on Facebook as Midge Kruger Kra.
’77
Clara Hayden Pinkham Still living in Rochester, MI with husband,
Lawrie (Belmont Hill School, class of ’79).
Working for a local veterinarian, and at a
weaving/knitting store (retail and teaching).
Kids are great! Oldest daughter Sara, married
to Chris Jones, living in Grand Prairie, TX
with the most perfect grandchild ever, Ezra
Graham (age 2), who will be joined by another
in March. I love being Granny! Son Nick lives
in Rochester, MI, and is a web/video game
designer working in the automotive industry
and involved with volunteers reclaiming
abandoned Detroit parks for inner city families
and kids. Daughter Lydia (in the Coast Guard,
stationed in St. Petersburg, FL) is married to
Austin Clary (also in Coast Guard, stationed
in Seattle, WA). I look forward to seeing what
my classmates are up to! Don’t get back to
Western MA very often, and miss seeing old
friends. Photo: (L to R) Nick, me, Ezra, Chris,
Sara & Lawrie
’78
Tabi Freedman I live in NYC and VT, and recently formed
my own IT Consulting firm after spending 13
years on Wall Street. Still have Weimaraners,
currently Remy (Remington Steele) who has
done a few photo shoots and likes to open
the refrigerator by himself. I’m still skiing, and
teaching skiing in Southern Vermont, but have
crossed over to Telemark Skiing, and have
just become a member of the United States
Telemark Ski Team, Eastern Region.
’80
Susanna Betzel Just had my sixth historical novel published,
“The Executioner’s Heir: A Novel of
Eighteenth-Century France” which is the true
story of a pair of tragic, converging lives in
prerevolutionary France. http://www.amazon.
com/dp/B00EXPZQBG
’81
Laura Bray Parent I enjoy living in central New York near my
mother. I’m employed at Upstate Cerebral
and use my college degree dealing with
autistic and handicapped children. I also work
in daycare teaching preschool children in
preparation for Kindergarten. I miss my father
from time to time as do my brothers and sister.
’83
Tracie Gardner I graduated from Mount Holyoke as an
English Major where I took a class from
James Baldwin, was directed in a play by
Suzan Lori Parks, and Maya Angelou was my
commencement speaker! I lost a childhood
friend to HIV/AIDS in 1985 which became the
catalyst for more than 20 years work as an
12 5
At the end of last school year, Jan Hill retired after 27 years teaching
English to untold numbers of MacDuffie students, almost all of them
now alumni, and certainly all of them enriched by the experience.
Throughout her years at MacDuffie as teacher, advisor, Middle School
Head, and Academic Dean Jan has always been a leader in developing
multicultural, multidisciplinary and innovative curriculum to prepare our
students to participate as informed members of the world community.
In recent years, with the growth of MacDuffie’s international population,
particularly from East Asian countries, Jan recognized that studying
Asian literature would help both American and international students
develop an appreciation and respect for each other’s cultures. So, she
decided to study the literature and the cultures that produce it far more
extensively to learn how to integrate it into MacDuffie curriculum. She
asked questions, researched, attended both the Indiana University
program on “Teaching East Asia Literature in the High School” and
the Korean Academy for Educators in Los Angeles, participated in
programs at the East Rock Institute affiliated with Yale University,
joined the National Consortium for Teaching about Asia, and read a
great deal of Asian literature. She brought all that she learned directly
back to MacDuffie to inform and enrich World Literature curriculum,
to share with teachers of other classes, and to make courses more
relevant to the international and American students in our classrooms.
Quite an undertaking.
Jan imagines that “world literature is like a confectioner’s shop.” What
a great image, and how like Jan to find the key that opens the door so
our students can enter and sample the sweets! And open their minds
and hearts to new perspectives, to cultural understanding – to the
world.
“I’m glad I caught that last train” remarked a senior student on the last
day of Jan’s Honors World Literature class. We are glad, too, that so
many MacDuffie students had the opportunity of having Jan Hill for
their English teacher. We will all miss her and wish her well.
“Starting in a new environment can be exciting
and invigorating,” says Jenn Blackburn about
her first year teaching English at MacDuffie, her
first private school experience, too. She’s taught
at a number of public schools, most recently at
Granby High School, and is originally from
Long Island.
Jenn’s father was also an English teacher, and she remembers that
every evening he shared a story about his day teaching. It was clear to
her that he was happy in his work. He loved books and discussing them.
She’s glad she decided to become an English teacher, too, and loves
discussing books and writing with her students just as her father did.
After attending Skidmore College for two years Jenn transferred
to SUNY Binghamton, but says she really missed the small school
community at Skidmore. “As a student,” she says, “it’s special to be able
to talk with and get to know teachers.” Having taught classes with up to
thirty students in public schools, Jenn really enjoys the small size of her
English classes here, and is already getting to know her students well.
Jenn is also the Volunteer Coordinator and is “overwhelmed by how
much students want to get involved” at MacDuffie – in community
service organizations, clubs and other school activities. She also loves
the technology available to students and faculty here. “It is so easy to
communicate with students via google e-mail!”
Jenn “couldn’t wait for Candlelight and Mountain Day,” and now that
she’s participated in both, we’re sure she’s had a proper MacDuffie
welcome to our community.
Peter Shelburne teaches Math at MacDuffie,
coaches our championship Math Team, is the
parent of three MacDuffie students, and is also a
playwright!
Recently, Peter wrote “Red State of Marriage”,
which was performed last May in Northampton
and Greenfield.
He spent most of the summer of 2012 writing and then editing the play
in the fall, and said that “as a mathematician he was interested in the
structure of the play.” It is written for just two actors playing multiple
roles, with lightning-quick shifts of character, voice and costume. In the
first act, one actor plays a single character while the other actor plays
all of the others, and then in the second act, the actors switch.
Keeping his creative ideas flowing, Peter penned another original play,
“Stealing the Packard”, performed in the summer of 2013 in upstate
New York. “Stealing the Packard” will also have a staged reading in
Somerville, MA next summer.
Faculty Feature
Jan Hill Jenn Blackburn
Peter Shelburne
Clara Hayden Pinkham
Kay Simpson ’76, Vice President of the Springfield Museums, was the recipient of the 2013 MacDuffie Distinguished
Alumni Award. Kay holds a B.A. from Smith College and an M. Ed. from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
During more than 25 years with the Springfield Museums, Kay has served as Director of Museum Education and
Institutional Advancement, supervised the Museums’ adult, school, and family programs, overseen the Development Office
and spearheaded innovative exhibitions. We were proud to present Kay with the Distinguished Alumni Award and have her
as guest speaker at an all school assembly last spring.
Marta Maleck ’06 skyped in to a May assembly to speak to the MacDuffie community and to receive
the 2013 Young Alumni Award. Marta works for AmeriCorp in New Orleans helping to rebuild housing
and infrastructure after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. Starting out in prestigious NYC fashion
houses after graduating from the Rhode Island School of Design, Marta changed course to pursue a life
of service.
Her message to students is not to be afraid to change their path along the way. Doing well personally
and in the community merits consideration as much as being successful professionally.
Torrey Joyner ’07 returned as the guest
speaker for a Friday morning assembly
last March. A star on the basketball court
and a respected and well-liked citizen both
in and out of the classroom at MacDuffie,
Torrey graduated from Emmanuel College
and planned to pursue a Master’s degree at
Columbia University.
A serious illness struck Torrey in 2012, and he was hospitalized for
several months. He’s made great strides on his road to recovery,
and we were honored to have him visit MacDuffie and to share his
experience with the community.
Torrey first asked three questions, urging us to look deep inside
ourselves for answers. “Who do you think you are?” “Who are you?”
“Who do you want to be?” He challenged and encouraged us to set
personal goals.
’87
Tracy Rau Graduated from UMASS Boston in 1994 and
Suffolk University Law School in 1999 and
married Christopher D’Errico the same year.
We moved to Las Vegas in 2000 and have lived
here ever since, but reckon I’ll always think of
Boston as “home”. I was a partner at a large
litigation firm for almost 10 years, and in May of
2012, with a dear friend, I opened my own firm,
Karris Rau, LLPC, which involves all aspects of
litigation with a focus on domestic relations law.
I appreciate the freedom that comes with my
own practice but am still working on perfecting
the administrative tasks. Still married, no kids.
I stay in touch with some of my MacD friends
on facebook and had the pleasure of visiting
with Sarah Wilkins Bagley ’87 and Liz
Goodnow ’87 during an east coast trip in
June, and with Leslie Chehade Pitt ’87 in
September. [email protected]
Caris “Katie” Thornton Drury After years of commuting back and forth,
we have decided to move to Bermuda on a
full time basis. My son Will started college at
Mitchell College in New London, CT, and my
daughter started year 11 at Bermuda High
School for Girls. It’s been an adjustment,
but we’re settling in. Would love to host
an alumnae gathering or help recruit new
students! 45 Lolly’s Well Rd Smith FL06
Bermuda 441.533.7390
’88
Kelli BarryI wanted to share that I was selected as a
Commission in the Status of Women, Unsung
Heroine of 2012. The award was presented at
the State House in Boston on May 16, 2012.
Unsung Heroines are “women who don’t make
the news, but they make the difference. They
are the women who use their time, talent and
enthusiasm to enrich the lives of others and
make a difference in their neighborhoods,
cities and towns.” My nomination was for my
work in Massachusetts with the American
Cancer Society where I serve as the State
Vice President for Development. I also want
to say that it has been wonderful connecting
with old MacDuffie friends on Facebook, and
I look forward to coming out to see the new
campus soon.
’93
Amy Royal I was recently featured as the cover story in
Lioness Magazine, a national magazine for
female entrepreneurs. Still heading up Royal LLP,
a boutique, management-side labor and
employment law firm in Northampton, MA, rep-
resenting businesses throughout the Northeast.
[email protected], www.royalllp.com
’95
Kerrie McKinstry-Jett I’m currently teaching at Westfield State
University & Manchester Community College
and tutoring. My wonderful guy, Christopher
Jett, and I got married at the Log Cabin in
Holyoke August 4, 2013. The day was beautiful,
and everyone had a great time. Elena
(Hovagimian) Shannon ’95 was one of my
bridesmaids. Chris and I are living in our condo
in Agawam with our cat, Merrill, and we could
not be happier. Well, OK, I’d be happier if these
stacks of labs would grade themselves.
advocate on health access and social justice
issues. Work at a great public interest law
and advocacy organization for which I happily
don’t need a law degree! Got married, got
divorced. Had 2 fantastic boys, Caleb and
Elijah now age 17 and 12. I am in touch with
MANY MacDuffie alums: it is the best thing
about Facebook. Picture is my original crew
at MacDuffie: me, Lisa Casey Joyner, Dawn
Marshall Williams, Donna Grandison and
Debbie Duncan – all ’83 alums.
Ann JimIn June I became a Certified Government
Accountant (CGA) for Merrimac, MA. where
I’ve been the town’s accountant and IT
coordinator since 2007. In September I spent
two weeks traveling in Hong Kong, Malaysia
and Singapore. Last spring my son, Thomas
Wing Ho Mitchell, graduated from St. John’s
Preparatory in Danvers, MA, and he started at
Georgetown University in September.
’86
Judy McComb 2012 was a tremendous year of growth for
me – I lost a job I loved when the company
closed, I started over in a new industry,
lost my brother, my relationship of 15 years
disintegrated, and my wonderful greyhound
died from cancer. I really didn’t think I could
go on, but I picked myself up, dusted myself
off, and found more inner strength than I knew
I had. Reconnecting with old friends from
MacDuffie on Facebook has been a wonderful
blessing, and there are many little things to
celebrate every day.
4 13
Alumni News2013 Alumni Awards
Torrey Joyner ’07Inspiring Assembly Speaker
2012 Alumni Cheer on Mustangs
Torrey posed a fourth question. “What are you doing to get there?”
He shared that he wants to be a school superintendent, and talked
of the character and drive he’ll need to be successful. “What is your
handicap?” he asked. Still in a wheelchair, Torrey asked what people
thought his handicap is. To Torrey his wheelchair is not a barrier
preventing him from what he wants to achieve, and therefore is not a
handicap to meeting his goals. He asked students to look deep into
themselves to discover what prevents them from meeting their goals.
Torrey later followed up with advisee groups to reflect on his five
questions as an important component in our Advising Program’s Path
to Excellence.
Many thanks to Torrey and our best wishes for a full and speedy
recovery as well as success in achieving his personal goals. Come
back soon!
Among the fans cheering on the MacDuffie Mustangs at an October
Varsity Soccer match at Watkinson School this season were
Vitor Campos ’12 and Robin Chen ’12. Vitor is from Brazil and is
currently a sophomore at the University of Hartford, and Robin hails
from China and is attending Trinity College nearby. Their former
classmates’ enthusiastic support spurred the Mustangs on to a
10 – 0 victory over Watkinson and meant a great deal not only to the
team, but also to coach, Meirion George. Go Mustangs!
Tracie Gardner
Kerrie McKinstry-Jett
Greetings from the Head of School
Last year’s magazine focused on introducing alumni to the new MacDuffie campus in
Granby. There have been myriad changes to the physical plant this year, including new
roofs, two new ramps for accessibility, a new chemistry lab, and renovated and enlarged
spaces for art, music, dance and theatre. All told, we have spent $1.725 million on
capital improvements to the property since we moved here in July, 2011.
What are the results of these changes? You might say that “the more things change, the
more they stay the same.” We have expanded opportunities for our students, and they
still receive the same excellent educational experience, within a caring community, for
which MacDuffie is renowned.
We have also instituted the “Head’s CIRCLE awards”. We use the acronym CIRCLE to
capture and communicate the values that we seek to instill in our students: Community,
Integrity, Respect, Creativity, Leadership, and Excellence. The awards recognize Junior
students who exemplify these values, and their names are engraved on plaques that
hang outside my office.
This year, when we climbed Mount Holyoke as a community and returned to MacDuffie
to engage in the tradition of Candlelight, our student leaders focused on the theme of
“Difference”. We are a School that embraces diversity and respects differences. At the
end of the ceremony, when we are standing in a single circle, each holding a lit candle,
we form one indivisible unit, with tighter bonds because of our differences.
I hope that you still feel as much a part of the MacDuffie circle today as ever. It is my
true hope that this Alumni Magazine will help in a small way to rekindle the flame of the
great memories, friends and education you received at The MacDuffie School.
Sincerely,
Steven Griffin
Amity Murray Spiegel Currently living in Fort Greene Brooklyn with
husband Mike (just celebrating our eighth
anniversary) and son Cole (3) who keeps me
busy and active! I work as an esthetician at
Soho Sanctuary which I love, as well as doing
some mom blogging at New York Family.com.
Latest blog took me to New York Fashion Week!
I would love to hear from anyone from class of
1995 and hope we can see each other soon!
http://www.newyorkfamily.com/glam-mom-hair/
’96
Tasha Thompson Hillery I’m currently living in West Chester, PA with
my husband Tony, son TJ (5) and daughter
Samantha (2).
’03
Tadd LymanTadd is a Captain in the 82nd Airborne
stationed at Ft. Bragg, NC. He will begin
his second deployment to Afghanistan in
December, and on November 2nd Tadd
celebrated his marriage to his wife Lauren in a
ceremony in the Cadet Chapel at West Point.
University) and Ho Wing (Maggie) Wang
’07 (back to work in Hong Kong), Sai Ka
(Kathy) Lam ’05 and Sze Hau (Shelly)
Tso ’05 (currently working in Hong Kong).
’07
Amanda Keating 6 years (what?!) out of MacDuffie, and I’m
currently living in New York City with two close
friends and a cat named Maggie. I’ve been
focusing on my playwriting career and have
produced a couple of my plays in Manhattan
(“Roast” in photo) and Brooklyn. I also work
for an arts non-profit, Fractured Atlas, helping
artists with the logistical burdens of producing
their work. The major defining feature of my
new-found urban pseudo-adulthood? How
much time (and money) I spend on finding
(and probably not cooking) food. Cheers!
Hope my fellow alums are all well.
Benjamin RosenI’m currently living in Los Angeles, and after
working successfully for a talent management
company here, I’m leaving to shoot an original
short film and web series pilot. With four close
friends I’ve also just started a sketch comedy
group called “Love Ronny” releasing new
online material weekly.
Heather Wilson Hello everyone! I can’t believe it’s been
over five years since I graduated from
MacDuffie. Now I have a degree in Hospitality
Management: Theme Park Management
from the University of Central Florida and am
living in Orlando, working as a Team Leader
at Universal Orlando. On a trip to California
in May with my family, my fiancé Michael
proposed to me in Disneyland! We’re planning
a January 2015 wedding at Walt Disney World.
From time to time I see alumni who travel to
Orlando on vacation. Hope everyone is doing
well and staying safe.
’10
Nina LassonnierSome great news! I will be graduating from
college in May 2014 and already have a job
lined up to work as an engineer at Cummins Inc.
in Columbus, Indiana. [email protected]
’11
Brian MagnierI’m a junior at Cornell, studying “Ecology and
Evolutionary Biology” and doing lab work
for a post doc researching thermoregulatory
adaptations of Red Squirrels. I hope to do
some of my own research soon, and to
go to Alaska for six weeks this summer.
Last summer I was an intern working at the
Southwestern Research Station in Portal, AZ.
In my spare time, two friends, also there from
Cornell, and I took video of all kinds of wildlife
for a possible nature documentary we’re
putting together this year. After AZ, I took a
course on Marine Invertebrates at Shoals
Marine Laboratory in Maine, an island run by
Cornell and UNH.
14 3
’06
Che (Frank) Kuo My hobby in oil painting still remains, as I
paint to relax every summer in Taiwan. Here
is a piece I did this summer; hope you like it.
I still talk to some Ames Hill friends, Jung-Il
(Jack) Lee ’07 (formerly of Castle House
and currently attending NYU), Yuen Ling
(Elaine) Ng ’06 (currently working for
Goldman Sachs in Utah), Ho Yip (Sunny)
Wang ’08 (Senior year in Penn State
“The new school is beautiful. I was there in October and toured all over. If you are in the area, make a point of going there. It is a new home for MacDuffie, but the values are the same as always.” Carole Rund Robinson ’58
Cover, L to R: Seniors Magdalene Taylor, Naomi Phelps, Kimberly Jones, Jessica Schwartz and Kitty Carbon.
Amanda Keating
Che (Frank) Kuo
Heather Wilson
The MacDuffie School is a rigorous college preparatory school whose mission is to foster in all students the intellectual habits of mind, high ethical standards and respect for diversity required for becoming effective individuals in their personal and work lives and moral and responsible participants in the world beyond.
MISSION
15
Advisory Board
Wayne BrewerManaging Director
Craig Brewer Director
Dal Swain Director
Steven Griffin Head of School
Thomas Addicks Assistant Head of School
Carole Bielizna Business Manager
David Denno History and English Teacher
Timothy Duff Headmaster, Pioneer Valley Christian School, Springfield MA
Danielle Williams Class of 1994
Leslie Pitt Chehade Class of 1987
Gina Placek Past Parent
Nina Metz Current Parent and Past Co-President of Parents’ Association
The MacDuffie School
Magazine for alumni and friends Fall 2013
Steven Griffin, Head of School
Diana Lyman ’66, Dean of Boarding Life and Alumni Relations
Valerie Fontaine, Administrative Assistant, Deans’ Offices
EDITOR Linda Keating ’65, Editor former Director of Admissions
PHOTOGRAPHY Gabriel Cooney Beth Reynolds Chi Huang ’14 Linda Keating ’65
PLEASE CONTACT USThe MacDuffie School MagazineAttn: Valerie FontaineThe MacDuffie School66 School StreetGranby, MA 01033413-255-0000Or e-mail: [email protected] The MacDuffie School is a coeducational college preparatory school for grades 6 – 12.
Contact Alex Seymour, Director of Day Admissions, at [email protected] for more information.
Pamela Pinckney DeFore McArthur ’55 of Spartansburg, South Carolina on July 31, 2013
Ann Colton Nussbaum ’59 of Essex, Connecticut on December 20, 2012
Patricia O’Koon Ernenwein ’61 of Newburgh, New York on August 12, 2013
Alison Brunell ’62 of Brooklyn, New York on July 24, 2013
Gay Walsh Matteson ’63 of East Longmeadow, Massachusetts on June 5, 2013
Skyler Anderson-Coughlin ’15 of Springfield, MA on November 10, 2013
Two years ago, after my mother’s funeral, I found out that Dr. Sheets had passed away
around Halloween, 2010. I found out because I finally decided to search him out via
the Internet, with a desire to contact him and finally let him know what an important
teacher and mentor he had been to me during my years at MacDuffie in the mid-1980s.
Unfortunately I was too late.
For me, he was a non-traditional teacher of Spanish and U.S. History, who encouraged
students go out on extensive limbs in the tree canopy of ideas that exists in any
discipline, and yes—he taught rigorous courses. There are times when I am reminded
of certain “ah-ha” moments I had in his classes at MacDuffie. Perhaps the strongest
of these occurred when the issues of slavery and civil rights came up in U.S. History.
Among other things, he had gone south during college in the 1960s and participated
in peaceful aspects of the civil rights movement. But what had the most impact on
me was that he presented some basic ideas of cross-cultural misunderstanding and
miscommunication, including what is now understood to be psychological phenomena
like bullying, oppression and post-traumatic stress disorder, which played roles in the
centuries of this difficult theme in our history. This hit me like a ton of bricks. It made
so much sense to me then (and now), but I am continually surprised by how this is not
realized or understood by some folks, even today.
Beyond the sphere of teaching, I felt a trusting, supportive bond—and friendship—with
Dr. Sheets. When hearing of his passing, I also found an article in The New York Times
that was written for him by a high school student of his before he came to MacDuffie, Dr.
Mark Dow. His words were so deep that I practically lost my balance; and it was clear
that Dr. Sheets had been a mentor to him, as well. I could not believe how similar were
some of the memories we both had of Dr. Sheets as an inspiring high school teacher,
but in different places. For example, “…Sheets loved to imitate in the air the gesture he
imagined an abstract expressionist painter was making on a canvas. He would enact
it to inhabit it, an actor’s grimace on his face as he stilled himself for precision of the
brushstroke, hand raised, standing on his tip-toes.” (You can see the rest at: http://
opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/12/22/span-a-remembrance/)
I was very saddened to hear of his passing, and I hope that he is at peace.
Maria Aliberti Lubertazzi, Ph.D. ’88
To see the complete text of this Memoriam to Dr. Sheets, please visit the MacDuffie
Alumni Facebook page.
In Memoriam: Dr. Harold F. Sheets
In Memoriam…..
We fondly recall members of our community who have passed on.
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The MacDuffie Schoolmagazine for alumni and friends
Alumni NewsFaculty FeatureFacilities ImprovementsStudent SpotlightCommencement 2013Traditions Athletics Update
The MacDuffie School
Volume 5 Issue 1 Fall 2013
The MacDuffie School66 School StreetGranby, MA 01033
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MacDuffie Student Performers presentWinter Music & Dance ConcertFriday, December 13 at 7:00 p.m.
Admissions Open Houses Come for a tour of the Granby Campus.Meet current students and faculty.Sundays 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.January 12, February 9, March 30.
Speaker Series
“Pig Latin, Ubbi-Dubbi, & the Cat’s Elbow: Secret Languages as a Window on the Human Mind”John McCarthy, Professor, UMass AmherstThursday, November 21, 7:00 p.m.
“On Studying Film” Robin Blaetz, Professor, Mount Holyoke CollegeTuesday, December 10, 7:00 p.m.
“The Future of Healthcare & the Evolving Roles of Nurse Practitioners & Physicians Assistants”Robert Russell, Tufts University School of MedicineTuesday, January 21, 7:00 p.m.
Please join us for student performances, athletics and other special events!
Save the date! Reunion 2014 Saturday, April 26
Visit www.macduffie.org for the current season’s athletic schedule.
The MacDuffie Theater presents
Spring Musical PlayTBA
Friday & Saturday, February 28 & March 1 Performances at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, March 2Admissions & Alumni Reception at 2:00 p.m. Matinee Performance at 3:00 p.m.Contact us to reserve complimentary matinee tickets.
Saturday, April 26 MacDuffie’s
3rd Annual 5K RunInternational Student FestivalAlumni ReunionandSpring Music ConcertContact us or visit our website for details.
Watch for details coming soon on our website, Facebook page and in the mail.
Nominations are open for 2014 Distinguished Alumni and Young Alumni Awards. Please contact Valerie Fontaine ([email protected]) or Dina Lyman (dlyman@ macduffie.org) with names of alums you would like to nominate.
We look forward to seeing you at Reunion 2014!
www.macduffie.org
(413) 255-0000(413) 467-1607 fax
66 School StreetGranby, MA 01033
The MacDuffie School
Community • Integrity • Respect • Creativity • Leadership • Excellence
MacDuffie Annual Fund - A message from the Head of School Dear Alumni and Alumni parents, This is the first time that MacDuffie has solicited donations during my three-year tenure. Why did we wait? I believe that alumni and parents alike wanted to see if MacDuffie was going to carry on the same traditions, and hold true to the mission, in the new location and situation. We have established for all to see that we have and will continue to do just that. I feel confident that MacDuffie deserves your gift. I hope you do, too. MacDuffie is designated as a for-profit school, so your donation will not qualify for a tax benefit. However, all of the other reasons for giving to your or your child’s alma mater remain: pride in the school and in the education you received, a desire for the school to advance beyond its current standing, recognition of individuals who made a difference in your life, and as an opportunity to “pay it forward” to help make a MacDuffie education possible for a young person. In the past two years, we have increased MacDuffie enrollment by 35%. In addition, over $1.725 million in capital improvements have been made on the new MacDuffie campus, including expanded facilities in Art, Music, Dance, and Drama, Tennis and Basketball courts, and a new Chemistry lab, as well as many infrastructure improvements. Your donations will allow for us to continue to build on these positive changes. Our greatest need is for funding for our new auditorium and Arts building. While we remain committed to this project, other infrastructure needs in the area of water and sewer have taken priority. Your directed donations will assist us in building up a fund to accelerate the auditorium project. We are in the design phase for the complex, and expect to have rendered drawings available by December. Alternatively, you can specify other areas where you would like to see your funds used. In every case, I will follow up with you personally to let you know how we used the funds. I urge you to establish a yearly tradition of giving to MacDuffie. Sincerely, Steven Griffin Head of School
Excellence in Education Since 1890
Head of School
Alumni News
Please share your news and photos here for the next MacDuffie Class Notes column. Or send notes and photos by e-mail to Valerie Fontaine, Deans’ Administrative Assistant, at [email protected].
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Please provide me with information regarding the new MacDuffie Arts Complex ________Please note that donations are not tax deductible.
