FALL 2016 | GREENHILL SCHOOL THEH MAGAZINE OF illGREENHILL SCHOOL THE KEYS TO SUCCESS Social-Emotional Learning at Greenhill Social-Emotional Learning at Greenhill: Ongoing research from some of the nation’s top institutions confirms that in our educational climate, the pursuit of knowledge is no longer the differentiator. In a world where information and knowledge can be obtained in a quick internet search, the key to a successful student lies in the development of multiple competencies in relationships, coping, problem-solving and decision-making. New this year, Greenhill has rolled out the first purposeful integration of social emotional learning into the curriculum. Read more on page 28. FALL 2016 Departments 28 2 A Word from Scott A. Griggs THE KEYS TO SUCCESS Head of School Social-Emotional Learning at Greenhill 3 An Important Announcement from Greenhill School l 40 Alumni Reflect on 4 School News Social-Emotional Learning 8 Sports News Michelle Taylor ’99 David Sunshine ’88 12 Farewell Greenhill Legends 14 Welcome New Trustees 16 ISAS Reaccreditation 18 Class of 2016 26 Community Connections through Senior Projects 45 A Message from Michael Waldman ’98 President, Alumni Association 46 Alumni News 50 Alumni Class Notes 56 In Memoriam 57 Turning Points 96 Why I Give: Brad Friedman ’96 Annual Report of Gifts 59 A Message from William E. Rose ’85 Chair, Board of Trustees 60 Statement of Financial Position 61 Endowment Performance 62 Greenhill Giving: Summary of the Year 70 Greenhill Fund 90 Corporate and Foundation Donors 90 Restricted Operating Donors 91 Library Donors 91 Gifts in Kind Greenhill School is a diverse community of learners that strives for excellence; values individuality; fosters a passion 64 Building Community Campaign for learning; promotes the balanced development of mind, Celebrates Community body and character; encourages service; and instills a respect for others. Greenhill School Greenhill School does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, color, 4141 Spring Valley Road religion, sexual orientation, ethnic or national origin in the administration Addison, Texas 75001 of its educational policies and programs, admissions processes, financial aid programs, employment, practices, athletic practices and other School administrative activities. greenhill.org greenhill.org 1 A Word from the Head of School Dear Greenhill Community, This fall Greenhill School is Celebrating Community! The Building Community Campaign exceeded all expectations by raising $54.6 million, thanks to the generosity of more than 500 Greenhill families. Nancy A. Nasher and David J. Haemisegger generously pledged an additional $2 million toward the campaign, bringing their total gift to $3 million. Additionally, the Marshall Heritage Foundation has once again earned a permanent place in Greenhill’s story by doubling their original commitment to the Building Community Campaign to an unprecedented $20 million – the single largest contribution in Greenhill School’s history. The close of the campaign and the beginning of a new era for Greenhill is a natural time for transitions. As such, as I shared earlier this fall, I will end my tenure with Greenhill School at the end of the 2017-2018 school year. I started at Greenhill in 2000, and together, we have accomplished a great deal and continued to advance the mission of the School. Greenhill is in an exemplary position and poised for success in future decades. Over the next two years, we will continue to move forward with our important work with our students. This issue of The Hill outlines Greenhill’s approach to social-emotional learning (SEL), an initiative that we have rolled out in age-appropriate methods across divisions, and one of which I am incredibly proud. The results of our emphasis on mindfulness and focus have had a tangible impact on learning, as well as on the entire campus demeanor. Read more about SEL on page 28. Our annual theme, which goes hand-in-hand with SEL, is Respect. I cannot think of a better theme for this year, given the difficult events of the summer and the political Finally, I know that I speak on behalf of everyone at the races this fall. All of our faculty members received training School when I say that we are incredibly grateful to on civil discourse during orientation, and they are bringing everyone for their remarkable support. This issue of The Hill that training to the students. Learning how to listen to acknowledges the many parents, alumni, grandparents, opinions that differ from your own and discussing parents of alumni, faculty, staff, and friends of Greenhill who different viewpoints are critical as we strive for a more contributed to the School in 2015-2016 in our Annual Report peaceful world. of Gifts. In particular, the support of so many people to the Building Community Campaign has allowed for these many Even though they have recently left Greenhill, we must also improvements, and we are grateful. Through your continued take a moment to recognize the Class of 2016, a group that generosity, we have built our endowment, provided has already completed the first few months of college. In operational excellence, and made spectacular enhancements total, the students applied to 237 different colleges with to our campus. tremendous success and are attending 74 different schools in the U.S. and abroad. The breadth of the schools that our Thank you and make it a tremendous school year! students attend reflects the wide range of interests and talents that comprise our student body. Scott A. Griggs Head of School 2 The Hill | FALL 2016 An Important Announcement from Greenhill School Dear Greenhill Community, On August 22, 2016, Head of School Scott Griggs reported to the Board of Trustees his decision to bring his tenure to a close at the end of the 2017-2018 school year. Scott assumed the role of Head of School in 2000, and by his anticipated departure date, will have served Greenhill for eighteen years – the second-longest serving Head of School after Bernard Fulton, Greenhill’s founder. Today’s Greenhill School is a testament to Scott’s vision, leadership and, yes, tenacity. His enduring contributions include the execution of two successful capital campaigns, which in the aggregate raised $80 million, exponential endowment growth to $50 million, and 16 consecutive budget surpluses. This financial stability, in turn, has given us the unprecedented ability to allocate resources towards fulfillment of our mission and needs of our faculty and students, allowing us to create new programs, develop innovative curricula, and expand and build new facilities. Perhaps most impressively, Scott delivered these achievements while nurturing – and greatly enhancing – the “intangibles” that make Greenhill such a unique place for our students, faculty and staff, and alumni. They include, among many others, the creation of our core principles of Honor, Respect, and Compassion, a doubling of the number of students and faculty of color, and significant enhancement of our student support services with strong emphasis on social and emotional learning. search committee that will undertake a thoughtful and These programs give dimension to Greenhill’s core belief comprehensive search for Scott’s replacement. I know that that there is no “typical” student; rather, our campus is Bruce and Rusty look forward to an active and engaged filled with talented and passionate individuals who bring process and to keeping the Greenhill community informed their unique gifts and experiences to bear on all they do. as the search progresses. Balancing this individualized approach with the needs of our community – as Scott has so successfully done – is As someone who has experienced Greenhill on virtually perhaps his greatest legacy. every level – student, alumnus, parent, trustee – my affection for Greenhill is boundless. It is matched by my As we look to the future, the greatest tribute we can pay to abiding respect for all Scott has done to make Greenhill Scott is to secure a future that is worthy of his remarkable what it is today, and my profound gratitude for having tenure. And, with Scott agreeing to remain for another the privilege of working so closely with him these last two years, we are very confident that we’ll have the time several years. On behalf of my fellow Trustees, we extend and resources to do so. As a first step, Board Chair-Elect Scott a heartfelt thanks and nothing but the absolute best Bruce Sostek and Lifetime Trustee and Former Board for the future. Chair Rusty Jaggers have agreed to serve as chairs of a With gratitude, William E. Rose ’85 Chair, Board of Trustees greenhill.org 3 SCHOOL NEWS Get up-to-the-minute news on our brand new website! www.greenhill.org For these and other stories of student and faculty achievement, visit Greenhill’s newly designed website. News is accessible by scrolling down the site and perusing headlines. You can also access all news archives on the site. Find us on: facebook.com/GreenhillSchool twitter.com/GreenhillSchool instagram.com/GreenhillSchool 4 The Hill | FALL 2016 SCHOOL NEWS School News Read these complete stories and many more online! Graduating eighth graders Veda Velamuri and Drake Muller won the Ronnie Freeman Award for the 2015-2016 school year. Greenhill English teacher Crystal Duckert was selected to attend The United State of Women Summit hosted by the White House in June. Graduating fourth-graders Ryan Bomersbach and Zain Crumedy won the Helen Misura Award for the 2015-2016 school year. Eighth-grader Carter Weinstein, along with many other Greenhill students and area schools, has provided cancer assistance throughout the DFW Metroplex with the non-profit Heroes for Children. Bennett Eckert ’16 concluded his incredible Upper School debate career with a Lincoln Douglas national championship title at the National Speech and Debate Association’s (NSDA) Championships in Salt Lake City, Utah.