MiddlesexSpring 2017

The Arts Reimagined

MIDDLESEX spring 2017 i From the Head of School

The Bond of Accountability

This issue of the Bulletin is packed full of integrity of their relationships—the essential people news—the great work of our Com- accountability that Middlesex teaches defies munity Life Program; all different kinds of those values and instead cultivates and pro- speakers, from an adventure journalist to the motes our students’ responding to the honest Colombian Ambassador to the United States; expectations of their teachers and peers and and everything our students are doing to to the needs of the community. Those expec- build themselves as they engage with and tations are undeniably high across the board. contribute to a thriving school community. In the global world in which our students We have finished the Mx2 capital campaign live, their experience as adolescents is as and begun the wonderful, somewhat daunting intense as it has ever been. Academic stan- task of thanking the enormous number of dards in the country have never been higher, people who engaged and contributed to moving and what it takes to be a standout student Middlesex forward, which we will celebrate in 2017 seems extraordinary even one gener- with a terrific event on campus on June 10. ation removed. Our students navigate human And every day, in every conversation, it experience in social media and often in isola- could not be more clear to us that everything tion, via screens; they compete nationally in we do at school is based on human connections all possible venues, from athletics to music and on the essential accountability a young to Model Congress; they measure themselves person learns as he or she studies algebra, against international competition, with eager Middlesex Spanish, or lines for the play, or plays lacrosse. and hungry students emerging from all over Spring 2017 That essential accountability is where every- the world to compete for everything and

Head of School thing begins, starting with learning whatever for every great opportunity; and those eager Kathleen Carroll Giles the “stuff” is and culminating in the ethics students measure themselves against our Director of Development Heather Parker of being a moral adult and citizen in a plural- Middlesex kids. Still, despite all of these Director of Advancement istic, democratic society. The more things changes and intensifications, learning that George Noble Editor change, the more the important things stay the essential accountability is more important Maria Lindberg same. One of Middlesex’s great and enduring than ever—the accountability that comes Design lessons is that accountability starts here, with from connecting deeply with teachers and NonprofitDesign.com Photography getting the assignment done, meeting com- peers, sharing important understandings, Joel Haskell, Tim Morse, mitments, and working with others to achieve goals, and expectations, learning the “stuff,” Robert D. Perachio, Tony Rinaldo shared goals; however, the getting, meeting, completing the assignment, and performing

Letters to the Editor Letters to the and working is all in connection with others— well and in ways upon which others can rely editor are welcome and may be edited for clarity and space. Please send your teachers, coaches, classmates, castmates, and build. That our students continue to letters to Editor, Middlesex Bulletin, teammates. Middlesex has never taught do that important work well into Middlesex’s 1400 Lowell Road, Concord, MA 01742, or e-mail [email protected]. lessons about achievement in isolation or for second century is really the story of this Alumni News We welcome news from selfish, individualistic ends; and even as “the edition of the Bulletin. alumni, parents, and friends of Middle- sex School. Please send your news and morality of modernity” encourages people to labeled photographs to Alumni News, Middlesex School, 1400 Lowell Road, build the lives and select that stories that suit Concord, MA 01742, or e-mail alumni@ mxschool.edu. them best—regardless of their truth or the Address Corrections Please notify us of your change of address. Write to Middlesex School, 1400 Lowell Road, Concord, MA 01742 or e-mail alumni@ mxschool.edu. Parents of Alumni If this magazine is addressed to a son or daughter who no longer maintains a permanent address at your home, please advise us of his or her new address. Thank you! Contents

Mission Statement Features

18 Instilling Values: Middlesex’s Middlesex School is an independent, non-denominational, residential, Community Life Program college-preparatory school that, for Character education has always been an over 100 years, has been committed integral part of life at Middlesex; evolving over to excellence in the intellectual, time to respond to changes in the world at large, ethical, creative, and physical devel- it has gradually become a comprehensive opment of young people. We honor Community Life Program. the ideal, articulated by our founding Head Master, of “finding the promise” 23 The Arts Reimagined: Modernizing in every student, and we work Middlesex’s Performing and Visual together in an atmosphere of mutual trust and shared responsibility to Arts Facilities help students bring their talents to Thanks to the incredible support for Mx2: fruition as knowledgeable, capable, The Campaign for Middlesex, the Rachel responsible, and moral citizens Carson Music and Campus Center is nearing of the world. As a community, we completion, and the next phase of improving respect the individual interests, creative spaces on campus is about to begin. strengths, and needs of each stu- dent. We also value the rich diversity of belief and experience each of us brings to the School. Departments We expect that each student will bring his or her best efforts to the 2 Life 360 shared endeavor of learning and Advocating Nonviolent Protest; Celebrating that the School, through its faculty, a Jefferson Scholar; Serving One’s Country; will engage and encourage each Exploring China; Challenging Stereotypes; student’s growth, happiness, Finding a Creative Career; A Midsummer and well-being. We aspire for all Night’s Dream; Spectrum Dialogues; Middlesex students to develop personal integrity, intellectual Seeking Justice vitality and discipline, and respect for themselves and for others. 10 Middlesex People We expect each student to engage Bigelow Lecturer Alan Eyre ’76; A Souders energetically and cooperatively in Award for Trustee Emeritus Jim Oates ’65; the life of the School, and we seek Professor Cass Sunstein ’72 on Fact vs. Fake; to inspire in all students the desire Crocker Snow ’57 on Changing Ecosytems to seek understanding of them- selves and the larger world, 14 Team Highlights both now and in their futures. Four Fall Tournament Runs Culminate in a New England Championship; Alpine Skiing Repeats Success and Middlesex Wrestling On the Cover Makes History The Bancroft Courtyard will be transformed with a renovated 28 Alumni Notes and News theatre and the new Danoff Class Notes; In Memoriam Center for the Visual Arts (Rendering by CBT Architects). 48 Back Story Resonance

MIDDLESEX spring 2017 1 360° Life on the Circle

athletic events may also be interpreted as political statements, he showed just how entwined sports and social justice have always been, citing examples like Jackie Robinson breaking “the baseball color line” in 1947 and tennis champ Billie Jean King dominating the “Battle of the Sexes” in 1973. Today, many forget that in the midst of the civil rights and anti-war movements of the 1960s, heavyweight boxing champion and conscientious objector Muhammad Ali risked his titles and career by refusing to join the military. As Mr. Zirin summarized, “We think of politics as being antithetical to sports, but real courage is standing up for something you believe in.” Arriving at the program’s conclusion, Dr. Carlos joined Mr. Zirin and a crowd of students for dinner and an evening reception. Generously, the guests held another all-school assembly the following morning to focus more closely on Dr. Carlos’ story. Clearly an advocate of nonviolent protest, Dr. John Carlos encour- The Power of Taking a Stand aged students to talk with people who have opposing views. “Put Nonviolent Protest As the bronze-winning sprinter in the 200- an imprint on someone’s mind,” meter dash at the 1968 Summer Olympics he said. This year’s observance of Martin Luther King, in Mexico City, Dr. Carlos and his teammate, Jr. Day brought the ideals and legacy of Dr. gold medalist Tommie Smith, drew the King to life through the inspiring visit of Dr. world’s attention when they raised their John Carlos, Olympic athlete and activist, black-gloved fists in a salute of protest on and his biographer, award-winning journalist the medal stand as the American national Dave Zirin. Though some might say that anthem played. Their gesture in support politics have no place in sports, both guests of human rights—and the hateful backlash were articulate in talking about the intersec- that ensued—later became the subject of The tion of social justice and the athletic arena— John Carlos Story: The Sports Moment That a place where inequities and discrimination Changed the World, co-written by Dr. Carlos can be glaring. In word and deed, they and Mr. Zirin. Expelled from the Games— effectively illuminated the “murky place along with the Australian silver medalist, where sports and politics collide,” as Peter Norman, who supported their protest Mr. Zirin described it. by wearing an Olympic Project for Human Rights badge—the athletes became the focus Political Plays of abuse and even death threats for years With Texas tornado warnings delaying afterward. Dr. Carlos’ flight on January 16, Mr. Zirin Believing that he “was born for that ably started their presentation by screening mission,” Dr. Carlos asserted that he did not and discussing his short film about the regret standing up for human rights. “When politics of sports, entitled “Not Just a Game.” you become the best,” he explained, “you Noting that flags and military flyovers at have an opportunity to express what’s in your

2 MIDDLESEX spring 2017 soul.” His instinctive resolve was further galvanized by Lily Renneker ’17 a personal meeting with Dr. Jefferson Scholar King himself in March 1968. There, Dr. King suggested She is no stranger to high-pressure situations, that a boycott of the Summer but even Lily Renneker ’17 must have felt a Games could “make a power- flutter of butterflies when she found herself ful and nonviolent statement,” sitting in front of a panel of judges in a con- an idea Dr. Carlos described ference room perched high atop Boston’s as “a jewel he gave me.” He John Hancock Building. She was, after all, was also deeply impressed just one of 60 high school seniors in the with Dr. King’s mission to Northeast to reach the regional interview “stand for those who can’t stage of the prestigious Jefferson Scholars stand for themselves”—a Foundation, which awards tuition and courageous conviction in substantial enrichment support to under- light of a threatening letter graduates at the University of Virginia. Dr. King had received that Subsequently, only 36 Jefferson Scholars stated, “There’s a bullet with were chosen from more than 2000 nominees. your name on it, and you And Lily—having advanced through that won’t have to wait long.” regional interview and a rigorous, final Only ten days after that selection weekend—has indeed been meeting, Dr. King was named a 2017 Jefferson Scholar. assassinated. “They took his life, but Leadership, Scholarship, he became larger than life,” and Citizenship Dr. Carlos reflected. “His It’s not difficult to see why Lily was selected being concerned about his for a program created “to serve the University fellow man lives on and of Virginia by identifying, attracting, and made me more determined nurturing individuals of extraordinary in- to make this world better for tellectual range and depth who possess the all individuals.” Stressing his highest concomitant qualities of leadership, belief in nonviolent protest scholarship, and citizenship.” Lily has thrived and in discussing issues with at Middlesex, particularly in the sciences. those who have opposing Her academic experiences in AP Physics, home, where she was inspired to try piano views, he emphasized, “We AP Chemistry, and AP Biology—and her lessons and join an a cappella group. are looking for two things— summer work with Dr. Alcy Torres at the love and respect—on this bilingual pediatric neurology clinic at Boston Poised for Pre-med planet. You don’t have to Medical Center­—have sparked Lily’s interest “Middlesex has prepared me so well for every like me, but I want you in pediatric neurology. step of the Jefferson selection process,” Lily says. to respect me.” M Beyond the classroom, Lily has captained “Living in the community has given me the varsity volleyball to the 2016 New England chance to be a leader and an active participant Championship, and she’s a key contributor in life in and outside the classroom.” Having to girls’ varsity crew. In the evening, she is a chosen to attend UVA as a Jefferson Scholar, peer tutor, and during the day, she is a head Lily will forge ahead with her plans to pursue tour guide, meeting prospective students and medicine, as the field combines her two proudly showing off the school she calls favorite things: science and people. M

MIDDLESEX spring 2017 3 360° Life on the Circle

security conditions throughout the country and achieving the lowest homicide rate in 35 years. “Joy,” he said, is what he has found in helping to transform Colombia from the most violent country to one full of opportu- nities. In the darkest of times, he pointed out, “The only friend to support Colombia was the U.S., which established Plan Colombia, a successful foreign policy. It worked for us, and we are thankful to the U.S.” A bipar- tisan effort, Plan Colombia was a sustained effort over more than 15 years that enabled Colombia to support its own security forces, justice system, and development agencies. As Ambassador Pinzón described it, Colombia today is a country rich in natural resources. Great opportunities lie ahead, as well as great challenges, such as reducing poverty. “We are living in a world where con- sensus seems broken apart,” he commented. “Should we wait and see what happens? Of course, we can’t. We live in communities “To serve your country, you where we don’t always like each other. don’t have to wear a uniform or For Love of Country We have to find consensus.” be a public servant,” Ambassador Going forward, Colombia will need to Pinzón stated. “There are many Thanks to the efforts of a Middlesex alumna maintain its security, so that people feel safe other ways to be a patriot.” and current parent, the School was fortunate and invest in the country, and it will need to host Juan Carlos Pinzón, the ambassador to focus on education. “We need to create a of Colombia to the United States, at an system of education that is very much con- assembly on March 28, 2017. nected to available jobs,” Ambassador Pinzón “When I was your age,” Ambassador clarified. The country will also have to “find Pinzón said, “my country was falling apart. the balance” between protecting and capital- Colombia was the most violent country in izing on its natural resources. the world, with drug cartels taking over and “I encourage you to feel the same way terrorism starting.” Even then, he wondered, about your country,” Ambassador Pinzón “What can I do to change that?” said. “You have to love your country and see Ambassador Pinzón focused first on your responsibility to it.” Concluding with becoming a good citizen, getting an education the greatest lesson he has learned, he stressed, and being “a person with good values” before “You are there to serve the people and the joining the private sector and gaining valuable country. Don’t forget that the country doesn’t business experience there. Subsequently, he owe you anything. It doesn’t have to please began his career with the Colombian govern- you. That is how you have to understand ment, eventually serving as the minister of serving something bigger than yourself.” M defense for four years; during his tenure, the Armed Forces degraded the capabilities of two terrorist organizations, FARC and ELN, and Criminal Bands, improving

4 MIDDLESEX spring 2017 MIDDLESEX spring 2017 After classes at Shanghai Foreign Language University Affiliated High School Following the fantastic farewell dinner in Shanghai Exploring China March Break 2017

An intrepid band of 22 travelers—including students, teachers, and several family members—accompanied Chinese Department Head Annie Ku as she expertly led her eighth Middlesex trip to China in March. From the time they landed in Beijing on March 11 to their departure from Shanghai on March 21, the participants followed an impressive itinerary, staying in five places and visiting museums, historic sites, and schools along the way—with Middlesex faculty teaching classes at Shanghai Foreign Language University Affiliated High School, an opportunity made possible by Emily Li ’18. For a complete report on the trip by Interim Library Director Zaiga Alksnitis, please visit: https://www.mxschool.edu/ blogs/blog-china-trip. Special thanks go to Pei Pei Zhang (lead coordinator and mother of David Fan ’15) and our Middlesex families in Beijing and Shanghai for their warm welcome and wonderful hospitality! M

Photographs courtesy of Eugene Ku

The Great Wall in Beijing

A Tai Chi Lesson at Beijing’s Temple of Heaven

MIDDLESEX spring 2017 5 MIDDLESEX spring 2017 5 360° Life on the Circle

woman to compete in the Olympics wearing a hijab. Ms. Muhammad was interviewed on the Wood Theatre stage by Bill Littlefield, well-known host of National Public Radio’s sports program, “Only a Game.” Keeping his part of the program brief, Mr. Littlefield left plenty of time for the audience’s questions. Ms. Muhammad grew up playing many sports in her hometown, always altering her uniform to cover herself appropriately and incorporate a hijab. But once her mother glimpsed a fencing practice—particularly the athletes’ head-to-toe gear—she told her daughter, “I don’t know what that is, but I want you to try it.” On her high school team, Ms. Muhammad excelled as a sabre fencer and joined the prestigious Peter Westbrook Foundation, which further supported her training. As an undergraduate at Duke As an American Muslim, Ibtihaj University, she was a three-time All-American Muhammad hopes that she can Challenging and the 2005 Junior Olympic Champion; help to “change the narrative for since 2010, she has been a member of the the country and especially for Assumptions about U.S. Fencing Team. Last summer, she kids,” adding, “The best thing you can do is to be a person of good Identity realized her Olympic goal, earning a team character and show that with sabre bronze medal in Rio. your actions, not words.” A seemingly simple word, “identity” is a Along the way, Ms. Muhammad has complicated concept—one that the Middle- encountered people who have told her that sex community considers during weekly she doesn’t belong in fencing because of her senior chapels, regular Spectrum Dialogues, race or gender or religion. When concealed and at annual events such as the Diversity by her helmet, however, she found, “It was Symposium. “Some people have a privilege just about my skills.” of not being reminded of their identity on Poised, inspiring, funny, and unpre- a constant basis,” noted Director of Multi- tentious, Ms. Muhammad readily fielded cultural and Community Development questions about her Olympic experience, Pascale Musto, opening the 2017 symposium her work as a sports ambassador for the on March 3. “For some, identity is a reminder U.S. Department of State, her clothing line of the otherness with which they are treated, (Louella), and her future goals. In her many and for others, identity means a lack of endeavors, her intent was clear: to serve as a acceptance by society.” In addition to gaining role model for young people and change the a deeper understanding of “identity,” he negative narrative about Muslims in America. hoped the weekend might forge “a path to “You can serve yourself, or you can serve empathy and accepting the identity of others others,” she said. “I choose to serve others to help foster a stronger community here and make sure others have the opportu- at Middlesex and beyond.” nities I had.”

Changing the Narrative Behavioral Games On March 3, the School welcomed fencer Working to counteract preconceived notions Ibtihaj Muhammad, the first American of identity in a unique way, Saturday’s featured

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guests explained how they use game design to challenge A Creative Rebounder stereotypes and cultural Adventurer Ryan Pyle assumptions. Representing the Tiltfactor Lab (directed by Dr. Mary Flanagan) at When photographer and adventurer Ryan Dartmouth College, social Pyle was a teenager, he thought only of psychologist Gili Freedman becoming a professional basketball player, and designer Max Seidman never imagining the dynamic career of inter- described the lab’s process, national travel that he has today. “If you take which begins with choosing away one thing tonight, it is this,” he told an issue, such as gender bias Middlesex students. “You can do something or bystander behavior. After if you don’t become an NBA basketball player.” studying the psychological Mr. Pyle addressed the School on October 28, research on that subject, 2016, thanks to the efforts of Trustee Chivas they brainstorm to create Lam, whose son Clarence ’10 was on hand an “intervention”—that is, to introduce the guest speaker. a game that will promote learning and, hopefully, A New Direction result in positive changes Born and raised in Toronto, Mr. Pyle played in attitude and behavior. basketball competitively through college, but “No one will play a he had to find a new identity and direction game about gender bias,” Dr. on graduating from the University of Toronto. Freedman said, “so we try to “Because my life had always been about make it fun, and people will basketball,” he said, “I forgot to figure out play it without knowing the what I really wanted.” In a bold move, he goal.” For example, empirical Mr. Pyle’s passion for telling stories through film headed to China to try living somewhere studies of Tiltfactor’s most has taken him from Canada to China and from completely different. India to Brazil. popular card game, Awkward Initially an outsider, Mr. Pyle learned Moment, have shown that that he loved the country, as well as traveling, Combining his passions for travel, students were three times more exploring, and taking pictures. Basing himself exploration, and photography, he has since likely to think of scientists as in China, he became a photographer whose produced two series: “Tough Rides” on the being women after playing. work appeared in prominent publications like Travel Channel and “Extreme Treks” on the Whether crafting paper, The New York Times, Fortune, and Der Spiegel. Discovery Channel. In retrospect, Mr. Pyle digital, or urban games, both Whether capturing migrant workers or doubts that he would have been able to speakers stressed that “the millionaires, festivals or natural disasters, persuade his younger self to pursue this little things” matter. “The he enjoyed “a new life” as a visual storyteller. career rather than basketball. Now in his way you draw characters third “reincarnation,” as he called it, he rec- is important,” Mr. Seidman From Photos to Film ommends having a positive outlook when observed. “You have to be But the global financial crisis of 2008 signaled change is required in life. “Don’t fear it,” vigilant when designing and the end of this livelihood, as print publishers he asserted. “There are great opportunities watch for bias.” Combining struggled to remain in business. It was “another at each turn.” M this attention to detail with transforming moment” for Mr. Pyle, who its behavior-changing goals, reflected, “I’m a storyteller. I’m going to tell Tiltfactor aims to “improve bigger, broader stories through television the world,” as Mr. Seidman and documentary films.” said—a worthy ideal for any Diversity Symposium. M

MIDDLESEX spring 2017 7 360° Life on the Circle

A Midsummer Night’s Dream November 11–12, 2016

Directed by Tom Kane Technical Direction by Ryan DuBray Costume Design by Kim Brown Photography by Robert D. Perachio

One of the Bard’s most popular plays, A Midsummer Night’s Dream was a welcome diversion at Middlesex last fall. With its setting updated to the late 1960s— an appropriate era for a summer of love—the produc- tion added a little psychedelic flair to this favorite Shakespearean comedy. The course of true love never did run smooth, but the performances certainly did, thanks to the combined talents and efforts of 21 actors, supported by a technical crew of 30. M

8 MIDDLESEX spring 2017 Spectrum Questions of Justice Dialogues

The Spectrum Dialogues explore “Close your eyes,” began Harvard Lecturer reduce recidivism through developing and issues of diversity, equity, and Kaia Stern, “and imagine a 16-year-old boy delivering educational and personal growth inclusion. Arranged by Pascale Musto, director of multicultural with a scar on his face who has been found programs behind prison walls. and community development, guilty of murder in the second degree.” Before Dr. Stern offered surprising statistics to these optional talks in the Terry addressing the topics of “justice, punishment, illustrate the state of the country’s criminal Room follow dinner conversa- and transformation” in evening chapel on justice system. “For most of the 20th century,” tion with the speaker. This year’s guests discussed police and April 13, Dr. Stern first wanted her Middlesex she noted, “only one in 1000 people was community relations, activism audience to think about another teenager— behind bars in this country.” Despite a rela- and the anti-apartheid move- one serving a sentence of 25 to life because tively stable crime rate over the past 30 years, ment, and race; the speakers when he tried, unarmed, to rob a convenience she added, “Now, that number is one in 31 included: Dayvon Love came to store, the owner fired at him but killed a Americans—and one in 24 in Massachusetts.” campus in November. Mr. Love bystander instead. The scar on the teen’s face, She attributes this alarming trend to a is the co-founder and director she explained, was the result of cutting him- number of factors, including the rising cost of research and public policy for self when he was forced to shave on entering of bail, the lack of mental health treatment Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle, a youth-led, grassroots think- prison. facilities, and the increase in nonviolent drug tank that advances the public “This is a powerful metaphor for our charges. Racial inequalities in who is policed, policy interests in advancing system of justice,” Dr. Stern reflected, “where arrested, and prosecuted still persist, she racial justice in our society. people end up with wounds that are deeper stressed, tracing the problem back to early Vusi Mahlasela spent the day in February. An activist than their physical scars.” property laws governing American slaves. who collaborated with Nelson An ordained interfaith minister, Dr. Believing that “sitting in cells does not Mandela, Mr. Mahlasela tells Stern is a co-founder and director of the Prison rehabilitate people,” Dr. Stern suggested the story of the anti-apartheid Studies Project at Harvard. Focusing on that the U.S. reconsider plea bargaining and movement through his music. transformative justice, dignity, and education, mandatory minimum sentences—and that For the “crime” of writing songs of freedom and human dignity, she has taught in both prisons and universities. we learn from alternative prison models in Mr. Mahlasela was arrested and Dr. Stern is also the executive director of Scandinavia. “There are examples of better held in solitary confinement. Concord Prison Outreach, which aims to ways,” she stated. M In April, students enjoyed drawing alongside Joel Christian Gill, the writer and illustrator of Strange Fruit, Volume I: Uncelebrated Narratives from Black History. The collection of stories from African-American history exemplifies success in the face of great adversity, highlighting the remarkable achievements of nine little-known heroes. M

“The impulse is to want to destroy someone’s life,” Dr. Stern acknowledged. “But does that bring justice? Or change?”

MIDDLESEX spring 2017 9 Middlesex People

Uniting Vocation and Avocation Bigelow Lecturer Alan Eyre ’76

memory the School’s lecture series on public service was established in 1946. Roger had planned to follow his family’s tradition and pursue a diplomatic career, but he was killed in battle on Iwo Jima in March 1945, only nine months after his Middlesex graduation. For Alan, the path to diplomacy was certainly an indirect one. On graduating from Dartmouth, he began with the per- sonal motto of “No Steady Jobs for the ’80s”—a theory that lasted until 1984, when he enlisted in the Army. After four years as a sergeant and then eight years as a civilian with the Defense Department, Alan joined the State Department as a foreign service officer in 1998. Accompanied by his wife Anita, Alan was first given a less popular post in Abuja, Nigeria, where initially, he said, “Everything seemed strange and unpleasant.” In time, Honored to be asked to give A fluent Persian linguist, an authority on however, through new friends and experiences, Middlesex’s Bigelow Lecture— Iran, and a seasoned diplomat, Alan Eyre ’76 he learned “a first great lesson” that has served which was established in 1946 as a memorial for Roger Bigelow ’44 surprisingly allowed that he had never imag- him well ever since: “This too shall pass.” —Alan Eyre ’76 noted, “We all ined such a career for himself in his days as He also discovered—amid volatile elec- owe a debt of gratitude for a Middlesex student. In fact, he once viewed tions and transitions in a country foreign Roger’s service and sacrifice.” public service as “the flip side of fun”— to him—an appealing profession. “Coming something that “should” be done, “prefer- out of Abuja,” Alan reflected, “I’d realized I’d ably by someone else,” he quipped. stumbled into a line of work that suited me Instead, over the course of 33 years of perfectly: political officer.” He enjoyed learn- working for the U.S. Government, Alan has ing the language and culture, talking with found a fulfilling career that has immersed people to become better informed, and him in different cultures while demanding helping to shape U.S. policy. initiative and skill in challenging political From Nigeria, the Eyres went to conditions. Speaking as this year’s Bigelow Damascus, Syria, just as Bashar Assad was lecturer on February 14, 2017, he shared his succeeding his father as president; while own “ESPN highlight reel” of his experience there, Alan also volunteered for temporary in public service and conveyed the effective- duty in Kabul, Afghanistan, after 9/11. With ness of humor, persistence, and perspective his subsequent post to Dubai, in the United when dealing with complex international Arab Emirates, he was assigned to full-time situations. reporting on nearby Iran, and this would At the outset, Alan reviewed the story become a major professional focus for him. of Roger Clayland Bigelow ’44, in whose After several temporary assignments in Iraq

10 MIDDLESEX spring 2017 and three years as an energy officer in Baku, Azerbaijan, Oates ’65 Merits Souders Award Alan returned to working on Iran issues—particularly the status of its nuclear At the November program—while posted 18th ceremony, in Dubai and London. Trustee Emeritus The toriess of his expe- Jim Oates ’65 riences along the way, some was surrounded by (from the left) humorous and others more Jamie Arsenault, sobering, clearly showed his NEPSAC executive enthusiasm for embracing board president different languages and and athletic director at New cultures, and this sincere Hampton School; engagement has undoubtedly Middlesex Head made a difference in his work. of School Kathy Recognized for his knowledge Giles; and Joe of Iran, Alan served from Lang, Middlesex’s dean of athletics. 2010 to 2016 as the State (Photo by Janet Ciummei, Department’s first Persian Northeast Pro Photo) language spokesperson; in this role, he explained U.S. policy to Persian-language media and became known It’s doubtful that Trustee Emeritus Jim Oates “I was so surprised by the call that my to many through his regular ’65 ever saw something like this coming: first thought was the person on the other Internet video feature, “Ask being named the recipient of an award that end of the line undoubtedly had the wrong Alan.” Additionally, from has been previously won by such notables number,” Jim said, with his characteristic 2009 to 2015, he was a as former President George H.W. Bush, self-deprecating humor. member of the U.S. Govern- Olympic hockey hero Mike Eruzione and A 2012 inductee into Middlesex’s ment team involved in the New England Patriots Coach Bill Belichick. Athletic Hall of Fame, Jim earned 12 varsity nuclear negotiations with Yet during the New England Prep School letters in football, hockey, and crew, and cap- Iran that led to the July 2015 Athletic Council’s annual meeting on Novem- tained the 1964 hockey team. As an under- Joint Comprehensive Plan ber 18, 2016, Jim was deservedly presented graduate, he played hockey and ran track of Action nuclear agreement. with the prestigious Martin William Souders for Harvard, later earning his M.B.A. there. Summing up remark- Memorial Award. Now the managing director of the able accomplishments rather The Souders Award was established in Wydown Group, Jim began his banking modestly, Alan observed that 1967 to honor the first NEPSAC president, career in St. Louis and concluded in Boston. he has been able to “unite my who served as the director of physical educa- He is chairman of the John Hancock Funds avocation and my vocation… tion at Milton Academy and Phillips Exeter and is affiliated with other boards, including where love and need are Academy. The award is given annually to Virtus Funds and Stifel Financial. He has also one, and the work is play for a graduate of a New England independent served on many nonprofit boards “but none mortal stakes,” quoting from school who earned a distinguished record for as long or as passionately as the Middle- the poem, “Two Tramps in in sports and has established a distinguished sex Board, which I joined in 1977 and served Mud Time,” by Robert Frost. record in life through his/her ideals, leader- as president for 11 years,” Jim affirmed. “That is, at best, what I think ship, and accomplishments. Joining the ranks Middlesex Dean of Athletics Joe Lang public service can be,” Alan of Ted Childs ’45, Patricia Melton ’77, and Bill may have best expressed the opinion of many, concluded, “and what it has Richardson ’66, Jim is the fourth Middlesex saying, “I’ve known Jim for 22 years, and he’s been for me.” M graduate to earn the Souders Award. the epitome of what this award is all about.” M

MIDDLESEX spring 2017 11 Middlesex People

ToTell the Truth

Experiments just like this, he explained, have demonstrated that people consider news to be uninformative when it contradicts their opinion, but they find news that confirms their existing viewpoint to be influential. “What I’m describing works for basically everything,” he summarized. “This is a picture of what’s happening in our country today,” Cass observed. “People are getting a deluge of good news and bad news, fake news and true news. Some people think the good news is completely convincing, and the bad news is a lie. Some people think the bad news is convincing, and the good news is a lie.” Why does this happen? “What you believe is an artifact of what you want to be true,” Cass said, a human tendency known as “motivated reasoning.” And if people exclusively consult information that they find A proponent of freedom of speech Amid daily discussions of “real” versus “fake” agreeable, it further cements their viewpoint, and the ability to express contrary news, Middlesex welcomed back Cass Sunstein preventing them from weighing evidence views, Cass Sunstein ’72 has appreciated that his Middlesex ’72 on February 23 to speak at a gathering in and coming to a more considered opinion. teachers would not retort, “How the Terry Room. A bestselling author, accom- Furthermore, Cass continued, “Our can you believe that?” Instead, plished legal scholar, and the Robert Walmsley capacity to self-sort into echo chambers is they would ask him, “Why do University Professor at Harvard, Cass talked happening every day in America.” For example, you believe that?” about his previous work as administrator of Facebook advises its users to select their the White House Office of Information and primary newsfeeds based on what is most Regulatory Affairs (OIRA)—a post he held important to them—in effect, recommending from 2009 to 2012—and offered his thoughts that people only receive information from about “a way forward for our country.” sources that already share their viewpoint. Starting the evening with an informal “That’s not going to expand your horizons,” experiment, Cass asked everyone to mentally Cass asserted. rate their own appearance on a scale of one to When he first worked for OIRA in ten. He then asked everyone imagine that an Washington, Cass found that even as some impartial group of people has also made such staff members focused on determining a judgment, which is two points higher. “If how certain regulations would affect the you are like most people,” Cass said, “you American people, they would warn him will update your own rating and make it two that a few senators would oppose any regu- points higher.” Yet, if the group’s rating was lation, no matter what the benefit. Doubt- two points lower than your own, he coun- ing those staffers initially, he eventually tered, “You’ll either walk out or not change learned that they knew what they were your opinion.” talking about.

12 MIDDLESEX spring 2017 Based on this experience, Cass advised his Middlesex An Island Microcosm Transformed listeners to ignore special interest groups and instead ask themselves, “What are the actual facts?” Addition- Even before he became a Middlesex student ally, he recommended con- in 1952, Crocker Snow, Jr. ’57 was already a sulting a variety of news regular visitor to Muskeget, the uninhabited sources in order to become island of 250 acres that his family co-owns better informed and avoid with nearby Nantucket. On April 4, 2017, living in an echo chamber. Crocker returned to campus to talk about Quoting philosopher and the significant changes he has observed in economist John Stuart Mill, this small ecosystem over the past six Cass said, “It is hardly pos- decades. sible to overrate the value, A Journalist First in the present low state of human improvement, of Given his career path, Crocker never placing human beings in expected to talk about science at Middlesex. contact with persons dissim- A Harvard graduate, he served in the U.S. ilar to themselves, and with Navy before earning an M.A. at the Fletcher modes of thought and action School of Law and Diplomacy, where he was unlike those with which they the first Edward R. Murrow Fellow; he later are familiar.… Such com- served as a director of the Edward R. Murrow munication has always been, Center for Public Diplomacy there. From and is peculiarly in the pres- 1978 to 2001, Crocker was president of The ent age, one of the primary WorldPaper, an international publication The changes that Crocker Snow ’57 has seen on sources of progress.” he founded. His first self-published book, Muskeget Island illustrate what happens “when things get out of balance in the natural world,” he said. Middlesex students had Muskeget: Raw, Restless, Relentless Island, many questions, including is in its third printing; his second book, The what incentive Facebook Mouse that Owns an Island: Tiny Vole, Tiny might have to change its Island, Inconvenient Truths, is about to go populations have been decimated. Tiny voles approach and how it might to press. native to the island are trampled by the seals do so. Cass suggested the —as are the sand dunes and sea grass, further Human Influence creation of an “opposing accelerating erosion. viewpoint” button to block In Crocker’s childhood, terns and herring Hope for Harmony unwanted viewpoints—and gulls dominated Muskeget, and fish were a “serendipity button” to plentiful. Since then, however, rising sea lev- In short, Muskeget is a case study of the receive a range of opinion. els have eroded the beaches. Also destroying effects of climate change and the unintended “You need to know what the habitat are the gray seals that have found consequences of policies meant to correct the people who sharply disagree a favorable home there. Once thought to be balance of nature. “When does protection with you think,” he urged. near extinction and therefore safeguarded become excessive?” Crocker asked. Seeing As he found through work- by the 1972 Marine Mammal Protection Act, his role as one of stewardship, rather than ing with oppositional senators the gray seals have proliferated, as Muskeget’s ownership, he hopes that some natural deter- in Washington, “You might shoals further protect them from their single rent will help restore balance to the island not agree with each other, natural predator: the great white shark. that has long been his passion. M but you might learn from “Think what it means to other species on the island,” Crocker said. Bird and fish each other.” M

MIDDLESEX spring 2017 13 Team Highlights For more sports news visit http://athletics.mxschool.edu

Field Hockey All-League Co-captains Cece DeSimone ’17 (in goal) and Katharine French ’17 combined defensively on several occasions to stymie opposing attackers, leading to a consecutive trip to the New England Championship game.

Boys’ Cross-Country Off the start of the Groton race, All-League Co-captain Ryan Ewing ’17 (at left) led for Middlesex, with All-League Honorable Mention recipient Connor Page ’19 (center) and 2017 Co-captain Luke Collins ’18 close behind. The team remained unbeaten at home and finished second at the New England Championships.

Boys’ Soccer Named All-League (along with fellow Co-captains Gavin Garrity-Rokous ’17 and James Sanderson ’17), Co-captain Liam Sloan ’17 sizes up his options in the midfield, while leading scorer Josh Quirk ’19 looks to make an attacking run in a 5-0 win against Governor’s.

Football (Above) Ifeatu Menakaya ’17 (#71) led the off-tackle as Derek Demarzo ’18 handed off to Kabelo Tsotetsi ’19 (#35); (Right) An All-League and All-New England selection last fall, Co-captain Rory Glavin ’17 carried the ball for Girls’ Soccer a first down against Co-captain Isabelle Fuchs ’17 outruns three Governor’s Academy defenders Groton. with help from Caroline Hughes ’18. Named All-League for the third time and All-State for the second, Isabelle led her team to the quarterfinals of the NEPSAC Class B Championships last season.

14 MIDDLESEX spring 2017 Tournament Contenders

After strong performances during the regular season, four varsity teams secured New England Tournament berths last November, with two making it all the way to the finals. In the end, Middlesex emerged with its first championship title for volleyball and an All-American in field hockey.

Co-captain Sage Nye ’17, seen here stickhandling through A Fantastic First: In its third year of existence, Middlesex’s varsity volleyball her Lawrence opponents, anchored the midfield this season squad claimed its first share of a New England Championship under the guidance and was named All-League and All-American. of Head Coach Ashok Pillai (at far right) and Assistant Coach Ruth Baldwin (at far left). (photo by Bob Renneker)

Quarterfinal Challenges All-American Nye ’17 November 16 was a big day for Middlesex athletics, with four Sage was once again named a Regional All-American and then became NEPSAC Class B quarterfinal contests scheduled for that afternoon. one of the 48 players to be named to the Harrow/National Field Hockey Both varsity soccer teams traveled to opposing turf, where the boys Coaches Association High School All-America Third Team. “Sage is a ended their tournament run with a close 0-2 loss to Kimball Union gritty, hardworking, and passionate athlete,” says Head Coach Natalie Academy, and the girls were defeated 2-6 by the eventual New Martinez. “She selflessly plays her heart out in each game, whether England Champions, Pingree School. she is defensively covering the top players in the ISL or adding to the Playing at home, Middlesex varsity field hockey—seeded offense. She is a true competitor.” Next fall, Sage will play for Harvard fourth—held onto an early 1-0 lead to defeat BB&N and advance to University. the semifinals. Similarly, varsity volleyball—seeded second after an impressive 18-2 season—topped Lawrence 3-0 and moved on to Volleyball Victory the next round. On defeating Newton Country Day (seeded third) 3-0 in the semifinal match on November 19, Middlesex traveled to Wilbraham and Monson Field Hockey Finals Academy the next day to face defending champion Pomfret (seeded After besting first-seed Rivers 2-1 in the semifinal game on November fourth). The match was scrappy and intense, but the fans who had 19, Middlesex faced off against Governor’s Academy (seeded second) traveled to see this game were not disappointed, as Middlesex came the next day and finished an exciting tournament run with a 1-3 loss. back from losing the first set to win the next three, decisively claiming The season nevertheless ended on a high note, as four teammates— the NEPSAC Class B title—the first in the program’s three-year history. Stella Noels ’18, Caroline Silk ’18, and Co-captains Katharine French And given its 13-1 league record, the team also claimed a share of the ’17 and Sage Nye ’17—were all named to the Keith Waldman–Optimal ISL title. With eight varsity players returning, Middlesex will be setting Performance Associates/NFHCA High School National Academic high goals as it defends the title next fall. Squad for their scholarship and athleticism.

MIDDLESEXMIDDLESEX spring 2017 15 Team Highlights For more sports news visit http://athletics.mxschool.edu

Girls’ Basketball A two-year captain and All-League Honorable Mention, Ari Odom’17 blows by a Dana Hall defender on her way to the basket.

Boys’ Basketball Co-captain Mike Doherty ’18—who earned an All-League Honorable Mention for the second time—dribbles up the court with leading scorer Tyler Gelormini ’20 not far behind.

Boys’ Hockey Fighting for a loose puck against Roxbury Latin, Captain Joe Feeney ’17 once again earned All-League recognition at the end of the winter season.

Girls’ Squash Girls’ Hockey In a match with Making a big save against a Southfield forward, goalie and Pomfret, All-League Captain-elect Charlotte Silk ’18 was named All-League for Captain Olivia Gish ’17 a second consecutive year. drives a backhand deep; Olivia led her team to a winning season and a fourth- place finish in the ISL.

Boys’ Squash Captain Tom Kaye ’17 prepares to wind up a cross-court shot in a match against Moses Brown. After competing in the 20th World Maccabiah Games this July, Tom will play for Haverford College.

16 MIDDLESEX spring 2017 Making Their Mark

The alpine skiing and wrestling programs demonstrated continued strength this past winter, with another championship for one team and outstanding individual and collective triumphs for another. For one wrestler in particular, this was a pioneering season of successive firsts.

The alpine ski team ended on a high note once again, with the boys (left) winning their sixth consecutive ISL title, and the girls (right, with Head Coach Jecca Hutcheson) securing second in the league. (photos by Meg Ramsey)

Champion Grapplers Alpine Achievements Middlesex wrestling made an impressive showing at its seasonal tour- Knowing that Middlesex needed naments, commanding second place among 21 teams at the Northern to win the last race to remain atop New England Prep Invitational Tournament on February 4. Here, Naomi the ISL, the boys’ alpine team took Hunt ’17—Middlesex’s first female wrestling co-captain—made history an aggressive, yet tactical, approach as the tournament’s first female finalist, placing second in her weight on February 22. Captain James class. Other noteworthy achievements included Dante Gutbrod ’19 Sanderson ’17 earned second place winning his class, with Peter Daichman ’19 taking second, and Marcus overall for the day, followed by Coward ’17 and Co-captain Ted Pyne ’18 each finishing third. Connor Page ’19 in third, Jack A week later, at the Graves-Kelsey Tournament, Naomi was Colwell ’20 in fifth, Gabriel de los crowned the first-ever female ISL Champion, while Dante won his Santos ’17 in eighth, and Cooper second ISL title—a big day for both athletes. Ted took second place Buch ’19 in 10th. With that, the after an epic battle, while Peter and Marcus finished third. boys earned first place in a narrow Moving on to compete against 55 teams at the New England victory over St. Sebastian’s—and Independent School Wrestling Tournament on February 17–18, Middle- claimed their sixth-consecutive ISL sex secured eighth place overall, and Ted earned a championship title with an overall record of 44–2. title after scoring an exciting, last-second takedown. Dante (finishing Racing the same day, Co-captain second) and Naomi (in fifth place) joined Ted in qualifying for the Cece DeSimone ’17 captured third 2017 National Prep Wrestling Tournament at Lehigh University— place in two solid runs, leading the no small feat for the Middlesex program. girls to a fourth-place finish, with scoring runs also earned by Sarah Middlesex Co-captain Naomi One Successful Hunt ’17 McCluskey ’18 and Rose Clark ’17. Hunt ’17 became the first female Naomi capped her 20–7 season with being named the ISL MVP in With an overall record of 28–5, ISL Champion at the Graves- wrestling—yet another first. Subsequently, the National Wrestling the girls once again clinched Kelsey Tournament last February. Hall of Fame recognized her as one of the 26 recipients of the Tricia second place in the ISL, proving She followed this with becoming Saunders High School Excellence Award for her performance in Middlesex’s strength in this com- the first female ISL MVP at the wrestling, academics, and extracurricular life. petitive league. season’s close.

MIDDLESEXMIDDLESEX spring 2017 17 Dean of Students Dan Sheff oversees the core of Middlesex’s Community Life Instilling Program, including Senior Leadership, Choices, and Connections. Values Middlesex’s Community Life Program

From the earliest days of Middlesex School, Headmaster Frederick Winsor and his founding trustees were concerned with more than preparing boys for college. As they stated in the School’s first catalogue, they intended “to use every means within their power to insure that the school shall send out into the community young men who are imbued with the true spirit of democracy.”

hile it may be debated exactly what Those individual relationships with mentors still abound that meant in 1901, the phrasing sug- at Middlesex, as students interact with their teachers, coaches, gests an ideal that involves character heads of house, and, perhaps most significantly, their advisors. and contribution rather than personal Supervising a maximum of six students per year, the faculty gain. More than a century later, in advisor serves as the central contact for parents and checks Wthis age of information and social media, coeducational in with each advisee weekly. “A full, 40-minute meeting every Middlesex similarly strives to develop ethical individuals— week between advisor and student is a gift,” affirms Rebecca with an understanding and perspective that extends beyond Smedley, director of spiritual and ethical education. “It’s themselves—through the School’s comprehensive and lovely; students have the full, undivided attention of an multifaceted Community Life Program. adult who is responsible for them.” “Boarding schools have always done the work of char- Such personal attention remains a great strength of acter education,” reflects Dean of Students Dan Sheff, who Middlesex. Yet, the ways in which the world has changed can draw on a lifetime of experience in education, having since Mr. Winsor envisioned his school—particularly in terms grown up as a faculty child on an independent school of technology—call today for a more deliberate approach campus. “But in the past,” he adds, “I think it was done toward ensuring that students not only understand themselves through the individual relationship.” and their own goals but also attend to the voices and needs

18 MIDDLESEX spring 2017 of the community around them. Thinking decades, while others, like Senior Leadership, of ubiquitous cell phones and social media, have been developed more recently. Coordinating Middlesex’s Director of Mindfulness Programs the many parts of the program is primarily the Doug Worthen ’96 observes, “It’s so easy to dis- responsibility of Dan Sheff and his assistant deans, tract ourselves from other people and feelings. Tyrun Bynum and Sarah Moss Cohane ’95; But community life is very much about connec- yet, as with most Middlesex endeavors, faculty tion. That’s an important piece of relationships: members pitch in to lend their assistance. to be there and feel what others are feeling.”

Connection and Community A unique Community Life Program has been To counteract that distraction, a unique Com- munity Life Program has been created over the created over the past decade at Middlesex, past decade at Middlesex, promoting greater engagement and discussion, instilling worthy promoting greater engagement and discussion, values, and developing thoughtful, responsive leaders who are well-prepared for life after instilling worthy values, and developing graduation. As Dan describes the program, thoughtful, responsive leaders who are well- “It’s essentially the way we educate students to be part of the community, to live within the prepared for life after graduation. community, and to learn how to interact with the world.” Largely home-grown, much of the Com- In fact, the entire Middlesex faculty meets munity Life Program was developed and shaped every Thursday morning to discuss both indi- by recently retired Dean of Students Carmen vidual students and school-wide issues. Smaller Beaton, who “infused her wisdom and extra- groups of faculty—the heads of houses, the stud- ordinary perspective into this work,” as Head ies committee, and the health committee, among of School Kathy Giles attests. The program others—also have weekly meetings in order also owes some of its ideas and focus to several to identify and support students’ needs. “Each notable outside sources. Among them is devel- committee has a different eye on the many opmental psychologist JoAnn Deak, whose angles of student well-being,” Dan explains. theory that “connection and competence create “It’s a web of people, and there is overlap confidence” resonated with Kathy and Carmen among all those committees.” when they attended the Gardner Carney Leader- The Community Life Committee meets ship Institute years ago. “We have also leaned every Friday and consists of the deans’ office plus heavily on the positive youth development psy- several faculty leaders whose areas intersect with chology work of William Damon at the Stanford student life and health. This includes Rebecca Center on Adolescence and on the work of psy- Smedley, who leads the Chapel Program; Pascale chologist Madeline Levine,” Kathy notes. “In an Musto, director of multicultural and community opportunity-rich environment with a peer group development; Dan Hertzel, director of counseling; that’s engaged and motivated, and adults who Meg McLaughlin, director of the Cruz Health care, we are teaching kids to accept the invitation Center; Doug Worthen, director of mindfulness to opt-in and develop themselves—and in doing programs; and Anna Marchand, director of that, to take responsibility for developing an student activities. ethical community that has values: honesty, “It’s a place to talk about what the month’s gratitude, kindness, respect, and courage.” agenda for community life is going to be, and it’s a place to touch base in general,” Rebecca says. A Coordinated Effort “We support the students and each other.” And, Though sounding like a single unit, the Com- as Dan Hertzel details, “We plan the all-school munity Life Program is actually an integrated Community Life Meetings, and those get dis- network of people, curricula, and efforts. Some cussed, worked, and reworked. I think a great elements, like the freshman discussion series part of the Community Life Program is that called “Choices,” have existed at Middlesex for it is tailor-made for Middlesex.”

MIDDLESEX spring 2017 19 Held several times throughout the year, the by two faculty members—good practice for all-school Community Life Meetings are indeed college visits—before final decisions are made a central part of the program. In groups typically about assigning senior leadership positions. organized by house, grade, or English class, In September, seniors are the first students students and faculty take time to talk about one to return to campus, and they spend those early of Middlesex’s core values—the aforementioned days in leadership training, setting goals both honesty, gratitude, kindness, respect, and cour- individually and as a class. “I’m very involved in age—or about a range of other concerns. “Some orientation,” says Dan Hertzel, who has found meetings have the same topic every year,” says that activities like role-playing skits (performed Dan Sheff, “but some are carried out as a specific by the peer support officers he supervises) not reaction or relation to what’s happening in our only demonstrate different situations seniors might encounter but also give them practice in how to handle problems with their head of Held several times throughout the year, house. “What we want to have happen is that as soon as the new students arrive, the seniors are the all-school Community Life Meetings ready,” says Dan. “The whole sense of commu- nity starts the day you move in and find senior are indeed a central part of the program. proctors and peer support kids there to meet you. There is a conscious effort to show kids what kind of community they are coming into, community or in the world at large. Another and I think the seniors take pride in it.” key piece is that the program is not contained to School Co-president Grace Crozier ’17 those one-hour meetings; it creates conversations agrees. “For seniors, it’s a really important first among students, and between students and couple of days—seeing what the school year is advisors, that give more resonance to the whole going to be like, meeting the new students, and endeavor. We might talk about inclusivity for seeing what we need to do to support them.” 60 minutes, but that’s just a starting point.” Throughout those early weeks, seniors are expected to guide underclassmen through all the Learning to Lead opening events of another year in community Before the first of these meetings ever takes life—from the new students’ orientation to the place in September, however, another significant first evening chapel, and from discussions about part of the Community Life Program has already the annual All-School Read to Community begun in earnest: senior leadership development. Service Day. In the past, the chance to be a leader at Middle- Senior leadership meetings continue sex was somewhat restricted to those seniors throughout the year, every month or so, to who were dorm proctors, captains, or class reinforce skills and review goals on Wednesday presidents. While these key roles remain, other evenings. “We talk about the five core values positions have been added over the years that of the School,” explains Lily Renneker ’17, who support the School in many areas. Head tour serves as a head tourguide. “In one meeting, we guides, for example, assist the admissions office talked about intervention—when and how to with coordinating and carrying out the visits of do it.” In the midst of the busy senior year, she prospective students, while alumni ambassadors finds that the periodic meetings help everyone help the development office with events and to refocus and “remember what it felt like to be fundraising. Peer tutors, peer support officers, a younger student and remember the influence chapel trustees, community service officers— of the seniors—how important that was,” she every position has its own responsibilities, and, reflects. “Being a leader, you have to think since 2009, every senior has been appointed outside of yourself.” to serve in at least one role. The ppointmenta process begins the previous Senior Partners spring, when every junior completes a question- That Middlesex seniors are thinking beyond naire regarding interests, experiences, and senior themselves is clear to Kathy Giles. “It took us aspirations; each junior is then also interviewed less than 12 minutes to clean out the dining hall

20 MIDDLESEX spring 2017 On any given day, advisors and advisees can be found catching up with each other during lunchtime in Ware Hall.

after the pep rally one Friday night because 150 Class Discussions kids stayed to help, and most of them were seniors,” Just as senior leadership she says. “I think that if there is one change that training focuses on the I have greatly appreciated, it’s that in asking all School’s oldest students, of our seniors to engage in leadership, both in other elements of the training and in work, they have exerted a most Community Life Program powerful, positive influence over the School.” are geared to specific Seniors are a vocal presence in the first classes and the concerns all-school Community Life Meeting, where of that age group. Originally students and faculty review the procedures, called “Human Relations Dis- expectations, and goals of their respective cussions” when initiated by Head houses. “As seniors, we are expected to parti- of House Bridget Saltonstall in the cipate more, to speak up when no one is talking early years of coeducation, the course now Director of Mindfulness and foster the conversation,” Grace says. This known as “Choices” has long been required for Programs Doug Worthen ’96 leads the community year, by the third meeting in early January, freshmen each fall. Divided into small groups, in a short meditation at seniors were still clearly stepping up when freshmen meet in faculty homes with two adults the start of Wednesday needed as the community completed an and one peer support officer to discuss health morning chapel. exercise about building empathy. and wellness, belonging, relationships, stress, In February, Community Life Meetings and drugs and alcohol. held by class begin to reexamine those early “I remember Choices being kind of fun,” September goals—and look ahead to the oppor- recalls Ari Odom ’17, now a Hallowell House tunities in the year to come. Late in April, proctor and head tour guide. “Since you’re new, seniors share their advice with underclassmen, you get put into a group and talk about things and in May, the year culminates with Com- that are pretty important to know as young stu- munity Life dinners by house. “In the grand dents coming into Middlesex. It’s a way to help scheme, the meetings take maybe one hour a you as you go forward and gives you guidelines month,” School Co-president Jake Goorno ’17 as a freshman.” Lily’s memories are equally posi- observes, “and they are helpful for getting a tive. “I remember how nice the senior leader was,” better understanding of the school values she says. “We talked about what to do in certain and building a better community.” scenarios—analyzed and brainstormed options.”

MIDDLESEX spring 2017 21 messages of other community life meetings. At the September freshman class chapel, for example, senior speakers encourage the new- comers to explore, make friends, and take advan- tage of all the opportunities at Middlesex. Simi- larly, all-school evening chapels, held several times a year, are also occasions where the work and words of guest speakers frequently dovetail with community life conversations. The peakerss whom Pascale Musto brings to campus to engage students in discussing topics of equity and inclusion also naturally reprise and reinforce the ideals of the Community Life Pro- gram. Whether in an all-school gathering, such as during the annual Diversity Symposium (see page 6), or in small-group meetings, such as the Spectrum Dialogues (see page 9), the guests reg- ularly invited by Pascale further inspire students to think about their values, convictions, and As an exercise in To provide new sophomores with the issues of social justice. “When you look at it in building empathy, the same kind of guidance, a follow-up course called January Community Life total,” Pascale says, appreciating the intercon- Meeting involved asking “Connections” was created in 2014. Consisting nection between his efforts and the Community everyone to write or draw of three evening meetings instead of five, Con- Life Program, “there is a vision for strengthen- what represents them on a nections brings new and returning sophomores ing the community—and not just during one ® Post-it note. Subsequently, together in small groups to review many of the year, but from year to year to year.” a collage of the notes in the Choices’ issues—again with the leadership of StuFac provided a colorful representation of the two adults and one peer support officer. Enduring and Evolving individuals who comprise “We are intentional about our community Middlesex School. Companion Pieces life,” confirms Dan Hertzel. “We want to be Of course, the meetings that fall directly under involved in the creating of an environment that the umbrella of the Community Life Program supports vigor in academics, social and emo- are not the only times that those at Middlesex tional growth, and engagement in the commu- focus on core values or think about others. “I nity. Some things happen naturally in place, in think the Chapel Program and the Community classes and on teams; and some things you have Life Program complement each other,” says to put in place. We have intentionally created Dan Sheff. “The chapel is where we hear from these Community Life Programs to fill in any Rebecca and our seniors every Wednesday missing pieces.” morning, and what is said there often reflects And like any worthwhile curriculum, that what is going on in community life.” program is thoughtfully planned, coordinated, Notably, Wednesday morning chapels and carried out over the course of a student’s always begin with a few minutes of mindfulness, tenure at Middlesex, addressing different issues, another program that all new Middlesex students concerns, and goals as that individual develops. are introduced to through a ten-session course “We have a set of values that can help young taught by Doug. Many students—and adults, people grow up to be adults who can then build too—pursue more advanced mindfulness connected, powerful, positive, productive lives,” training with Doug or simply practice on their says Kathy. “That’s the school we need to be own, as they find it lessens stress, assists with in the 21st century, and this Community Life both relaxation and concentration, and gener- Program is integral to that. And the program ally helps them find balance in their busy lives can still grow and change—and that’s the beauty at school. of it. I think that generation after generation In addition to those Wednesday morning of teachers and administrators here will bring chapels, periodic “class chapels” often mirror the their best energy and thinking to it.” M

22 MIDDLESEX spring 2017 The Arts Reimagined Modernizing Middlesex’s Performing and Visual Arts Facilities

A portico will connect the back wing of Eliot Hall (on left) with the Danoff Center for the Visual Arts (on right), which will itself be conjoined with the Wood Theatre.

As the Rachel Carson Music and Campus Center takes shape around the signature smoke stack of the School’s old central steam plant, musicians and linguists are more eager than ever to move into their nearly finished home. And as soon as that gleaming building is officially opened in June, the next major undertaking will immediately begin, providing new and renovated spaces for the performing and visual arts at Middlesex.

ne by one, the goals of Mx2: The Campaign for Middlesex have been achieved, often accom- panied by tangible evidence on campus of that success. In terms of the School’s residential life needs, for example, the Mary Mae Village of five faculty homes, the renovation of three dormitories, and the construction of Landry House are all the direct result of alumni, parents, Oand friends generously stepping forward to show their support. Similarly, by the start of the summer, it will become equally apparent that ambitious fundraising targets for the arts have also been attained.

Honorary Co-Chair Challenges Working behind the scenes to inspire others to participate in this transformative campaign have been its honorary co-chairs, who have contributed significantly themselves and regularly offered the incentive of matching challenges. While former Trustee Victor Atkins ’63 and his wife Victoria initiated challenges to boost financial aid, faculty compensation, and residential life, longtime Board Vice Presi- dents Bob and Anne Bass (parents of Chris ’93) created the Bass Family Challenge to Benefit the Arts.

MIDDLESEX spring 2017 23 this project will only enhance that experience, giving our students the necessary space and re- sources to explore and create.”

Beloved—and Behind the Times Those familiar with the Cornelius Ayer Wood ’13 Theatre know that it not only houses both the Visual and the Performing Arts Departments but is also the primary gathering place for all- school meetings and other events. “The Wood Theatre has done yeoman’s service for generations of Middlesex students and faculty,” affirms Head of School Kathy Giles, “but even the best loved things don’t last forever, and there isn’t another building on this campus that we haven’t touched for 44 years. It needs a modern replacement.” Given the structure’s many uses, its redesign has been a thoughtful, measured process. “Kathy was really specific that this was not an arms race,” recalls Performing Arts Head Tom Kane, who also leads the Middlesex Arts Division. “She asked us to describe what physical space One flight down The Basses’ $5 million challenge—part would best support the work we are doing from the theatre of their $25 million pledge toward the arts— currently. I think we’re going to end up with a lobby will be the has been instrumental to this particular aspect space that serves what we’re doing—and that new Ishibashi Gallery (at right). of Mx2. Once a substantial lead gift from an will give us some room to do more.” alumna had kick-started the plans for the Rachel In an average year now, the School presents Carson Music and Campus Center, the Bass four main stage productions: the fall play, a Challenge helped supplement gifts given within January children’s play, the winter one-act that building by augmenting contributions to- festival, and the spring musical. Additionally, ward classrooms and practice rooms, a piano novice actors perform “green room” sketches studio, a lovely outdoor terrace, and—sited at each semester’s end, while veterans who within the repurposed boiler room—the Danoff have completed Middlesex’s four-course theatre Recital Hall, given by current parents, Ami curriculum cap off their experience with small Danoff and Trustee Will Danoff. Named for the productions. For these shorter, more spare pieces, renowned scientist and author of Silent Spring, Tom observes, “A smaller theatre would be the Rachel Carson Music and Campus Center perfect because it creates a more intimate space is Middlesex’s most sustainable endeavor yet. In that suits the performance demands of both addition to its geothermal heating and cooling our younger and more experienced actors.” At system, the structure has a green roof and, on its the same time, he adds, more seating is needed western façade, View Dynamic Glass windows for the main stage theatre, as the School has that maximize light and minimize energy usage. gradually grown since 1973. While crews put the finishing touches on this beautiful center—the first real home for Stage Directions the Middlesex Music Department—prepara- To meet these distinct needs, plans for the tions are being made for the final, major phase renovated Wood Theatre include expanding the of improving creative spaces at Middlesex: the amenities and seating of the existing theatre, complete overhaul of the Cornelius Ayer Wood replacing the visual arts studios with a smaller, ’13 Theatre and the construction of the Danoff black box theatre, and providing updated Center for the Visual Arts. “The arts have always lighting and technical equipment. been a critical part of the Middlesex experience,” Here again, the Bass Family Challenge says Advancement Director George Noble, “and has bolstered the funding for many important

24 MIDDLESEX spring 2017 elements of the project, including securing the $3 million dollar naming rights for the new main stage. Among the eagerly anticipated “I think we’re going to end up with a space improvements is a motorized orchestra pit that that serves what we’re doing—and that will can be raised up to stage level. “This is going to alleviate a lot of design challenges,” explains give us some room to do more.” Ryan DuBray, director of technical theatre and design. “We won’t have to create a special place — Arts Division Head Tom Kane for musicians on stage anymore or remove seats from the audience for them.” Ryan also looks forward to an increase in Contemplative Places lighting inventory and in positions for its place- The upper floor of the Wood Theatre will also ment. “We are just going to have more options be transformed with the aid of the Bass Challenge, and newer technology,” he confirms. “We’re get- which amplified contributions toward two size- ting industry-standard equipment that students able art history rooms. One classroom will be will see elsewhere if they continue to work in named for the late Stephen Boutwell ’73 as a theatre. It’s going to make everything easier, memorial tribute from his widow, Trustee Mary which will allow us to be even more ambitious.” Lou Boutwell, and their sons, Rob ’02 and Char- With a real black box theatre, the program lie ’06. Middlesex parent Lanford Liu, father will gain a flexible performance space and a of Nicholas ’16 and Lillian ’21, will name the great classroom. “I’ll teach in the studio theatre,” adjacent art history classroom. “We like the art Tom says, “which will also provide an alternate education that Nicholas received,” he explains. rehearsal space while the technical crew works “He wasn’t particularly interested in arts, except on the main stage sets.” for cello and piano, before coming to Middlesex. The Bass Challenge supplemented the The art classes in the first two years really opened Kreitler family’s thoughtful gift of a new green up his horizon. Nicholas is now keenly interested room; along with this area, bigger dressing in visiting all the famous museums wherever Perfect for small, class-based productions, rooms—plus a dedicated space just for doing we go. We feel it is important that future genera- the black box theatre will hair and makeup—will make backstage prep- tions of Middlesex students should have such also be used daily as a arations more efficient and comfortable. wonderful opportunities as well.” teaching space.

MIDDLESEX spring 2017 25 Seating for the main stage theatre will be expanded, allowing plenty of room for the school community at plays, assemblies, and special events.

Next door will be a great, multipurpose their reunion gifts toward an endowment that space that is currently dubbed the “Best Room will support the utilization of the gallery and on Campus” because of its fantastic view of the help bring in exhibitions. Circle and the Chapel beyond. And beside that “There is no better way to learn than to will be a special mindfulness studio—the collab- study with someone who is passionate and who orative gift of several classmates who optimized has a commitment to practice in the real world,” their combined effort with Bass Challenge dol- finds Visual Arts Department Head Stacey lars. “The mindfulness studio reflects the School’s McCarthy, who has been working to establish a commitment to a sense of balance,” Kathy elab- robust visiting artist program. “You really need orates. “It’s on the corner of the building that a space that artists are drawn to exhibit their looks out over the pond, and below it will be work, where it is protected and can be showcased a garden labyrinth for meditation purposes.” in a way that is exciting.” Because the Ishibashi The labyrinth is the gift of Eliot “E.C.” Gallery will be a dedicated, secure area, Stacey Clarke ’47, who followed his father, James F. anticipates being able to attract more professional Clarke (class of 1906), to Middlesex; to this day, artists to campus. “It will be great to have a space Eliot appreciates the influence of masters like that honors the work,” she approves. Russell Kettell (class of 1910), Arthur Motter Lamb, and Elliot Bisbee. Long interested in A Central Vision landscape, Eliot had already created an endow- The creativity of Middlesex’s own students will ment fund to help Middlesex care for its grounds also find new expression and visibility in fresh, and trees when he learned about the mindfulness modern studios and display areas. With a strong labyrinth. “I’ve seen the plans,” he says, “and it belief in the value of arts education, current par- looks like a good idea that is certainly unique.” ents Ami and Will Danoff have supported Mx2 Since his father was an early and enthusiastic in several ways, including funding the recital Middlesex supporter, Eliot has decided, “It would hall in the Rachel Carson Music and Campus be a decent thing to name the labyrinth for him.” Center and directing another major gift to the visual arts—enlarging both contributions through The Ishibashi Gallery the Bass Family Challenge. As a result, the Just as the teaching of art history will continue Danoff Center for the Visual Arts will soon within the Wood Theatre—albeit in different be built on the footprint of the former science quarters—the School’s formal exhibit area for wing of Eliot Hall and will be conjoined with artwork will remain there, too, though in a com- the Wood Theatre. pletely redesigned form. Some of the last avail- Dedicated spaces for ceramics, digital able Bass Challenge funds helped finalize the photography, and digital media are included creation of the Ishibashi Gallery, which was in the design, as are two light-filled, top-floor given by Hiroshi Ishibashi ’66 to mark his studios for drawing and painting. “All the walls 50th reunion. To complement his generous will be gallery spaces for process work,” Stacey contribution, Hiroshi’s classmates directed points out. “We will have final work there, too,

26 MIDDLESEX spring 2017 Plenty of student work— in process or in final form—will be displayed on the walls inside and outside the visual art studios in the Danoff Center for the Visual Arts.

but showing the process will tell students that we value process. It’s a learning exercise.” “When they are ready, the facilities’ features Another favorite feature of the Danoff Cen- ter is the plaque studio, which the late George will reflect the sophistication and excellence Senkler ’52 named in honor of longtime master Russell Kettell (class of 1910), who taught carving of the work that’s being done there.” at Middlesex for many years. Situated right on — Head of School Kathy Giles the courtyard, the studio “will bring a wonderful tradition front and center,” as Kathy says. “The plaques end with: Who are you? What do you care about? What is the physical mark that you want to leave here?” adds Stacey. “That an assembly,” Tom details. “The green rooms will work will be happening right there, where every- be in the recital hall of the Rachel Carson Music one can see it and be engaged in it. That’s a really and Campus Center. And the children’s play and nice highlight of this building. I love the fact one-acts will be on the Terry Room stage; we’re that students have something creative they going back to our roots.” leave behind.” Faculty displaced from classrooms will teach Over the next 18 months, the Middlesex in new ones in Peabody House. Prohibitively community will get to watch another kind expensive to renovate as a dorm given its loca- of creative process unfold as the renovation of tion and compact design, Peabody nonetheless the Wood Theatre and the construction of the retains its original faculty apartments. Mean- Danoff Center concurrently proceed apace. while, its upper floors have been converted into “I’m looking forward to seeing the plans come several spacious classrooms now that Landry to life as beautifully as they have with Landry House has added student rooms on campus. House and the Rachel Carson Music and Cam- Thanks to all those who have demonstrated pus Center,” affirms Development Director their belief in the School, Mx2 is indeed procur- Heather Parker. ing the resources and facilities that are commen- surate with the quality of Middlesex’s people and Transition and Transformation programs—this time in the realm of the arts. Impressive ingenuity has gone into providing Between the Danoff Center for the Visual Arts interim facilities for the arts. By relocating park- and the renovated Wood Theatre, Middlesex ing to a temporary area near the School’s north artists will enjoy “the upgrade that modernity entrance, mobile studios for the visual arts can requires,” Kathy stresses. “We designed these occupy the lot next to Atkins House. Until the buildings to provide our students with great, winter sports season, the nearby Pratt Rink will well-lit space, and when they are ready, the be converted to a theatre. “We will have a 500- facilities’ features will reflect the sophistication seat theatre with a raised stage that is going to be and excellence of the work that’s being done a really exciting place to put on a play and have t h e re .” M

MIDDLESEX spring 2017 27 In Memoriam

hockey team. Following gradua- Fred taught at several prep- Frederick U. Wells ’44 tion, he went on to Ohio State aratory schools, including Moses Joseph R. Miller ’50 University, where he met his wife Brown and Concord Academy, Frederick Underwood Wells died Janice and earned a B.S. in business before pursuing and completing The School recently learned of on June 30, 2016. administration, later completing his Ph.D. in mathematics at the the death of Dr. Joseph Richison Fred was born on April 27, 1926, an M.A. in geology and geophys- University of Wisconsin. He mar- Miller, who passed away in Wich- and, after graduating from Middle- ics. Between earning his degrees, ried Sarah Stout in 1959 at her ita Falls, TX, on July 10, 2015. sex, he earned a B.A. in political Rolf served in the Army at Fort home in Lowell, OH, and they The son of Roy and Ruth science at the University of Virginia Knox, KY, Fort Smith, AR, and lived in Madison, WI, from 1966 Richison Miller, Joe was born and a master’s degree in marketing Fort Sam Houston, TX, during to 1975. The Goodings subse- October 17, 1932, in Hillsborough, at the University of Pittsburgh. In the Korean War. After his military quently moved to Chevy Chase, OH, and attended Middlesex from 1953, he married Lorna Stoltzfus, service, he was hired by IBM, MD, where he became a teaching 1944 to 1947. Joe enlisted in the U.S. and they raised a family of five where he spent his entire profes- professor of mathematics and com- Navy as a young man, and, upon children together while Fred sional career. Rolf retired from puter science at several East Coast his return, graduated summa cum pursued a career as an aviation IBM in 1982 after more than 25 colleges. On retiring, he returned laude from Purdue University; he consultant. years in sales roles that took him to live in Madison. subsequently earned his medical His wife Lorna passed away from the East Coast to the West Predeceased by his parents and degree at Indiana University. Joe on November 22, 2016; they are Coast—and included two years one sister, Marie Eaton, Fred is started his medical career in Cali- survived by their daughter, Melissa overseas in Sweden and The survived by his partner, Katharine fornia with Kaiser HMO, a concept Wells Pouri; and four sons, Freder- Netherlands. Blumenthal; his first wife, Sarah in its infancy, and specialized in ick, Bruce, Jeffrey, and Timothy In retirement, Rolf was very Stout; his sons, Frederic Gooding obstetrics and gynecology. In 1971, C. Wells ’84. active teaching courses at the III and Tim Gooding; his sister, he married the love of his life, Liz College of Marin on the subject Eleanor Hallowell; and several Leverett Miller, and adopted her which was his lifelong passion: nieces and nephews. four young children. They moved Ralph M. Bomonti ’48 geology. He also served as a vol- to Wichita Falls, and Joe founded unteer guide for WildCare in San the Women’s Clinic, delivering Rafael, providing tours of Ring thousands of babies over the years. Ralph Mitchell Bomonti died Alvin G. Litchfield ’50 Mountain on the Tiburon Penin- Known to his children’s friends on December 20, 2016, of compli- sula, where he was in his element as “Daddy Joe,” he made sure the cations from diabetes. Alvin Goddu Litchfield died at teaching others about geology Miller home was the place to be A son of the late Curt and his home after a short illness on and nature. while his kids were growing up. Merry Bomonti of Lausanne, November 26, 2016, in Topsham, Rolf is survived by his wife of Although unexpected brain sur- Switzerland, Ralph was born on ME. 63 years, Janice Ursin-Smith; their gery and two open heart surgeries February 13, 1931, and came to Al was born on December 9, sons, Todd and Scott; their daugh- forced him into early retirement, Middlesex from Le Rosey with his 1930, in Winchester, MA, to Audrey ter Kristen; and six grandchildren. Joe redefined himself by serving twin brother, Walter F. Bomonti Goddu and Alvin Macaulay Litch- as a regularly featured columnist ’48, in the fall of 1945. On receiving field. Having transferred from for the Wichita Falls Times and his diploma, he studied at Prince- Winchester Junior High School Record News. He finished a novel ton University and Columbia Frederic Gooding, Jr. ’50 to the sixth class at Middlesex in he had started years before and University. After serving in Army 1944, he continued on to Bowdoin published a collection of short Intelligence during the Korean Frederic Gooding, Jr. died after a College after graduation. On com- stories, Pipe Tobacco and Wool. War, Ralph became a guide on short illness on September 8, 2016, pleting his undergraduate degree, After that, Joe served for 10 years the Yukon River in Alaska. in Madison, WI. Al served for two years in the as a county commissioner. Predeceased by his brother The son of Frederic and Julia Army’s Psychological Warfare He is survived by his beloved Walter, Ralph is survived by his Papin Gooding, he was born in Unit at Fort Bragg in North Caro- wife Liz; their six children, Dugan cherished wife Nancy. Concord, MA, on October 28, lina. He served as vice president of 1932. Fred graduated from the his family’s business in Boston for Miller, Janet Miller Denton, Fenn School and Middlesex; several years and, at the same time, Andrew Miller, Sara Miller Wieck, Dr. Danny Miller, and Beth Miller; Rolf Ursin-Smith ’48 during summers, he learned to was very active with youth hockey love the outdoors at Keewaydin and other sports programs in 12 grandchildren; his sister, Jane Camp in Maine, where he became Acton, MA. Henderson; and numerous nieces, Rolf Ursin-Smith passed away a counselor in later years. Attend- In addition to his wife of 60 nephews, extended family, and peacefully in his home on October ing Harvard through the Naval years, Jane Chambers Litchfield, friends. He is also survived by 27, 2016, surrounded by his family. ROTC, Fred enjoyed taking photo- Al is survived by their three sons, Julieta Castillo, a devoted family Born in Buffalo, NY, on August graphs for the Crimson and, after Alvin Douglas, Peter Chambers, caretaker over a 30-year span. 18, 1930, Rolf grew up in nearby graduating, served for several years and John Macaulay Litchfield; East Aurora and attended The in the U.S. Navy as a LTJG and and three grandchildren. His late Nichols School before joining the was subsequently in the Naval cousin, Charles E. Crane, Jr. ’56, fourth class at Middlesex, where Reserves. was also a Middlesex graduate. he was a standout on the varsity

44 MIDDLESEX spring 2017 he selected the site, designed and partner with his father at Motor and began working as a writer and Leonard C. Dursthoff, Jr. built the plant, hired the employ- Supply, Inc. in Cambridge. Prior to researcher with the well-known ’52 ees, and ran it successfully. After retiring, Richard was self-employed columnist Jack Anderson. In 1973, OCF, Fernando co-founded his as a real estate appraiser, and his he married Anne Emmet Pepper. Leonard Clamore Dursthoff, Jr. own company, ACT Medical, firm, Fair Appraisals, was based Stacy opened a bespoke antiquar- died on August 21, 2016, in Laguna where he pioneered medical device in Gloucester. ian and travel bookstore in Woods, CA. technology. He held 39 patents, Dick was an active member of Georgetown called Lloyd Books, Born on March 24, 1934, Len ranging from collapsible tennis St Paul’s Lutheran Church. He had where there was a cozy, top-floor entered the fifth class at Middlesex rackets to fiberglass pipelines and a passion for his family and heri- reading area called the “eagle’s in 1947. On graduating, he went on from guide wires to catheters. tage, serving on committees for nest.” As one of his former em- to Harvard, where he completed an Fernando was a master rower the Babson family reunions. He ployees fondly remembered, A.B. in government. Len served in and a longtime member of the and Carol found joy in RV adven- “This was an unusual place where the Navy and was a member of the Cambridge Boat Club, racing tures around the country, in boat- you might find the novelist Larry Society of Experimental Test Pilots; competitively both in the U.S. ing along the New England coast McMurtry browsing, and every- he flew helicopters for Pratt & and abroad. He collected antique with friends, and in entertaining one celebrating the mailman’s Whitney. He retired in 1991 from automobiles, ranging from a 1929 at their home. Dick is remembered birthday. Customers loved to a long career in public service, Model A Ford to a 1952 Jaguar XK for his ability to bring a smile to come into the store and take the having worked at Hughes Aircraft 120. His land conservation interests everyone he met. daily travel quiz for 30 percent in the field of addiction disease. included the Walden Woods Proj- He is survived by his wife off .” Len will be remembered as a grand ect in Concord, MA, and the Nor- Carol; two sons, Mark and Matthew; Stacy remained in the DC fellow with a marvelous sense of man Bird Sanctuary in Newport, two granddaughters, Stephanie and area after selling his bookstore. humor. RI. Fernando was an active mem- Victoria; two sisters, Priscilla But- He continued to enjoy traveling to He is survived by his wife ber of the Cerio Foundation & terfield and Martha Babson; and remote places in Asia and Africa Bonnie; his daughter Alison; Museum in Capri, named for his several nieces and nephews. and made an annual trip to the his son Clay; his stepdaughter great-grandfather, Ignazio Cerio, Brittany Coast in France. In Lysanne; and one grandson. and housed in the Palazzo Cerio. retirement, he enjoyed seeing his Preceded in death by his sister Stacy B. Lloyd III ’56 old foreign service friends from Beatriz, Fernando is survived by Laos and talking about some of Fernando Alvarez de his wife of 55 years, Mary-Margaret; Stacy Barcroft Lloyd III died their dangerous assignments. He Toledo ’53 their son Federico; and their of natural causes at his home in is remembered by all for his sense daughter Livia. Winchester, VA, on March 16, of humor and for being a decent, Fernando Alvarez de Toledo died 2017. kind, and caring man who was suddenly on September 14, 2016, Born in Millwood, VA, on very modest. on the island of Capri, Italy, during Richard S. Babson ’53 September 23, 1936, Stacy was the Predeceased in 2008 by his a visit to his ancestral home. son of Rachel Lambert Mellon sister, Eliza Lloyd Moore, Stacy The son of Count Ramiro Richard Shaw Babson passed and Stacy Barcroft Lloyd, Jr. After is survived by his sons, Thomas Alvarez de Toledo and Laetizia away on June 22, 2016, at the Lahey receiving his Middlesex diploma, Llewelyn Lloyd and Stacy Lloyd Cerio of Capri, he was born on Clinic Hospital in Burlington, MA, he went on to Middlebury Col- IV; his half-brother, Robin Lloyd; June 21, 1934, at the Palazzo Bivona, surrounded by his loving family. lege, graduating in 1960 with an two grandchildren; and two the family home in Naples, Italy. Dick was born in Boston, MA, interest in foreign languages and a nieces. Fernando inherited his father’s on March 27, 1935, the son of the desire to work abroad, promoting titles, Duke of Bivona and Count late Arlene Shaw and Clifford community and cross-cultural of Caltabellota. In 1940, as World Miller Babson, Jr. He entered the development. His first job was Geoffry D. C. Best ’60 War II loomed, the family moved fifth class at Middlesex in 1948 with Project Hope on the founda- first to Argentina, where Fernando and continued on to Harvard after tion’s hospital ship, which took Geoffry Donald Charles Best died learned his second of six languages. graduation, earning a degree in him to South Vietnam and Peru. on February 17, 2017, at his home In 1945, the family came to Con- sociology in 1957. As a young man During the early years of the in New York City, surrounded by cord, MA. Fernando graduated summering at Long Beach, he met Vietnam War, Stacy was named family and dedicated caregivers. from the Fenn School and Middle- the love of his life, Carol Stephanio. the first USIS representative in The ldere son of Vincent and sex; as a protégé of Dr. Joseph They were married on August 31, Sam Thong, the US AID base for Katrina Best, Geoff was born in Albers, he received his degree in 1958, in Gloucester, MA, where refugee operations in Northeast- Dayton, OH, on February 22, 1943. design engineering from Yale Uni- they shared most of their 58 won- ern Laos. In 1967, he returned to After graduating from Middlesex, versity. For 30 years, he traveled derful years together. Throughout Washington, DC, and, in 1968, he earned his undergraduate degree the world for Owens-Corning his career, he held management was awarded the first-ever W. at Yale University, where he belonged Fiberglass, designing products and positions at the Budd Company, Averell Harriman Award, which to Silliman College and the Skull building facilities in Europe and Kendall Company, Knomark, honors an outstanding young and Bones Society. Geoff then the Middle East. Fernando and his Inc., and L.T. Industries, and he foreign service officer. earned his J.D. at the University of family lived for several years in was plant manager at Le Pages in After two years in Washington, Virginia Law School and married Belgium and, later, in Brazil, where Gloucester. In 1975, he became a Stacy left the State Department Suzanne Micaud, who died in 2015.

MIDDLESEX spring 2017 45 In Memoriam

Geoff taught English at the Ameri- as a member of the Vesper Team. can University of Beirut (from 1964 Gardner was an all-around good Malcolm B. Wiseheart, Jr. Bruce M. Millar ’73 to 1966) and served as a special athlete who loved sports and was ’61 assistant at the International Energy known for his fiercely competitive Bruce McLaren Millar passed Agency in Paris before rising to nature. Malcolm Boyd Wiseheart, Jr. away peacefully at his home on senior partner in the international Gardner is survived by his passed away at his home in Coral November 13, 2016. law firm of LeBoeuf, Lamb, Greene brother, Marshall L. Field ’59; a Gables, FL, on January 22, 2017. Bruce was born in Berlin, & MacRae, where he spent his legal nephew, E. Lincoln Field II ’86; The son of Dorothy and Mal- West Germany, on October 23, career as a litigator. A weight-lift- a niece, Hilary W. Munroe; two colm B. Wiseheart, he was born in 1954, and joined the fourth class ing accident in 1995 precipitated grandnephews, Derek and Dylan Miami on September 18, 1942, and at Middlesex after graduating from a stroke that severely disabled him Munroe; a grandniece, Jamie T. joined the fifth class at Middlesex Eaglebrook School. On receiving for the balance of his life. He will Munroe; and his good friends, in 1956. After graduating, Malcolm his Middlesex diploma, he earned be remembered as a man of excep- Richard Trull and Jody Rochez. earned a B.A. in economics at his undergraduate degree with tional character, ability, courage, Yale University and continued his honors in English at Northwestern and humor—and as a loving and education in England, receiving University. During his career as dedicated husband and father. Daniel B. Southard, Jr. ’61 an M.A. in English jurisprudence a journalist, he wrote for the Predeceased by his wife from Cambridge University and Orlando Sentinel, Corpus Christi Suzanne, Geoff is survived by Daniel B. Southard, Jr. died on becoming a barrister-at-law at Caller-Times, Fort Worth Star-Tele- their sons, Ramon, Charles, and February 13, 2017, after a 12-year Gray’s Inn in London shortly gram, Chronicle of Philanthropy, Alan; two grandchildren; his battle with Parkinson’s disease. thereafter. After returning to the and American Chemical Society. sister, Phoebe Best-Devenish; Born on November 18, 1942, States, Malcolm earned a second His survivors include his his brother, Eric P. Best; three in New York City, Dan grew up law degree from the University of daughter, Carolyn Millar, and his nieces; and one nephew. in Wilton, CT. He entered the fifth Florida. In 1973, he established his sister, Wendy Phillips. class at Middlesex in 1956 and was own firm in Miami that specialized a talented athlete who captained in real estate and landlord and Gardner R. Field ’61 the 1960 football team and was tenant law. From 1977 to 1990, he Stephen W. Werntz ’73 inducted into the Middlesex served as special master for the Gardner Richard Field died at Athletic Hall of Fame in 2013. Property Appraisal Adjustment Stephen Willing Werntz died of Lowell General Hospital–Saints After graduating from Dartmouth Board for Dade County. Malcolm complications following a stroke Campus on October 14, 2016, College with a degree in econom- was a frequent lecturer for various on September 14, 2016, in Boston, after a lengthy illness. ics, Dan became the youngest pilot professional associations in South MA. Born in Lowell, MA, on ever hired by TWA. He flew in Florida, especially on legal matters The son of Barbara and August 17, 1943, Gardner was the that role for 37 years. When TWA related to the operation of rental George Werntz, Jr., Steve was born second son of the late Attorney helped establish Saudi Arabian housing. in Morristown, NJ, on October 11, Eldred L. Field and Valerie R. Airlines in the late 1970s, Dan was A lifelong Francophile and 1954. An All-League football quar- Simmers Field. He received his among a group of pilots who flew student of the French language, terback and hockey defenseman early education in the Lowell and for the new airline. During adult- Malcolm helped to create the French at Middlesex, he continued on to Tewksbury School Systems before hood, he also earned an M.B.A. International Studies Program Bowdoin College, where he set joining the sixth class at Middle- from New York University and at Sunset Elementary School records as a placekicker, making sex, where he excelled in football became a certified financial and Carver Middle School, for numerous field goals from over and tennis. He furthered his edu- planner. which he received the insignia 50 yards. Steve was signed by the cation at Waynesburg University, Dan married his wife Peggy, Chevalier dans l’Ordre des Palmes Dallas Cowboys and later released where he also excelled in tennis a flight attendant from Hong académiques, a prestigious honor after rookie orientation; he was and earned a B.A. in English. Kong, in 1970, and they moved bestowed by the French govern- then signed by the New York After graduation, Gardner began to Redding, CT, where they raised ment to recognize those who have Giants and played in several pre- a long, successful career in sales two daughters. In 2011, as Dan’s made a significant contribution season games. In 1977, Steve went and advertising, first at Grolier Parkinson’s worsened, the South- to French education and culture. to work as a sound technician Publishing and later at his own ards moved to Meadow Ridge. He also served as president of the and production assistant for Cappy advertising company, until illness In addition to his wife Peggy, Wiseheart Foundation, which Productions, a sports film com- forced his retirement. Dan is survived by their two has provided assistance to schools, pany in New York. He was par- He was a longtime member daughters, Stephanie S. Mauri ’91 churches, and charitable organiza- ticularly proud of his opportunity of the Vesper Country Club, where and Mimi S. Weiss; two sisters, tions since 1953. to work on a profile of Mohammed he enjoyed golfing. In addition to Gloria Bradley and Suzanne Malcolm is survived by his Ali. several holes in one, he is best Blackman; his stepbrother, David wife Michele; two sons, Malcolm Steve was a dedicated athlete, remembered for five consecutive Graham; five grandchildren; B. Wiseheart III and William educator, coach, and outdoorsman. birdies, starting with the first hole, and five nephews and a niece. R. Wiseheart ’05; two sisters, In 1981, he began his career in edu- in a members’ tournament. He also Carolyn W. Milne and Elizabeth cation as an English teacher and participated in 19 city tournaments W. Joyce; six nieces; and six athletic director at Far Hills Coun- nephews. try Day School in Far Hills, NJ. In

46 MIDDLESEX spring 2017 1988, Steve became the assistant who ever experienced one of his grandfather, Edward Rawson returning to Middlesex, working headmaster, varsity hockey coach, Jamie’s meals appreciated his Godfrey, who established Godfrey in admissions from 1982 to 1984. and director of outdoor education culinary expertise and creativity; Field in Bangor in 1927. Donald Moving on to earn his M.B.A. at Indian Mountain School in his passion for food and life was obtained his private pilot’s license at Thunderbird School of Global Lakeville, CT. With his passion for contagious. at 17 and later added seaplane and Management, Tom later worked the outdoors and challenge course In his later years, Jamie instrument flying privileges. He in admissions at Brophy College programming, he founded Indian returned to his childhood love joined the Maine Civil Air Patrol, Prep and Phoenix Country Day. Mountain Adventure (IMA) in of horses, from playing polo and rising to the rank of lieutenant He was a great dad who loved to 1991. As its president, Steve was training polo ponies to rekindling colonel and receiving many coach and mentor students. responsible for running outdoor his love affair with a four-in-hand. awards for his service, including Tom is survived by his wife trips and programs for thousands In his last few months, his greatest the Chuck Yeager Award (1999), Sue; their daughter Ashley and son of students, campers, and adults delight was having his brother, Benjamin Davis Award (2000), Alex; and his sister Gail. across the U.S. Most of the chal- Roderick I. Vere Nicoll ’75, and Grover Loening Award (2008), and lenge courses built by IMA remain nieces and nephew drive a carriage the Paul E. Garber Award (2015). certified by the Association of with him on the farm, something In addition, the FAA awarded Charles K. Magurn Challenge Course Technology and he regularly enjoyed with his wife Donald the prestigious Wright are actively used today to teach and daughters. His enthusiasm Brothers Master Pilot Certificate in Charles K. Magurn, a lifelong the values of leadership, teamwork, has encouraged the family to con- 2016, as a result of nearly 50 years Concord resident and retired and camaraderie that Steve helped tinue carriaging as a part of their of flying with a perfect record of member of the Middlesex Facili- instill in his students. connection to the land and their safety and regulatory compliance. ties and Operations crew, died He is survived by his wife, heritage. To those who loved and He belonged to many other avia- on December 15, 2016, of heart- Laura Wilson Werntz; and their admired Jamie’s passion for life, tion organizations and was also related issues. sons, Bradley and Gregory W. courage, and generosity of spirit, an active volunteer with numerous Born in Concord on October 6, Werntz ’03. a light has dimmed. community organizations. Donald’s 1939, Charlie was the devoted son In addition to his wife Rachel favorite role was as a loving dad, of the late Charles T. and Elizabeth and his brother Roderick and husband, and friend. He loved Kelley Magurn. He graduated from James D. Vere Nicoll ’74 family, Jamie’s survivors include traveling with his wife and children, Concord High School in 1960. his daughters, Emily and Hannah. recently to Spain, England, and For more than 30 years, Charlie James Douglas Vere Nicoll died at His late brother, Raymond B. South Africa. Honest and loyal, he was a groundskeeper at Middlesex, his home, Willow Marsh, in Locust Vere Nicoll ’78, also attended was held in the highest regard both where he developed a close bond Dale, VA, on September 15, 2016, Middlesex. personally and professionally. with his colleagues. He had a after a valiant battle with cancer. Donald is survived by his wife terrific memory and knew many Born in Charlottesville, VA, on Miriam; their daughters, Abigail, of the students by name. Charlie November 24, 1955, Jamie was the Donald Godfrey ’76 Emily, and Victoria; two brothers, was also a longtime member of the son of the revered local orthopedic John E. Godfrey ’66 and David Concord Knights of Columbus and surgeon, Douglas Vere Nicoll. Donald Godfrey passed away P. Godfrey ’69; two sisters, Ann a faithful communicant at Holy Jamie came to Middlesex from peacefully at home, surrounded by MacDonald and Alice Godfrey Family Parish. He was active with St. James School in Maryland and, loving family, on Sunday, April 2, Eyles; and numerous nieces, neph- and enjoyed volunteering for the following his graduation, attended 2017. ews, cousins, and close friends. His Concord Council on Aging. He Pitzer College. After a few years in The son of the late Frances late uncle, Edward R. Godfrey, Jr. will be missed for his wonderful the business world of New York Edwards and Prentiss Godfrey ’35, ’25, was also a Middlesex graduate. sense of humor. City, Jamie returned to his home in Donald was born in Bangor, ME, Predeceased by his parents and Virginia, where he and his devoted on May 9, 1958. After graduating sister Dorothy, Charlie is survived wife Rachel started Summerfield from Middlesex, he earned his Thomas O. Sylvester III by his sister Betty, as well as many Farm Products, Ltd., a provisioner undergraduate degree at Harvard. ’76 dear cousins and caring friends. of high-end meat cuts to renowned Donald married the love of his life, chefs across the U.S. From a small Miriam Lisa Curtis, on April 19, Thomas Oliver Sylvester III passed log cabin in Free Union to an ex- 1986. They settled in Yarmouth, away on January 17, 2017. pansive retail shop and processing ME, where they raised their three Tom was born in Middletown, plant in Culpeper, VA, Jamie was daughters. Donald worked in CT, on December 8, 1957, and at the forefront of the farm-to-table finance throughout his career, entered the fourth class at Middle- movement. He earned a reputation with his final role as mortgage sex in 1972. On graduating, he as an authority on meats and char- lender for Carriage House earned his B.A. in history at Har- cuterie and was sought after as a Mortgage in Falmouth. vard College, along with letters in celebrity guest chef for important Donald was also an accom- soccer and baseball. Tom taught gourmet gatherings and celebra- plished pilot. His passion for avia- at TASIS American School in tions across the country. Anyone tion stemmed from his father and Switzerland for two years before

MIDDLESEX spring 2017 47 Back Story

Charitable Gifts Through Your IRA Resonance

Excerpted from the Dr. Finkelpearl was one of my favorite college down and had not yet turned on the radio. opening remarks of English professors. He was a Shakespeare scholar, As I passed the pond, I heard this marvelous teacher Rebecca Smedley, and everything I know about Shakespeare I chorus of frogs—a captivating and evocative Middlesex’s Director of learned from him. As brilliant and influential sound that reminded me how much there is as Dr. Finkelpearl was, however, there is not a to listen to in nature, as well as in my own Spiritual and Ethical particular sentence he said about Shakespeare mind—if I give myself the necessary space to Education, at morning that I remember from my years in his classes, hear. And I got to thinking about everything chapel on April 19, 2017. but rather an offhand comment he made one I miss without quiet space in my life—the day. Dr. Finkelpearl told us that he did his music of frogs or birds or wind in the trees, best thinking “in bed, in the bath, and on the echoes of my deceased grandparents, the the bus.” Easily remembered by its alliterative memories from my childhood, the plan of ring, this claim is a truth I have come to the perfect thing to say in that difficult recognize and value. conversation. In those quiet, meditative moments right So, while it may seem quaint if not before we fall asleep or right as we are waking decidedly Luddite, my invitation to all of up, in a bath or shower, or as we sit on a bus, us this spring is to put down our phones, train, plane, or subway, we are free from the shut down our laptops, open the windows, company of others, the responsibilities of turn off the radio, and listen to all there is work, the chores on our “to do” list, the buzz to hear—in nature and in our own minds. of an incoming text or tweet or post. Perhaps, like Dr. Finkelpearl, we may The thero night, as I was driving off then discover our greatest thoughts. M campus after dorm duty, I had my windows

48 MIDDLESEX spring 2017 Charitable Gifts Through Your IRA Recently enacted legislation has made the IRA Charitable Rollover permanent! The legislation allows individuals age 70½ and older to donate up to $100,000 from their IRAs to Middlesex tax-free. This provision allows donors to transfer money from their IRAs directly to Middlesex, without having to recognize the transfer as taxable income. Donors should consult their tax advisors about specific situations.

The IRA Charitable Rollover has been extended permanently.

Who qualifies? Can I make a transfer to my Can a rollover qualify as my Individuals who are at least age 70½ donor-advised fund or supporting minimum required distribution? at the time of the contribution. organization? Yes, once individuals reach age 70½, No, these are not eligible. they are required to take minimum How much can I roll over? distributions from their retirement Up to $100,000 for each year. What are the tax implications? plans each year, according to a federal a. Federal: You do not recognize formula. IRA rollovers to charity From what accounts can I make the transfer as income, provided count toward your minimum charitable rollovers? it goes directly from the IRA required distribution. Transfers must come from IRAs provider to charity; you are I’m over age 70½—should I consider directly to charity. If you have retire- not eligible for an income tax an IRA charitable rollover? ment assets in a 401(k), 403(b), etc., charitable deduction. you must first roll those assets into b. State: Each state has different laws, Yes, especially if: an IRA, and then make the transfer so check with your own advisors. a. You do not itemize deductions from the IRA directly to a charity. Some states have a state income but make charitable gifts, OR tax and will include this transfer as b. You are subject to the limitation Can I use the transfers to fund income. Within those states, some on itemized deductions, OR life-income gifts like charitable will allow a charitable deduction c. You are required to take a remainder trusts or charitable and others will not. Other states distribution from your IRA that gift annuities? base their state income tax on the you just don’t need, OR No, these are not eligible. federal income or federal tax paid. Still other states have no income d. Your charitable gifts already equal tax at all. 50% of your adjusted gross income.

For more information, please visit our website at https://mxschool.planmygift.org or contact Paul Harrison in the Alumni Office at 978-369-5110 or [email protected]. Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID 1400 Lowell Road Concord, MA 01742 P.O.Box 9122 Permit No. 116 Concord, Massachusetts 01742-9122 www.mxschool.edu

Rust and Sky “I love, very deeply, the places that I paint,” wrote Isobel Shaffer ’17 in the brief artist statement that accompanied her exhibited work in the Wood Gallery in May. Whether capturing a calcite factory near her Missouri home or a little-seen corner at the back of the Wood Theatre, she produced a striking and vividly beautiful group of paintings for her Advanced Placement Studio Art portfolio this year. To see more of Isobel’s canvases, visit: www.studioins.wordpress.com.