Penelope the Odyssey’S Creative Thinker Ii the COLLEGE | ST

ST. JOHN’S COLLEGE FALL 2016 VOLUME 41, ISSUE 2

Penelope The Odyssey’s Creative Thinker ii THE COLLEGE | ST. JOHN’S COLLEGE | FALL 2016 OPENING NOTE

Everybody needs time for themselves. Time to breathe, to recharge, to contemplate. Time is a gift. But it is also necessary in order to develop big ideas and ponder creative solutions to life’s innumerable problems. Where would we be today if Plato or Einstein were slaves to the daily grind, never making time and space to think? For many of us, the challenge is to allow ourselves this time, not as a mere indulgence but rather a vital ingredient for a life well lived.

At St. John’s, we take time to think but also to connect with one another, to address questions and figure out new systems together. With another academic year underway, the college’s two campuses are alive with new and returning faces. Upperclassmen welcome the influx of freshmen, lending guidance and support—from crash courses in waltz to assistance with ancient Greek—to their fellow Johnnies. By now I have witnessed such scenes countless times. Once in a while it makes me recall my own undergraduate years, now decades behind in the rear view, and causes me to smile. After all, St. John’s is a place where we look back in order to move forward.

Gregory Shook, editor

THE COLLEGE | ST. JOHN’S COLLEGE | FALL 2016 1 FALL 2016 VOLUME 41, ISSUE 2

“Time is a weaving and unweaving; it makes and unmakes beings and relations.” —Michael Grenke, tutor

FEATURES

PAGE 18 PAGE 22 PAGE 28 PENELOPE’S WONDROUS WEAVING A CHOICE BREAD MAKERS SOCIAL FABRIC Placed on the clock by her With a neighborhood business of To create a self-sustaining suitors, the Odyssey’s creative their own—making baked goods community of independent, problem-solver manipulates time from scratch—this enterprising progressive workers requires a in order to defend her marriage, Johnnie couple are part of the skill set rooted in interaction, but what is she defending? mom-and-pop revival. innovation, and collaboration.

ON THE COVER: Penelope illustration by Thomas Ehretsmann

2 THE COLLEGE | ST. JOHN’S COLLEGE | FALL 2016 DEPARTMENTS

FROM THE BELL TOWERS BIBLIOFILE FOR & ABOUT ALUMNI 4 Bienvenue en France 32 Kathryn Kramer looks back on her 34 SJCAA News Study Abroad upbringing steeped in the great 36 Alumni Notes books in Missing History. 6 Lasting Legacies 40 Profile:Anika Prather (AGI09) 33 Kea Wilson (SF08) blurs the lines 7 A Spruce for McDowell breaks education traditions. between life and art in We Eat 8 More Than a Game Our Own. 42 In Memoriam Croquet 2016 Natalie Goldberg (SFGI74) shares 44 Philanthropy: Class of 2016 9 Tutors Mark the Occasion her essays on life’s vivid moments sets a new record. 10 Whimsical Worlds in The Great Spring. 45 First Person: Sawyer Neale (A18) 11 Labor of Love Charles Melson (AGI88) provides 46 Johnnie Voices: Alumni weigh new analysis of the Western in on an icon. 12 Johnnie Origins experience in coping with “small 14 Mark Roosevelt Inauguration wars” in Kleinkrieg. JOHNNIE TRADITIONS 48 St. John’s Forever

EIDOS 49 Jennifer Chenoweth (SF95)

ABOVE: Spiffy socks at the 34th annual Annapolis Cup

THE COLLEGE | ST. JOHN’S COLLEGE | FALL 2016 3 From the BELL TOWERS

AIX-EN-PROVENCE

admissions office, an international education Bienvenue en France professional who has guided students from various institutions since 2005. After Weber New Study Abroad Enriches Our Learning was named assistant director for off-campus studies, she organized non-academic details This January, as 20 second-semester juniors unpack, they will arrange Moliere and including visa applications, insurance, plane Racine upon shelves in Aix-en-Provence family homes. For 16 weeks, like lodgers, tickets, and other items to ensure that students 10 Johnnies from each campus will enjoy breakfasts and dinners prepared by their and faculty will be adequately prepared. respective French hosts. The classrooms of their program—The Institute for American Although maintaining the integrity of the Universities, or IAU College—lie along the cobblestone streets of historic downtown academic program and ensuring the safety Aix, less than an hour north of Marseille, near Avignon and Arles. Lab equipment and well-being of participants are top priori- necessary for duplicating experiments by Faraday and Maxwell is provided. ties, another focus is financial accessibility. Johnnies in Aix will have the same financial aid they normally receive, although work- study opportunities will be limited, at best. A freshman who usually supplements income via work-study “could anticipate needing to save a little money for second semester junior year,” suggests Adam. Study abroad is a whole-college program, and Adam is disappointed that faculty recruitment this first year—a casualty of time and scheduling pressures—exclusively SUSAN STICKNEY represents Santa Fe. “We’ll do the program in full, the same limestone ridge more than 3,000 feet high that St. John’s has always encouraged individual program the juniors do on both campuses,” sprawls across 11 miles. It inspired 60-plus students, often at their own expense, to go says Santa Fe tutor Judith Adam. Since Febru- paintings by Cézanne. abroad for summer or gap-year programs. “We ary, she has called herself the Tutor for Study Last April, Adam and Annapolis tutor will only do a program that is financially pos- Abroad. As one of four faculty members going Brendan Boyle introduced the study abroad sible for all or most of our students,” Annapolis to Aix, Adam hoped to be practicing her French program. Approximately 50 students attended tutor Patricia Locke explains. Locke stresses this summer. Yet after Santa Fe Dean Matt teleconference information sessions, and then that it will be “our exact program, only in Davis assigned the task of writing the study filled out applications that included essays. Due France.” She spent nine months in Aix last year, abroad proposal, and the board agreed to go to limited space during this pilot year, students and now, on sabbatical, plans to live there this ahead in 2017, she found herself in charge were selected through a lottery. “Judith has the fall as a Resident Fellow, sponsored by IAU. with “less than one year to get the program most difficult task,” says Boyle, who was asked Although she will help set up the program, off the ground.” In Aix, Adam looks forward by former dean Pamela Kraus to administer she declined the offer to join the first faculty to Annapolis and Santa Fe students “coming from Annapolis. “Creating a community of group because she has been in Europe all together in one place,” mixed in one seminar learning no different from the ones we have year. Accompanying Adam will be tutors John and two sets of tutorials. thousands of miles away involves logistical, Cornell, Patricia Greer, and Jay Smith, none of According to its website (IAUFrance.org), practical challenges that Judith is spending a whom will be teaching full-time. In partner- IAU College, founded in 1957, hosts an array of lot of time negotiating. Her efforts have been ship with IAU student services, they will act students from more than 200 colleges and uni- Herculean.” together as assistant deans. versities across the United States. Throughout Directed by the deans and the Instruction Both Adam and Locke tell how the long- the year, thousands of young scholars live with Committee, Adam hammers out the minutiae standing friendship between St. John’s and families and study in classrooms in the medi- of program-related issues such as adequate Marchutz makes IAU a natural fit for this eval center of town. A half-hour stroll along study space, setting up a lab from scratch, and program. Individual St. John’s students and a country road leads to the Marchutz School making sure blackboards are in classrooms. faculty have studied fine arts at Marchutz for of Fine Arts, part of the IAU program since “It would be chaos,” Adam says, without the many years. Two summers ago, Santa Fe tutor 1976. Here towers Montagne Sainte-Victoire, a assistance of Amy Weber from Santa Fe’s Susan Stickney brought six Santa Fe and two

4 THE COLLEGE | ST. JOHN’S COLLEGE | FALL 2016 “Our learning is not entirely nested within words, written and spoken; we are thinking about how we are placed in the world and how we act in it.” —Annapolis Dean Joseph Macfarland

Annapolis Johnnies to Marchutz’s six-week pro- CHARLEY UMBARGER gram; this past summer Annapolis tutor Sarah OPPOSITE PAGE: Place Stickney did the same with a smaller crew. d’Albertas in Aix. Decades ago, the late Santa Fe tutor Dean TOP: Students view Haggard led a seminar at Marchutz on the Delacroix’s painting, Meno. Adam brags that “IAU has been inter- Entry of the Crusaders ested in St. John’s because they see how good in Constantinople, our students are. They’re stars in Marchutz.” at the Musée du Louvre on a Marchutz Depending on how the Aix experiment goes, museum field study. Locke foresees the possibility of a second BOTTOM: Johnnies program in Greece. The original idea, she says, enjoy one of the many was that Annapolis faculty and staff would open-air cafés in Aix. organize a program in Greece, while Santa Fe focused in France. “I, with Nick Maistrellis, was investigating the possibility of a sophomore semester in Greece.” Dean Davis, in Aix for

several days last January and February, was SUSAN STICKNEY able to work out many details quickly, and they takes a lot of time.” Davis praises the home- programs are deeply unserious; they are quasi- proceeded in that direction, “starting small, stay aspect because “it will give the students educational vacations.” He adds, “I have come to get the kinks out,” says Locke. If a Greece a deeper sense of what it’s like to live abroad.” to think that study abroad is not essential to program was initiated, ideally, “the students His decision to put Adam in charge was easy. liberal education, but still a beneficial addition could choose between France and Greece,” “Judith seemed like a very good choice. Not to it.” Macfarland describes how, “In the labo- Locke says. only had she been to Aix, but she’s well versed ratories, we spend a good deal of time looking “IAU is very knowledgeable about St. in French, speaking and reading it well.” at phenomena, trying to see the world before John’s,” Davis explains. “In fact, the Marchutz When it comes to security, both the IAU us with fresh eyes, letting what appears shake school is modeled around us. Their biggest website and Davis do not mince words. Davis our preconceptions, and then giving a fresh class of the week is a five-hour, or longer, says he will monitor the situation in Europe. account to ourselves in words. Our learning seminar on Fridays in which they are looking at Speaking for both deans, he insists, “Our job is is not entirely nested within words, written paintings and talking about them.” He is con- the welfare of our students. We would never put and spoken; we are thinking about how we fident that at IAU, “They know us. They know students in danger.” are placed in the world and how we act in it.” what we need. They’re not going to interfere. Before launching this project, faculty He concludes, “I think study abroad provides They’re not going to try to make us take their engaged in considerable discussion and opportunities to supplement and enrich our classes.” Johnnies in Aix will have classes in debate. One concern, writes Annapolis Dean discursive learning.” spoken French available, but not mandatory. Joe Macfarland, is that “Many study abroad “They know our program is very rigorous and —Robin Weiss (SFGI90)

THE COLLEGE | ST. JOHN’S COLLEGE | FALL 2016 5 FROM THE BELL TOWERS

SERVICE TO SJC including a successful campaign in honor of the the college’s name,” writes Rebecca M. Wilson 50th anniversary of the Santa Fe campus. “The (H83) in a letter to The College. For the past Lasting Legacies reason I fell in love with this place was the 15 years, Goyette served as vice president for dynamic nature of the classroom,” Mora noted. Advancement in Annapolis. With nearly 50 combined years of service, Bar- “Ideas matter here and learning isn’t just a Goyette’s and Mora’s efforts reflect their bara Goyette (A73) and Victoria Mora, both of buzzword. People weren’t just taking classes— shared dedication to the values of St. John’s whom retired from the college in summer, left they were exploring ideas that mattered to and their deep-rooted desire to enrich the legacies marked by affection for St. John’s. them in a spirit of intellectual friendship.” life of the college. Mora, who served Goyette, like more than two Mora, may be best decades as a tutor, described as a dyed- READER SHARES dean, vice president in-the-wool Johnnie. for Advancement, and After graduating Golly! It’s remarkable how different people senior vice president from St. John’s, the are (and thank God they are!), even among for Development Ohio native studied at St. John’s fund raisers. Consider Jeff Bishop: and Alumni Rela- Catholic University’s outgoing, charismatic, beloved—whose death tions in Santa Fe, School of Philosophy. saddened all of us—and then think about Bar- joined United World She returned to her bara Goyette. I’m stunned when I do. A quiet, College-USA as the alma mater in 1994 to behind-the-scenes, wonkish type, never pushing fifth president of Victoria Mora Barbara Goyette (A73) serve as the college’s herself forward, with a Type A personality the school’s U.S. new director of Public highly capable of handling the wealth of infor- campus, located in Montezuma, New Mexico. Relations and Publications in Annapolis. To mation at her fingertips, Barbara has worked At St. John’s, Mora’s talents and passion for this position she brought expertise as a writer in unsung ways since 1994 for the better good of academic and institutional leadership, as well and editor with various publications; in 2001 the college. During her last 15 years, when she as her admiration for the Program, informed all “she took a modest little newspaper called The was serving as vice-president of the Annapolis aspects of her work. With vision and skill, she Reporter, founded and edited by this writer, campus, she raised no less than $127 million for cultivated deep philanthropic relationships and and transformed it into a beautifully edited St. John’s. It’s an extraordinary record. managed a wide range of fundraising efforts, magazine, The College, a publication worthy of Not only that, among other things, when Barbara headed the publicity office in Annapo- lis, she took a small, modest little newspaper called The Reporter, founded and edited by this college’s director-level leadership. In Annapo- TALK OF THE TOWERS writer for parents, alumni, and friends, and lis, Joe MacFarland is the new dean. Emily converted it into a beautifully edited magazine, Langston is the associate dean for Graduate The College, worthy of St. John’s name. Not In Annapolis, two new tutors have joined Programs. John Kane is the new director of incidentally, she has accomplished all this by the faculty. Rahul Chaudhri comes to the Major and Planned Gifts. Robert Mueck is showing the quality most important to any college from Stanford University, where he the new director of Public Safety. Leo Pickens member of the St. John’s family: complete, received his PhD in philosophy and taught in (A78) now serves as director of Leadership personal integrity. the university’s Thinking Matters program. Annual Gifts. James Reische is the college- As Barbara retires on July 1, I’m tired of Andrew Joseph Romiti (A07) returns to the wide chief communications officer. He comes quietude. The angels in heaven may flap their college from the Catholic University of America to St. John’s from Grinnell College, where he wings in applause, but I want earthly sounds: where he is expected to receive his PhD in served as vice president for Communications. for the bells of McDowell Hall to ring out for her, philosophy. In Santa Fe, Matthew Davis is the new dean. for the Freshman Chorus to compose an anthem In Santa Fe, two new tutors have joined the David McDonald the associate dean for Grad- in her honor, for the waves of College Creek to faculty. Ian Moore comes to the college from uate Programs. Sarah Palacios now serves lap more noisily in her praise. I imagine Jeff DePaul University, where he is working on as college-wide director of Alumni Relations. Bishop hiking himself up in his grave to give an completing his PhD in philosophy. Nicholas Maureen Small is the new director of Student admiring shout-out for this 1973 alumna who, Starr (SF02) returns to St. John’s from Health and Wellness. Edward “Ned” Walpin in her retiring way, has played a tremendous Boston College, where he received his PhD now serves as college-wide executive director role in keeping the college going. All hail, in political science. of Enrollment Management. Michael Wismer Barbara Goyette! Let the word go out: You’ve shone, Barbara! You’ve left a brilliant record! On each campus, there is a new dean, associ- is the new director of Public Safety. ate dean, and four additions/changes to the —Rebecca Wilson (H83), St. John’s director of News and Information, 1973-88

6 THE COLLEGE | ST. JOHN’S COLLEGE | FALL 2016 IN ANNAPOLIS Built in the 1740s and praised by Thomas McDowell Hall is poised for major repairs. Jefferson, the building and the surrounding Last renovated in 1989, the building requires A Spruce for four acres were gifted to St. John’s by the structural work as well as other physical state of Maryland in 1784. The elegant facility, upgrades to ensure that it meets proper McDowell named for the college’s first president, John standards and accommodates the educational McDowell, stands as one of the nation’s oldest needs of today’s and tomorrow’s Johnnies. It’s where waltz parties swing into the night. academic buildings in continuous use. For- The Maryland Independent College and Where seniors ring the bell upon complet- merly a dorm, dining hall, classroom building, University Association (MICUA) has endorsed ing their essays. Where faculty and students and faculty building all in one, McDowell Hall a $2.9 million grant—nearly half the $6 million convene for a cup of coffee and good conversa- still serves as the academic and social hub of the project requires—which the State of Mary- tion. And where alumni and the community the Annapolis campus. In particular, the Great land will decide on next spring. An anonymous meet for lectures, concerts, and Croquet. Hall, with its elegant wrapped balcony, is a donor has issued a 2:1 challenge, with an McDowell Hall is an architectural jewel popular gathering spot for Johnnies to enjoy invitation to alumni and the broader St. John’s and the historic heart of St. John’s College. music, singing, and dancing. community to help complete the project. “Alumni and friends can now leverage their gifts as they support this historic preserva- tion project,” notes Annapolis President Chris Nelson. “It’s important to preserve this living landmark for future generations of Johnnies and the entire Annapolis community.” To make a gift and learn more about opportunities to support the McDowell Hall renovation project, please contact Laurie Reinhardt, vice president of Development and Alumni Relations, at 443-482-6575 or [email protected].

The College Editor Gregory Shook is published by St. John’s [email protected] College, Annapolis, MD, and Santa Fe, NM. Contributors thecollegemagazine@ Anna Perleberg Andersen sjc.edu (SF02) Rodjinaé Brown (SF16) Known office of Michael Grenke publication: Bob Keyes Communications Office Leslie Linthicum St. John’s College Jonathan Llovet (A17) 60 College Avenue Sawyer Neale (A18) Annapolis, MD 21401 Bonnie Scott (A17) Periodicals postage Robin Weiss (SFGI90) paid at Annapolis, MD. Babak Zarin (A11) Design Postmaster: Send Skelton Design address changes to The College Magazine, Contributing Designer Communications Office, Jennifer Behrens St. John’s College, 60 College Avenue, Annapolis, MD 21401.

THE COLLEGE | ST. JOHN’S COLLEGE | FALL 2016 7 FROM THE BELL TOWERS

JOHNNIE TRADITIONS More Than a Game For Johnnies, Croquet is a Tie That Binds

“Dreams come true!” Stephanie Hurn (A17) proclaimed amid a cheering crowd of Johnnies and other spectators gathered on the front lawn of the Annapolis campus for the 34th annual Annapolis Cup. Hers was the winning shot that clinched a 3-2 victory for St. John’s— its 27th in the historic croquet rivalry with Navy. Throughout the afternoon on April 16, the Johnnies, sporting denim overalls and straw hats, battled nobly against the Midship- men in what was one of the tighter matches in recent years. “It was a nerve-wracking game,” says team member Joe Gillespie-Hill (A17) of his own battle for victory. “Close until about three-quarters of the way through.”

ABOVE: Surrounded by her teammates, Stephanie Hurn (A17) hugs the Annapolis Cup in near disbelief after making the winning shot.

LEFT: No contest: Patrick (A01) and Citlali McDowell, and their son, are the best dressed family at Croquet.

her run the break before,” says St. John’s Imperial Wicket Noe Jimenez (A16), impressed by Hurn’s prowess with a croquet mallet. “She knocked it out of the park. I’m so proud of my teammates. It was an incredible team effort.” Suffice to say, a special bond exists among ABOVE: Jennifer Shumpert (A15) Johnnie croquet team members. At this year’s celebrates with her friend and former match, Imperial Wickets and team members teammate Stephanie Hurn (A17). from previous decades returned to campus RIGHT: William Knight (A08) dons to support their alma mater and check out authentic vintage attire. the new crop of players—and to take mallet in hand once again for a bit of friendly competition. Long after the picnics were packed up With a dazzling run of consecutive shots and the spectators cleared the lawn, croquet on the court, Hurn was a picture of focused titans past and present gathered for a round determination. At one point during the match of “SJC 9-wicket,” played not for glory but for she silenced a group of boisterous fans with love of the game. just a look and a wave of the hand. “I’ve seen —Gregory Shook

8 THE COLLEGE | ST. JOHN’S COLLEGE | FALL 2016 COMMENCEMENT 2016 “You may often have thought that our, Tutors Mark the tutors’, intention was to throw the Occasion you into a permanent muddle. But, of Per St. John’s tradition, seniors selected course, the opposite was our hope: It members of the SJC community to provide was that you would find in your reading addresses at this year’s commencement ceremonies. In Santa Fe, tutor Eva Brann (H89) the elements of your own firm view of took the opportunity to offer a last-minute language tutorial. Addressing the 78 seniors what is good universally and therefore and 19 Graduate Institute students assembled what is better in particular.” on the Weigle Placita, she thoughtfully yet —Eva Brann (H89) playfully took to task a well-meaning sentiment: “I want to make a difference. I want to change the world.” Brann looks to Kant—arguably one question. Do you still remember what it was? of the more challenging Program authors—to How much can you recall of the discussion that analyze these words and get to the heart of followed?” their true meaning. “He thinks that doing right Befitting the occasion, May concluded with is not doing what you want but what you ought, words from a poem by Wendell Berry: “May and that, in fact, the only proof of your doing as you always have the hindsight to know where you ought is that it hurts some, that your mere you’ve been, the foresight to know where you’re wanting is thwarted.” going, and the insight to realize what you don’t A mentor as well as a tutor, Brann is a know and when you’ve gone too far! May you model for the “examined life” that a St. John’s never forget the friends you’ve made here and education encourages. During her address, all that has been good in this adventurous she reflected on the tutor-student dynamic at endeavor.” the college. “You may often have thought that our, the tutors’, intention was to throw you into a permanent muddle,” said Brann. “But, of course, the opposite was our hope: It was that you would find in your reading the elements of your own firm view of what is good universally and therefore what is better in particular.” Seniors in Annapolis also selected a beloved member of the faculty, Thomas May, to offer words to mark the momentous event. “Mr. May has many of the qualities that I look for in a tutor: generosity, thoughtfulness, knowledge, experience, and a sense of humor,” says Max Dakin (A16). In addition to leading seminars and language tutorials, May has served as director of the Freshman Chorus, skillfully introducing the college’s love of music to its newest members. Addressing the 85 seniors and 15 Graduate Institute graduates gathered on the campus front lawn, May requested a moment of reflection: “Think back to when you first came here. The convocation, then the gathering afterwards, meeting the president, dean, tutors, and community; then off to your first class, assigned book in hand dutifully read, you picked your seat and waited for the opening

THE COLLEGE | ST. JOHN’S COLLEGE | FALL 2016 9 FROM THE BELL TOWERS

HIDDEN TALENT Whimsical Worlds Sarah Benson Brings Paper to Life

Annapolis tutor Sarah Benson made what she describes as her “first paper automaton” at age 8. While attending the Strawberry Hill day camp on Nittany Mountain near Centre Hall, Pennsylvania, she created a figure on paper—a strongman with stripy socks—meant to come to life when cut out and played with. Known as Hampelmann in German-speaking countries, or jumping-jack, at the tug of a string his arms and legs begin to move. “He was an automaton to me, though he didn’t move by himself, because he nevertheless seemed to,” says Benson. “The delight comes from our participating in the illusion.” Benson’s creative and whimsical bent only grew with time, taking many different forms. Benson’s “MIDDLEMARCH PAPER THEATER” is “A dilemma of the tourist modeled on the 18th-century paper theaters While in her teens, Benson wished to become of Martin Engelbrecht. In the background is a a clockmaker. Her parents gave her a kit who knew Rome so well peep-show birthday card for her husband, with called “Make Your Own Working Paper Clock,” a silhouette of their baby girl inside. and she again gave life to paper, which now already was to find the topo- ticked and tocked. When Benson later began graphic city as interesting to explore philosophy she discovered that “the questions of what makes a thing alive, what two paths seemed nearly interchangeable at as the paper one.” constitutes the mind.” She found the historical the time. Either seemed an occasion to explore narrative of paper worlds just as enchanting as her own experience with them. As an art historian, Benson has had the opportunity to gaze back through time, making whole cities—now only knowable through the trails of artifacts and documents they left behind—folded into the three-dimensional world of her mind, breathe once more. Pop-up paper theaters became common entertainment in the 1700s, a century before George Eliot wrote her novel Middlemarch. There is a scene in the book in which Dorothea, the main character, travels to Rome with her husband. Benson explains that before Dorothea laid foot in Rome, she had probably known it as a paper city—the streets, piazzas, monuments, and ruins all laid out in printed views, which onlookers who had never set foot in the city itself could explore, both with their eyes as well as their imaginations. “A dilemma of the tourist who knew Rome so well already was to find the topographic city as interesting as the paper one,” says Benson, who created her own Sarah Benson’s first paper automaton moves with the help of a string. paper theater with Dorothea in the center of the stage, her second husband-to-be off to the

10 THE COLLEGE | ST. JOHN’S COLLEGE | FALL 2016 side, his gaze askew. Benson’s theater allows great books. On Saturday mornings, one of So, how’s the fruit? Edifying, delicious. Their readers to put Dorothea back into paper Rome them brings a translation of one Stephanus work fits the dialogue’s theme: the translation and imagine how the character is affected by page, which they discuss after they “schmooze, fills the reader with Eros, inspiring her to press sites she never visits in the novel. chew the fat and gossip.” (“Stephanus page” further in inquiry. Ms. Brann, Mr. Kalkavage, Benson’s interest extends into old optical refers to the pagination of a 16th-century and Mr. Salem showcase the dialogue’s saucy devices made to enhance the experience of edition of Plato’s works, used for standard ref- seriousness, tracing shifts in register and style. paper worlds by exaggerating them to the erence.) Moving one page per week maintains One hears the poetic eloquence of Agathon, the eye. One such device is the zograscope, which a manageable pace, and it also has a greater unwittingly funny formality of Eryximachus, belongs to the lineage of optical entertain- benefit. Each of them preserves anonymity and Socrates’s ironical wit. There are benefits to ments that seek to immerse the viewer in the the unity of the translation, since no one gets making English more like Greek when writing scene, along with cinema, 3D photography, and special rights to a section or speech. When I a translation, but this trio offers a wealth virtual reality. Printed views with exaggerated asked about it, Mr. Salem said they have no of clever, dynamic English working on its perspectives called vues d’optiques were sold idea who originally prepared each section. They own terms. Sometimes the language is clear to be seen through the zograscope. “I knew work as amateurs—lovers—of Plato’s dialogues and simple; at other times it follows twist- about zograscopes from my research into and of our own. In this spirit, they work as ing maneuvers of intentionally complex and printed views of Rome,” says Benson. “But I’d readers, for readers, in dialectic cooperation convoluted speech. Using their translation, Mr. never seen one in person before noticing one to produce a translation to engage with. Ms. Kalkavage led a GI Preceptorial on Sympo- among the collections of historical scientific Brann said, “Some classicists may find it outra- sium and Phaedrus this summer in Annapolis. instruments in Mellon Hall. I don’t think geous, but if they spend some time with it, they One student captured a quality of their transla- anyone knew what it was. Thanks to the Paca might even learn something.” tion by asking, “Who is the better guide, the House Museum in Annapolis, which lent us two That said, the translators had hot feet put- grammarian who produces a reference book, or of their vues d’optiques, I got to try it out with ting Plato’s dialogue into English. As Mr. Kal- Shakespeare?” The trio of tutors has found the the students. It was a lot of fun.” kavage explained, when we discuss a play, such medium between being informed by the Greek —Bonnie Scott (A17) as Hamlet, we can juggle various readings of language and by Plato. Where they step away

TUTOR TRANSLATIONS Labor of Love

After the students left last spring, Annapolis tutors Eva Brann (H89) and Eric Salem (A77) gathered at fellow tutor Peter Kalkavage’s office, where the trio put finishing touches on their most recent collaboration, a translation of Plato’s dialogue on Love, Symposium or Drinking Party. About 20 years ago, when Ms. Brann was asked by the editor of Focus Press to translate the Sophist, she asked Mr. JENNIFER BEHRENS Kalkavage and Mr. Salem to join her in the a line at once. An actor on stage, however, has Eva Brann and “the Boys” translate Plato. project. Since then, these tutors have trans- no such luxury. In front of an audience, actors lated several of Plato’s dialogues: Sophist, have their feet to the fire and must give a Phaedo, Statesman, and now Symposium. reading to each line they deliver. Like actors, from a so-called “literal” translation, they step With the new translation done, they still had to the translators decided in each case on a single up and are more accurate for it. polish their essays and send drafts to the pub- delivery.1 What English expression will carry Symposium or Drinking Party will lisher before summer sessions began. In this over the colorful threads of flirtation woven be published in spring 2017 by Hackett in-between time, I spoke with them about the into this interaction? How should particles— Publishing. The trio of Eva Brann and “the fruit of their labors and the labors themselves. little words that put theatric gestures on the Boys” will begin work shortly on their next Each member of the trio works on transla- Greek’s tongue—come across? Their introduc- translation: Plato’s Philebus. tion projects individually—Italian short stories, tion to Symposium says, “Our goal was to French poetry, Greek fragments, works on —Jonathan Llovet (A17) devise a translation that was as faithful as mathematics, other Plato. But how do they possible to the Greek original in vocabulary practice, as Mr. Kalkavage called it, the “un- 1 To the relief of their feet, they include a glossary and syntax, and that captured the playfulness art” of translation together? In the same way that discusses the meanings of important Greek of the interchanges and the varying tone of the that everything is practiced at the college: as words in Symposium. formal speeches.” friends in dialogue with each other and the

THE COLLEGE | ST. JOHN’S COLLEGE | FALL 2016 11 FROM THE BELL TOWERS

ON SOCIAL MEDIA JOHNNIE ORIGINS Facebook was abuzz this summer when Kevin Thomas (A93) posted his story about why he came to St. John’s, inspiring other Johnnies to share their own “origin stories.” Here are just a few excerpts, which have been edited for length and clarity, from the many that were shared:

ZENA HITZ (A95): that I could study exactly the same things at “After my junior year I had an opportunity to Harvard that I could study at St. John’s, taking go to a summer program [at St. John’s]…I Plato, Greek, French, etc., plus I would have spent one morning in a two-hour seminar the Harvard degree. So I applied and got into with [tutors] John Verdi and Debbie (Renaut) Harvard, Yale, and Dartmouth, and attended Axelrod, and it felt like the most natural thing Harvard. I was in a freshman ‘seminar’ class in the world. After a few weeks, I couldn’t there where the graduate student teaching the bear the thought of leaving. I lay awake one class basically read his dissertation to us. I night trying to piece it all together. All at once knew that was not my experience of seminar at I saw: I could apply early, and not go back to St. John’s… high school! I went to see Eva Brann, who I began to realize that my high school coun- was dean at the time. She looked at me and selors had been wrong, and that I could not said, ‘Are you serious?’ Once she saw I was, replicate a SJC experience at Harvard. I found she sent me to Admissions. I applied in July a dorm proctor who had gone to St. John’s to come in August. Somehow the financial aid College as an undergraduate and asked her I needed materialized, even so late. Then my what she thought about SJC versus Harvard. I parents realized I was serious and made a last remember her being extremely professional and ditch attempt to prevent it. But I refused to balanced, explaining, ‘On the one hand Harvard give in. My dad visited my seminar when I was …and on the other hand St. John’s…’ But I a freshman and said, ‘You should stay here. could see that every time she spoke about “...when my son was in his I’ve never seen a discussion like that.’ At St. St. John’s her eyes lit up with life and love for first year at St. John’s I John’s I flourished under the care and attention the institution. I arranged to visit SJC as a of my tutors. Among many life-saving things, prospective student again just to make sure. decided to do his readings I learned something crucial for life in general After that visit, I knew I had to go to St. John’s also. Because Herodotus and for intellectual life in particular: how to [which] I describe as one of the great loves of cope when you don’t understand something.” my life to this day.” and Thucydides were so interesting I read them MICHAEL STRONG (SF84): JEROME DAUSMAN (AGI11): cover to cover...So I followed “I first encountered St. John’s in a pile of col- “My origin story starts with MIT. I learned lege brochures that came in the mail after I how to use the formulas, how to write a him to St. John’s, enrolling took my PSATs. I had scored well and seemed paper on the facts, and how to take exams. in the graduate program. to be getting huge numbers of brochures that I also learned how much others had read and Being able to discuss the all looked the same—smiling students on bright was somewhat jealous. I wound up with two green lawns looking like they were having fun. degrees and a desire to read anything and books with others makes all Then came the St. John’s brochure, with the list everything. Years later when my son was the difference. My son and I of Homer, Plato, etc. It is the only brochure that in his first year at St. John’s in Annapolis I I read all the way through. I made arrange- decided to do his readings also. Because graduated together in 2011.” ments to visit at the beginning of my senior year Herodotus and later Thucydides were so —Jerome Dausman (AGI11) [and] loved it immediately… interesting I read them cover to cover, though My high school counselors then began to talk the freshmen only read half of each. My son me into applying for the Ivy Leagues, saying finished freshman year in May and I was still

12 THE COLLEGE | ST. JOHN’S COLLEGE | FALL 2016 “I know that wherever I go in life and whatever happens to me, I will still have the books in my heart and a cadre of friends pointing the way to the examined life.” —Lauren Cooper (A10)

be forever grateful for the college for providing me with such a transformational education. I know that wherever I go in life and whatever happens to me, I will still have the books in my heart and a cadre of friends pointing the way to the examined life.”

ELI CASTRO (SF94): “I visited St. John’s in October of my junior year in high school. I’d like to claim more noble motivations, but I was as excited for the chance to skip out on a few days of school, CHRISTOPHER HADLEY (A92): meet college girls, and see Santa Fe as I was to “I went to St. John’s because of close friends of investigate the curriculum. Within a few days, my family who were alumni. They were creative, I couldn’t imagine myself anywhere else. The thoughtful, and integrated in the way I wanted conversations I was part of there—particularly to be. It was a great decision, to go to St. one in the coffee shop, after seminar—changed John’s—Santa Fe first, then Annapolis. I’m still my entire perspective on what a conversation relishing ongoing conversations with books could be. When I got home, I sat down with my and authors from the Program. I have never dad over ice cream and explained that there stopped reading the Great Books. And I still reading January assignments! So I followed was no way I was waiting through another year love my living and breathing friends that I met him to St. John’s, enrolling in the graduate of high school to do this. I contacted the Grand there, too!” program. Being able to discuss the books Rapids School Board, arranged to take my GED, with others makes all the difference. My son completed my application, and headed off that Do you have an “origin story” that you and I graduated together in 2011.” fall to Santa Fe. There are very few decisions would like to share with The College? If so, I’ve made in my life that I’ve been more cer- please send it to [email protected]. LAUREN COOPER (A10): tain were the right one.” “After a bumpy couple of years involving a number of ‘teachable moments,’ I found myself in my dorm at a different school, miserable, bored, and extremely lonely. I was frustrated by the AHHH, REFRESHING! lack of engagement by other students, the lack Have you heard the news? St. John’s of support by my professors, and the constraints recently launched a refreshed version of having to only take classes in my major (when of its website, www.sjc.edu. Incorporat- all I wanted was to learn all kinds of things, not ing extensive input from alumni, faculty, just one thing). I resolved to leave college com- staff, and students, the newly enhanced pletely and pursue my life dream of being a goat design is meant to better feature the herder. A few weeks later, I came to my senses, Program and show the world the St. remembered a high school teacher’s recommen- John’s we know and love. If you haven’t dations, and started looking at the websites of done so already, take a moment to pe- various small colleges. At that point, SJC struck ruse the website—and be sure to follow me as the only place I could go and experience St. John’s on Facebook and Twitter. freedom from the constraints of majors…I will

THE COLLEGE | ST. JOHN’S COLLEGE | FALL 2016 13 FROM THE BELL TOWERS

INAUGURATION [The St. John’s education] St. John’s Welcomes “changes people who can go on and change the world. Santa Fe’s Seventh Please know this... my President commitment to preserving “There’s a fear of pomposity,” Mark Roosevelt this education and celebrating said in the week leading up to his inauguration as the seventh president of St. John’s College its impact is unwavering.” in Santa Fe. —Mark Roosevelt Those fears were put to rest September 16 and 17, in an inauguration weekend that included barbecue and beer from the Cowgirl Hall of John’s new college-wide leader, praising him for Fame, a Dixieland jazz band, film showings, his razor-sharp intelligence. “This is not a ‘job’ and an American Indian hoop dancer who had for Mark,” Avis said. “It is a calling.” the crowd on its feet. Roosevelt did his part to In his own inauguration address, Roosevelt reduce pomposity by pairing his academic robes spoke of the importance of the St. John’s with blue-soled sneakers for the ceremony. education: “It changes people who can go on As the event was timed to coincide with Santa and change the world,” he said. And he spoke Fe’s homecoming weekend, these spirited aspects to the challenges faced by our unique small of the program were meshed with more familiar college. “Please know this,” Roosevelt said. “My traditions, including the procession of faculty in commitment to preserving this education and academic regalia, and attendance by numerous board members, Alumni Association leaders, and alumni. The inauguration also included warm welcomes to Roosevelt from Annapolis President

Chris Nelson (SF70) on behalf of the Annapolis CLOCKWISE FROM BOTTOM LEFT: Live jazz fills campus, Santa Fe Dean Matthew Davis (A82) the air. A hoop dancer delights the crowd. on behalf of the Santa Fe staff, and from Audrey President Roosevelt stresses the value of Morf (SF17) on behalf of students. St. John’s. Bernstein mentors students. Greg Avis, Roosevelt’s friend and a former Kimmelman and Bernstein tickle the ivories. FOLLOWING PAGE: Dixieland sounds board member at Antioch College, where Roo- ring in the festivities. sevelt was previously president, introduced St.

celebrating its impact is unwavering.” Nelson affirmed this statement, saying that Roosevelt “treasures the St. John’s Program, the quality of community life on both campuses, and the dedication of the faculty and staff to the pres- ervation and sustenance of the college and its program of study.” Briana Saussy (A03, EC05), a member of the college’s Alumni Association, says she has already seen Roosevelt’s devotion to the St. John’s mission and his ability to work through the tensions and concerns about the consolida- tion of two campuses under one president. “My personal impression,” she says, “is that Mark is very much the right person to steer the college at this point in time.” —Leslie Linthicum

14 THE COLLEGE | ST. JOHN’S COLLEGE | FALL 2016 WORLD-CLASS MUSICAL when they watched Seymour: An Introduction on Netflix earlier this year. It was just as the ACCOMPANIMENT planning had begun for Roosevelt’s September Pianist, composer and teacher Seymour Bern- 2016 inauguration. stein, at 89, is having something of a moment. “We just loved it,” Roosevelt said. “I realized After retiring from an international performing that much of what is represented in the film career at age 50, Bernstein turned to teaching is central to what St. John’s is about: The and writing, laboring in partial obscurity until willingness to cast aside societal and cultural 2014, when actor and director Ethan Hawke expectations, the value placed on teaching, and met him at a dinner party and made him the the passing on of things.” subject of his documentary film, Seymour: An Roosevelt invited Bernstein, along with one of Introduction. Since then, Bernstein has found his piano students, New York Times art and ar- a new audience among piano students, music chitecture critic Michael Kimmelman (who has lovers, and a general audience who recognize studied with Bernstein since the age of 5) to him as a mensch and a mentor: a sage, as be featured guests at the inauguration. On the much as a musician. Thursday night before Roosevelt’s installation, St. John’s President Mark Roosevelt and his the college hosted a free showing of the film at wife, Dorothy, had never heard of Bernstein Santa Fe’s Lensic Performing Arts Center, followed by a conversation and Q&A with the star of the film himself. And “star” turns out to be an apt descriptor: Bernstein related to the as- sembly of alumni, board members, and friends of the college how, on a trip to Korea after the film debuted, he was mobbed and followed by camera crews. “Now,” he said in an interview, “I know what a rock star feels like.” At Friday’s inauguration, held in the Winiarski Student Center on the Santa Fe campus, Bern- stein and Kimmelman charmed the audience with a shoulder-to-shoulder performance of Franz Schubert’s Fantasie in F Minor (Bernstein calls it “a symphony for four hands”). After the ceremony they were joined by tutor Sarah Davis for a wide- ranging and very personal panel discussion about success, ego, and the connection between work and meaning, with Bernstein suggesting that everyone look in the mirror and say, “I love you.” Bernstein also devoted several hours to mentor- ing student musicians in one of his legendary public master classes before a live audience: St. John’s student Evan A. Quarles (SF17) and two New Mexico high school students, Presley Gao of Los Alamos and Leah Epstein of Taos, selected via a statewide video audition sponsored by St. John’s. Bernstein has compared the profound effects of music to profound aspects of life. Life, he says, has harmonies and dissonances and resolu- tions, just as music does. “Musicians become philosophers,” he says. “I believe you won’t enjoy that resolution if you don’t have that dissonance. We’re searching for the truth of that B Flat.” —Leslie Linthicum

by Michael Grenke HE ODYSSEY’S PENELOPE IS A THINKER, CHOICE Ta person who is effective in facing her world and its problems by thinking her way out of them. She is, perhaps, even more of a thinker than her much-devising husband, as he is still, occasionally, given to “solving” his problems with brute force. It is in Penelope that Homer more purely explores the possibilities and limitations of Odyssean cleverness. The emblem of Penelope’s cleverness is the device by which she tricks her suitors for three years, her weaving. She uses the weaving to buy herself time, but the weaving is itself an image of time. Time is a weaving and unweaving; it makes and unmakes beings and relations. In her deception, Penelope gives the impression time has no consequence. She knits and knits (and unknits), but nothing seems to change. But it is the changes that accompany or constitute time that make time a matter of consequence for human beings. And understood thus, time poses a great difficulty that attends and deforms the kind of thinking in which Penelope engages.

Bourdelle, Emile-Antoine (1861-1929). Penelope, 1909. Cast bronze, dark

green patina. 47 ¹/8 × 17 × 14 ¾ in. (119.7 × 43.8 × 37.5 cm). AP 1969.03. Kimbell Art Museum, Fort Worth, Texas/Art Resource, NY THE COLLEGE | ST. JOHN’S COLLEGE | FALL 2016 19 TUTOR VIEW

n the so-called digression of the Theaetetus (172d), ing, or more loosely bad thinking. What Nietzsche Socrates sketches an extreme image of the upbring- seems to have in mind is that our intercourse with ing of a philosophic human being. There the phil- other human beings pressures us to adopt illegiti- osophic human being is brought up in isolated mate modes of thinking. We must agree or, more innocence. They are not exposed to or involved in any accurately, pretend to agree about many matters of the daily concerns of the political or legal system. regardless of whether we have the resources and have These human beings, alone, says Socrates, are free. utilized those resources to come to a well-founded Every other human being, says Socrates, is a slave. conclusion. Human beings do not feel secure in the More literally they are slaves to time. And expressed proximity of other human beings who do not agree in more Greek fashion, they are slaves to the water with them. Such agreements are demanded by social clock. All of their actions and their thinking, all of life, and they are demanded on a time table deter- their problem solving, is on a timer. mined by the feelings of the human beings, not by To be free one must be able to do what one wants. the epistemological requirements of the matter under IBut in order to be able to do what one wants in the consideration. Who is comfortable with a neighbor fullest sense, one must know what one is doing. Only who does not respect property rights, or does not those who are not concerned with the matters of endorse the prohibition against cannibalism, or who the day, the week, the year are free to think about openly admits that they do not know what justice is? a problem for as long as the problem deserves. Only In general, who is comfortable living near human a thinker who is at leisure thinks about a problem beings who do not hold a massive host of opinions with no limitations other than those that define sound shared in rough outline by the whole group? thinking itself. Only such a thinker can delay their con- It is bad thinking to declare a matter resolved before it is resolved. It is a mental defect to think one knows what one does not know. Yet it seems that Although Penelope is not wholly opposed social life pushes our thinking into this premature and self-deceiving form. Not only that, the matters to coming to some kind of arrangement that society demands we resolve are matters that move our passions deeply. Thus we see exhibitions with the suitors, she tries to delay them. of great anger and agitation in our efforts to govern ourselves. Governing demands results. Results are She tries to put herself in a situation not answers. The clearest thing is that strength of the passions is out of proportion with the fullness where there is more time to think more and soundness of the thinking that backs our claims. We very often do not know, but when another human fully and on more sufficient grounds. being disagrees with us, we act as if we do know and as if they ought to know. We would never demand that a human being give a solution to an equation clusion until the thinking itself merits a conclusion.1 before they had actually worked it out, but in many All others are under the pressure of some deadline, matters of much greater concern to us we demand the pressing down of the flowing water of time. This something like that from our fellow human beings. pressure distorts their thinking in one way or another. We put them on the clock. We impress upon them It makes them proclaim a finish to the thinking when habits of bad thinking. And we invest the situation more thinking is needed. It makes them proclaim a with great passion and grave consequences. matter finished when more argument or more evi- Her suitors have put Penelope on the clock. They dence is needed. This pressure leads to bad thinking, are aggressive and avaricious. They are perhaps and according to Socrates it makes human beings reversions to the piratical character of the early “become small and not upright in their souls.” Greeks. They are perhaps the result of a generation Human beings become slaves to the clock mostly of young Greek men who have come up, thanks to because other human beings put them on the clock. the war, without the benefit of the guidance of the In one of his notebooks from 1882, Nietzsche writes previous generation. They are perhaps just a flar- “Madness is rare with individuals – but with groups, ing up of unfiltered human nature, opportunistic parties, peoples, times it is the rule.” The word for predators that see something desirable (authority madness here is Irrsinn,2 literally erroneous think- in Ithaka, wealth, a beautiful woman) undefended

20 THE COLLEGE | ST. JOHN’S COLLEGE | FALL 2016 and are not sufficiently inhibited by conventions that have no force to back them up. It is unsafe not to come to some kind of agreement with such suitors. Although Penelope is not wholly opposed to coming to some kind of arrangement with the suitors, she tries to delay them. She tries to put herself in a situation where there is more time to think more fully and on more sufficient grounds. She tries to defend her marriage, but what is she defending? The fate of her husband is unknown. No contact for nearly 20 years. What have they shared? What have they done together? Nothing. Each has been married to the other separately. Because of their separation their marriage is devoid of change, it is time defying and thus is allied to the leisurely realm of purer thinking. But it is not just their special circumstances that makes this so. Their marriage is meant to be once and for all. Perhaps most marriages are meant to be time defying. Odysseus embraced this thought when he built his immovable bed. However such a marriage is not aiming at the kind of unchanging character that belongs to undying beings. When Odysseus defends his marriage, he does so against the offer of marriage to a goddess. Immortality comes with this offer. But when Homer gives us a glimpse of Odys- seus reasoning about Calypso’s offer it is clear he is measuring marriage to the goddess against his existing marriage to the mortal Penelope. This attempt to have something lasting and sta- ble, but still transient and mortal may offer some form of compromise with the pressure that time recognize that her Odysseus has returned. It is exerts on our thinking. For it is not just the suitors 1 This is why sabbaticals are so unlike the other recognition scenes. A distinctive that put Penelope on the clock. It is her mortality important to those who wish scar may be enough to mark an individual as singu- also. Loyalty to a person can lose its substance if to live the life of a learner. lar, or performance of a feat that only he can do may that person no longer exists. And her Odysseus may They are not vacations. They be enough. But this is not how Penelope recognizes are times designed to approxi- be dead or so changed as to no longer be hers. Even that her Odysseus has come back. When she pre- mate as much as possible the if this is not the case, there is a cost to loyalty. Even tends to order that their immovable marriage bed leisure that allows a thinking when her Odysseus has returned, Penelope laments be moved, Odysseus responds with strong anger. It being to think according to the that the gods did not allow them to enjoy their youth criteria of thinking alone. is his emotional response, not his knowledge of the together (XXIII, 211). One sees this cost even more 2 details of a material secret, that convinces Penelope Compare Beyond Good and clearly in the touching scene with Odysseus’s dog that her Odysseus is back. The marriage of these Evil 156 where Nietzsche Argos. The dog was bred by Odysseus, and he is its makes a similar claim. There two, impressive and inspiring as it is, exists primar- master; it has clung to life loyally, it has waited 20 he uses the word Wahnsinn. ily in the realm of thought and feeling. And thus it years to die only when its master returns. But they 3 is fragile; if Odysseus had not returned when he did, Among other things, it would have not shared life with one another. How much likely have cost Telemachus waiting for his return would not have been the best better off Penelope is may just be a fortunate acci- his life. choice.3 But the fragility of such a marriage does not dent of her span of life. mean the marriage is not a real thing. We can and Penelope’s marriage is a thought, and not a do live substantially within our thoughts. Since this thought fully founded upon adequate thinking and is our situation, we should take as much care as we evidence. She has chosen to remain loyal to this ABOVE: Penelope at her loom, can regarding the quality of our thinking. miniature, circa 1505, thought even though aware of its inadequate found- From the manuscipt Lives of ing. We can see this in the way that she comes to Famous Women by Antoine Dufour. Musee Dobree. © DeA Picture Library/Art Resource, NY

THE COLLEGE | ST. JOHN’S COLLEGE | FALL 2016 21 22 THE COLLEGE | ST. JOHN’S COLLEGE | FALL 2016 INDUSTRIOUS ALUMS

Young entrepreneurs create an old-school business from scratch

BY GREGORY SHOOK

With the rise in popularity of gluten- free diets and increased public interest in lowering carbohydrate consumption, bread has taken it on the chin lately. Flying in the face of these culinary trends, Chris Simmons (A97) and Lucy Montgomery (A98) opened a small business making fresh- baked bread, cookies, pastries, and other delectable treats from scratch. The shop was a hit from the start.

PHOTOGRAPHY: SARAH CULVER (AGI11) THE COLLEGE | ST. JOHN’S COLLEGE | FALL 2016 23 Previous page: Chris he married couple runs Bakers & constantly on a learning curve,” adds Simmons. Simmons (A97) and Lucy Co., a European-style café perched “It takes several days to figure out a mistake.” Montgomery (A98) share a family moment with on a bustling corner in the heart of The couple insists on high standards, even if it their two daughters in Eastport—Annapolis’ quirky neigh- requires more time and effort. “Taking shortcuts their shop’s kitchen. bor across Spa Creek. Simmons in baking is reflected in the quality of the food,” Above: Bakers & Co. says the secret to great bread boils says Montgomery. “You taste it.” “We’re tough serves authentic treats with a neighborhood feel. down to three simple ingredients: critics,” adds Simmons. “When we try to learn Right: Chris Simmons water, flour, salt. What about yeast? “For some something, we’re not happy with it until we’re (A97) starts his day of crazyT reason, I insist on making most of my sour- really happy with it.” baking at 3 a.m. dough bread naturally, so not adding commercial A few years into baking, the couple took a bus- or instant yeast, which adds a whole other layer man’s holiday to Norwich, Vermont, for an intensive of planning,” says Simmons. “I have to make deci- week-long class at the King Arthur Flour Company, sions two days in advance to have my starter a veritable mecca for bakers and bread lovers. It ready to go when I need it.” wasn’t until later, though, that Simmons realized Simmons and Montgomery are both self- his classic French breads instructor was “one of taught, so they’ve had to figure out the art of bak- the most serious bread makers in the country.” ing largely on their own. “Sometimes you take the While Simmons and Montgomery are celebrating longer way to learn something and, at times, be a the shop’s four-year anniversary this Thanksgiving, little too rigorous. But in the long run you learn their story actually begins nearly a decade ago, when it far more profoundly,” says Montgomery. “I’m Montgomery decided on a whim to try her hand at

24 THE COLLEGE | ST. JOHN’S COLLEGE | FALL 2016 “Sometimes you take the longer way to learn something and, at times, be a little too rigorous. But in the long run you

learn it far more profoundly.” —Lucy Montgomery (A98)

making bread at home. She found her calling. A few weeks later, Montgomery traveled to England to visit a sick relative. While there, her aunt took her out to dinner at a London restaurant known for its bread. At the time Montgomery and Simmons were at a crossroads: she was exploring business school, and Simmons, who learned about running a small business through his years working at the old Smoke Shop in Annapolis, was considering a shift to architecture. During dinner with her aunt, Montgomery, eager to sample the restaurant’s much-lauded bread, discovered that she actually preferred her own homemade creations. Sensing her niece’s newfound enthusiasm for baking, Montgomery’s aunt urged her to forget about business school and start a business. Her advice paid off. With just their hands and a few basic tools, Simmons and Montgomery began baking bread free-form at their Eastport home, usually two loaves at a time, experimenting with different types and sharing it with friends. The couple then lucked into a spot at a local farmer’s market. “The timing was perfect,” says Simmons. “I don’t know how that happened. There’s a three- year waiting list.” On their first day at the market, they arrived with a card table, a tablecloth, 17 loaves of bread, and a small basket, not quite sure what to expect. “[The bread] was gone in forty-five minutes,” recalls Simmons, with wide-eyed aston- ishment. “Then we thought, ‘what have we just done? They’re all going to come back next week.’”

THE COLLEGE | ST. JOHN’S COLLEGE | FALL 2016 25 Fueled by their initial success, the young bakers— who put in many hours of baking and prep time per week on top of their full-time jobs—returned the following week stocked with 22 loaves. Again, they sold it all. With Bakers & Co., Simmons and Montgomery are proud to be part of what she calls “the mom- and-pop store revival.” Unlike corporate chain stores, Bakers & Co. keeps limited hours and is closed two days a week. However, the work never stops. “I’m busy those two days to get things going, to prepare for the other five days in the week,” says Simmons. “There’s not a day that I’m not there.” The couple is also busy raising their two young daughters. “I’ve got to get home to make supper,” says Montgomery, who also man- ages the shop’s administrative duties. “That’s what a mom-and-pop is.” Word of mouth helped the business grow and bring in new customers. “Our location is very spe- cifically a neighborhood bake shop, but we get customers from many miles away, from huge dis- tances,” says Montgomery. “It’s kind of a Cheers thing, where you know everyone’s names, and people can talk with one another. People desper- ately want to belong to a community, and they like the idea of a family bakery. It’s nice to connect with people and have a community. Our shop fits that.”

Learn more about the couple’s bakery at www.bakersandco.com.

26 THE COLLEGE | ST. JOHN’S COLLEGE | FALL 2016 The work never stops. “I’m busy those two days to get things going, to prepare for the other five days in the week. There’s not a day that I’m not there.” —Chris Simmons (A97)

Lucy Montgomery (A98) sets out an array of freshly baked goods.

THE COLLEGE | ST. JOHN’S COLLEGE | FALL 2016 27 CREATIVE THINKER

BUILDING BY BOB KEYES COMMUNITY AMONG “BIG-IDEA” THINKERS

28 THE COLLEGE | ST. JOHN’S COLLEGE | FALL 2016 Liz Trice (SF98) says her job Trice owns and operates PelotonLabs in involves being a good host. It Portland, Maine, a co-working office space for starts with making sure the independent professionals and entrepreneurs. coffee is fresh, the bathrooms She creates connections among busy people, are clean and the chairs are as well as a comfortable and effective work comfortable. Her greatest skill, environment for people whose careers and she says, is her friendliness. lifestyles demand independence and flexibility.

THE COLLEGE | ST. JOHN’S COLLEGE | FALL 2016 29 SUCCESS STORY

t’s complicated work, highly specialized and intuitive, and involves more than making good coffee and keeping the office clean and comfortable. Trice uses her human relations expertise, strategic planning experience, and problem-solving skills—all rooted in interaction, innovation, and collaboration—to create a self-sustaining community of independent, progressive workers. Her goal is to bring people together to share what they know, help each other grow and “weave a social fabric” that extends beyond the workplace. Her work at PelotonLabs is not unlike the work she does at the nearby GLENN PICHER – DIRIGO MULTIMEDIA Sofas provide a relaxed atmosphere to share ideas. community garden that she helps maintain in her neighborhood: she nurtures, nour- ishes, and encourages. “At Peloton, mostly I just chat with people in the kitchen, “ introduce people to each other, and connect WE WANT A PLACE WHERE people with overlapping interests,” says Trice. “My role is community organizer and PEOPLE WHO ARE ON THEIR OWN CAN group facilitator.” Co-working is a relatively new concept, WORK WITH OTHERS, TO GET THE BENEFITS where entrepreneurs, freelancers, consultants, and others who work remotely share OF BEING IN AN ORGANIZATION WHILE work space. There are about a half-million co-workers and more than 7,000 co-working spaces globally, and those numbers are STILL BEING INDEPENDENT.” growing. Employment trends suggest that by 2020, up to 40 percent of the U.S. work- force will consist of freelancers, temporary with a business partner, and has owned the a month. The price reflects different levels employees, independent contractors, and business outright for three years. The name of membership and service. Trice calls solo entrepreneurs. is a cycling term. In races, bicyclists from PelotonLabs a clubhouse, where the value At PelotonLabs, members own compa- different teams work together in groups, of membership involves more than having nies, edit books, and make movies. They are or pelotons, to move faster. Trice builds a comfortable place to work. She arranges accountants and consultants, marketers and community among “big-idea thinkers” so professional development gatherings, weekly IT experts. Many are telecommuters who they can progress faster together than alone. lunches, happy hours, and “coaching hours,” want a structured office environment, and “We want a place where people who are on where members share knowledge of their about half are self-employed. They’re mostly their own can work with others, to get the specialty with others. a young group, mobile and tech-savvy. The benefits of being in an organization while In other ways, it’s a little like kinder- average age is 39, and the typical member still being independent,” she says. garten. There are daily snack times, where spends 23 hours in the office each week. PelotonLabs currently has about 80 everyone is encouraged to take a break, Trice opened PelotonLabs six years ago members, who pay between $100 and $300 come together, and share words and food.

30 THE COLLEGE | ST. JOHN’S COLLEGE | FALL 2016 room, into the kitchen and also keep an eye on the conference room. She works with her feet propped on a coffee table, her laptop within reach. Betsy Smith, an independent consultant, works at Peloton one or two days a week, mostly when her kids are home. She likes to spread out her work and encamp for eight or 10 hours with little interruption. But lately, Smith has sought interruptions. She likes to mingle among her co-workers “because I have found it’s a great place to be talking about what we are all doing,” she said. “It’s exciting to be having those conversations among other people having similar conversations. We all do interesting things, and we can all help each other.” She has hired subcontractors through ARCHETYPE ARCHITECTS those conversations, and directed co-work- PelotonLabs is the city’s first purpose-built office space. ers to leads and ideas for new work. Another private consultant, Cristos Lianides-Chin, has been involved with “ PelotonLabs since fall 2015 when he IT’S EXCITING TO BE HAVING moved to Maine. He was drawn “because of the community. I really like the mix of THOSE CONVERSATIONS AMONG OTHER people,” he says. “I needed a desk and office space short term, but I was looking for a PEOPLE HAVING SIMILAR CONVERSATIONS. community and a long-term relationship.” He’s become an integral member, serving as WE ALL DO INTERESTING THINGS, AND WE technologist-in-residence. Trice sees her work at PelotonLabs as a logical trajectory of her life and career. At CAN ALL HELP EACH OTHER.” age 6, she created a filing system with an index card for each classmate. That was the first evidence of what she calls her “thought- There are rooms for napping, and exercise at workstations that face away from the cen- ful social inclinations.” Those continued at rings hanging from the ceiling, for when ter of the room. Others share tables and sit St. John’s, where the college’s communal people need to stretch their bodies. across from each other on sofas. The space approach to education suited her mindset. PelotonLabs consists of two floors in a is buzzing with white noise, so recognizable She did her graduate work at the Muskie modern office building, which opens onto voices are masked. The second floor offers School of Public Service at the University Portland’s busiest downtown thoroughfare. more privacy and quiet spaces—and private of Southern Maine in Portland, where she The bottom floor is mostly open, with work rooms for naps. It’s a comfortable space, wrote her master’s thesis about the residen- stations and tables spread across a colorful because it has to be. “I’m competing with tial needs of single people. Now in business, and airy room. There are conference rooms people’s homes,” says Trice. she serves the needs of remote workers, the for meetings and quiet spaces for private Trice doesn’t have an office. She self-employed, and emerging entrepreneurs. phone calls. flows throughout the building, and likes The thread, she says, is connecting It’s a bustling place, with multiple conver- conducting meetings on a sofa near the people, providing companionship, and shar- sations happening at once. Some people sit front door, where she can see across the ing resources to improve their lives.

THE COLLEGE | ST. JOHN’S COLLEGE | FALL 2016 31 BIBLIOFILE

athryn Kramer’s new book, Missing His- As her father grew on in years, he also grew disillu- KATHRYN tory: The Covert Education of a Child of sioned by academia. This inspired teacher and scholar KRAMER the Great Books (Threshold Way Publish- of Western thought became isolated and sought alco- ing, 2015), combines heartfelt memoir hol for solace—a point that Kramer delves into deeply Missing History with candid family history, as well as an and openly. “He was tired of having to watch people K examination of the American educational ‘reinventing the wheel,’ when the Greeks, just to start system. Daughter of Clarence “Corky” with, had already catalogued all the follies of which Kramer, a 1949 graduate of St. John’s who human nature was capable.” was a tutor at the Annapolis campus and Kramer, who now lives in Vermont and teaches the first dean at the Santa Fe campus, at Middlebury College, looks back unflinchingly at Kathryn Kramer was an “academic child” her own academic experiences—the Key School that at the college during the 1950s. In that her father helped to found, high school at the newly era, sweetly scented pipe smoke wafted established Santa Fe Preparatory School, and then from inside and outside classrooms, and Marlboro College and Johns Hopkins University female students first joined their male where she studied writing—seeking clues to find what counterparts to study the Program. “I rec- was missing from those experiences and to better ognize other academic children. Children understand the great books and their bearing on her of literature and humanities faculties, life. “The impetus to look back over my own school especially,” Kramer writes in the book’s years first arose when I began to participate in the prologue. “It’s hard to say what the signs long march of the educational system a second time, are, exactly. A certain diffidence. A shared as a parent,” she writes. During a visit to a school, acknowledgement that the truth is always “I suddenly found myself near tears, remembering all a little more complicated than what any- at once, entirely, as if I’d been transported back to one is articulating, including ourselves.” them at that very moment, the classrooms with desks Kramer’s loving yet complicated rela- arranged in their neat lines, in which you had to sit no tionship with her father, his career, and matter what, the teacher in front at the blackboard, “It’s hard to say what his relationship with the works of Plato, dispensing knowledge, revealing from on high.” Aristotle, Shakespeare, and Socrates, is In a letter to Annapolis tutor Eva Brann (H89) the signs are, exactly. an underlying theme of the book. “My following her “reader response” to Missing History, A certain diffidence. A father always spoke of them as if he knew Kramer recalls her childhood, in the ether of St. John’s, them personally.” When she was a young as “a privileged upbringing—in a time and atmosphere shared acknowledgement girl, her father’s study on the top floor of that won’t come again.” Since then, Kramer became that the truth is always their brick row house represented a world interested in tracing back certain habits of thought a little more complicated of intrigue and mystery that followed her and ways of looking at the world. “And I’ve been grati- throughout her life. “In the study I never fied to find that what I’ve written has struck a nerve than what anyone is consciously looked at the books, but it not only for children of academics (though maybe articulating, including seemed to me that I’d always known them especially for them) but other people.” and their titles, so it came as a surprise to —Gregory Shook ourselves.” me one day to realize that I’d never actually read them—these arbiters of Western thought, these bearers of my philosophical and literary heritage.”

32 THE COLLEGE | ST. JOHN’S COLLEGE | FALL 2016 We Eat Our Own struggling New York actor receives an irresistible By Kea Wilson (SF08) offer to star in an art film set deep in the heart of Scribner, 2016 the Amazon rain forest. However, soon after his arrival to the jungle outpost he discovers that all is Kea Wilson’s (SF08) debut novel is packed with not right with the production. Worlds collide as the enough fright to entice the appetites of most horror novel intertwines a cast of characters that includes fans: murder, mayhem, mutilation—and, as the American entrepreneurs, guerilla rebels, effects book’s title suggests, cannibals. It’s also compelling artists, and the film’s eccentric director, who leads storytelling that weaves clear prose with well-thought his crew into a disastrous experiment. The actor who commentary on violence and its repercussions. hoped for his big break now only hopes for survival. Inspired by the gruesome 1980 Italian film, Cannibal Holocaust by director Ruggero Deodato, We Eat Our Own is a thrilling adventure set in South America in the 1970s. The story begins when an unknown,

The Great Spring: Writing, Zen, from the past three decades that have awakened her and This Zigzag Life to new ways of being. From her meanderings through the New Mexico desert to a meditative retreat at a By Natalie Goldberg (SFGI74) monastery in Japan, Goldberg’s stories are deeply Shambhala, 2016 personal and imbued with humor, insight, and honesty. Natalie Goldberg (SFGI74) has dedicated her life to Organized by theme—Searching, Wandering, Zigzaging, the practice of writing and Zen, both of which have Losing, Leaping—the book reveals how Goldberg finds kept her grounded through myriad inner and outer fertile ground by embracing her life and being fully journeys. A beloved writing teacher and author of the attentive to it. best-selling Writing Down the Bones, her new book, The Great Spring, is a collection of 22 short essays on food, family, writing, painting, meditation, travel, love, loss, death, and enlightenment—vivid moments

Kleinkrieg Command by Arthur Earhardt in 1935, Melson, former By Charles D. Melson (AGI88) chief historian for the U.S. Marine Corps, provides new Casemate, 2016 analysis and expands our knowledge of the Western experience—primarily that of the United States and In his latest publication, Kleinkrieg: The German the United Kingdom—in coping with insurgencies in Experience with Guerilla Wars, from Clausewitz to recent years. Without partaking in ideological biases, Hitler, Charles D. Melson (AGI88) examines German this edited and annotated work examines the purely analysis of the nation’s difficult process, from fighting military complexities as viewed by professionals. great confrontational battles for which they once Rediscovered and presented in English, these German prepared to “small wars,” including insurgencies from thoughts on the issue are now made available to a new French-occupied Spain to recurrent problems in the generation of military and other readers. Balkans. Built around the historical analysis titled Kleinkrieg, originally provided to the German High

THE COLLEGE | ST. JOHN’S COLLEGE | FALL 2016 33 For & About ALUMNI And the Award Goes to…

and volunteerism in the alumni conversations on empowering ADRIAN TREVISAN (A84) community, is among the many alumni chapter leaders to Alumni Association Board highlights of this three-day offer a wider range of events President event. Last year’s ALFie recipi- for chapter members, and ents earned awards for bringing discussions to explore ways to together past and present develop mentorship relations “I’m happy to welcome new croquet team members for a with current students and and returning directors to friendly on-campus match and fellow alumni. Inspired by the Board as we continue for the Reunion Class Chairs’ Graduate Institute traditions, excellent outreach efforts. ALF also offered opportunities our efforts to increase for alumni to reconnect during alumni engagement. Our Organized by the St. John’s such events as tutorials drawn College Alumni Association alumni survey showed that from the Master of Liberal (SJCAA) and college staff, while most Johnnies want Arts program readings, a post- ALF brings together St. John’s Charles and Chris Nelson tutorial gathering, and an open to have a seminar at their alumni and other members mic-styled event titled “Komos.” chapter, many also want of the college community In recognition of his long- for a weekend of working The 2017 Alumni Leadership other types of activities, so standing engagement with the groups, special workshops, Forum will be held from June we’re working to develop college, Charles Nelson (Class meals, and other activities 2-4 at the Santa Fe campus, of 1945) received the Lifetime a broad range of activities designed to support and foster with workshops centered on Service Award at the seventh that chapters can offer their deeper alumni engagement St. John’s sophomore year annual Alumni Leadership with the college. Recent studies. For more information, members. We’re always Forum (ALF) held at the initiatives include the Adopt- visit sjc.edu/alumni. looking for volunteers to Annapolis campus in June. a-School program, workshops The “ALFies” award ceremony, —Babak Zarin (A11) participate in our work!” on addressing the role and which also included Volunteer means of alumni philanthropy Service Awards to alumni in in the college community, recognition of their leadership

We Have the Votes!

In the last issue of The College, the Treasurer: Babak Zarin (A11) Officers and at-large directors of the St. John’s College Alumni Association association are elected to two-year terms, Secretary: Susann Bradford (SF89) asked alumni to cast their votes to elect while representatives to the Board of the treasurer, secretary, and six at-large At-Large Directors: Visitors and Governors serve three-year members of the Alumni Association Claiborne Booker (A84) terms. Each of the newly elected alumni Board of Directors, as well as one alumni- Elihu Dietz (SF06) began their terms on July 1. elected member of the college’s Board of Briana Henderson Saussy (A03, EC05) If you would like to connect or engage Visitors and Governors. On June 5, the Mark Parenti (AGI92) with the St. John’s community, or take St. John’s College Alumni Association Brenna Strauss (SF04) advantage of the college’s resources for elected the following alumni to serve in Heather Upshaw (SF04) alumni, please visit sjc.edu/alumni to these positions: Representative to Board of Visitors and learn more. Governors: Linda Stabler-Talty (SFGI76)

Alumni Association Mission To strive for the continued excellence of our college and fellow alumni by celebrating our distinctive educational experience, connecting our community in efforts toward shared support and benefit, and fostering a culture of intellect, generosity, and service.

34 THE COLLEGE | ST. JOHN’S COLLEGE | SPRING 2016 Books for All SJCAA kick-starts a new initiative

In recent years, the St. John’s College Alumni Associa- tion (SJCAA) has sought to increase awareness of itself among current students; many of whom are unaware that the SJCAA even exists—that “you’re a Johnnie when you walk across the stage and sign the book, and you’re a Johnnie for the rest of your life,” as SJCAA Board Presi- dent Adrian Trevisan (A84) puts it. The Student Engage- ment Working Group, led by alumnae Briana Saussy (A03) and Martha Acosta (A92), is trying to make sure more students know the SJCAA is and the two GI directors to Board Secretary Sue Brad- “Alumni are willing there for them. Beginning in come up with alternate titles ford (SF89)—and what better to donate to have a fall 2017, they will be doing that would still serve as a impact than a Program book? so in a concrete way, with the “beautiful, meaningful gift” meaningful impact Both Trevisan and Bradford presentation of a gift book to to students. “Our GI reps felt laud Saussy for her dedication all incoming students. that Plato’s Meno was the clear on student life.” to the project, even when it winner since it is the only The gift-book initiative was looked impossible. “I think text that all GI students… inspired by a previous program there is a sense that this was will have to read.” For the by the Annapolis Instruction a really difficult thing to push Eastern Classics program, they Committee that presented a through,” she says, “and I settled on the Therigatha, “a Greek lexicon to new freshmen. would say it a bit differently. collection of poems from the Saussy first came up with a This is an ambitious project…I first Buddhist women.” The proposal that would purchase never took the setbacks undergraduate selection is the lexicons for Santa Fe freshmen personally and that is probably Green Lion edition of Euclid’s as well. But when the board what allowed me to just keep Elements, a text students will asked their student represen- working along. I think that is refer to all four years. tatives for thoughts, Trev- one of the best things we walk isan says, “After a moment’s Once the books had been away with from St. John’s, the uncomfortable hesitation, they decided upon, the next task ability to be truly disinterested said that most students now was economics. Again, Saussy in something—to be able to use an online lexicon, so they pushed through to craft an consider a situation from didn’t think it was a good idea. agreement wherein each Dean many angles and not to get After we stopped laughing we will cover 25 percent of the ini- upset when we hit a snag but declared the project dead.” tiative’s cost, while a develop- continue onward while altering ment campaign will tap recent course when needed.” Saussy, however, was grads to raise the other half. undaunted. She spoke -Anna Perleberg Andersen (SF02) “Alumni are willing to donate with the SJCAA student to have a meaningful impact representatives, both deans, on student life,” says SJCAA

THE COLLEGE | ST. JOHN’S COLLEGE | FALL 2016 35 ALUMNI NOTES

her husband and attend theater 1955 performances more often. “Ahhh, 1988 Carolyn Banks-Leeuwenburgh (A) the joy of reading and having BOOKS FOR THE BLUES reports that there is a new Alumni the leisure to do it! I wonder if I Chapter in Princeton, N.J. Start- should’ve chosen this life of luxury Edward Komara’s (A) 2014 book, 100 ing this fall, the group will meet sooner!” monthly in the Princeton Public Books Every Blues Fan Should Own (with Library. 1969 Greg Johnson), was conferred the Vincent H. Duckles Award for best book-length Beth Kuper (SF) writes, “I have an 1960 entirely new career working exclu- music bibliography by the Music Library After teaching full time for the sively for transformational life Association last March. It also received last 44 years, Katherine Hsu Haas coaches all over the U.S., helping the 2015 award for best history in the category of blues, hip (A) is semiretired. She will con- them build their support teams hop, gospel, or rhythm and blues from the Association of tinue to teach a couple mornings through recruiting virtual and a week at Annapolis’ Key School, on-site employees. All my business Recorded Sound Collections. “I never complained about having where she has the new title, comes through personal referrals to read the 100 blues books, because “scientist in residence.” Embracing of my clients, and I work virtually everyone around me was showing envy, not pity, for the more free time in her life, Haas from home. Everything I’ve ever project. Even so, reading the books was a serious endeavor. has ventured into the realm of learned professionally, as well as Facebook as well as t’ai chi and the life-long classes I’ve taken on One large group consisted of histories and biographies, and bridge. She plans to travel with understanding myself and others, another was of cultural anthropology and folklore. But running has prepared me for this work. I in between was a vein of recent commentary, especially am grateful every day for being Houston Baker’s Blues, Ideology and Afro-American Literature able to do what I love: connecting good people with good people.” (1984), that affirmed the blues as a distinct African American means of renewing one’s sense of personal identity.” Since 1970 2001, Komara has been Crane librarian of music at the State Ed Macierowski (A), professor University of New York at Potsdam. of philosophy at Benedictine College, is preparing two upper- level courses and hosting an “with DrawnIn, we can create a extra-curricular reading group to 1978 communal SJC artsy forum and celebrate the 2,400th anniversary After nearly a dozen years in the later produce an eBook or a light of Aristotle’s birth in 2016. “We are Big Apple, Victor Austin (SF) is show from the results.” reading through Peter Simpson’s now theologian-in-residence in the translation of Aristotle’s Politics. Episcopal Diocese of Dallas and The philosophy seminar is on the at Church of the Incarnation in 1987 doctrine of being in the Aristote- Dallas, Texas. His memoir, Losing Clare (Fisher) McGrath-Merkle lian Metaphysics, and the Greek Susan: Brain Disease, the Priest’s (AGI) writes, “After a long road of 1982 reading course will focus on linguis- Wife, and the God Who Gives and working full time as a fundraiser tic problems in the Metaphysics.” Takes Away, was recently pub- and burning the midnight oil, I You Scream, lished by Brazos. just successfully defended a doc- toral dissertation in May on the 1975 speculative mysticism and applied I Scream… G. Kay Bishop’s (A) story “Coyote 1981 metaphysics found in the theology Year” was published in the first Don Dennis (SF) and his wife Joshua Berlow (SF) is the official of Pierre de Berulle (Descartes’s issue of the new online science movie critic for Perihelion, an spiritual director) at the Faculty have launched an ice cream fiction magazine, Into the Ruins online science fiction magazine, of Philosophy and Social Sciences (https://intotheruins.com/issues/ business, Wee Isle Dairy Ice available at www.perihelionsf.com. of the University of Augsburg, issue-i-spring-2016). Bishop notes Cream, on the small island of Germany. (It’s complicated.) that the editor is seeking new Gigha, where they live in Scot- Hoping to find a teaching position works, “so if you have tried your 1983 in the U.S. (Apparently, the EU land. They currently feature hand at post-industrial age sci-fi, Peter McClard (SF) is working as gives preference to EUers). Since do send it along to him.” More a full-time medical app maker six flavors, including a rather I didn’t watch television for about of Bishop’s work is available at in New Jersey, and still making intriguing Bramble and Whisky. ten years, my favorite post-disser- http://gkaybishop.weebly.com. music and art. Among his apps tation recovery therapy is watch- Learn more about their new are DrawnIn, Biographer, and ing Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives venture on Facebook. Different Drummer. He notes that

36 THE COLLEGE | ST. JOHN’S COLLEGE | FALL 2016 will travel with the production to 1988 Toronto in November and Decem- 1997 ber 2016 and then to Broadway Kevin Neal Gardner (A) was recently HISTORY RECORDED in early 2017. Come From Away is granted tenure as an associate pro- the story of the town of Gander, fessor at Berea College in Berea, Charles D. “Chuck” Melson Newfoundland, location of the Ky. “I teach studio art, which for (AGI) recently retired after northeastern-most airport in me includes teaching all levels of more than 40 years of govern- North America. On September 11, painting, beginning and advanced 2001, when American airspace drawing, a seminar for graduating ment service. He spent 23 was closed, all trans-Atlantic seniors, and international travel years with the History and flights were diverted to Gander. courses, including Italy, Ireland, Museums Division at Head- Come From Away is the story of and Spain. Additionally, I teach a quarters, U.S. Marine Corps how the Canadian town selflessly general studies course for freshmen dealt with these events against on critical thinking in the liberal in Washington, D.C. and the the backdrop of chaos and tragedy. arts, which in method I borrow Marine Corps University at heavily from my time at St. John’s. Quantico, Va. He held a variety After completing a PhD in theol- For a number of reasons, Berea is ogy at Marquette University of positions ranging from his- a unique college, not the least of in Milwaukee and a post-doc which is its status as tuition-free. torical writer to acting division fellowship at Regis College of the Founded by abolitionists prior to director, serving for most of University of Toronto, Chris Hadley the Civil War, Berea maintains its his career as chief historian. This was a period of major transi- (A) joined the faculty of the Jesuit historic commitments to teaching School of Theology (JST) of Santa tion and change for his organization, which saw the completion a diverse group of promising stu- Clara University as assistant pro- dents of limited financial means. of the National Museum of the Marine Corps and the Brigadier fessor of systematic theology and And there is some connection to the General Edwin H. Simmons Center for Marine Corps History. began teaching in September. St. John’s curriculum. Robert Melson wrote, edited, and published official histories in the Maynard Hutchins’s father and Vietnam, Gulf War, and Global War on Terrorism series as well 1994 brother were consecutive presidents at Berea.” View recent exam- Ben Feldman (A) finished a PhD as World War II, Korea, and Vietnam commemorative publica- ples of his paintings and drawings in experimental psychology a year tions. He recorded service operations and intelligence actions at www.kevinnealgardner.com. ago, specializing in autism spec- and represented the Marine Corps at national and international trum disorder and developmental historical meetings, conferences, and committees. He was also disabilities research, at Case 1998 a joint historian with the U.S. Central Command and Special Western Reserve University. After Richard Field (SFGI) was errone- spending the last year doing school Operations Command during the Gulf War and the Global War ously listed in the spring 2016 psychology work, he recently issue of The College as an alumnus on Terrorism. He remains active with the Secretary of the started at the National Institute of of the undergraduate program. Navy’s subcommittee on naval history, the Vietnam War com- Mental Health/ National Institutes memoration, and volunteer work. of Health in the Office of Autism Research Coordination as a health 2000 science policy analyst. After three years of teaching studio art at the New Mexico School for the Arts, Karina Noel Hean (A) is and the (rented) film,Footnote . the first LGBT student group in (Hint: I identify with the father.)” 1989 and petitioned the college’s 1995 excited to begin the new school Justin Maddox (A) recently pub- Board of Visitors and Governors to year as the visual arts chair. This lished “How to Start a War: Eight include “sexual orientation” in its is a unique charter/nonprofit arts Cases of Strategic Provocation” 1991 non-discrimination mandate. high school, free to N.M. residents, Lake Perriguey (SF), a Portland, in the George Mason University with a dorm in Santa Fe. She Ore. civil rights lawyer, obtained journal, Narrative and Conflict. The invites Johnnies in the area who for his client the first U.S. court- 1992 article focuses on the frequent use are interested in a tour to contact ordered recognition of a person Alec Berlin (SF) is performing on of false provocation in preparation her at [email protected] or as nonbinary—neither male nor guitar in a production of a new for warfare and its usefulness as an [email protected]. female. Heralded as the first legal musical, Come From Away, at indicator of impending warfare. order recognizing a third gender in Ford’s Theater in Washington, 2001 the United States, this binary- D.C. Ben Power (A93) is also in 1996 Lance Brisbois (A) is working at busting ruling follows a history of the band; they have been part of Jonathan Rowan (SF) was awarded Harvard University. He would love gender and sexuality civil rights the show since May 2015 when his PhD in comparative literature to hear from Johnnies at Harvard work beginning at St. John’s it premiered in La Jolla, Calif. from University of California, or in the Cambridge area, and can College when Perriguey founded Following the run at Ford’s, they Berkley, where he also lectured. be reached at [email protected].

THE COLLEGE | ST. JOHN’S COLLEGE | FALL 2016 37 ALUMNI NOTES

including me in an Anna Karenina Eastern European and Interna- study group several years ago, the tional Studies Associations. source of inspiration for Levin’s name,” she writes. “Incidentally, 2008 I find myself farming now. This Tammie Kahnhauser (A) has been spring I became the manager of a accepted to the Hackbright Soft- two hundred-plus member Com- ware Engineering Fellowship in munity Supported Agriculture San Francisco, Calif. The intensive (CSA) program at the University of 12-week fellowship is designed to Kentucky’s organic farm. I’d enjoy transition female candidates from 1994 reconnecting with any Johnnies non-technical backgrounds into who might travel out this way!” The Geometric Life the Silicon Valley community as web and software designers. Since graduating from St. John’s, Lee Howard Madden-Krall (SFGI) 2005 reports that he has architected a geometric life of many skills, Abram Trosky (SFGI) is traveling 2009 talents, and abilities in multiple disciplines—morphing, evolving, through Italy, Greece, and the After working as a copywriter Balkans after delivering successful and training to meet today’s technological demands. Among his at two of D.C.’s top ad agencies, presentations and panels on peace many hats, he became a trained chef, working and teaching at the Nathan Betz (AGI) has relocated building, public opinion, and inter- Culinary Institute of America, and also learning his craft working as to Oxford, U.K., with wife Crystal national law at this year’s annual a chef in the Napa and Sonoma wine region. After 10 years away, and daughter Jaël. He is studying joint meeting of the Central and he moved back to his home in New Mexico, where he has enjoyed reconnecting with the Southwest. He also started his own production business (leehowardproductions.org), which helps clients, including artists and writers, maximize their resources for marketing 1995 solutions and building out their organization, business, or project. KALEIDOSCOPE OF SOUNDS He invites Johnnies who need a personal chef or are interested in learning to cook to contact him at [email protected]. Dan Nelson’s (A) band The Pleasure Class released its debut full- length recording “Sensual Passport.” Featuring three members of the all-women toy instrument group Toychestra, and a member of the analog synth/sound art project Boron, The Pleasure Class 2002 uses synthesizers, percussion, toy instruments, and samples to James Marshall Crotty (SFGI) is make music in the tradition of The Residents and CAN. His 2008 the politics, culture, and travel book, All Known Metal Bands, which contains the names of more columnist for the Huffington than 50,000 metal bands, was called “the best bathroom book Post. A documentary filmmaker ever” by Rolling Stone. (Crotty’s Kids), he is also at work on a Western set in his native Nebraska. To learn more about his columns, books, and films, visit Luke Mitcheson (SF01) married www.jamescrotty.com. CASSIA LEET Daphne Berwind-Dart on September 5, 2015, in their John Rogove (A) earned his PhD in backyard in Cambridge, Mass. Luke philosophy from the Sorbonne and and Daphne went to elementary teaches philosophy in Paris. school together and reconnected 20 years later at a fundraiser. 2004 Kristi (Meador) Durbin (A) wel- comed the arrival of her son, Levin Elias, on February 27. He joins his sister, Vesper (2). “I have tutor William Braithwaite to thank for

38 THE COLLEGE | ST. JOHN’S COLLEGE | FALL 2016 patristic theology at St Stephen’s about sex, sexual assault, and House, University of Oxford. When 2013 consent. I’m dedicated to being not overwhelmed with research, Patrick Redmon (AGI) an advocate for sexual assault, he’s seeking to buffer his family graduated with highest honors sex education, and consent. I’m from abject poverty by contracting from the University of North available to speak at schools and as a freelance copywriter and Carolina School of Law. He groups and to read from my book.” creative lead. and his wife, Tianlu Jia Redmon Learn more on her blog: www. (AGI), have moved to Oklahoma yesnomaybesex.com Elizabeth Harball (SF) is leaving City, where he will clerk for Judge her post as a reporter for Environ- Jerome Holmes of the U.S. Court ment & Energy Publishing in of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit. 2015 Rose (Loofbourrow) Bruce (A) Washington, D.C. and heading up Tianlu will continue to work as a married Charlie Bruce on to Anchorage, Alaska to join the freelance Mandarin translator and June 25, 2016. Alaska Energy Desk, a collabora- interpreter. She recently began tion between Alaska Public Media, working with the Golf Channel to KTOO and KUCB, where she will translate and provide voice-over cover the state’s rapidly changing for Mandarin coverage of major oil and gas industry. Her partner PGA Tour events. in crime, Richard Brian Woodbury 2012 (SF11), will join her in Anchorage Christine (Ivory) Leggett (AGI12) this December after he completes started swing dancing in college 2014 Olivia N. Broustra (SF) writes, his current project at the National and continued as a GI Johnnie. “After a sexual assault inter- Academy of Medicine. She recently started teaching Lindy hop for Gottaswing in rupted my first year at Vermont Sara Luell (A) was appointed Severna Park, Md. and just won Law School, the many differing director of communications at her first swing dance contest in and confusing responses to my the Maryland Department of Virginia. She competes all over experience inspired me to write Housing and Community Develop- the East Coast and attended her Yes No Maybe. This book explores ment in April. In this role, she first international dance event in the definition of consent as well oversees communications and Iceland this summer. as the education or lack thereof media relations for the agency. She also serves as a member of the department’s continuity of Cynthia Grady’s (AGI05) second book, Like a Bird: The Art of the American operations planning team and as a Slave Song, illustrated by award-winning artist Michele Wood, was recently state emergency operations center published by Lerner Books. Grady left her position at Sidwell Friends School and has relocated to Albuquerque where she is writing full time. representative. In addition, she serves on the Maryland Responds Medical Reserve Corps Advi- Do you have news to share sory Council as a member of the with The College? Send your engagement committee. note, along with your name, class year, and photo(s), to 2010 [email protected] Linden Anne Duffee (A) reports that she has successfully defended her dissertation, “On the har- monic and geometric maximal operators,” and received her doctorate in mathematics from the University of Alabama in May. In August she began a visiting assistant professor position at the University of the South in Sewanee, Tenn.

THE COLLEGE | ST. JOHN’S COLLEGE | FALL 2016 39 PROFILE

KIDS RULE! By Anna Perleberg Andersen (SF02) Anika Prather (AGI09) Starts a School That Breaks Tradition

hen Anika Prather’s (AGI09) son, Dillon, started kindergarten, she soon realized the traditional school environment was a poor fit for him. “He’s a very nice boy,” she says with aW mother’s pride—the kind of kid who watches CNN for fun—but he’s also “very inquisitive, very busy.” These traits got him into trouble in the classroom.

His otherwise wonderful teacher New York University, another responded by giving him time out. master’s in music education from “Okay, you’re being too busy,” she Howard, and is finishing her PhD said. “Just sit down over here until in curriculum and instruction at you learn to control yourself.” the University of Maryland this “The teacher thought that was fall. After a fruitless search, she a positive way to handle it,” says told her husband: “Honey, I liter- Prather, who doesn’t blame Dil- ally have to start a school.” That’s lon’s teacher for using this method. how the Living Water School, now But she also doesn’t believe it was in its second year, was born. helpful, and searched for a differ- There is no “typical day” for ent school for his first-grade year, a Living Water School student. a place “where his curiosity and Learning is entirely student- his need to move could be appreci- directed, with no formal classes, ated. I thought it would be easy.” no grade levels, no letter grades, No such luck, she discovered: no standardized tests, and no Anika Prather (AGI09) takes a selfie with her students. “I could not find a school where homework. According to the [he] could thrive. Nothing, in all school’s website (thelivingwater- of Maryland” within a reasonable school.blogspot.com), “Our goal Our goal is to completely take away those distance and price range. At this is to completely take away those point, most parents would go for elements of traditional school that elements of traditional school that conjure second best, perhaps homeschool- conjure up feelings of competi- up feelings of competition, fear, anxiety, ing or supplementing academ- tion, fear, anxiety, insecurity, ics with after-school activities. and inadequacy.” The day begins insecurity, and inadequacy. Prather, however, approached the with an hour of independent work problem not only as a parent, but that gives kids a chance to eat a as an educator. In addition to her leisurely breakfast or snack and St. John’s graduate degree, she go back to sleep if they need to do has a BA from Howard Univer- so before morning devotions at 10 sity in elementary education, a a.m. (Although Living Water is a master’s in theater education from Christian school, it does not teach

40 THE COLLEGE | ST. JOHN’S COLLEGE | FALL 2016 Teenage students have an active hand in designing their future academic and career paths, with the staff “committed to getting kids what they need.”

theology formally: “We will not taught for 10 years. Learning the force our beliefs on a child or treat great books while teaching them, any student or family member with she became passionate about their unkindness or disrespect.”) Stu- power. Initially, she looked into dents split into small groups with St. John’s to take a workshop or staff to pursue an academic task. two rather than earn a full degree, All students study reading, writ- having just started her doctorate. ing, and math, with a wide variety “But I just could not get it out of of other subjects to pursue as they my mind,” she says. “It wouldn’t let wish: from history, science, and me go.” She eventually completed Latin to sewing, music, and mar- her master’s degree at St. John’s tial arts. Teenage students have over four summers, graduating in an active hand in designing their 2009. future academic and career paths, Living Water’s staff and stu- with the staff “committed to get- dents are almost entirely African ting kids what they need.” Prather American, partially the result Western canon: “I think Americans Paul Lawrence Dunbar’s poem mentions one girl who wants to of its location in Temple Hills, have been so scarred by history “We Wear the Mask.” While each study business in college and also Maryland, which is 85 percent that they get nervous. They don’t student had scripted monologues, learn to style hair. Parents sign a black. Prather suspects that white realize that the authors of the “presented as if they [were] read- general permission slip, allowing students might be uneasy about great books were not from this ing from a private journal,” they field trips to happen spontane- being a minority, an attitude time. They had a different way of created the conversation onstage ously. A child interested in art, she laments, since “life is not looking at race.” For her, the great together, as they engaged in for example, can spend a morning segregated.” Living Water’s fluid books speak to “the human experi- dialogue with the texts and each painting and an afternoon at an educational approach might be of ence, not the racial experience.” other. Not until the play was over art museum. A student pursuing particular benefit to African Amer- While she admits that some kids did the participants reveal that a research project could visit a ican students, however; studies of “give [her] a lot of drama” at first, their ages ranged from 13 to 24. nearby historic site instead of just American public schools show that after they begin reading, their She and her troupe also performed reading about it in a textbook. black children, especially boys, are outlook changes drastically. They at the University of Maryland in With all this freedom, it may more likely to be disciplined than acknowledge that “everything that April, earning kudos from profes- seem surprising that Living Water their white counterparts, punished goes on in these books relates to sors, students, and teachers. is also a great books school. It for “disruptiveness” that Prather other human beings.” The response to Living Water makes perfect sense, since the So- characterizes as a simple need Prather brought her love of the has exceeded Prather’s wildest cratic method gently guides learn- to move. “It’s a part of African classics back to St. John’s in Feb- dreams. She expected to be prin- ers to reach their own conclusions, culture; it’s why we dance. It’s just ruary 2016, when she and five stu- cipal and teacher all in one, but 30 rather than memorize facts and who they are.” dents performed an “impromptu families showed up for the school’s figures. When her teaching career To 21st-century mainstream ed- play” called The Table. Described first planning meeting, and it has began, Prather was more con- ucators striving to increase diver- as “a dramatic exploration and expanded from there. This fall, cerned with how music and drama sity, the great books reading list representation of the power of a second campus will open in could be used in the classroom. of “dead white men” elicits horror. dialogue about literary texts,” Rockville, Maryland, giving more Her interest in the classics was Prather, however, sees no conflict the performance centered on a students the chance to find their sparked at the Washington Clas- between her student body’s racial Socratic, seminar-style discussion own personal educational path— sical Christian School, where she makeup and that of the traditional of Voltaire’s essay “Character” and whatever that may be.

THE COLLEGE | ST. JOHN’S COLLEGE | FALL 2016 41 IN MEMORIAM

Priscilla Bender-Shore Class of 1955 May 20, 2016

One of the first women to attend St. John’s College, Priscil- la Bender-Shore (1926-2016) passed away at the age of 90. Born in the Bronx on May 2, 1926, she attended New York City’s Washington Irving High School and explored her gift for art. After graduation, she attended the Cooper Union School of Art and then Yale School of Art on scholarship. She left Yale in 1951 to marry Merle Shore (Class of 1954), a graphic designer and illustrator, and the couple moved to Annapolis. The Program became the couple’s educational cornerstone, reflecting their passion for learning, dialogue, inquiry, and discussion. In 1957, they moved to Santa Barbara, California, Priscilla Bender-Shore’s (Class of 1955) painting, Gridlock #2: The Muses and Bender-Shore earned her MFA at UCSB, graduating in Dancing at the Edge of the World, brightens that hall above the Pendulum Pit, a popular rehearsal space for choirs on the Annapolis campus. 1969. Two years later, she took a position at Santa Barbara City College where she taught art for 25 years. She influenced and mentored hundreds of students, many of whom work and Europe and the United States and is represented in many collec- exhibit in the Santa Barbara area today. Throughout her life, tions, including St. John’s College’s art collection in Annapolis. she continued to thrive as an artist as well as an art educator, A strong, patient, and loyal soul, she was a foundation of love lecturer, juror, and curator. In 1988, she won the Lila Acheson and support for her family. She was preceded in death by her hus- Wallace National Painting Competition, earning her a six-month band and is survived by her children, Evan, and Ann Shore Jactel; residency in Giverny, France. Her work has been exhibited in and her grandchildren, Samuel, Sarah, and Sophia Jactel.

Glenn Yarbrough in my eyes and told him how ments, and witty onstage banter, reunion tours with the Limeli- much I loved what he had done,” the Limeliters were immensely ters. In 1997, he released an Class of 1953 he told the Los Angeles Times in August 11, 2016 popular; their second album, album with his daughter, Holly, 1996. “The very next day I went Tonight: In Person, spent 74 and he continued to record into Glenn Yarbrough (1930-2016), out and bought a guitar, and weeks at No. 5 on the Billboard the early 2000s, before losing renowned folk singer and a that was that.” charts. After leaving the band his ability to sing in 2010 due to founder of the 1960s folk trio the After serving in the U.S. in 1963, Yarbrough forged a suc- throat surgery. Limeliters, died in Nashville. Army during the Korean War, cessful solo career, scoring his He is survived by his children, Yarbrough spent his early years Yarbrough returned to the U.S. biggest hit with “Baby the Rain Stephany, Sean, and Holly; step- in Milwaukee, before moving and began performing in clubs Must Fall.” daughters, Brooke and Heather; a with his parents to New York. and coffeehouses and on local In the late 1960s, Yarbrough grandson, and a great-grandson. At St. John’s he befriended Jac television shows. He eventually sold his most expensive pos- Holzman (Class of 1952), who became an owner of the Limelite sessions and opened a school Alexander Scott Kelso later founded Elektra Records nightclub in Aspen, Colorado, for disadvantaged youth in Los and early on recorded much of (SFGI79) and in 1959, established the Angeles. When the school closed Yarbrough’s music. A Woody March 29, 2016 Limeliters with Alex Hassilev in the 1970s, he traveled the Guthrie performance at the col- and Lou Gottlieb. Known for world by sea for the better part lege in 1951 proved transforma- Alexander Scott Kelso (1924- their tight harmonies—particu- of the next three decades. But tive for the young Yarbrough. “I 2016), former chair of the Board larly Yarbrough’s mellifluous Yarbrough often returned to was just a shy kid, but I walked of Visitors and Governors of St. tenor—non-traditional arrange- music, performing solo and on up to him afterward with tears John’s College, passed away

42 THE COLLEGE | ST. JOHN’S COLLEGE | FALL 2016 peacefully at age 91. Born to Harry H., and Adelia; and his college’s Board of Visitors and National Geographic, A&E, PBS, Clyde Douglas Kelso and Doro- grandchildren, Caroline, Antho- Governors in 2004 and served and Education Week Video. As thy Geraldine (Scott) Kelso, he ny, and John Caselli, Kathleen, until 2010. supervising producer for the and his two brothers were raised Harry, and Victoria Kelso, and Originally from Caldwell, New York Bureau of Educa- in Laurel, Mississippi. After he Scott Kelso, III. He was preceded New Jersey, she married Ben- tion Week Video, he developed graduated from high school in in death by his wife; his parents; nett H. Shaver in 1952; the television segments for PBS 1941, Kelso attended Georgia and his brothers, C. D. Kelso, Jr. couple made Annapolis their NewsHour. With the nonprofit Tech until 1943, when he was and R. P. Kelso. home for more than 30 years. Learning Matters, Wald spent commissioned an Ensign and Through her involvement with a decade producing dozens of later rose to Lieutenant J.G. in NewsHour stories on a range of Justine Shaver numerous civic organizations in the U.S. Navy, serving in the the Annapolis area, including education topics, including the European and Pacific theaters June 26, 2016 impact of Hurricane Katrina the St. John’s Friends Board, during World War II, including Caritas President, on New Orleans’ schools, the she will be remembered for her the D-Day Normandy Landings. Board Member common-core standards, and in- kindness and devotion to St. Returning home in 1946, he ternet access in rural communi- John’s College. Shaver was pre- married Mary Gene Hoffman, Justine “Joy” Shaver’s (1929- ties. Earlier in his career, he was ceded in death by her husband, with whom he enjoyed 56 beauti- 2016) introduction to St. John’s a senior producer on Michael who passed away in 2011. ful years until her death in 2002. College came in 1988 when a Moore’s Emmy Award-winning Kelso graduated from Georgia friend invited her to attend a magazine show TV Nation, and Tech in 1947 and began work Caritas Society meeting. She David Wald (SF79) he produced a documentary served for a year as historian with Gulf Oil Corp. in Knoxville, May 27, 2016 series about Doctors Without Tennessee. He later worked for for the group, whose mission, in Borders. Remembered for his IBM and founded two compa- part, includes raising financial Long-time television journal- thoughtful, caring nature—and a nies, Computer Labs, Inc. and aid funds for St. John’s students ist and producer David Wald’s mentor to many—he enlightened Seismic Computing Corporation. in need, and later served as (1955-2016) impressive resume and engaged viewers on impor- He is survived by his children, Caritas president from 1991 to includes work for CBS News, tant issues through complex and Alexander, Jr., Gene K. Caselli, 1994. She was appointed to the NBC, ABC, Fox, Court TV, HBO, visually stunning stories.

Also Deceased: John R. Garland, David Harding Humphreys, A69 William H. Rullman, Class of 1950 May 22, 2016 Class of 1940 October 23, 2015 May 15, 2016 Christopher Michael Abbasse, Charles F. Jones, A79 AGI98 Stanley Guild IV, A11 April 5, 2016 Terence Sellers, SF74 April 25, 2016 March 16, 2016 January 25, 2016 Lewis Steven Kreger, Ronald Albert Adinolfi, SFGI94 Friar John Hilary Hayden, Class of 1961 Kathryn Slade, SF77 February 14, 2016 Class of 1949 May 5, 2016 February 2, 2016 February 24, 2016 Joan R. Buckmaster, SFGI76 Arthur Kungle, Jr., Mildred V. Smotherman, SF71 June 18, 2015 Donald Heider, AGI87 Class of 1967 September 6, 2011 October 22, 2008 January 20, 2016 Paul Ringgold Comegys, Sr., Kevin Mathew St. John, SF76 Class of 1941 Marshall Henderson, SF07 John Paul LeBec, A93 July 7, 2016 January 13, 2016 July 1, 2016 March 7, 2016 O.H. Thompson, Harry West “Skip” Danner, Mary Paige Hensley, SF02 Eugene Limanovich, SF01 Class of 1943 Class of 1954 February 18, 2016 March 21, 2016 July 13, 2016 March 9, 2016 Gary Allen Hetrick, Arnold Markoxitz, Joyce Kittel Wilson, William Douglass, SFGI70 Class of 1963 Class of 1954 Class of 1955 March 19, 2016 May 16, 2016 July 7, 2016 July 28, 2016

Matson G. Ewell, Judith Jones Holden, Daniel Mark Roddy, SF75 Steven Wren, SF75 Class of 1950 Class of 1961 January 16, 2016 May 25, 2016 March 8, 2016 May 22, 2016

THE COLLEGE | ST. JOHN’S COLLEGE | FALL 2016 43 PHILANTHROPY

Class of 2016 Hits a to participate. The funds they raised aided projects that create Double Home Run greater opportunities for students. In total, the Annapolis gift 100 Percent Senior made a threefold impact: donat- Legacy Participation ing to the Pathways Fellowship on Both Campuses program, expanding the Music Assistance program to provide piano lessons for students, and On the evening of April 29, the Great Hall installing OneCard readers on of the Santa Fe campus was illuminated the back doors of Pinkney Hall. with colorful strobe lights that bounced On the Santa Fe campus, off the walls in reds and blues. Above the seniors William Palm (SF16), podium, where a lecturer stood less than Colleen Mahoney (SF16), Meg an hour before, letters spelled out the Covington (SF16), and Rodjinaé word “prom.” An hour later, members of Brown (SF16) led their class to a every class filled the room with laughter, record of 99 percent participation dancing, and conversation. This event was with $4,821 raised by students, not so much a student party, but rather a before finishing off with 100 vehicle to promote interest in the Class of Class of 2016’s gift enhances Meem Library’s collection. percent participation and a total 2016’s Senior Legacy. On both campuses, of $5,817.45, including matching seniors come together to decide what gifts. Although Meem Library they will “gift” the college. The gift var- “We’re proud that we can give is still in the process of adding ies every year from the tangible to the back to the college in a tangible to the collection, the library will intangible, be it new benches for the quad complete it, according to Santa Fe or a special donation to increase financial way and improve the quality of tutor Michael Wolfe. aid. In Santa Fe, this year’s legacy finds “Being asked to work on the its home in Meem Library as the Islamic life for future Johnnies.” committee was an honor,” says Classics collection. Palm. “It was a really beautiful “The Senior Legacy Program is im- and concrete way to close the portant because it empowers seniors to chapter of my time at St. John’s. merit of giving. It helps to have discussions define their lasting impact and identity And for both campuses to make it to 100 with classmates who have the patience, en- as permanent members of the college percent was the icing on the cake.” Al- thusiasm, and insight to inspire their peers community,” explains Sarah Palacios, the though it is not the first time that a senior to contribute to the class’s legacy. director of Alumni Relations. To facilitate class has reached full participation, it is “We’re proud that we can give back to this tradition, each campus forms a Senior remarkable that both campuses achieved the college in a tangible way and improve Legacy Committee (SLC), whose senior 100 percent participation. When student the quality of life for future Johnnies,” class members are committed to lead the participation reaches such a high percent- says Max Dakin (A16), a member of the fundraising effort. The SLC’s work is not age, it typically inspires matching gifts committee on the Annapolis campus. Along limited to simply collecting. Its students from faculty, staff, and other alumni. This with classmates David Conway (A16), are the most knowledgeable regarding year’s 100 percent participation garnered Emily Grazier (A16), Sueanna Keim (A16), what the gifts are; they are expected to mo- much enthusiasm from non-student mem- and Brian Liu (A16), he led their class to tivate their classmates to give. Motivation bers of the community. 100 percent participation, raising $6,924. often manifests itself in gatherings, such as Many hope that the remarkable accom- Annapolis committee members set up a the post-seminar events in Annapolis or the plishment of the Class of 2016 will set a donation table outside the Dining Hall at “Senior Prom” in Santa Fe. Beyond these precedent for future graduating classes of least once a week, where they engaged efforts, the most effective motivational the college. method employed by the students is face-to- with classmates and other students about face conversation. Some seniors aren’t will- the class gift. Occasionally, committee —Rodjinaé Brown (SF16) ing to give. Others aren’t fully aware of the members must take initiative to seek out members of their class to encourage them

44 THE COLLEGE | ST. JOHN’S COLLEGE | FALL 2016 FIRST PERSON

MAKING A DREAM COME TRUE

By Sawyer Neale (A18)

his summer was unlike any American major parties, and creating I have ever had before. For a commission which will work to make several days in July I had the superdelegates more democratic. honor of serving as a delegate to Attending the Democratic National the 2016 Democratic National Convention was an experience like no Convention (DNC) in Philadelphia, repre- other. The energy that filled the Wells T Adrian Shanker, executive director of Pennsylva- senting more than 30,000 Bernie Sand- Fargo Center, from Sanders and Clinton nia’s Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center, ers supporters in Pennsylvania’s 15th delegates, was energizing and humbling. and Sawyer Neale (A18) are all smiles at the DNC. Congressional District. I had the opportunity to meet politicos, I struggle to remember when I first young and old, from all corners of the became aware of politics. I don’t come country, from Alabama to Alaska. Penn- “At age 19, I was the from a political family. In fact, apart from sylvania was seated at the front of the youngest delegate from NPR serving as the soundtrack to my venue, so I was less than 100 feet away childhood, and the occasional rants from from presidents past, current, and, pos- Pennsylvania, which family members, my exposure to politics sibly, future. allowed me to fulfil a dream had always been fairly removed. How- At age 19, I was the youngest delegate ever, in 2008, that all changed with Sen. from Pennsylvania, which allowed me to of being a Z-list political Barack Obama’s presidential campaign. fulfil a dream of being a Z-list political I was a 12-year-old obsessed. I read as celebrity for a week. I had the opportunity celebrity for a week.” many books about American politics as to speak on television and radio, which I could, and after his election victory I was mind-boggling. At St. John’s, I serve was hooked. In 2012, my obsession came as editor-in-chief of The Epoch Journal, and built magazines from the ground up. to a head when I signed on for an intern- a student-led political science magazine. In addition, I serve as archon of the SJC ship with my state’s Democratic Party. In Over the past year, I’ve written about Film Society as well as secretary of the the subsequent years, I have worked on government reform—detailing policies Delegate Council. All of these experiences campaigns in nearly every election cycle such as gerrymandering—and joining and have allowed me to explore my love of at every level, from municipal to state profiling a Pennsylvania-based, citizen- politics and try to make a positive differ- legislative to senatorial. led government reform movement. I’ve ence in the life of the Polity. For me, politics is a way to make an ac- solicited articles from my fellow Johnnies While at the DNC, I attempted to do tual substantive difference in this world. some Epoch-related work by using that We live in a nation that is founded on the aforementioned Z-list status to interview principles of life, liberty, and the pursuit as many reporters and elected officials of happiness but also allows people to lose as possible. I had the opportunity to joke their homes because they got sick and with Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf—a couldn’t afford to pay costly medical bills, PhD graduate from MIT and secret Greek incarcerates more people than any other philosophy buff, particularly Apollonius developed nation, and enables students and Heraclitus. I also spoke with Andrea to take on more than $100,000 in debt Mitchell—a journalist, anchor, and com- to pursue an education. These problems mentator for NBC News—about the role need to be solved; in politics, I find an of the press in a democratic state. During opportunity to play a role in solving them. my week in Philadelphia, I got to meet As a delegate, I took part in reforming my heroes. That is an experience I will our political process, adopting the most never forget. progressive platform in the history of Governor of Virginia Terry McAuliffe and Sawyer Neale (A18) share a moment in Philly.

THE COLLEGE | ST. JOHN’S COLLEGE | FALL 2016 45 JOHNNIE VOICES

Nareg Seferian (SF11), inspired END OF AN ICON? by the news, offers the following ode to the Johnnie Chair: When E. A. Clore Sons, Inc. announced on Facebook in May that it was closing Based on a True Johnnie Chair its doors after nearly two centuries Johnnie Chair, O Johnnie Chair – in the furniture business, it marked how I loved your presence there, the end of one of the country’s a wickerwork suspension oldest family-owned businesses. It for my Johnnie end: also signaled a dubious fate for the a true support network – college’s beloved Johnnie Chair. Alumni bottom’s up, my friend! everywhere came out of the woodwork It only irked me once or twice to lament the news but also to take when the front rung for my feet the opportunity to share their favorite was absent – not nice. stories and memories, thoughts and But who could resist trying a round recollections, and even a poem. of “Balance the Johnnie Chair(s)” on the coffee shop ground? Since the 1950s, the small factory in Madison, Virginia, has churned out the Perhaps your tone is lighter in Plain Master Chair, a.k.a the Johnnie Santa Fe than Annapolis Chair, for St. John’s College—one of but this the company’s best customers—where this shall serve as your legacy, it, along with the Plain Side Chair and something I miss – the Ladder Back Dining Side Chair, fills fingers intertwined, one elbow over classrooms, dorms, dining halls, and your back, Johnnie Chair other spots on the two campuses. Today as I roll my eyes at some seminar hack, O Johnnie Chair. the chair represents far more than the sum of its wooden and fiber-rush parts— Not to say no-one ever rolled it’s a St. John’s icon. And whether or their eyes at me. not the torch is carried after Clore is But one thing I can guarantee: shuttered and gone, our affection for whenever a brilliant observation or – the Johnnie Chair, and gratitude to the more probably – a pun I let loose family that brought it to us, will remain those eyes rolling strong for years to come. those heads shaking were gently supported by a caboose feeling confident, firm, well-founded because you, O Johnnie Chair, made sure their basis was well-grounded.

46 THE COLLEGE | ST. JOHN’S COLLEGE | FALL 2016 Grace (Logerfo) Bateman (Class of 1965) all under six years old, we also could not shares the following account of “a true story resist the children’s arm chairs. Today the in every detail that thus far may have eluded children’s chairs and our adult chairs hold the annals of St. John’s”: every shape and size bottom comfortably while reading stories, playing games, and The Disappearing Johnnie Chair dining. However, I don’t seem to be as good The Johnnie Chair has special meaning for at leaning back and balancing on the back the Class of 1965. Some classes endow the two legs as I used to. Perhaps that is because college with a class gift; our legacy was a I am no longer smoking and drinking coffee, class prank involving the disappearance of though I am still pontificating on subjects all the Johnnie Chairs on campus. How did about which I know little!” Though not the real thing, Trystan Popish’s we do it? Early one spring morning, a group —Edward (Ted) Nelson (A77) (SF08) thrift store find—a miniature wooden of seniors carrying long wooden poles gath- chair—is a reminder of the many good conversations she had with friends at the ered in the McDowell quadrangle. Applying “I have two Clore Plain Master’s chairs in seminar table. Newtonian principles, we reasoned that the cherry at my kitchen table. (For the record, most efficient way to transport a large num- I purchased these directly from Clore. They ber of chairs was to string them up on poles. were not pilfered from the college. They Breaking and entering to gather the chairs match my Barrett Woodworking cherry table wasn’t necessary because in those days the very nicely.) It pains me to imagine a world there I have sat and studied, there have I buildings on campus were never locked. Us- without a source for more such chairs.” sat and learned, and there I have sat and ing the pole technique, by dawn we removed suffered. Suffering seems a mild punishment —Bob DiSilverio (SF78) the chairs from every classroom and stored when I think of what I have gained.” them in the basement of Mellon undetected. “I had the chance to sit in a Johnnie Chair —Christiana Mollin (AGI10) The seminar table is the locus for learning again a few years after graduating, and it at St. John’s, but when students and tutors felt like coming home. Since then, I have “I have so many memories of [the Johnnie arrived for classes that day, the importance of always wished I had one (or a couple) of my Chair]—of great discussions, thoughtful the Johnnie Chair became clear. Classes were own. Recently, while looking for some chairs moments of silence, and good conversations canceled for want of chairs, and the entire in a thrift store for my husband’s, Matt with friends. I loved that they had arms to student body was pressed into service carrying Griffis (SF08), and my new apartment in the lean on. Somehow, they framed the edges the chairs back from Mellon to the classrooms. Denver area, I found this (pictured above). between the physical ‘me’ and the broader

It’s not big enough to sit in, but it is a nice ‘not me,’ and I could venture forth from them “We were studying the sequence Ptolemy/ reminder. And it wobbles a little and is miss- into the heart of discussions, or not, at my Kepler/Copernicus and Galileo, the shift ing the front foot bar just like the real ones! own volition. They are the most comfortable from a geocentric to a heliocentric system, Now we only need to find a chalkboard…” chairs I have known. with Jacob Klein. Doing the math was one Subsequently, all of my adult life, I have thing, but from the look on our faces the —Trystan Popish (SF08) had a problem with dining room furniture. class was struggling with imagining what My husband and I had left our dining room it all meant. Now, Mr. Klein was a kind and “For graduation my parents got me two set in Annapolis when we moved to San gentle man, with a whimsical smile, but usu- Johnnie Chairs. Over the years, my wife Francisco, and once again, I was confronted ally somewhat reserved. He paused, looked and I have purchased well over a dozen with my chair problem. We ate on moving around the room, pulled out a chair, and more Clore pieces. E. A. Clore is one of those boxes for a while, until my husband couldn’t said, ‘Mr. Sherman, please come here and sit companies that are the backbone of America. take it anymore. I remembered that wonder- in the chair.’ The illustrious Jacob Klein then As every Johnnie knows, the chairs are quite ful feeling I had always had in the St. John’s proceeded to push me around the classroom comfortable and amazingly sturdy.” chairs. We called [Clore] the next day and and asked, ‘Mr. Sherman, what do you see —Harold Morgan (SF68) ordered six chairs, and before I could change moving? And, class, what do you see mov- [Editor’s note: Not every Johnnie, as my mind again, we bought a table in the ing?’ Of course! We all laughed…” evidenced below.] same wood color. —Daniel Sherman, Annapolis, Class of 1963 Eighteen years have passed, and the chairs “If you sit in the center, which sinks, it kills are still looking out over San Francisco Bay “A few years ago, we replaced our old dining your back. If you sit on the edge, the bar from our dining room windows. And, as they chairs with eight low-back walnut chairs and across the front kills your hamstrings. Never did at St. John’s, they still ‘sit’ through good two other matching chairs with arms. Now was a chair so devised to cause so much pain discussions, thoughtful moments of silence, our home has great chairs and a pleasant to the human body. Now it so happens that and good conversations with friends!” history of the college to remember as our I have a Johnnie Chair that I got years ago, —Juliet Rothman (AGI88) home ages with us. As grandparents of four, and I wouldn’t give it up for the world; for

THE COLLEGE | ST. JOHN’S COLLEGE | FALL 2016 47 ST. JOHN’S FOREVER ST. JOHN’S COLLEGE GREENFIELD LIBRARY ST.

The college has taken another giant step view of the Santa Fe campus soon after its PRESERVING toward preserving St. John’s history with founding? The newly launched site contains OUR LEGACY the creation of the new SJC Digital Archives. more than 800 items of historical significance Thanks to dedicated efforts of the St. John’s to the college. “Paper deteriorates and photo- College Libraries staff in Annapolis and graphs fade, but digitization offers a solution Santa Fe, a virtual trove of hidden gems— that ensures these artifacts are preserved at catalogs and commencement programs from the height of their quality,” says Liz Kupke, the 1800s, rare photographs of the college’s Greenfield Library’s technical services librar- first class of women, a vast collection of ian. “Digitization of these special items, and lectures, speeches, and addresses in audio their inclusion on the SJC Digital Archives, recording and typescript formats, old issues ensures that the rich history and legacy of of The College, and more—are now available the college are preserved for generations to online at digitalarchives.sjc.edu. come.” The SJC Digital Archives is continually Ever wonder what the basement of McDowell updated, so check back from time to time and Hall looked like in the 1940s? Or an aerial discover what new treasures await.

48 THE COLLEGE | ST. JOHN’S COLLEGE | FALL 2016 EIDOS

Situated on the eastern edge of Texas Hill features a series of immersive and interac- Country, Austin has long been a beacon tive pieces ranging from original maps to to artists, musicians, and other creative sculptures to photography. individuals. Jennifer Chenoweth (SF95) is “XYZ Atlas began as an investigation about among those lured to this changing and why people love and feel so attached to the growing city. A visual artist and entrepre- city of Austin and how emotional experi- neur, she is intrigued by what connects ences affect our experience of belonging in people to place—a subject she explores particular places,” says Chenoweth. “Since in her recent exhibition XYZ Atlas: The humans everywhere have emotional experi- Hedonic Map of Austin. For the past three ences that make a place become ‘home,’ I years, as part of her XYZ Atlas project, she want to take XYZ Atlas to other cities to documented and visualized the hyperlocal see how and where people engage uniquely experiences of people living in and visiting in their towns.” Austin. The result is a large-scale exhibition of a multi-media art experience that Learn more about XYZ Atlas at xyzatlas.org and Jennifer Chenoweth at fisterrastudio.com.

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