Lights, Camera, Action! Alumni in the Movies P.12 Rocks Were Placed Outside of AAG This Past Spring with Words of Inspiration Painted on Them

The Albany Academies magazine : spring/summer 2017

lights, camera, action! alumni in the movies p.12 Rocks were placed outside of AAG this past spring with words of inspiration painted on them. This initiative was part of The Kindness Rocks Project, a national movement to inspire others through randomly placed rocks to join in the pursuit of acts of kindness.

The Albany Academies magazine spring/summera 2017 Editor: Ann Wendth, Director of Institutional Advancement Associate Editors: Alexis “Biz” Deeb, Marketing and Communications Associate, Dave Pascone, Faculty Member Contributors: Alexis “Biz” Deeb, Ann Wendth, Dorothy Shi ’17, Dr. James FitzGerald ’57 Photography: Alexis “Biz” Deeb, Stephanie McCauley, Ann Wendth, Erin Hawrysz, T.R. Laz Photography Design: Oberlander Group Printing: Fort Orange Press A2, The Albany Academies Magazine,is published twice a year by the Institutional Advancement Office and sent to alumni/ae, parents, grandparents, donors, friends, and other educational institutions. Comments are welcome and should be addressed to Director of Institutional Advancement, The Albany Academies, 135 Academy Road, Albany NY, 12208 or email [email protected].

In every effort to create a smaller footprint we eliminated duplicate addresses in our mailing list. For additional copies of the magazine contact the Office of Institutional Advancement.

MISSION STATEMENT

Who We Are: The Albany Academies—The Albany Academy and Albany Academy for Girls—develop capable and confident students through single-gender education in the Lower and Middle School, and through coordinate education in the Upper School.

What We Do: Employing individualized and positive education, The Albany Academies provide students with the knowledge, skills, and character needed for leadership and success in the creative, entrepreneurial century that lies ahead. Board of Trustees Jenny Amstutz P’19, ’21 Carl Becker ’04 William J. Belleville, Jr. ’89 M. Christian Bender ’78, P’15, ’20 Peter Campito, P.E. ’78, P’15 Nancy Carey Cassidy P’13, ’15 Eileen Considine, Esq. P’08 Richard Flaherty P’15, ’21 Dr. Kyle Flik P’18, ’20, ’23, ’26 John C. Hayes ’87, P’16, ’18 talking head James Hens P’22, ’23 Dr. Eric Lewis ’83, P’17 Leslie Morgan Marvin ’61 Dr. Hyacinth Mason P’19 Cornelius Murray, Esq. ’62, P’99, ’05, ’06 Dr. Stewart C. Myers II ’58 Monica Kasselman Oberting, Esq. ’91 Brad Rosenstein ’79 James A. Sidford P’19 Kaari Stannard P’20, ’23 Dr. Ferdinand Venditti, Jr. P’03, ’14, ’15

NOW THAT THE SCHOOL YEAR IS OVER AND SUMMER CAMP HAS COME TO The Albany Academy AN END, it is beginning to sink in for real—next year is my final one as Head of School of Alumni Association The Albany Academies. I guess I can allow myself to see my years in retrospect, even though Neerav Patel ’96, P’31, President my natural inclination is to look forward, not backward. Mark Bonavita ’94, Vice President Kenneth C. Weafer, Esq. ’95, Secretary Now is extremely different from then. Eight years ago The Albany Academies needed a Nicholas Faso, Esq. ’02, Treasurer turn-around, which happened to be my career specialty. I had three main goals for the school: fix Charles Anderson ’75 the buildings up, fill them up with students, and get The Albany Academies on a sound financial Col. Thomas Besch, USA (Ret.) ’77, P’13, footing. Another goal was to bring AAG and AA into an egalitarian union that respected the ’15, ’17, ’20 integrity of each school. Those goals have been largely accomplished (although one can always Barnaby Bullard ’89 seek an even sounder financial footing and always seek a more perfect union). Todd Curley ’93 Joseph DeRosa ’02 About five years ago The Academies—trustees, administration, faculty—set a new goal: Cdr. Joseph G. Fitzgerald, USN (Ret.) ’74 to expand the curriculum in a way that would better prepare students for the “creative, entrepre- James Kim ’96 neurial century that lies ahead.” “Active Learning” has become a very successful turn toward the David Nardolillo, Esq. ’94 future, and it distinguishes The Albany Academies from other schools rigidly bound to standard- Michael Raymond ’06 ized testing. If you would like to see some of the recent results of Active Learning, you can have a Brendan Reuss ’94 Jonathan Sussman ’04 look at this student-produced video on our YouTube channel. I am proud of what has been accomplished and what has been begun, but the upcoming era is very different. The Academies no longer need a turn-around artist. I did my job—sort of a first Albany Academy stage rocket. (There was some heavy lifting involved). Now the Academies can really take off and for Girls Alumnae fly unimaginably higher. Association Jessica DeRosa Davos ’98, P’27, ’29, As you read this, the Trustees are narrowing the field of candidates to become the next President Head of School. Stay tuned. Carol Crummey McCardle, Esq. ’04, Vice President Alexandra “Lexi” Moser Buckley, Esq. ’03, With good wishes, Secretary Bettina Zeccolo-Mamone ’89, P’19 , Treasurer Suzanne Aronowitz Cross ’00 Dr. Douglas North ’58 Alexis “Biz” Deeb ’08 Head of School, The Albany Academies Kendra Hart ’08 Shannon Hughes ’07 Margaret Lamar King ’65 Jillian LeFevre ’07 Staci DeNigris Shea ’00

The Albany Academies magazine spring/summer 2017 1 a2 archives

l A vintage Craig Projects Editor from the 1960’s located in the archives at The Albany Academy. features

12 “A” is for the Arts Catch up with some of our most creative and accomplished alumni in the film industry

18 Women of Firsts Two distinguished alumnae are making their mark in politics 34 Why I Give Jeff Levine ’67 reflects upon his commitment to paying it forward

thisdepartments n’ that events

01 Talking Head 20 Commencement 34 Spotlight: 06 Lower & Middle School Jeff Levine ’67 Closing Ceremonies 04 Hall of Fame 24 Reunion 36 Scholar Luncheon 08 Spring Gathering 06 Congratulations!: 28 A2 Fresh Lower & Middle 38 May Projects 20 Commencement School Closing 30 A2 Portrait: Ceremonies Bo Buran 40 Admissions 24 Reunion

08 Spring Gathering 31 A2 Portrait: 41 Class Notes 36 Scholar Luncheon Dr. Alisa Scapatici 12 “A” is for the Arts 45 In Memoriam 32 Athletic Highlights 18 Women of Firsts

The Albany Academies magazine spring/summer 2017 3

1 Congratulations to The Albany Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2017: The Albany Academy and Adam Goold ’92 Albany Academy for Girls Alumni and David Holloway ’02 Malik Nichols ’97 Alumnae Association Hall of Fame William Parks ’62 Coach Joseph Sacco Induction Ceremony was held on Karl Sacco ’92 Saturday, May 20, 2017. Alic Scott ’92 1967 Tennis Team It was a spectacular gathering of alumni, 1991 Soccer Team 1996 Soccer Team alumnae, friends and family. For the first time this year, the event brought together both the AA and AAG inductees in one ceremony. Video introductions for each inductee were also an added special element. Inductees were welcomed into the Hall of Fame and each Congratulations to made remarks expressing gratitude for being The Albany Academy for Girls Athletic Hall of Fame Class honored for their commitment, dedication of 2017: and success in athletics at The Albany Academy Alexis Casano-Antonellis ’96 and Albany Academy for Girls. Caroline Gersuk ’10 Coach Linda Michele Carol Conners O’Brien ’51, P’77, ’79, ’80, ’88, GP’04, ’18, ’19, ’21, To view inductee videos please visit The Albany Academies YouTube channel. ’22, ’24, ’25, ’26 Trudy Thorstensen O’Connell ’64

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1 Michael ’50 and Inductee Carol Conners O’Brien ’51, P’77, ’79, ’80, ’88, 5 Suzanne Singer Boger ’87, P’19, ’21, Jessica DeRosa Davos ’98, P’29, 9 Julie Gersuk P’01, ’04, ’10, Inductee Caroline Gersuk ’10, Ashley Gersuk GP’04, ’18, ’19, ’21, ’22, ’24, ’25, ’26 ’27, Stephanie Murray Tefel ’92, Inductee Coach Linda Michele, Jennifer Murphy ’01, and Joseph Gersuk P’01, ’04, ’10 2 Matthew Smalls ’93 and Inductee Alic Scott ’92 Riitano Levy ’93, P’28, Inductee Alexis Casano- Antonellis ’96, and 10 Inductee Malik Nichols ’97 Christine E. Weafer Deegan ’96 3 Inductee William A. Parks ’62 11 Gina Sacco, Inductee Karl Sacco ’92, Nora Sacco Martinez, 6 1996 Soccer Team Captain Christopher Mills ’97 and 4 Elizabeth Bennett ’64, Grace Beck ’64, Laurie Stein Bigley ’64, Susan and Elaine Sacco P’91, ’92 Coach David Martin ’61 Stein Backer ’64, Inductee Trudy Thorstensen O’Conell ’64, Phyllis Carr 12 Inductee David Holloway ’02 7 Elizabeth Hemstead H’67, Inductee Alexis Casano-Antonellis ’96, Brenowitz ’64, Dr. Florence Friedman ’64, Former Faculty Member 13 1967 Tennis Team Captain Josh Posner ’67 and Coach David Martin ’61 Arvilla Cline, and Dr. Laura J. Friedman ’64 and Christine E. Weafer Deegan ’96 8 Inductee Adam Goold ’92 and James Poole ’68, P’02, ’14

The Albany Academies magazine spring/summer 2017 5 congratulations!

AAG Class of 2025

AAG Class of 2021

The Albany Academies magazine 6 spring/summer 2017 Lower & Middle School Closing Ceremonies

AA Class of 2025

AA Class of 2021

The Albany Academies magazine spring/summer 2017 7 2 a events

Spring Gathering April 29, 2017 the albany capital center

Spring Gathering, our annual fundraiser for scholarships and financial assistance, brought together over 350 attendees for an evening of fun, friendships, and festivities and raised $225,000. A very special thank you to the many parents, faculty, staff, alumni, alumnae, and friends who attended and to those who volunteered their time and talents to help make the event so successful. Special thanks to our major sponsors, Kasselman Solar and New Country Motor Group, as well as our many other corporate sponsors and honorary committee members!

The Albany Academies magazine 8 spring/summer 2017 OPPOSITE PAGE: Co-chair Kaari Stannard P’20, ’23 and Kimberly Adams Russell make an entrance

Left to right FIRST ROW: A view of the new event space in The Albany Capital Center; Third Century Sponsor Steve Kasselman ’05 makes opening remarks

SECOND ROW: Craig Darby ’91, P’18, Brendan Reuss ’94, Amy Sheldon, and Dr. Ellen Cole viewing the silent auction items; John ’87 and Jennifer Hayes P’16, ’18 raising their paddle for The Dr. Douglas M. North ’58 Scholarship

THIRD ROW: Dr. Douglas M. North ’58 takes the Masi “Partenza” Bellissima bicycle for a test ride

More photos at: albanyacademies.org/springgathering

The Albany Academies magazine spring/summer 2017 9 Left to right FIRST ROW: Joseph Gravini P’21, ’24; Co-chairs Kaari Stannard P’20, ’23, Tracy McRoberts P’14, ’20, and Karen Ricci P’17, ’20

SECOND ROW: John Antalek and Jennifer Boll P’27, ’30 and Julie and Dr. Pawan Bhatnagar P’28, ’30 enjoying the VIP Reception; Cindy Pryor P’15

THIRD ROW: Guests enjoy the new online bidding platform introduced at this year’s Spring Gathering; Tables set prior to the start of the festivities

More photos at: albanyacademies.org/springgathering

The Albany Academies magazine 10 spring/summer 2017 A special “paddle raise” was held to announce the establishment of The Dr. Douglas M. North ’58 Scholarship in honor of Head of School Dr. North who will be retiring at the end of the 2017-18 school year. This new scholarship was recommended by the Board of Trustees, and the goal is to reach $250,000 before Dr. North retires. If you would like to give at any level to this new scholarship, please contact the Office of Institutional Advancement at 518-429-2385.

Left to right FIRST ROW: Senior parents, Corporate Sponsors, and Honorary Committee members enjoyed a special champagne toast at the VIP Reception; Darren Donohue P’26, P’24 and David Hollander P’19

SECOND ROW: Joan Dembinski ’55, Widjiono “Yono” Purnomo, Donna Purnomo, Robert and Virginia LuPone P’24

THIRD ROW: Board of Trustees President Nancy Carey Cassidy P’13, ’15 and Dr. Ellen Cole

INSET: Head of School Dr. Douglas M. North making remarks after the announcement of his scholarship

The Albany Academies magazine spring/summer 2017 11 is “A”for the Arts

The Albany Academies have been producing leaders in the film industry for many years. These alumni attribute their success to a spark ignited while they were students and to the support from faculty and family.

The Albany Academies magazine 12 spring/summer 2017 James Forni Back in the ’80 late 1970s, the big “A” at The Albany Academy stood for Athletics.

But another “A” was emerging—the Arts. It was fostered by great teachers of literature, writing, visual arts, music, and even the nascent study of film. Frank Nash, Baxter Ball, Jim Reed, Joe O’Brien were among the many teachers that inspired us. One in particular, George Ebright, motivated me to write a three-act play for our senior year in high school, centered on our experience as students both academic and social. It was my first dramatic comedy. Although we cast it, built the sets, and did the rehearsals for There’s a Parrot in your Mirror, the final production never premiered that spring of 1980. The scrubbed play may have been the original catalyst for my future endeavors in film. Fast forward. Three plus decades later, I founded a studio in Chicago, Octane Rich Media. I write, direct, and produce for a wide range of commercial and independent projects. Our motto is “Stories Burning to be Told.” We create work for globally admired companies and foundations like Hyatt, Habitat for Humanity, Abercrombie & Kent, Amazon, Levi’s, Newell, Rolex, and Tyco. Life in this hyper-competitive field has many delights, triumphs, and challenges. Filmmaking always starts with the story. The roots of story structure go back to Aristotle’s Poetics and visual storytelling all the way back to the painted scenes of the Lascaux Caves. Over the decades I have remained a student of both narrative arts and cinema. I’ve studied at The University of Chicago’s Writer’s Studio and Maine Media, and in 2015 I moved to Paris to study in the Master’s Film program at EICAR. The principles of filmmaking evolved from theater and photography, but go beyond both—because film is as close as we come to “making a world.” Even more so as we move into new spherical, cinematic experiences like Virtual Reality.

The Albany Academies magazine spring/summer 2017 13 To conceive a world—whether for a broadcast commercial, an episodic series, or a feature film—is an exhilarating and demanding endeavor. Everything you see is purposeful. While improvisation happens, the process is rarely random. Every set must be designed and constructed for the camera; however there is always immense environ- mental adaptation for filmmaking. Actors audition and are cast. Each actor’s movement is blocked in advance. The actor’s styling, whether it is a jeans and t-shirt look or an elaborate historical costume, must be designed or acquired. Cinematography, the complex interplay of lighting and camera movement, along with lensing choices and composition, is thoroughly planned and debated. As a film Director, I make choices with the “leads” of each department (such as Production Design, Casting, and Cinematography) to achieve the look, the emotion, and the narrative movement of the film. Production days are some of the most gratifying. To work with actors for fiction films or in the case of documentary to witness an event or conduct interviews always carries with it the possibility of magic happening. Something profound, revealing or inspiring occurs that exceeds your expectations. There is always a quality of the “now”— as if the contemporaneous existence of all of the creative decisions are thrust into a super collider at the moment you yell “Action.” If your preparation is born out, you capture the beautiful collusions lasting only until you say “Cut.” In post production or editing, the film creatively evolves even further. The juxtaposi- tion of scenes and shots is emotively, even radically, changed—especially in documentary filmmaking. A whole new set of tools comes into play to metamorphose the film—audio and sound design, special effects, motion graphics, and color grading, to name a few. It has often been said there are three films you make: the film you write, the film you shoot, and the film you edit. This is the sweet alchemy I live for in film—the dynamic possibility that the film changes and grows as it moves through the stages from concept James Forni currently has two to finished form. It is an adventure that leads to mastery. To be masterful is to be humble feature documentary films set for and know that you are always at the service of the work. I am most inspired by master release in 2017 & 2018: directors like Werner Herzog who glide between documentary (non-fiction) and fiction film. The work I do in each genre informs the other—the naturalness I strive Mr. Canoe—the story of a unique for in documentary is often a beautiful quality to apply to fiction film, and the carefully group of educators, enthusiasts, and contemplated use of space and movement that is the hallmark of fiction film can be performers that replicated the great leveraged in documentary. journey of the explorer LaSalle The final thing I would say that may be surprising to the uninitiated is that doing from Montreal to New Orleans in the work is not actually the hardest thing. Getting to do the work is the hardest thing— authentic 17th century canoes set finding the client, the project, securing the funding for the independent or personal to air on PBS. project, securing a partner to distribute your work. These kinds of activities, which are Isi No. 47—an international essential to connecting your film to an audience, remain the most challenging to all but production of the story of the remark- the most renowned creators. able survivor journey of Isi Veleris, There are a lot of roles in production, film making, commercials, and content who escaped the holocaust to become a creation for any number of new channels. In some ways there have never been more photographer in Warhol-Era New opportunities to be a creator in media. But there is no scarcity of talent either. The task York shooting for Vogue and Jimi is always to find your voice and be recognized for it. I count myself fortunate for having Hendrix before returning to Paris. had the opportunity to direct and produce over a thousand videos and films on a vast array of subjects in the past two decades, and yet I always sense the very next opportunity will In Fiction Film, James has completed require a new and inventive approach to bring it to life in film. What draws me to each a feature film script, Roone Nation, project is the possibility of rendering an experience with transformative power that touches based on the aforementioned play an audience and asks them to consider the subject in a new and novel way. This is with fellow 1980 AA classmate Gill ultimately the transcendent allure of creating films. n written by james forni ’80. Alexander. An independent feature, Deadly Associates is based on the book of the same name and about the central witness in Chicago’s Family Secrets trials of the last decade is currently in development.

The Albany Academies magazine 14 spring/summer 2017 Janek Ambros Janek found himself creating short films as a child ’06 alongside his brother and recognized his passion for the arts. After obtaining an MFA in Film Production, Janek created and founded Assembly Line Entertainment at the age of 22. Janek was a “lifer” at The Albany Academy and always appre- ciated the rich history of the institution and the surrounding city of I have Albany. He credits his teachers, Mr. Vince Zabinski for his incredible storytelling abilities, Mr. Mark Wimmer for introducing him to the relationship between politics and cinema, and Dr. Stephen Brown for exposing him to different types of film in known a film criticism elective course. “I am certainly grateful for all that my teachers did for me during my time at Academy. They were always so mindful, attentive, and captivating. The since I most important element of my experience at Academy was the relationships I built with my classmates. They have always been extremely supportive of what I do and they are truly my second family,” said Mr. Ambros. was a Janek’s passion for history is evident in the topics of his films, which cover the 2008 Recession, the military-industrial complex, World War II, biopics on Frederick Douglass child I and Theodore Roosevelt, Dostoevsky adaptations, and various other sociological topics. His first feature film as a director was a documentary about the War on Terror’s impact on civil liberties, and the executive producer was Academy Award nominee James Cromwell. wanted His newest film as a director, Le Quinze Mai à Paris, was produced by Barbara De Fina, Martin Scorsese’s producer of four decades. Assembly Line Entertainment has nearly to make a dozen feature films due for release in 2017, one of which stars Jodie Foster, Nicholas Cage, and Faye Dunaway. Another film is a large scale adventure film that will be released nationwide by Sony Pictures. films. Assembly Line Entertainment is a full-service film company based in Hollywood, California, specializing in three aspects of the film industry: financing, consultation, and development of individual films. The development division specializes in original content for TV and film, and also consults on clients’ scripts. Multiple projects created in-house have gone on to win international prizes from some of the most prestigious film festivals in the world: Sundance Film Festival, CineQest, Cannes, and Brookyln. Beyond critical acclaim, Assembly Line’s in-house films have sold in 50+ countries and major Hollywood studios,

The Albany Academies magazine spring/summer 2017 15 like Sony Pictures. What’s up next, you secured financing for films that include might wonder? “I am looking forward A-list actors and have played at some of to my next film as a writer and director, the most prestigious film festivals in the Arlington West, and to collaborate again world, including Sundance and Cannes. with Barbara De Fina. This film is about “Our company strives to be similar to a young man and woman, both Iraq those companies in Hollywood in the War veterans, who meet at a Veterans 60s and 70s that pushed the envelope memorial by the Santa Monica Pier and and tapped into the zeitgeist, particu- end up in a deep political debate that larly American Zoetrope, Frances Ford unravels the reality of some of their Coppola’s company. We’re now fortu- deeper issues since the war,” said Janek. nate to have Mr. Coppola and his family The production division works on guiding us a bit with finding a roster commercials, feature films, music videos, of talent to expand our company and and art films; clients have included get fresh new voices in the industry,” Adam LeFevre 4-million-dollar feature films, some of said Janek. n ’68 the largest corporations in the world, and some of the most prolific artists in the industry. The financing division has

One’s destiny rarely reveals itself Destiny in a thunderclap with an impos- ing finger emerging from a cloud is like to point the way. Mine didn’t. And, though “follow your heart” is pretty good advice, it’s kind of general and the sign- trying on posts can be hard to read, ambiguous, even in a foreign language at times. Instead we clothes have to carefully and patiently trust our instinctual selves, our inner voices, if you will, to separate the oughts and mights and until you shoulds from what ultimately feels right to us. Like trying on clothes until you at last at last discover and embrace your own unique, authentic style. That’s how destiny reveals itself. I left the Academy fully intending to be a physician like my father and brother, both discover of whom I admire very much. Instead I became what you might call a wandering meta-physician—an actor, playwright, and poet. In retrospect, my Academy experience served me as elegantly well to this end as if I had proceeded in a straight line to a career in and medicine. It gave me the courage and confidence to trust and pursue the sometimes scary, circuitous path to where I am now, and where, at this point in my life, I can finally admit embrace I belong. And I’m very, very grateful for that. As an actor I’ve had the good fortune to work with some remarkable artists: fellow actors Meryl Streep, Tom Hanks, Paul Newman, Will Smith, Matthew your own McConaughey, Kevin Kline, and Robert Downey, Jr.; and directors Brian Di Palma, Norman Jewison, Jonathan and Ted Demme, Kenneth Lonergan, and John Sayles. I’ve unique, been allowed the giddy pleasure of performing in Broadway musicals like Mamma Mia, Guys and Dolls, and Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. I’ve published three volumes of poetry and seen plays of mine produced off-Broadway and in theaters around the country. I feel authentic immensely lucky to have “found my bliss,” as the mythologist Joseph Campbell put it, and to have been able to cobble together a livelihood from it. style. I had the privilege to address the Class of 2017 at their graduation in June and I can only wish them the same confidence and trust in their inner voices, combined with the kind of luck I was blessed with, to guide them on their own personal paths wherever those paths lead. n written by Adam LeFevre ’68.

The Albany Academies magazine 16 spring/summer 2017 Ashton Holmes ’96 The reason you do (acting) is for the love of it…from your toes to every fiber in your body.

Early in life Ashton Holmes ’96 while a student. “Academy understood Entertainment Television (BET) starring knew he wanted to be an actor. my love for the arts and helped work with Gabrielle Union. He just finished his fifth “Prior to coming to The Albany Academy, me to fulfill my requirements and make season with the show and is now back I did a lot of community theatre in my sure I was adhering to the strict academic in LA looking for his next job. hometown of Rensselaerville. My grand- curriculum of the school. They were very “Perseverance, hard work, and a little mother dabbled in theatre; my dad was supportive and patient with me.” bit of luck are what really gave me my first an attorney, and my mom was a social Mr. Holmes has come a long way break and have helped me to continue to worker. They did not always understand from those days of doing community be successful in acting. Life boils down my passion for acting, but they never theatre. After college, he got his first to inches and seconds. I got the right discouraged it and certainly supported it,” big break with a lead in an eight-month manager, which got me the right auditions said Mr. Holmes. national tour of the Broadway musical and then the right job,” he said. Mr. Holmes began at The Albany Rent. He then headed out to Los Angeles Mr. Holmes has been able to support Academy in ninth grade at the recommen- and got his first recurring television role himself in acting for 14 years; however, dation of Andy Rooney ‘38, a neighbor on the soap opera One Life to Live as well there have been dry spells along the way. in Rensselaerville and close friend of his as guest appearances on Cold Case and “You have to hate money a little bit as you family. He participated in theatre and was Law and Order. Mr. Holmes really made are not always going to be flush with it. cast in Guys and Dolls during his junior an impression and continued to get acting Make sure acting is what you love. If you year. At the same time, he continued with roles. He has just completed a role in the don’t have an unwavering passion for it, community theatre, which led to a role in movie Acts of Violence starring Bruce Willis it probably is not going to happen. The A Christmas Carol. which gave him the confidence that he reason you do it is for the love of it…from This unique opportunity in profes- has been doing the right thing. your toes to every fiber in your body,” sional theatre had him on the road quite He has also been working on a show said Mr. Holmes. n a bit and not always able to attend classes called Being Mary Jane, a series on Black

The Albany Academies magazine spring/summer 2017 17 women of firsts

Q & A with US I believe that these role models helped me to have the “I am confidence to step into the arena and offer my vision and continually Congresswoman ideas in Congress. I am continually humbled to hear from Elise Stefanik ’02 young women—from elementary-school-aged students to humbled young professionals—across the country about how they to hear Congresswoman Elise Stefanik ’02 proudly represents are inspired by the story of my campaign and election as st New York’s 21 District in the House of Representatives the youngest woman ever elected to from young in her second term in office. She is a member of the Armed Congress in United States history. women—. Services Committee, the Committee on Education and What are the most challenging aspects of your how they are Workforce, and the House Permanent Select Committee on role in Congress? Intelligence. Growing up in her family’s small business, inspired by. One of the most challenging aspects of this job—which is she learned the value of hard work and perseverance in also one of the reasons that it is intellectually stimulating my election as meeting the challenges and risks that go along with —is the myriad issues that cross my desk. On any given building, operating and growing the small businesses the youngest day, I could be focused on economic development, that provide jobs in today’s Upstate economy. woman ever healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, national security, elected to Prior to her current role, Congresswoman Stefanik served education, etc. The policy issues are truly endless. in the West Wing of the White House as part of President What work in Congress has made you most Congress in George W. Bush’s Domestic Policy Council Staff and in the proud and generated the greatest impact? United States Chief of Staff’s office, where she assisted in overseeing the I am most proud of my record of independent leadership history.” policy development process on all economic and domestic and laser focus on constituent services. I have been proud policy issues. to have claimed over $2 million for veterans benefits owed Elise Stefanik ’02 to veterans in my district. I am particularly active on the The first member of her immediate family to graduate House Armed Services Committee focused on military from college, Congresswoman Stefanik graduated with readiness and emerging threats. n Honors from Harvard University.

Tell us about your experience as a student at AAG. To this day, my parents continue to say that one of the best decisions they made was transferring me to Albany Academy for Girls in the middle of 4th Grade. At my previous school, I was physically bullied. Albany Academy for Girls immediately welcomed me into their community. AAG teachers are truly extraordinary; from my 4th grade teacher who worked with me to ensure I could catch up with the challenging coursework when I transferred, to the high school teachers who worked with me on independent studies and developed a challenging curriculum, I would certainly not have the opportunities I enjoy today without my education at AAG. How does it feel to be the youngest Congresswoman ever? Albany Academy for Girls provided ample examples of women in leadership positions within the student body. In fact, every student leader at AAG was a young woman!

The Albany Academies magazine 18 spring/summer 2017 millions of New Yorkers were impacted, and the same with paid family leave. Every middle class family now has the ability to have three months at home with their child or ailing parents Ms. Karen Avery was the keynote speaker at the Albany Academy for Girls Commencement held and not risk losing their job on Monday, June 12, 2017. Karen is a 1983 graduate or not getting paid,” said of AAG and received both her graduate and undergraduate Ms. DeRosa. degrees from Harvard University. She is Senior Director of Making college tuition- Institutional Giving of the PBS Foundation. During her inspiring free for middle class New remarks, Ms. Avery reflected on her leadership abilities in more personal terms and identified herself as someone who is a Yorkers is an initiative that mother; who is loud; who is frequently laughing; and who is makes Ms. DeRosa very always tired. Those personal attributes are precisely what her proud. With this new pro- perception and experience of being a strong leader is really all gram set to begin in the fall about. Below is an excerpt from Ms. Avery’s speech in which of 2017 and phased in over she shared her advice about leadership: Melissa so many people. “I work three years, 80% of the state First as a mother. In very early leadership roles in life, I for somebody who doesn’t population and more than wasn’t a mother at all, but now I can’t describe my leadership DeRosa ’00 just talk about things; he 940,000 middle class style without mentioning it. Being a mother changed my life in numerous ways, some glorious and some painful, but all actually gets things done. It families and individuals leaning in fulfilling and deeply meaningful. My children are really what is not about simply stating who make under $125,000 move me to stand strong, work hard, and try to make a positive and leading a philosophy, it is about annually qualify to attend difference by helping to influence the world around them. In the way. actually leaning in and college tuition-free at all fact, it was my mother who moved me to become a leader getting these things accom- CUNY and SUNY two- early on. A wonderful mother, who loved me beyond belief, plished. As a result, there and four-year colleges in routinely boosted me up, and instilled me with a firm sense of On April 17, 2017, New self-confidence. And it is my mother (and also my father) who is a real practical impact on New York State. York State Governor Andrew first planted the seeds of leadership within me, and helped me families across the State of “You should never dis- Cuomo promoted Melissa become the leader I am today. Sadly, my mother and father New York. Helping people, miss trying to do something DeRosa ’00 to Secretary, the both died over ten years ago, but their spirits most definitely improving lives—that’s because you fear that it is live inside of me, and their influence is what continues to guide equivalent to the Chief of what this is all about.” bigger than you are. If you me to want to lead in remarkable ways. Staff position in the White Ms. DeRosa’s path to have the determination and I am loud. One thing I have discovered about being loud is House. In this role, Ms. it definitely gets you noticed. Being loud doesn’t make it hard advocacy began as a student commitment, you can get DeRosa oversees and for me to always want to speak up and be heard. However, it’s at Albany Academy for anything done,” said manages all facets of state important to know when to filter the loud so it doesn’t turn into Girls. “The encouragement Ms. DeRosa. government, including the just being obnoxious. Most importantly, I think it is crucial to I received at The Academies Through the Governor’s be able to recognize if your loudness is actually being listened different state agencies, the to speak up, to be assertive, advice and counsel, to, for being loud might capture the attention of a group or State University of New community, but getting people to listen is what spurs action and to have confidence Ms. DeRosa has grown in York, and the inspector and results in actual success. in what I was doing has ways she didn’t know possi- general. Ms. DeRosa is the I love to laugh. I firmly believe that a sense of humor helped me throughout my ble in terms of her own skill first woman ever to hold this and the ability to laugh at oneself is imperative to impactful career in so many ways,” set. She thanks her father position in New York. leadership and an important feature for anyone in a leadership said Ms. DeRosa. She has and her mother for being position. Yet, most of the time when we think of people who A self-proclaimed work- helped to spearhead three tremendous mentors and lead, laughter and humor are not factors of their leadership style. Why is this? Is leadership only serious business? Can’t aholic, Ms. DeRosa loves large issues on behalf of figures in her life and people one lead and be funny? Laughter makes people feel good. In the myriad of responsibil- Governor Cuomo: min- who always encouraged her times of crisis and pain, it can actually help to lift one’s spirits ities in her job. “No day is imum wage, paid family from a very young age to do and move the healing process along. As a leader, by taking ever the same as the day leave, and a free College/ things she never thought yourself too seriously you run into the danger of alienating before. One day we could Tuition-Free Degree possible. n those you are trying to move forward. Remember to keep be negotiating the budget, Program. Ms. DeRosa feels laughter in your heart as you lead on in life. I routinely maintain a busy, strategizing on our next a sense of pride in being And, oh boy, am I tired! fast-paced, jam-packed schedule, and I really don’t give myself big policy initiatives, or able to say that she was a much time to slow down and just relax. But come to think of it, responding to a crisis,” said part of making change in I have never met a well-rested leader. Being tired, exhausted, Ms. DeRosa. She enjoys these areas. spent, and stressed out are all badges a successful leader will the fast pace of her job “When the $15 mini- undoubtedly earn along the way. and the ability to impact mum wage was passed, The Albany Academies magazine spring/summer 2017 19 2 a events

Commencement June 12-13, 2017

The Albany Academies magazine 20 spring/summer 2017 OPPOSITE: Bagpipers lead the processional

Left to right FIRST ROW: Dr. M. Scott Milliken P’14, ’16, ’19, ’31, ’31 and Valedictorian William FitzGerald ’17; Albany Academy for Girls Class of 2017

SECOND ROW: Benjamin Besch ’17, Grant Gardner ’17, Connor Levy ’17, and Julian Myers ’17; President of the Board of Trustees Nancy Carey Cassidy P’13, ’15 makes welcoming remarks

THIRD ROW: Trustee Eric Lewis ’83, P’17 and his wife Theresa enjoy the Commencement address

More photos at: albanyacademies.org/commencement

The Albany Academies magazine spring/summer 2017 21 2 a events

Left to right FIRST ROW: Anna Ricci ’17 and Katherine Bielawa ’17 lead their class into Commencement; Dear friends and classmates Christine Standish ’83, Nancy Slowe ’83, Karen Avery ’83, Nancy Blonder Child ’83, Tina Caruso James ’83, and Andrea Melas Papandrea ’83

SECOND ROW: Owen McClain ’17, Abel Bowden ’17, Clayton “Tucker” Besch ’17, Reginald Anadio ’17, Kihyun Lee ‘17; Commencement speaker Adam LeFevre ’68 shares inspirational remarks

THIRD ROW: Salutatorian Joseph Elliot Lewis ’17 addresses the audience; Lucie Xu ’17 and Dorothy Shi ’17

More photos at: albanyacademies.org/commencement

The Albany Academies magazine 22 spring/summer 2017 Left to right FIRST ROW: The Albany Academy Class of 2017; Ranking Scholar Yuxin Wu ’17 makes remarks to the audience

SECOND ROW: Elizabeth Sonneborn ’40, P ’65, ’67, ’68, ’72, GP’03, ’06 and James Sonneborn ’65 present Aminah Praileau ’17 with the Elizabeth Aufsessor Sonneborn ’40 Award given to a senior who will explore her creativity to make this a better world for all; Alexa Pilatich ’17 and Jalynn Walker ’17

THIRD ROW: President of the Board of Trustees Nancy Carey Cassidy P’13, ’15, Commencement speaker Adam LeFevre ’68, Trustee Rich Flaherty P’15, ’21, Trustee Peter Campito ’78, P’15, ’17, ’20, Head of School Dr. Douglas M. North ’58, AA Dean of Students Doug McIver ’05, AA Director of Athletics Paul Gallucci, and AA Associate Head of School Dr. M. Scott Milliken P’14, ’16, ’19, ’31, ’31

The Albany Academies magazine spring/summer 2017 23 2 a events

Reunion May 19-20, 2017

The Albany Academies magazine 24 spring/summer 2017 OPPOSITE: Mimi Evans ’67 embracing Amy Tirk Yarbrough ’67

Left to right FIRST ROW: The Class of 1967 ‘dabbing’ with their pen pals

SECOND ROW: Carol Crummey McCardle ’04 accepts the Fredericka Voorhaar Slingerland ’32 Volunteer Service Award from Jessica DeRosa Davos ’98, P’27, ’29; Alumni enjoy special Cadet Corps performance before the Old Guard Luncheon

THIRD ROW: Alumnae Luncheon speakers Eileen Tucker Spiro ’05 and Robin Spitalny ’67

More photos at: albanyacademies.org/alumnae/reunion

The Albany Academies magazine spring/summer 2017 25 REUNION 2017 AWARDS

Outstanding Young Alumna: Left to right TOP: Jillian LeFevre ’07 The Giving Cup; Albany Academy for Girls Class of 1967 celebrating their Distinguished Alumna: 50th Reunion Dr. Alice Kim ’89 BOTTOM: Outstanding Young Alumnus: Kip Oberting ’87, John Hayes ’87, P’16, ’18, Dr. Brett Hayden ’05 James Wood ’87, Leah Strauss ’87, Gregg George ’87, Katrina VanDerzee Barr ’87, Distinguished Alumnus: Marcus Q. Pryor, WCP, ’87, P’15, Jesse Lewis ’87, Jonathan Berkey ’87 at the Welcome John McClintock II ’57 Reception Fredericka Voorhaar Slingerland ’32 Volunteer Service Award: Carol Crummey McCardle ’04

The Pace Setters Cup: Class of 2004

The Millenial Cup: Class of 2004

The Old Guard Cup: Class of 1963

The 1813 Cup: Class of 1963

The Head of School Cup: Class of 1967

The John C. O’Keeffe MD ’35 Memorial Cup: Class of 1963

The Bicentennial Cup: Class of 1970

The Albany Academies magazine 26 spring/summer 2017 Left to right TOP: Mimi Evans ’67, P’97 with her two pen pals Hope Morgenstein ’24 and Hanna Mitchell ’24; Jane Lathrop Stanford society pins

MIDDLE: The Albany Academy Class of 1967 celebrating their 50th Reunion

BOTTOM: Alumni greet each other before the Old Guard Luncheon

More photos at: albanyacademies.org/alumnae/reunion

The Albany Academies magazine spring/summer 2017 27 fresh aAAG Middle School students compete in Windpower ribbon. I had the real scissors which were also National Championship huge. The two of us would pose as a truly symbolic joining of the past and the future. Team members for Mind Blown So, with that cherubic concept in mind, included Caroline Albert, Macy McCann, we commenced the short ceremony. Within Taylor McMordie, Giavanna Smith, and seconds, disorder ruled. Every student wanted Keara Toop. Team members for Whirlwinds a turn trying to cut the ribbon with those included Mia Alonge, Eleanor Amodeo, clumsy scissors. The whole event turned into Maddie Boger, and Grace Gravini. delightful melee. My mother would have really enjoyed it, too. Those were the same kids she taught 75 years ago. A special classroom dedication by Dr. James FitzGerald ’57 AAG Class of 2017 presents Faculty member John McNally helps students prepare for the competition. its class gift May 17, 2017 was a sunny day squeezed between Mother’s Day and my 60th Reunion Middle School Engineering Faculty Member from AA. It was the perfect setting for the and Assistant Wind Turbine Mentor John ribbon cutting of the Lower School classroom McNally led two teams from AAG’s eighth at The Albany Academy which was just grade class to the Kid Wind National Model recently renamed for my mother, Agnes D. Wind Turbine Competition! The event FitzGerald ’24, who was an Academy was held at the American Wind Energy elementary teacher for many, many years. Association’s national conference in You might think a serious dedication Anaheim, CA, from Wednesday, May 24, like this would be a solemn affair in which until Thursday, May 25, 2017. The two a family member and a few administrators teams, the Whirlwinds and MindBlown, would stand tall and be carefully positioned competed against 31 other teams in the for a magnificent portrait suitable for fram- Middle School (grades 4-8) division. The AAG Class of 2017 poses with the newly constructed podium ing. Wrong! We forgot that the Lower The competition involved several School was still in full session. No solemnity components, which included wind turbine No matter what grade a girl enters AAG, she there! We decided to somehow include the testing in both slow and fast speed wind will use a podium at least once during her students in the little ceremony. I brought tunnels, an instant wind energy challenge time at Albany Academy for Girls. With that with me a huge colorful pair of toy scissors that tested teamwork and innovation skills in mind, Class Parent Nancy Bielawa P’17 that wouldn’t cut a thing for some lucky on the spot, a knowledge assessment, and a contacted local furniture maker Jim Lewis of youngster to come up and “help me” cut the judging presentation session. Director and Springwood Studios in Troy to build a new Founder of Kid Wind Michael Arquin Dr. James L. FitzGerald ’57 and his wife Kate FitzGerald cut the ribbon podium as a senior class gift. He visited AAG invited both teams to showcase their turbines for the newly named classroom and met with administrators to get a sense of at the Women of Renewable Industries the objectives for the piece and what would and Sustainable Energy Luncheon. fit with the style and design of the school. Out of the 33 teams in our division, Not even knowing that “Classic Columns” MindBlown placed in the top 10 and is AAG’s school song, Mr. Lewis proposed Whirlwinds received the Judges’ Award a design that looked like a column! To make for excellence in presentation skills. The this gift unique to the class, they added a teams had been working on their projects plaque on the inside of the cherry podium since November with Middle School Science that lists the names of the Class of 2017 and Faculty Member Janelle Hofgesang. It is an the Alumnae Association. incredible accomplishment to have placed so Thank you to Senior Development well at this level of competition. Officer Laurel Colasurdo and Nancy

The Albany Academies magazine 28 spring/summer 2017 Bielawa P’17 for their help in managing This experience for Mr. Johnson will help me down in history/With your bitter, twisted the project and the fundraising, and to the continue to enhance the arts for students at lies,/You may trod me in the very dirt/But still, parents, the Alumnae Association, senior the Academies. like dust, I’ll rise. advisor Laura Peck Hollander ’88, P’19, Malika visited Washington, D.C., on and class members who made generous Through the Darkness we Rise June 29 to attend a ceremony unveiling her contributions that made the gift possible. artwork that will hang on display for one year in the main corridor between the United The Congressional Art competition began in States Capital and House Office Buildings. Faculty Enrichment Award will 1982 to provide an opportunity for members Congratulations, Malika! take Rich Johnson back in time of Congress to encourage and recognize the artistic talents of their young constituents. Since then more than 650,000 high schools Solar business heating up have been involved with the nationwide competition. Students submit entries to their representative’s office, and panels of district artists select the winning entries. Each member of Congress has the privilege of submit- ting one piece of artwork to be displayed for one year in the U.S. Capital. On May 5, 2017, Congressman Paul Tonko hosted a reception at the Wallace Gallery at the Arts Center of the Capital Region and announced “In Darkness we Faculty Member Rich Johnson Rise” was the winner! Malika’s photo was Solar panels newly installed on a home Filmmaking Faculty Member Rich Johnson inspired by one of Maya Angelou’s famous received the Faculty Enrichment Award at poems, “Still I Rise.” In the picture, each arm Last Chapel on June 7. The purpose of this is a different shade, which symbolizes the After following the solar industry for years, award is to fund a sabbatical or a learning differences between each person, whether it Steve Kasselman ’05 launched a solar energy opportunity that will enhance and enrich be race, gender, religion, or sexuality. Malika engineering and installation company which their teaching. explains that the different arms are reaching has become a market leader in New York Mr. Johnson is ecstatic to put this up through difficulties, letting light shine on State. Steve credits Kasselman Solar’s success honor to use, and will be going back in time, each of them. They’re aiming for the sky, to recruiting Academy alumni/ae Jillian watching fairies, learning from Kevin Spacey, cutting through the darkness that sits stagnant LeFevre ’07 as Chief Operating Officer and so much more! He will be heading to around them. This is reminiscent of one and Michael Watson ’05 as Controller, and Shakespeare and Company to see Cymbeline, stanza in Ms. Angelou’s poem: You may write fostering a corporate environment based on Midsummer Night’s Dream and The Tempest Malika Umar ’18 pictured in front of her photo in the Capitol building the values and skills nurtured at The Albany and then to see Joshua Jackson perform in the Academies. Jillian LeFevre was awarded the play Children of a Lesser God. After seeing the 2017 AAG Outstanding Young Alumna musical Ragtime, he will study online Master Award and is coordinating the donation of a Classes with Aaron Sorkin, Kevin Spacey, state-of-the-art solar array to the Academies Werner Herzog, Steve Martin, and more. that will advance STEM classes as well as Finally, he will be researching and studying enrich the scope of the entrepreneurial and with materials from Hollywood Camera engineering programs. Kasselman Solar Work based in LA. continues to hire alumni/ae (most recently By attending these shows, taking the Brandon LeFevre ’05 as Customer Success online courses, and researching, Mr. Johnson Manager), as it aspires to expand beyond will be able to expand his knowledge base residential and commercial solar to help for his work with students. reshape the electric-utility industry.

The Albany Academies magazine spring/summer 2017 29 a2 portrait

beyond good chemistry

| David “Bo” Buran P’07, ’08, ’10, ’16

MR. DAVID “BO” BURAN HAS BEEN Academies under Mr. Buran’s leadership type of learning.” AT THE ALBANY ACADEMIES FOR has been STEM (science, technology, Mr. Buran also has a passion for MORE THAN 11 YEARS. He arrived engineering and mathematics). With athletics and is the Varsity Football Head from Florida with his wife, Bramble the addition in the fall of 2013 of The Coach. The 2017-18 school year will bring Buran, who serves as Director of Admis- Borisenok Family Science Center, some changes to the football program, sions, after many years of working at students are exposed to the many facets including The Albany Academy moving boarding schools as a teacher, coach and of science and get a feel for the cool and into a new league. “Playing in the New administrator. ever-changing scientific community. “We England Preparatory School Athletic Mr. Buran teaches Honors Chem- were in spaces that were not conducive to Council (NEPSAC) league means more istry, AP Chemistry, and Chemistry to good science; the new building located at travel and the chance to play against Upper School boys and girls at the Acad- Albany Academy for Girls is just incred- schools that share our guidelines—where emies. He has a unique way of engaging ible and adaptable for group work. All of academics come first, yet athletics play students in subject matter that can be the classrooms can be transformed into an important part of the curriculum. Com- challenging. He inspires them to submerge different settings—from robotics to peting in this league is an overall step up themselves into a lab, use innovative tech- physics to biology,” Mr. Buran said. Many in competition, and I have already noticed nology, and excel in a research setting. “As of our graduates are pursuing studies in a huge increase in college interest in our a department within a college-preparatory engineering and other sciences in college student-athletes and our program. The institution, we pride ourselves on teach- and beyond. “It’s important that The number of coaches who have started reaching courses where students are actively Albany Academies develop curriculum ing out looking for our schedule is not even involved,” Mr. Buran said. “For some and opportunities that will provide close to past years,” said Mr. Buran. students, chemistry can be a transformative students the entrepreneurial skills and Every year, students and athletes are experience and can lead to many other problem-solving abilities to create their changed by Mr. Buran. They see potential interesting career opportunities.” future,” Mr. Buran said. “My goal is to within themselves they didn’t know existed However, science goes beyond just attract faculty who think like this and can and they learn about opportunities in the chemistry. A focus at The Albany teach in an environment that fosters this sciences that change their way of thinking.

The Albany Academies magazine 30 spring/summer 2017 a2 portrait

AFTER 23 YEARS OF TEACHING AT THE ALBANY ACADEMIES, WE SAY GOODBYE TO DR. ALISA “SCAP” SCAPATICI, a teacher, advisor, mentor and chair of the English Depart- ment. Throughout her time at the Academies, Alisa has witnessed changes in faculty, administration, and curriculum; however, one thing has always remained constant for her: the enjoyment of her students. “I am who I am today because of Scap. She has transformed my life simply by being exactly who she is. Caring, compassionate, expressive, empathetic, and above all, a mentor,” said one of her students. Dr. Scapatici has made a remarkable impact on the Academies’ community during her tenure and has positively influenced numerous students, alumnae, instilling and alumni. In her early days as a teacher, Dr. Scapatici taught writing to single- gender classrooms; however, as enrollment a love of grew and more co-educational opportunities were provided, she taught both genders and came to appreciate the differences of boys and girls. “One of my greatest english accomplishments has been the day-to-day interactions with young men and women in my classroom. Students every day remind me about the importance of giving back, Dr. Alisa Scapatici and I hope to carry that forward at my new institution,” said Dr. Scapatici. said Dr. Scapatici. Every day, she challenges Academy is indebted to you,” said Deborah Dr. Scapatici successfully led the herself to find new and exciting ways for her Riitano P’93, ’95, ’00, ’04, ’06, ’08, GP’28. English Department at the Academies for students to improve themselves and excel Dr. Scapatici’s time, accomplishments, nine years to “move together as we move in writing. “I believe in the idea of building and legacy to The Albany Academies will forward.” One of her greatest achievements a tight-knit community in a classroom never be forgotten. “I will miss the students was the development of the Writing Cen- because it always leads to mutual respect,” the most; I will miss the community that I ter, a place for students to receive assistance said Dr. Scapatici. It is these moments that think and hope I created in my classroom with papers or writing, and she hopes to mean the most to her in her career. every year. I will miss the laughter and that carry this concept forward in her new role. In her final weeks at The Albany sense of connectedness that I have with this She strongly values the connections Academies, many parents, faculty, staff, community and hope it can be created in my made with students both in and out of and students paid their tributes to her new institution as well,” said Dr. Scapatici. the classroom. “By forming a bond with dedication over the years. “Competence, On behalf of the entire Academies’ students, I was able to engage and teach commitment, years of dedication, a voice community, thank you for your numerous them to excel in the subject. Watching for young women who were sometimes accomplishments, your passion for teaching, students’ excitement and passion for scared, breathing life into students and and the inspiration you have been to all learning has motivated me throughout the programs, and a teacher who always of us over these past 23 years. We will years to continue educating young minds,” recognized the least, the lost and the last. miss you!

The Albany Academies magazine spring/summer 2017 31 athletic highlights 2016-17

AA Varsity Cross Country AA Varsity Hockey AA Varsity Baseball Was led by Head Coach James Poole ’68 Was led by Head Coach Brett Riley and Was led by Head Coach David Rider ’73 P’04 P’02, ’14 and Captains Max Tulchinsky ’17 Captains Justin Geary ’17, Brendan Schneider and Captain Justin Geary ’17. The team had a and Ahmed Lachgar ’17. The team had an ’17, and Josh Chapman ’17. The Hockey Team record of 20-5 and made it all the way to the undefeated dual league meet record of 10-0. finished the season with a 22-9-5 record. The NYSPHSAA state championship game. The The Cross Country team finished first in the Team placed as a finalist in the NEPSAC Baseball team finished second in the Liberty Colonial Council League Championship Meet Large School Championship Tournament. Division and was seeded seventh in the Section and first in the Class CC Sectional Meet. Max 2 Class B tournament. They went on to Tulchinsky ’17, and Marcus O’Leary ’18 were AA Varsity Swimming and Diving capturing the Class B Crown, NYSPHSAA selected to the Colonial Council All-Stars first Was led by Head Coach Scott Young P’21, ’24 East Regional plaque, and ended up the team, Ahmed Lachgar ’17 was awarded to the and Captains Joe Lewis ’17, Kyle Verstandig ’17, finalist at the NYSPHSAA tournament, second team. The team ended its season with Tucker Besch ’17, and Reginald Anadio ’17. losing to Livonia 9-8. a fourth-place finish at the NYS Meet in The team finished the season with a 9-1 record Binghamton, NY. and as NYSPHSAA Section 2 Division II AAG Varsity Swimming and Diving Champions. Tucker Besch ’17 was the Section Was led by Head Coach Bonnie Morse- AA Varsity Golf 2 Champion in the 100 Fly and 200 and 400 Gillham and Captains Cecilia Eisenhardt ’18, Was led by Head Coach Jak Bestle and Free Relays, Bryce Henkel ’21 was the Section 2 Colleen Quaglia ’17 and Asja Afzali ’17. The Co-Captains Brendan Navarro ’17 and Champion in the 500 Free, 200 and 400 girls had an undefeated dual season and were Jon Scotto ’17. The team completed their Free Relays. Reginald Anadio ’17 and Kyle Section 2 Champions for the fourth time in a 14th consecutive Colonial Council season Verstandig ’17 earned Section 2 Champion in row. At Sectionals the team had several first without a league loss, bringing their undefeated the 200 and 400 Free Relays. These swimmers place finishers: Sarah Herbold ’17 200-yard free streak to 239 rounds. They finished third in set several school and pool records. Reginald style and 500-yard free style; Colleen Quaglia the league tournament this year as well. Anadio ’17, Will FitzGerald ’17, Joseph Lewis ’17- 200-yard IM, 100-yard backstroke and Ryan Warnick ’19 earned a spot on the ’17 were Section 2 Scholar-Athlete Award 200-yard freestyle relay team of Colleen, Sarah, Section 2 team that competed in the State finalists and received Academic All-America Emily Murphy ’18 and Liv Eisenhardt ’20. Championships in June at Cornell University. designation by NISCA (National Interscholastic At the State Competition Colleen Quaglia ’17 Swim Coaches Association). finished 4th in the 100-back stroke- the highest AA Varsity Basketball finish ever for a member of the AAG Swim Was led by Head Coach Brian Fruscio P’16, AA Varsity Tennis Team Sarah Herbold finished 10th in the ’22, ’22 and Captains Will Bennett ’17, Hameir Was led by Head Coach Tony Fruscio and 200-yard freestyle. Wright ’17, and CJ Mulvey ’17. The Basketball Captains Conners O’Brien ’18 and Michael Team finished the season 15-5 regular season, Haelen ’17. The team finished with a 13-2 AAG Varsity Lacrosse and 17-5 overall. Hameir Wright ’17 was record, which was the school’s first season Was led by Head Coach Gregory Giombetti awarded News Channel 13 All-Star, Times competing in the AA classification. One indi- ’89, P’25, Assistant Coach Alexis “Biz” Deeb Union Player of the Year, and NYS Gatorade vidual represented The Albany Academy in the ’08, and Captains Madeline Blackburn ’17, Player of the Year. Will Bennett ’17 was selected state tournament: Conners O’Brien ’18, who Candace Teliska ’17, and Samantha MacAffer Capital Region Student-Athlete Basketball was the Section 2 Individual Champion and ’17. The Team was Colonial Council Champi- Awardee. The Team was named the NYSAIS named the Times Union Athlete of the Year. ons and placed second in Class C for Section 2. Class A Champion and went on to win the Colonial Council All Stars were: 1st team Sarah NYS Class A Federation. AA Varsity Track & Field Richardson ’19, Stephanie Szelest ’18, Isabelle Was led by Head Coach Jim Poole ’68 P’02, Uccellini ’18, and Sydney Christiansen ’18. AA Varsity Wrestling ’14 and Captains Max Tulchinsky ’17, Ahmed Was led by Head Coach Jefferson LaMountain Lachgar ’17, Reginald Anadio ’17, and Joaquin AAG Varsity Tennis P’18 and Co-Captains Kyle Jasenski ’17 and Pasco ’17. The team had an undefeated league Was led by Head Coach Jennifer Messing and Zachary Zebrowski ’17. This was the team’s record of 8-0 for dual meets. The team captured Co-Captains Lucie Xu ’17 and Anna Ricci ’17. sixth appearance in the Section 2 Class B the Colonial Council Championship, and at the The team had a very successful year and became Championships, and ninth Section 2 D-1 Large Section 2 Championship Cameron Fearn ’19 Colonial Council Champions. School Championships. Kyle Jasenski ’17 won qualified to represent The Albany Academy at the section 2 weight class of 160 and finished the State Meet for the 100m dash. fifth at the State Tournament.

The Albany Academies magazine 32 spring/summer 2017 sarah herbold ’17 | photo by Name to Come “It makes my spotlight heart sing.”

Why I Give

Jeffrey Levine ’67 is committed to paying forward the good fortune that an educational opportunity afforded him over 50 years ago. Mr. Levine believes that supporting students beginning at an early age is an important way to give back to the school that shaped him into the person he is today.

Last summer, Mr. Levine donated $50,000 to establish an endowed scholarship to help an Upper School student at The Albany Mr. Levine began at The Albany Mr. Levine wants to encourage Academy who otherwise would not be able Academy as a Kindergartener and others to consider giving, particularly to to afford to attend the school. Mr. Levine continued through until he graduated in scholarships. “One of the simplest ways to just recently established a second endowed 1967. “My Kindergarten teacher was give is to add to an existing scholarship. scholarship; however, this time it is for a Mrs. Olcott; she was an outstanding When I spoke to the 50th Reunion classes Lower School student at The Albany teacher and started me with the founda- during my reunion this past May about Academy. tional skills that benefitted through all of the scholarship, an alumna was touched “When I went to The Albany Academy, my Academy years. Because of this great and offered to add to it. I was also thrilled my family was financially challenged to education that began with her, I want to at Dr. North agreeing to support it,” said send me there and I knew how hard my give another student the same opportunity Mr. Levine. parents worked to make it happen. In fact, that I had by establishing this scholarship. “Another way to help with the my dad had 6-7 part-time jobs in order to I will enable a student to start in Kinder- scholarship program is to establish your make sure I could attend AA. Because of garten and progress all the way to Grade own scholarship. By doing this, you this, I was inspired to fund a second scholar- 12. This really makes my heart sing.” would be able to set the guidelines and ship that will enable another child to have Mr. Levine went on to college and help an Academy student beginning at an this incredible education that may otherwise law school in the Capital Region and early age. This could give you the special not be available to a young person. Since had a very successful financial planning opportunity to provide a mentor/mentee The Albany Academy provided me with this practice for over 30 years in Albany before relationship. It also provides a good strong foundation for my life, I am excited he retired and relocated with his wife to chance for you to change a little person’s to give back in order to allow a student the Anthem, Arizona, to be with their son life forever.” same opportunity,” said Mr. Levine. and grandchildren.

The Albany Academies magazine 34 spring/summer 2017

campaign news

CAMPAIGN FOR THE THIRD CENTURY CONTINUES ITS SUCCESS The Campaign for the Third Century, Annual Fund exceeds which launched in 2014 as one of the most ambitious fundraising campaigns goal of $800,000 at The Albany Academies, now stands over $15 million. Many of the bricks-and- Thank you to the over 1,200 alumnae, alumni, mortar projects have been completed and parents, grandparents, parents of alumni/ae, endowment continues to be a priority for fundraising. The overall goal—including faculty and staff who so generously donated Annual Fund dollars raised over five years— $800,000 to the 2016-17 Annual Fund and helped us is $20 Million. raise nearly $880,000. Your commitment and generosity go to work immediately and where A special print piece will be mailed this fall most needed by helping to support student providing an outline of the Campaign for programs, increase financial aid, and attract the Third Century, and information about its progress, next steps, and participation outstanding faculty. This year’s Reunion giving opportunities. Thank you to the many was up over previous years and will benefit donors who have already made a the Academies in many ways, by supporting difference and an everlasting impact on upgraded facilities, enhanced student clubs The Albany Academies. and organizations, and top-rated academic

With Dr. North’s retirement at the end programming. of the 2017-18 school year, The Albany Academies’ Board of Trustees recently All of our donors will be listed in the annual announced the establishment of The Report of Donors published in late fall. “I am Dr. Douglas M. North ’58 Scholarship. deeply grateful to the individuals and families The goal is to raise $250,000 by June who made a commitment to the Annual Fund of 2018 in order to support deserving students at the Academies. The fund and helped us exceed our goal. It is a privilege currently stands at $90,000. to be a part of The Albany Academies—with a first-rate team of leaders in the Office of If you are interested in making a gift Institutional Advancement. All of us look

to this fund, please contact Director $879,000 forward to continuing to work with you and of Institutional Advancement Ann Wendth at (518) 429-2385 or engage you in the many activities and programs [email protected], or set for the upcoming year,” said Director of visit albanyacademies.org/giving. Institutional Advancement Ann Wendth.

Institutional Advancement Office 2016-17 Annual Fund Chairs Mrs. Ann Wendth Ms. Karen Avery ’83, Alumnae Director of Institutional Advancement Mr. Gregg George ’87, Alumni Ms. Laurel Colasurdo Mrs. Carol Conners O’Brien ’51 and Senior Development Officer Mr. Michael J. O’Brien ’50, P’77, ’79, ’80, ’85, Ms. Alexis Deeb ’08 ‘GP ’04, ’18 ’19, ’21, ’22, ’25, ’26 Grandparents Marketing and Communications Associate Ms. Kasey M. Buran Fron ’08 and Ms. Stacey Fontanelli 1st Lt. Christopher T. Fron, USMC ’10, Pace Setters Special Events Coordinator Mr. Buckmaster de Wolf and Mrs. Joanne DelCarpine Ms. Rosemary Ratcliff P’18, ’21, ’21, Parents Database Manager Dr. Vincent and Ms. Carol Filanova P’10, Institutional Advancement Assistant ’11, ’12, ’15, Past Parents

The Albany Academies magazine spring/summer 2017 35 2 a events

Scholar Luncheon

SUNDAY, APRIL 23, 2017

The Scholar Luncheon was held to thank donors who have established or contributed to Endowed Scholarships and have opened doors and created countless opportunities for Academy students. It was also an opportunity for the donors to meet the students and families who are recipients of the scholarships.

The Albany Academies magazine 36 spring/summer 2017 THE ALBANY ACADEMIES’ ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS

*Albany Academy for Girls Alumnae Association “I am beyond Legacy Scholarship grateful for The Albany Academy Alumni Association Legacy Scholarship the numerous *The Belleville Scholarship The William A. C. Brooks Scholarship opportunities my *The James F. ’52 and Cynthia Caird Scholarship scholarship has *The Capital Bank Scholarship The Class of 1940 Scholarship provided to me. The Class of 1941 Scholarship The Class of 1984 Scholarship I simply cannot The Phyllis and Avron Cohen ’39 Scholarship imagine where I The Dearstyne Scholarship 2 The Martha Decker Scholarship would be without *The Joan R. Dembinski ’55 Scholarship for my Academy “Scientific Dreams” The Hannan Scholarship education.” The Hearst Foundation Scholarship The Elisabeth Hessberg Scholarship Tattiahna Welsh ’18 The Josephine Hunsdorfer Scholarship Recipient of the William A.C. The Erin Jones Scholarship Brooks Scholarship The Penny Jones Scholarship (AA) The Penny Jones Scholarship (AAG) *The Jeffrey Levine ’67 Scholarship 3 The Robert Macfarland Fleet Scholarship The Caroline B. Mason Scholarship The William McEwan Scholarship The Meislahn Scholarship The William “Country” Morris Scholarship The Amanda Morrison ‘02 Scholarship The Gerald E. Mull Endowed Scholarship The Carolyn M. Nardolillo Scholarship *The Dr. Douglas M. North ’58 Scholarship The Frank E. O’Brien Jr. ’53 Scholarship The John D. Picotte Family Foundation Scholarship The Michael B. Picotte ’65 Scholarship 4 5 The Dr. Herbert Schellenberger Scholarship The Barbara Jaffe Stahl ’48 Scholarship The Ernest Steck H’63, ’77 Scholarship The Winthrop P. Stevens Endowed Scholarship 1 Dr. Tiffany Powell P’19, Fadiya Perry ’19, The Mildred Hinman Straub Memorial Scholarship Donor William A. C. Brooks P’91, ’93, The Lewis A. Swyer Scholarship Tattiahna Welsh ’18, Elizabeth Harris P’18 The Carl E. Touhey ’35 Endowed Scholarship 2 Former Head of School and Donor *The Troy Savings Bank Charitable Caroline Mason and Donor Meg Picotte Foundation Scholarship MacClarence ’82 The Thomas Tuttle ’84 Scholarship 3 Cuyler Reynolds ’19, Past Board of The William Walker Scholarship Trustees President and Donor E. Stewart 6 The Elizabeth Allen Wallace Endowed Scholarship Jones, Jr. ’59, P’90, ’93, ’97 and Linda The Peter Wells ’52 Scholarship Reynolds P’19, ’21 The Marjorie Dearstyne Whiteside Scholarship 4 Donor Mary Beth O’Brien P’84 chatting The Virginia O’Cain Wren Scholarship with her scholar Brendan Schneider ’17 5 Donor William J. Belleville, Sr. P’89, P’96, * scholarship newly established during the Campaign Head of School Dr. Douglas M. North ’58, for the Third Century and featured speaker and Donor Lewis Morrison P’98, ’02, GP’22, ’28 and his wife Phyllis If you are interested in starting a scholarship, 6 Donor Joan Dembinksi ’55, Maria please contact Director of Institutional Beaton ’18, and Margaret Beaton P’18 Advancement Ann Wendth at 518-429-2385. 7 Donors David Nardolillo ’94 and E. 7 Stewart Jones, Jr. ’59, P’90, ’93, ’97

The Albany Academies magazine spring/summer 2017 37 may projects

sean wilkinson ’17 Stimulating with isimulate Sean Wilkinson ’17 is a very talented and motivated young man. He earned a 4.0 GPA while a student The Albany Academy, took 9 AP classes, served as Captain of the AA Varsity Hockey team, was President of the Chess Club, and volunteered at his local church. His interest has always been in the medical field, specifically research, so it was only natural that his May Project placement be in a health care setting. What Sean didn’t realize was just how unique and innovative his experience would turn out to be!

Sean’s placement was at the Biomedical Acceleration and Commercialization Center (BACC) at Albany Medical College. He had the opportunity to work with Mr. Bobby Syed, President of iSimulate, a portable device company designed to train medical students, EMS personnel, and other health care professionals. The unit utilizes just two iPads to replicate and simulate a wide range of medical emergencies. iSimulate is based in Australia and New Zealand, but has an office in the BACC, an incubator of eight biomedical companies located at the College. This unique portable device helps instructors control an emergency simulation using one iPad, while the student performs the proper training on a standardized patient (actor), which is connected to the ALSi.

Sean assisted Mr. Syed with a wide array of projects—from the actual assembling of the devices for shipping to mapping of the company’s North American clientele. Although Sean has been focused on medical research, he was sparked by the business aspect of a biomedical company to think a bit differently about his future pursuit in college. “The most rewarding part of this experience was seeing all of the work that is put into the development of a product and learning all of the moving parts involved,” said Sean. “I’ve seen things in just two weeks that you just don’t learn in an economics class. I saw first-hand how a company operates and innovates.” As a result of the experience provided by the team at iSimulate, Sean is considering a focus on the business aspect of health care when he attends the University of Notre Dame this fall.

Thank you to Mr. Kevin Leyden, Senior Vice President for Business Development and Strategic Partnerships of Albany Medical College, and Mr. Syed for their support and passion for inspiring young minds.

The Albany Academies magazine 38 spring/summer 2017 2017 sarah herbold ’17

Hats-on learning provides unique experience Sarah Herbold ’17 has always loved the way buildings are made. This interest— paired with her passion for art and math— sparked her plans to study architecture. For several weeks this past May, Sarah was able to pursue her passion while participating in her May Project at Architecture Plus. Sarah wore many hats, sometimes hard hats, throughout her experience at the firm. She even had the opportunity to participate in construction field visits where she helped monitor construction quality. One project, of particular interest, was a renovation of a residence hall at the University at Albany’s campus. Sarah walked through the campus site and helped identify issues and concerns and then communicated them to the contractor. She was put to work like one of the team members and asked to identify problem areas on the site! On many of her visits she was able to see plans come to fruition, beginning with concrete pouring all the way to final window and hallway design.

If Sarah was not visiting a site, she was helping in the Architecture Plus office located in Troy, NY. She assisted with researching pricing for furniture, updating and organizing building codes for each job site, and scanning documents. This was Sarah’s first experience working in a professional setting, and she remarked about the importance of always being respectful of your superiors.

Sarah plans to attend Fairfield University in the fall to major in architecture and continue on for a three-year Master’s program. Sarah is extremely enthusiastic to use architecture as a pathway to pursue her interest, in math and art.

This experience would not have been possible without the support of Mary Kate Young P’21, ’24 and her team at Architecture Plus. We wish Sarah the best in her future endeavors!

The Albany Academies magazine spring/summer 2017 39 2017–18 Admission Office Events

Lunch On Us 12:00—1:00 pm, Thursdays Board of Trustees Room October 5, 2017 December 7, 2017

Open House 1:00—3:00 pm AA & AAG Campus November 5, 2017

Preschool at The Albany Academies provides the perfect mix of experiences and opportunities for young children, planting the seeds that will nurture their development and curiosity. The full-day Pre-K and Kindergarten programs at The Albany Academy and Albany Academy for Girls serve as a bridge between Preschool and Lower School by providing young students with experiences that foster development of their cognitive, social, emotional, and motor skills through a balance of work and play.

The Albany Academies magazine 40 spring/summer 2017 Spring/Summer class notes -

of these notes]. Al Mueller ’54 checked in engaged to a trainer for Baltimore Ravens-no 1950’s from Maine with, “Hedge, Thanks for the letter date set yet. Health is still very good with sole AA Dan Cook ’54 writes: My recent USP and just like ‘Kotter’—‘Welcome Back’. No need exception of going through some dental implants mailing included 19 letters with names and phone to call however, as I’m still ‘above ground’ (before (3). A long process, one year. We have plans to numbers. The first call I received was from Jean cocktails) and still hanging out at Red Cross get together in June in Colorado with my son Covert who informed me that Jim Covert (Disaster Div) with Camp in Summer Best,” [DC: John, and grandson, John IV, who is completing his first year in med school at Indiana University.” ’54 III had died last December. Jean was Jim’s Based on some of our history at the Academy it primary caretaker for his last 3 years as he seems appropriate that Alfie is associated with From the West Coast Jack Winchester ’54 struggled with a variety of physical and mental the Disaster Division—paybacks sometimes make writes; “I just returned today from the annual health issues. I was saddened in two ways: 1) Jim sense. It’s also been a long time since someone two-plus months in Puerto Rico, a great beach and I go back to early Lower School times, and 2) called me Hedge!] Got a nice note from Pete vacation. Nothing exciting to write about from me in San Jose, Ca. Health is holding out quite I was not aware that he had passed and neither Tacy ’54 and Melba. “Thank you for your letter was the Academy. I asked Jean if she wanted to and updates; hope to see you this summer in the well, but then again nobody knows what the next receive our class notes and invited her to join us Albany area. We were able to open the lake up day or week will bring. Celebrating my 81st this for our summer gatherings. Had a nice chat with and have our Easter at the lake after we returned weekend. Of my 4 grandchildren, 3 are in college and the fourth will enter Colorado U in the fall Russ Stevenson ’54 who has retired for the from Florida. We are driving to Ohio & Michigan providing lots of activities and excitement. fourth time. “Sherrill and I are now in “summer and will meet Peter Jr. He will be driving the 60-year reunion at St. Lawrence Univ. next year. mode” in which we make regular trips to Packard that we gave him 4 years ago—the same I enjoy reading and hearing all the class news and Plattsburgh or Albany to spend a week here and one I was driving when I saw you in 2013. activities, so keep up the great work.” Also there at our family place on the shores of Lake Otherwise, we will be at Lake George or Champlain. Our first trip was in March (34” of Castleton. If you need to reach me on my cell enjoying life on the West Coast are Tom fresh snow upon arrival); our second trip in April; (518-421-8229) or Email [email protected]. I Mosher ’54 and Heide; “Lucky and blessed to we have another coming up at the end of May; look forward to seeing you or any of the group be happy and healthy in La Jolla, CA. In October another in June/July; another in August; and anytime or any moved-awayers. I am glad to hear Heidi and I moved into the village next to the another in September. What keeps us coming you will be the Secretary again. I miss the humor ocean in a 7th-floor condo. Now we walk to back to Louisiana is that I have a regular you always add to the correspondence.” Also in shops and restaurants but also enjoy the ocean preaching job still in the center of Gonzales at a the Capital District area are Dick Rutland ’54 view and exercise. We play tennis three times a little church called River Church South which we and Betty who have a prestigious address— week, and enjoy a fitness room on the other days. began about 10 years ago. Our first retirement Rutland Avenue in Albany. Dick has had some Bridge, book club, country and beach clubs, and was in 2004 from First Pres in downtown Baton health issues (welcome to the club) but still Rotary keep us involved with wonderful friends. Rouge after 20 years of pastoring there. I guess enjoys the role of patriarch of a multi-generational Retirement is good.” I have spoken with fellow I’m just happier when I’m working! We are family. “Our retirement years fly by. I’ve always Floridian Paul Goetz ’54 on several occasions. beginning to travel regularly to college said that we are so busy living we didn’t notice. He and Eva have moved and now enjoy the graduations of our 21 grandchildren-so far two We spent our winters at the Times Union Center ambiance of a retirement community. Paul from Hillsdale College, one from James Madison cheering on the Siena men’s basketball team for devoted many years to a Field of Dreams-like University, and one more this month from Virginia the last 20+ years. We are lucky to live near the charity and also participated in the local chorus. Tech. Four more are still in college, two at Proctors Theater and spend many good evenings He acknowledged that he still works out at the Hillsdale, one at Iona College in New Rochelle, seeing great shows from NYC and many other gym and advised his grandkids that he did it to one in Miami of Ohio. And our first two celebrities. With four adult children who created maintain a great body! To which they replied, if granddaughters were married in the spring of 10 grandchildren (including 3 steps) our families’ that’s what going to the gym does to your body, 2016 to wonderful men. Sherrill and I expect to social calendars are always very busy. Add on 5 they’ll avoid the experience. (You may remember be up near Plattsburgh, NY, at our family place great grandchildren.” [DC: Dick, you are well that Paul could never be mistaken for a not only in spring and summer, but early fall.” ahead in the great grandkids category.] “So we body-builder at the Academy and could have And a note from King Wilson ’54: “Thank you have bragging rights with no extra work. Feel been a poster child for the NoKidHungry charity.) for the update on Russ Stevenson. He is a great blessed to get up and go at it every morning” Jim Tyler ’54 and Dee emailed their update guy. The Wilsons are doing well. We now have 19 Coloradan Jack Damrath ’54 provided the from Lake George: “Nothing startling going on grandchildren. The total family will soon number following news: “Still rebuilding my life after the with us at the moment. We spent the holidays 40 plus two cats and a parakeet. We have two passing of my second wife in 2016. Making with the entire family on Siesta Key. The weather granddaughters getting married this summer, progress in small steps thanks to the Lord along was spot on and we had a wonderful time. Went one in Connecticut and one in Wisconsin. Never a with the help of my kids and my loving cat. Have back again in February to escape the Lake dull moment. Peace”. [DC]: It appears that Russ 9 grandchildren with Judy and 4 by marriage George winter but we had to return early as Dee is 2 up on King with the grandkids, but we from Carolyn. Good news is that my oldest had a knee replacement. At our age, it’s always wonder about the total family category. I’ll check grandson is the first grandchild to be married in “something” medically related, isn’t it? It’s hard with Russ and the answer will appear at the end September. My oldest granddaughter was just to believe that I have been retired for 23 years!

The Albany Academies magazine spring/summer 2017 41 We still enjoy our time here at Lake George, than emails inviting him to happy hours. He did Hill, and was buoyed by receiving three special but have felt the need to get some respite from say that he gets calls from Harvard undergrads commissions. That has kept him as busy as his the cold during the winter months.” [DC: We updating him on things. I suggested this to the back would allow. That darn spinal stenosis keeps Floridians appreciate your visit and encourage Academy Alumni Board and Doug North. Some him from walking or standing for more than a you to return many times, spend a lot of money, of you may remember Ms. Clum’s nursery school. few minutes at a time. Or is it that he’d really but do go home. The increase in our population Louise and I are both graduates as are some of rather be reading philosophy, Buddhist texts, the will stress both our water supply and highway our classmates. I have challenged Louise to comics, or watching crime shows and standup travel.] “I heard from Frank Igoe ’54 over the head up a reunion of the classes of ’40 and ’41. comedians on his Kindle? He continues to toss holidays, but not since. I was surprised to find Larry said they would enjoy meeting for lunch out pithy commentary on the rest of us, such as: out that the phone number in Medina was sometime this summer. They also had a nice “He has the self-absorption of an artist without discontinued. Unfortunately, my computer was visit with Alton Steiner ’54 and Emily at a the talent.” And in response to my bemoaning hacked awhile back and I’ve lost his email conference in Arkansas. The Steiners spent time the problems of approaching 80:“Don’t worry, it address. His son lives in Saratoga and I think they visiting a wonderful new museum, Crystal will be over soon.” visit periodically. Wish I had more to contribute, Bridges, in Benton, which is a project of Alice but at least you can report that I am still alive and Walton, the Walmart heiress. They still enjoy Carol is busy with friends of Lamoine working to kicking! Again, good to hear from you...... and some travel time but acknowledged that it was keep the gravel companies from hauling off the thank you.” I had left a message for Burrill good to be home. I’ve had great conversations center of the town (Check out the FOL web site: Burke ’54 and Tina. When he called back we with Vint Vanderzee ’54 over the past year lamoine.org. ); with Lamoine Community Arts talked for almost an hour. He should have gone that he describes as fairly uneventful. He and which is both upgrading the old Grange hall and to medical school. He reads extensively on the Hermine don’t travel a lot—just southern & central presenting interesting plays there. This fall, having subject of staying healthy and had many Ohio and to Northern KY for a meal where they devised a way to create the illusion of a three- excellent suggestions. Both he and Tina have both speak southern when necessary. He no floor London flat on the Grange’s tiny stage, she some health issues (don’t we all) but they appear longer drives after giving his car to his daughter. directed John Bowen’s comedy Trevor on it in to be managing them well and are very active. Hermine drives him to his doctor & dentist & the fall. In July she presented three sessions for Burrill acknowledged that he did visit the other appointments. Vint has had back issues the AATE convention in Boston. Last March, it Academy for a hockey game (one of his and may need another back operation. He is was a short residency in Salt Lake City with high grandsons plays for Shenendehowa) for the first considering starting to drink again in order to school students work-shopping a new version time in many years. He relies a lot on his Guardian alleviate some health issues, but said, “I am of her script Mieke Prding. This led to directing a Angel and credits his faith as he enjoys his life. feeling very well & amazingly healthy for an old Readers’ Theater version of the play at U/Maine. We can count on him for a lunch or two this guy. My teeth seem to be OK, but need to be And that led to connecting with a scene designer summer pending conflicting doctor’s professionally cleaned twice a year. I have not in the area who is now creating moving visual appointments. Also, had a lengthy conversation had any cavities lately only because I’m very projections for the script. They have secured with Bill Corrigan ’54 and Anita who followed careful about my food selections. Gardening is two high school productions of the piece this up with a newsy email: “It’s always good to very big for both of us, and is cheaper than trips coming spring. maintain contact with old longtime friends. As to the florist, theater, doctor, garage, department for a current update regarding the Corrigans’ store and all them places. We derive much We continue to enjoy our many good friends activities (I use the word “activities” to emphasize pleasure from the flowers we grow. Thanks a lot here as well as those in Boston, when we drive a state of being active rather than entirely for your phone calls—I really appreciate them a down. We love it when folks come to visit us sedentary), here’s a brief report: Recently turned lot!” Ann Sheila and I have 5 adult children and here —Elizabeth Keen from NYC and Urquharts the calendar over for my 81st year and I have 5 grandsons. We are very fortunate that 8 are in from Portland. Nephew Riel Roussopoulos drove begun to step away from many of the Ponte Vedra Beach, 1 in Jacksonville and 1 in across the continent with his new partner Katya organizations that I have served over the last half Atlanta. All is well. Ann Sheila is still teaching the and her three children to spend a week with us in century. Still, unexpected but valued recognition social work licensure course and is very involved August. Riel kept them busy exploring his favorite does occasionally come my way—today I was with the church and volunteer work. I am still an haunts. In the fall Dale’s son Blake visited with his notified that I have been selected as recipient of exercise addict spending many hours at the Y dear wife Elaine and darling daughter. As four- the 2017 Brown University Athletics Appreciation and jogging 25 miles a week with Riley II our Irish year-old Emmy explored our house, refreshing Award for long-time meritorious service. I am in Setter. I also enjoy a little bowling, poker at Best her memory from the visit a year ago, she reasonably good health, although I struggle with Bets, keeping up with the ponies and enjoying immediately spotted a framed painting on the decreased mobility as a result of a bout with a mystery novels. Riley is recovering from neck wall, hanging among many others, and declared, muscular disorder several years ago. So, I have surgery and is looking forward to chasing geese ”That one is mine! And it’s hanging upside down.” become somewhat dependent upon a cane when when we all get north for the summer. I was I thanked her for putting us straight and quickly climbing stairs or walking on uneven ground. This unable to reach Frank Igoe ’54, Bob Salzer corrected the problem. partial disability has limited the domestic/foreign ’54 and Bill Sheffield ’54 although their travel we formerly enjoyed so much, although letters were not returned. Carol Tweedie Here’s hoping all our problems will be as easily Anita and I maintain our timeshare cottage for Korty ’54 writes: Happy New Year! Best wishes solved in 2017! Eric Moore ’59 writes: At the annual trips to West Yarmouth on Cape Cod. All for getting through what promises to be a end of September 2016, wife Janet and I became in all, life continues to be eventful and sustaining.” tumultuous year ahead with sharp awareness, great grandparents to Brinley Amara Moore, Caught up with Larry Marwill ’54 and Louise keen wit, and happy times. Recap of 2016 from daughter of our grandson Richardson Moore who are still in the Albany area. Larry sounded the personal perspective of Macurdy/Korty and his soon-to-be wife, Jennifer Kit. Son Chris like he really enjoys retirement. His exercise follows: is now fully recovered from recent open-heart routine includes weekly bridge games (?). He has surgery that replaced a damaged aortic valve and been a consistent donor to the Academy, but Dale continues to turn out beautiful floor cloths, repaired an aortic aneurysm. Scary few days, but gets no feedback from the Alumni Board other which sell well at Handworks Gallery in Blue all is well now. Still enjoying retirement in southern

The Albany Academies magazine 42 spring/summer 2017 Indiana, staying active with volunteer work and up. Lawrence and I are still living on Saratoga “Waterway Guide,” edition 2017. Definitely worth walking 3-4 miles at least 4 days a week. Lake with its frigid winters, glorious springs, hot reading and getting a copy of the magazine. summers, and colorful falls. We have taken some Dayna Schlang (David Schlang ’63’s wife) fun trips to various places: Knoxville, Tennessee, reports that even though he may where Lawrence served at the Community be gone, he is still in the news, his obituary Design Center as part of his conscientious was quoted in the Wall Street Journal for the objector status during the Vietnam War. We also humor that still remains even after you pass. visited the Buffalo/ Niagara Falls area where he Way to do it, David! had attended college at Niagara University. We will soon visit Emerson College, where he did Rolly Peacock ’69 writes that he retired on Bill and Tockey Dearstyne ’58 recently his graduate work. We think it is important to 5/31/2017 after 44 years in the banking industry. visited with Doug North ’58 and Ellen Cole at revisit the places of our growing years, to reflect. He is looking forward to more time with Suzie The Albany Academy along with their daughters Albany Academy for Girls is a place I hold dear, a and their six grandchildren. He also wants to and four grandsons. place where we were encouraged to explore the remind the Class of 1969 that it is only two years world and the possibilities it held. Interestingly, until our 50th Reunion. So mark your calendars we are still growing, learning every day. I think we for mid-May 2019 to come back to celebrate! are Academy Girls forever! Happy 55th Reunion Class of 1962. 1970’s Joe Fitzgerald ’74 was remarried on May 6, 2016, to Eva Marie Pearce, at St. Mary of the Angels Chapel at Siena College. Joe and Eva Members of the Class of 1958 have begun honeymooned on the Isle of Capri, Italy, following planning for their 60th Reunion in May of 2018; a Franciscan Pilgrimage to Italy with visits to Peter Kermani ’58, Dr. Douglas North Siena, Assisi, and Rome. Joe is Assistant Dean ’58, Hon. Stephen Safranko ’58, P’91, of Business at Siena College, and teaches in the GP’23, Robert Taylor, Jr. ’58, John Crary Robert McCarthy ’62 writes: Bill Parks ’62 Management Department. Eva is employed at ’58, and Henry Schmerler ’58. successfully completed the 54 KM mountainous IRS as a TaxPayer Advocate. They reside in Norwegian Birkebeiner race in Rena, Norway. North Greenbush. His time of six hours was great considering a 1960’s flu bug and a wax problem. He persevered and Louis “Skip” Dorwaldt ’61 writes: Far raised $6,775 dollars for The Albany Academies 1980’s be it for me to cast any doubt on Tommy in pledges. Bill was inducted into the AA Athletic Hawn’s ’61 memory; however, I think that Hall of Fame this past May for his track records Donny Mader ’61, Wayne Simpson ’61, (mile, half a mile, and pole vault) and his nearly and Johnny Gamble ’61 and maybe others 30 years of coaching track and cross country also traveled from Kindergarten through 6th skiing at Glens Falls High School. Form with Tommy, Peter “Si” Sidman ’61, and myself. Mollie Dillon Cliffe ’62 writes: My wonderful husband Charlie passed Kevin Avery ’80 and his wife, Bryonie Byers, away suddenly at home Feb. 10, 2017. I had a hosted a wonderful gathering for over 30 alumni Celebration of Life for him on April 9th. Charlie’s and alumnae at their home in Chevy Chase, MD, in life history is on the internet about all the boats March. Alumni/ae in attendance ranged from the (Cliffe Craft boats) he has built since he was 17. Class of 1956 to the Class of 2007. We have also had a cottage industry at home where we have built St. Lawrence Skiffs (a Steve Ranney ’63 writes: The photo above kind of rowboat). I have 2 wonderful children, is of Charlie Assini ’63, George Chelius 1990’s Sarah and C.J. who have been very helpful. My ’63 and Dick Symansky ’63 meeting at George Coulouris ’94 announced the daughter is married and has 2 boys, Dillon and the Troy City Music Hall featuring the Kingston arrival of his second son, Elliot Jacob Coulouris, Eric. They are 9 years old and 6 years old. My Trio in May. We should all remember that great in January of 2017. Amrys O. Williams, daughter works at Queens University in Kingston, singing group. Charlie said he has every record Ph.D ’98 has moved to Wilmington, DE, to join Ontario, and is getting her Masters from there in existence of this group. There was a gathering the Hagley Museum and Library as Associate this spring. My son works with computers and in DC in the spring to network, meet with old Director and Oral Historian @ Center for the he is a software developer and programmer with friends, and hear from Dr. North. Of our era, you History of Business, Technology, and Society. a company, Dragonfly IT, in Kingston. I am lucky would have bumped into Walter Jones ’63, Husband, Paul Erickson, Ph.D., continues to to have them close. One of the programs he Steve Ranney ’63, Michael Hirsh ’62, teach at Wesleyan University in CT. has developed is for fruit growers to be able to John Rich ’61 and Steve Gunther ’59. It is keep track of their crops. Another is a program sad when Hank Evans had to sell their 40’ trawler, to help Queens with their housing. He also fixed Queen Ann’s Revenge, in order to move inland any problems the company has with its server. to take care of his charming wife, Ann, who has Diane Fallon Boylan ’62 writes: It seems advanced Parkinson-Plus Syndrome. We give like our 50th Class Reunion was a very long time them all our best. Hank wrote a fabulous story ago, but it was only 5 years ago. Time to catch of their yachting experiences over the years in

The Albany Academies magazine spring/summer 2017 43 in Canada, but spent the spring coaching at I had the pleasure of doing so alongside several UAlbany to help the Great Danes Division 1 team. members in my class. We enjoyed reconnecting with each other and look forward to the next Nico Caridi ’05 writes: I began my legal opportunity. From the left, first row - Kevin career in 2010. I started my career with a well- Heelan ’07, Jillian LeFevre ’07, Dorothy respected and high-volume real estate law firm. Powell ’07, Hallee Quinn ’07, Alexandra I worked my way “through the ranks,” so to Burstein ’07, Shannon Hughes ’07, Owner/CEO of Metabolic Meltdown Matt speak, first as an intern, then as a law clerk, and Jesse Meyer ’07; from the left, second row- Phelps ’98 was announced as a member of finally as an Associate Attorney after passing Sachin Gupta ’07, Sean Austin ’07, Alex the 2017 Albany Business Review class of Forty the New York State Bar exam. I gained a wealth Bringsjord ’07, Colin Dennis ’07, Alex under 40. “I knew that I could not control a lot of knowledge in the practice of law, particularly Cosmer ’07, Derek Foster ’07, Brian of factors in my life, but I could control how as the law pertains to all matters relating to Parrella ’07, and Brad Kasselman ’07. hard I worked for something. I decided to invest residential and commercial real estate and real myself full time in building the program into what estate transactions. I represented thousands of Denzel Ogunyase ’08 recently returned to I thought it could be. Both my wife and sister clients before starting my own practice with a work in the Albany area in medical device sales came to work with me, leaving their jobs, in order staff of seven, The Caridi Law Firm LLC. We are for Medtronic. He is in the cardiac rhythm and to chase this dream and follow this vision.” the second highest volume title producer for old heart failure division. republic national title co. in the Albany Area. I have enjoyed working with my many clients and Alexis “Biz” Deeb ’08 writes: I cannot 2000’s find that my Academy education paired with believe it has been over three years since I joined Joshua Neudel ’01 became the Upper School the relationships I created in my time there has the Academies as an employee. Time seems Head for Brimmer and May School located served me very well. to evaporate and most days I feel as though I outside of Boston, MA, in 2016. Previously, he never left this incredible place. I absolutely love had served as the Chair of Educational Innovation engaging with our incredible student body, at Gann Academy. faculty, alumni, and alumnae. My greatest friends were formed while a student here and I am still in constant contact with them. In fact, I just recently had a very important celebratory brunch with my two best buds Ellen “Ali” DiStefano ’08 and Alex Brix ’08. Brix, as we all call her, asked Albert Hessberg ’06 was married to us to be her bridesmaids when she marries her Caroline Regan Hessberg on June 3, 2017. soulmate Rob Rezin on June 23, 2018. You better Many alumni of The Albany Academy were believe we screamed, jumped up and down, Hilary R. Sunkin ’02 and Seth Wander in attendance. Pictured from left to right are: did the pumpkin, and said yes. How is that for ’02 reconnected in Boston. They were married Bruce DiStefano ’70, P’06, ’08, ’10, #academygirls!? on June 3, 2017, at the Hall of Springs in Michael “Kel” Conway ’06, Thomas Saratoga. Many Academy family members and O’Connor III ’03, Alex Cosmer ’07, classmates were in attendance to celebrate Michael Raymond ’06, Joseph Riitano with them, including the father of the groom ’06, Michael O’Connor ’08, the groom Craig Wander ’72, mother of the groom Albert Hessberg ’06, Alex Tassinari Sheryl Goldie Rodgers ’74, brother of the ’06, Albert Hessberg III ’73, Robert Hamel ’06, John Sullivan V ’06, George bride Alex Sunkin ’05 and classmates Mary O’Connor ’07, Keith DiStefano ’06, and Anito Jensen ’02, Liz Drew Feibusch Philip Hessberg ’77. Business Development Manager of Martin Electric ’02, Kelly Sweeney Cyr ’02, Nick Faso Kendra Hart ’08 was announced as a member ’02, Yoni Kahn ’02, Mark Meigher ’03 and Dorothy Powell ’07 was so happy to see of the 2017 Albany Business Review class of . Hilary and Seth Chris Donahue-Wait ’02 everyone at the AA/AAG class of ’07 Reunion. Forty Under 40. “I don’t think most young girls are the third generation of Academy couples in The night was made unforgettable when her grow up dreaming about working in the electrical the groom’s family, whose grandparents (Jerry boyfriend, David Restrepo, proposed on the industry—at least I didn’t. I didn’t always have Wander ’31 and Judith Loeb Wander ’41) steps of the New York State Capitol, with Hallee the intention of joining the family business were honored by memory. Quinn ’07, Shannon Hughes ’07, and and in no way did my parents or grandparents Alexandra Burstein ’07 there to watch (and ever pressure me into it. However, I saw a great take pictures!). The couple live in Troy and are opportunity to join a growing company where I planning a wedding in September 2018. thought my skill set could be valuable. For me, it’s not necessarily about choosing the field but rather the function you want to serve.”

Merrick Thomson ’03 was a lacrosse star during his time at Academy and then went on to play at the University at Albany where he holds the record of all-time leading scorer (244 points) Kevin Heelan ’07 writes: I recently celebrated and 188 goals. Merrick spent time back home my 10 year Reunion at The Albany Academy and

The Albany Academies magazine 44 spring/summer 2017 2010’s in memoriam Throughout Upper School, Kiley Hinkle ’12 was no stranger to the stage. She performed John “Jack” Scheiber ’53 in all of the theater department’s musical 10/16/15 productions, perhaps most notably as Elmer Pete Seay ’35 3/26/16 Georgia Fox in Curtains. She also performed Frances Jean Van Etten Marriott ’40 regularly with The Albany Academies Chamber Singers. In May of 2016, Kiley graduated Summa 3/30/16 Cum Laude from Westminster College of the Margaret Cooper Heald ’50 Arts at Rider University where she earned a 4/13/16 B.F.A. in Musical Theater. One month later, Robert Christensen ’46 5/2016 Kiley was cast in the ensemble of the Henry Abele ’47 National Tour of 42nd Street, where she also 5/30/16 understudies the role of Phyllis Dale. Grace Khachadoorian Bakerjian ’54 6/25/16 Charles L. Berns ’71 7/25/16 William W. Wemple III 7/27/16 Christina Behrens ’74 8/3/16 Charles Shippee ’71 8/15/16 and Jack Morrow ’13 Marcus Jackson ’14 Frank J. Williams ’40 8/19/16 both completed their junior years at Skidmore College. They have made significant Dr. Robert Sidman ’57 8/20/16 contributions to the basketball program at Mr. John S Sharlet ’60 Skidmore. Jack averaged 10 points a game and 8/26/16 Marcus is averaging 6 points, 3 rebounds with Helen Muhlfelder Mann ’44 9/1/16 5 blocked shots. (Marcus Jackson pictured) Beverly Carter Faculty Member 9/6/16 Richard (Walter R.) Brashear ’49 9/16/16 Kirby S. O’Brien ’57 9/18/16 Susan Ellis Rockmore ’63, GP’14 and Spencer Standish ’42 9/23/16 Betsey Sonneborn Hamel ’68, P’03, ’06 Anthony Thomas Pitkiewicz, Jr. ’54 embarked on a history project to Riley Naclerio ’14 led St. Lawrence 9/24/16 celebrate and honor their alma mater’s basketball with an average 18.9 points per Lynn Morrissen Skrike ’50 Bicentennial. After more than three game, 6.9 rebounds, and 11 blocked shots 9/29/16 years of hard work and countless hours during the 2016-17 season. David H. Schlang ’63 11/1/16 of research, Once an Academy Girl... Charles R. Cook, Jr ’54 11/2/16 Always an Academy Girl was published. Philip Hayes Gregware ’48 11/4/16 The 120-page volume chronicles John D. Kyffin ’45 11/10/16 biographical sketches of students, teachers, and the school’s history. To Schuyler E. McCammon ’64 12/17/16 purchase your copy, contact the Office James C. Covert III ’54 12/16/16 William Melchionni ’15 was named the of Institutional Advancement at (518) Male Track Athlete of the Meet after a Louise Creble Davis ’48 1/1/17 429-2414. Cost is $20. spectacular performance at the Patriot League George S. Barnard Jr. ’50 Outdoor Championships in Bethlehem, PA. 1/20/17 William just finished his sophomore year at Miriam Tibbitts Wheeler ’39 3/15/17 Bucknell University and his performance helped Reon Bowen, Jr. ’55 the team finish fourth out of the nine-team 5/1/17 meet. William’s time in the 400-meter dash Agnes Toth Simpson ’73 5/16/17 was 47.43, the second-fastest time in Bucknell University history. Dr. Heath Twichell, Jr. ’52 6/12/2017 Peter C. Fort ’58 6/1/2017 Helen Sweetser Seay ’37 6/24/17 Scott S. Davidoff ’78 6/19/17 Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage 135 academy road PAID Albany, NY albany, ny 12208 Permit No. 300 albanyacademies.org (518)429-2300

Save the date! 2017–18

Legacy of Dreams September 22

Homecoming Weekend October 21 Leadership Donor Reception November 4 Splash! A Taste of the Arts November 18 Beverwyck Holiday Luncheon December 13 Frank O’Brien III ’84 Memorial Hockey Game February 3 NYC Alumni/ae Reception April 5 Spring Gathering April 21 Reunion May 18-19 Dr. North Retirement Party May 19

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