Alumni Association Newsletter Fall 2018 Edition The operations of the Bexley High School Alumni Association (BHSAA) are managed by the Bexley Education Foundation.
2018 alumni tennis tournament Message from Alumni It wasn’t just the players who Relations Committee Chair brought the heat to the Bexley 2018 has been a busy year for the High School Alumni Tennis Alumni Association and busy year Tournament held on Labor Day, for me. In May, my oldest became 2018, but Mother Nature took a Bexley Alum. I had the honor of being the first to congratulate her shot as well. By the time the her and her classmates after they final match was played on the received their Bexley Diplomas as Bexley High School tennis courts I handed out Alumni Association the temperature was well over 90 Alumni and community members who membership cards to each student degrees. played in the 2018 Tennis Tournament that crossed the stage on Bexley’s football field. It was in that moment Surviving the heat and coming that I thought about my own Family (Jen Ridgley Bunker, BHS graduation in the same setting out on top was the mixed-doubles ’91and Jon Bunker, BHS ’88) 27 years ago. I thought about team of Susan Buckham Stein, and Grossman Law Office were the many moments that defined BHS ‘99 and Aaron Gilbert, tent sponsors and The Farrar my childhood and that of my own BHS ‘94 who defeated Dana Family sponsored the family children. My children are the 4th Bromberg, BHS ‘89 and Lis generation of our family to attend tailgate games and activities. Bexley Schools. It is a privilege to McNealey Spaine, BHS ‘89. Court sponsors were Mike serve as the Chair of the Alumni Both had played in the previous Carruthers/Coldwell Banker Association and to hear how my tournament held in 2016. The King Thompson, The Powers own story is echoed in the the many consolation bracket winners were Group at Street Sotheby’s, stories I get to hear in my role with Andrew Grossman, BHS ‘89 and the Association. The Rath Family and Jeff Stephanie Goldberg. & Megan Walker. Payday PERX sponsored the awards The Alumni Association remains The tournament honored the Girls’ in honor of Andrew Stern and committed to connecting our alums. Tennis Teams of 1976-1979 who Whether it is helping to connect Idegy was the t-shirt sponsor. classmates preparing for a reunion, set school records that still stand Business sponsors included hosting a tennis tournament to today, won 134 matches in a Golden Orthodontics, Madison celebrate a Bexley athletic tradition row and produced both singles & Rosan, LLP, the Elliott Group while funding cash awards for and doubles state champions. of Raymond James and Sloan Senior Departmental Awards, to Although none of those team highlighting the amazing things our Saxbe Creative. alums do once they leave the halls members was represented on of Bexley High School, the common the courts, tournament players Proceeds from the tournament thread is a sense of gratitude for spanned several generations and support the Lions’ Pride Alumni a place that values education and included Susie McClelland Rath, Fund which is used to purchase community. BHS ‘58 who teamed up with her Bexleo yearbooks for Bexley grandson Will Talbott, current seniors with financial need, Please continue to share your Bexley Boys’ Tennis Team Coach, attach a cash award to each stories. Mark Liefeld, BHS ’74 and BHS BHS Department Award State Doubles Champion, Kevin presented to a graduating Seckel, BHS ‘90. senior, and fund the annual Alumni Open House as well Jen Bunker. BHS ‘91 Sponsors included Dr. Jerry and as other alumni events and Rozanne Stern who sponsored communications. center court in memory of Andrew Ethan Stern, BHS ’92. The Bunker
348 S. Cassingham Road, Bexley, OH 43209 • [email protected] • 614.338.2093 • 1 A Message from the Superintendent As I reflect upon my first year as the Superintendent of Bexley City Schools, I can say confidently that it has been a year of growth, and one that has positioned the school district for even greater growth and accomplishments moving forward. I have been listening and learning, holding over 100 meetings and then surveying teachers and staff, students, parents, alumni and community members on a variety of topics. A public opinion survey of our district conducted by Fallon Research and Communications helped to provide even more insight into what has often been referred to as “the Bexley experience.” From those meetings and the feedback and data collected, it is clear how highly valued our public schools are with well-identified strengths, as well as unique challenges. Building upon those strengths to address our challenges led us to the next step: strategic planning. Starting in March, Bexley City Schools in partnership with Leadership Excelleration, Inc. (LEI), began a comprehensive, community-wide strategic planning process. LEI Dr. Kimberly Pietsch Miller, solicited input and feedback on our school district’s strengths and areas for growth Bexley City Schools Superintendent from over 300 students, faculty members, parents, alumni and community members who participated in focus groups. Additionally, over 3,000 students, faculty, parents, and community members were invited to participate in an online survey to gather feedback on strengths and opportunities. Finally, after months of data gathering, the Strategic Planning Team began developing strategic goals organized around four BOLD themes: • Build upon a student-centered culture of learning • Open doors that lead to flexible, expansive future opportunities • Leverage and grow vital community relationships • Develop a high-performing team The completed strategic plan, including an updated mission, vision and values, was approved by the Bexley Board of Education in August. It is my hope that the strategic plan will serve as our Bexley Blueprint guiding us to engage, equip, and empower each Bexley student for success today and tomorrow. Our goal is to build upon our past to inform our future. I invite you as a Bexley Lion to take pride in being #Bexley Bold!
Sections reprinted from The Columbus Foundation
LION POINTS OF PRIDE
• In 2018, Bexley High School received a Gold Medal • The Bexley High School Vocal Ensemble toured ranking by US News and World Report as the 4th Europe over the summer, stopping in Dresden, Berlin best high school in Ohio. and Prague. • Bexley High School was ranked #1 in Central Ohio • 2018 senior Lianna Goh won third place in a by US News and World Report. statewide poetry contest sponsored by the Ohio Poetry Association for her poem, “Poisoned Apple.” • Among public, magnet and charter high schools, US News and World Report ranked Bexley as 185th in • In 2018, 14 Bexley High School Seniors were the country. recognized as National Merit Finalists or Commended Scholars: • The Bexley High School In the Know team reigned as champions, defeating Thomas Worthington to take • Finalists: Avery Abel, Sharon Brickey, John the title on April 18, 2018. D’Alessandro, Liam Flanigan, Alexander Jacobson, Grant Robinson • The 2018 Bexley High School wrestling team won the league championships. • Commended Scholars: Sonia Brickey, David Bromberg, Benjamin Haidt, Alexander Hirsch, • The 2018 Bexley Girls Track team won their 2nd Charlie Robertson-Boyd, Zachary Shapiro, Liat MSL-Ohio Division championship in three seasons. Ungar, Alexander Westley-Sherman 348 S. Cassingham Road, Bexley, OH 43209 • [email protected] • 614.338.2093 • www.bexleyalumni.org 2 Eric Wasserstrom joins BEF Board The name Wasserstrom is well known in Central Ohio, going back to 1902 when Nathan Wasserstrom started selling merchandise from a horse-drawn cart. New Bexley Education Foundation Board of Governors Member, Eric Wasserstrom, is a fourth-generation Wasserstrom family member providing leadership to the business that his great grandfather started. With roots so deep in the community, it’s not surprising that the Bexley High School (Class of 1987) and University of Colorado graduate returned to Columbus from his time in Phoenix and chose Bexley as the place to raise his family. Eric is one of 29 Wasserstroms listed as graduates in the Bexley High School Alumni Directory published in 2016. Among those graduates are Eric’s father, uncle, and many cousins. Together, they share many memories of classmates and teachers, including Miss. Barbara, long-time Kindergarten teacher at Cassingham Elementary. Eric lived in a home on Cassady Avenue while attending the Bexley Schools. Eric and his wife Jennifer decided to transition their three daughters to the Bexley City Schools when each entered seventh grade. As they anticipated, “The Bexley Middle School staff did an unbelievable job helping our whole family with the transition.” All three of their daughters, Chloe (Sr.), Phoebe (So.), and Wendy (8th) are very involved in school activities. Eric and Jennifer are working with their daughters to instill the Wasserstrom family tradition of community contribution and philanthropy. Eric and his wife, Jennifer, continue to support organizations in the community. “I pride myself on participating in the community, so when I was asked to serve on the BEF Board, I was excited at the prospect,” said Eric. He then spoke to other community members and learned more about the BEF’s mission from those involved with the organization both past and present. According to Eric, after learning about the BEF’s successes over the years, “This is an excellent opportunity to support what makes our community great, and I am truly looking forward to serving on the Board.”
Alumnus Dan Sharpe takes on new role, Columbus Foundation Sections reprinted from The Columbus Foundation In March 2017, Dan Sharpe was named Vice President in Community Research and Grants Management. In for Community Research and Grants Management. addition, he has supported the nonprofit community Sharpe joined the Foundation in 2006, and is an expert in through capacity-building and innovation grantmaking, community leadership and nonprofit effectiveness. and led the Foundation’s Nonprofit Forum and Summer Fellowship As Vice President, Sharpe oversees the development and programs. Previously, Sharpe implementation of grant policies, program priorities, and managed digital media for the areas of strategic grantmaking for the Foundation. He Foundation, and served as Project leads the Community Research and Grants Management Manager for easyColumbus, an team, which interacts with the community’s nonprofit engagement and retention effort for organizations, convenes community discussions around regional college students. areas of greatest need, and participates in initiatives and Dan Sharpe ‘02 partnerships to strengthen and improve the community. A 2002 graduate, Sharpe received his bachelor’s degree in politics and government from “Dan’s strong qualifications, experience, and knowledge Ohio Wesleyan University and his master’s degree of the nonprofit sector make him an excellent choice to in public administration from the Voinovich School of lead the Foundation’s strategic grantmaking efforts,” said Leadership and Public Affairs at Ohio University. Douglas F. Kridler, Columbus Foundation President and CEO. “He has proven skills, integrity, and success—and is “I am deeply honored to serve in this role for The unquestionably dedicated to Columbus.” Columbus Foundation,” Sharpe said. “My family and I are proud to call Columbus home and to advance our Since joining the Foundation 11 years ago, Sharpe has community in increasingly meaningful ways.” served in multiple capacities of increasing responsibility as an associate, officer, and most recently as Director of Community Leadership and Nonprofit Effectiveness 348 S. Cassingham Road, Bexley, OH 43209 • [email protected] • 614.338.2093 • www.bexleyalumni.org 3 CLASS NOTES CLASS OF 2018, WHERE ARE THEY NOW • Bellarmine University • Loyola University of • Bowling Green State Chicago University • Macalester College • Butler University • Miami University • Case Western Reserve • Nativ College Leadership University in Israel • Capital University • Northeastern University • College of Wooster • Oberlin College • The Ohio State University • University of Michigan • Columbus College of Art • Ohio Dominican • The University of Arizona • University of Mississippi and Design University • The University of Dayton • University of • Columbus State College • Ohio Northern University • The University of Vermont Pennsylvania • Dartmouth • Ohio University • Tufts University • University of Rochester • Drexel University • Otterbein University • Urbana University • University of St. Thomas, • Earlham College • Purdue University • United States Coast Minnesota • Eckerd College • Reed College Guard • University of Texas • Edinboro University • Ryerson University • United States Marine • Xavier University • Georgia State University • Saint Louis University Corps • Indiana University • Shawnee State University • University of Amherst • John Carroll University • St. Lawrence University • University of Chicago • Kent State • Southern Methodist • University of Cincinnati • Kenyon College University • University of Kansas • King’s College London • Syracuse University • University of Kentucky • Lewis and Clarke • Tiffin University • University of Maryland
Agnes Igodan ‘03 follows passion, builds career When your dream job calls, you answer. That is what against banning tobacco. Agnes Igodan, a 2003 Bexley High School graduate, Meeting professionals did when she began working for the immigration law in the law field was a firm of Robert Brown LLC in Cleveland. special moment for her as a teenager. An immigrant originally from Nigeria, Igodan’s family moved to Bexley in 2001, just as she entered her “I learned a ton about junior year. That year, she and several other immigrant putting together students were interviewed for a Torch story that persuasive arguments and featured former student Arthur Kaplan, a transfer honing my writing skills in student originally from Israel. speech class,” she said, skills that she furthered “[That] is one memory that I take away from my time at while in law school. Agnes Igodan BHS 2003 Bexley. Although I was a minority in my classes, I never felt like an outsider or felt that people treated me Following graduation from The Ohio State University, differently,” she said. Igodan applied and was accepted to Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School. As Igodan remembers taking a speech class and being part of her personal journey and her passion for law, involved in the debate club, which ignited her passion she recently took the 2018 Ohio Bar Exam to become for law. As part of the debate club, she became a practicing immigration attorney in Cleveland. involved in mock trials with other high schools. She enjoyed playing the role of attorney and arguing
348 S. Cassingham Road, Bexley, OH 43209 • [email protected] • 614.338.2093 • www.bexleyalumni.org 4 Bexley native Bromberg wins national title Reprinted from The Columbus Dispatch Murphy Bromberg, a Bexley native and 2013 Bexley High School graduate, teamed with Brooke Schultz to win the 3-meter synchronized title at the 2018 national diving championships held in Dallas in May.
Bromberg and Schultz posted a score of 287.40, beating out second-place finisher Alison Gibson and Krysta Palmer (262.20) in a tight competition.
“I think it’s really easy to get caught up in what everyone else is doing and getting caught up in the environment,” said Bromberg, who competes for the University of Texas. “We just had to focus on ourselves and our individual dives.”
BHS sophomore founds nonprofit, speaks on book inequity While other high school students are focused on passing their classes, Bexley High School sophomore Megan Warren dedicates her time to Books for Bedtime, a charity dedicated to donating books to disadvantaged children and families. An avid reader, Megan realized there were other children her age who did not have the opportunities she did, so with the help of her family she decided to give back.
Books for Bedtime was founded when Megan was 11 years old. Her goal was 500 gently used books in the first year, but within eight months had collected 5,000 to disperse to “book deserts” across America.
In a recent Tedx Talk, Megan discussed her own privilege and the importance of “breaking out of the middle-class bubble.” For Megan, reading is one of the early steps to closing the inequity gap. She went on to explain that children in poverty are less likely to continue reading past early childhood, take Advanced Placement (AP) courses in high school, attend college and get their dream job. For Megan, books are her passion and she hopes to continue helping others find love and joy in reading with Books for Bedtime.
Alumnus Josh Radnor returned to preform Sections Reprinted from The Columbus Underground - Grant Walters Josh Radnor, a 1992 Bexley High don’t achieve, the duo breezed tiny bit of solo time in front of the School graduate and well-known through a set that contained the receptive masses. actor for his role on How I Met bulk of the tracks from their self- For those wondering where Radnor Your Mother, recently returned to titled debut album, plus a nod & Lee’s un-mapped road may take Columbus with Ben Lee. Radnor and to things on the horizon with a them next, it’s apparently toward a Lee have joined stunningly beautiful much-anticipated follow-up album together as the new composition, that’s currently in process. Their successful Radnor appropriately titled new single, “Here,” made its official & Lee music duo, “Ohio,” which drew debut on Radnor’s NBC prime-time an independent an expected amount drama Rise on Tuesday night, which collaboration. of enthusiasm from will be available as a download the audience. Radnor & Lee and stream on May 11. performed to With some truly a full house at Radnor and Lee perform at A&R Music Bar enjoyable witty A&R Music Bar (photo courtesty Grant Walters) banter as mortar for on Sunday, April the show’s melodic 29. Performing material, they with a level of playful, collegial focused on (typically) propping nonchalance that much more each other up, leaving just a bit of experienced partnerships often room for each other to soak up a
348 S. Cassingham Road, Bexley, OH 43209 • [email protected] • 614.338.2093 • www.bexleyalumni.org 5 Bunker legacy, track and field Sections reprinted from This Week News Bexley - Scott Hennan Jen Bunker was at practice 16 years ago as an assistant and just her being the older sister brings out competition. track and field coach at Bexley High School when her It comes from us wanting to be individuals and making a water broke. name for ourselves.” She was rushed to the hospital and delivered an Another thing the sisters have in common with their 8-pound, 13-ounce daughter on April 11, 2002. Two mother is a coach. Jeff Schneider, who was Jen’s coach days later, she had Caroline in tow, papoose-style, while at Bexley, now is an assistant with the Lions and works coaching at the Eastmoor Invitational. with sprints and relays. Now the coach at Columbus School for Girls, Jen’s “So many of the coaches at Bexley have known my Unicorns competed against her daughters – senior mother and my father for so long that they really Maggie and sophomore Caroline run for Bexley – in the understand family dynamics,” Caroline said. Division II regional meet May 24 and 26 at Lexington. The top four finishers in each event qualified for state Maggie said she learned a lot just from being around Friday, June 1, and Saturday, June 2, at Ohio State. high school athletes during her formative years. Caroline advanced to regional in the “We had so many girls who helped us 800 meters and with the 400, 800, out so much,” she said. “They called us 1,600 and 3,200 relays while Maggie ‘the baby Bunks,’ but we’re not that any also ran on the 400 and 800 relays. more. “They have grown up around the track Caroline ran in events ranging from and they have been able to spend the 100 to the 800 but was more of their time with some quality people,” a distance runner before tearing her Jen said. “My oldest, Maggie, was left ACL in April 2017. Jen said her born Feb. 1 (2000), so we didn’t take youngest daughter gained speed after her out as fast, but she was only a recovering. couple weeks old when we had her at Caroline, Jen and Maggie Bunker “Caroline ran a 6:30 mile in the second an indoor meet at Capital. It was cold, (photo reprinted from This Week Bexley) grade and a 2:32 (800) in middle and you’re always more cautious with school, so (distance) has been a natural your first child. You learn what you can do when you thing,” Jen said. “I think her speed came after she tore have a second.” her ACL and I think all off that work in the training room Jen Bunker was Jen Ridgley when she was setting and physical therapy really helped her speed develop records for the Lions. A 1991 Bexley graduate, she still in a way she probably hadn’t had it before. She’s a lot holds girls program records in the 200 (24.9 seconds) stronger and she knows how her body can carry that and 400 (55.57). speed in a way she hadn’t before.” Maggie graduated from Bexley on May 27 with a 3.8 Maggie broke her mother’s record of 12.2 in the 100 GPA and will attend Macalester College in St. Paul, with a 12.1 as a sophomore. Minnesota, to compete in track and soccer and study “It was tough coming in because (my mom is) in the political science. (Bexley athletics) hall of fame and she’s pretty much a “I learned from my mom how to compete and push Bexley legend,” said Maggie, who attended Columbus myself in ways no one else is going to,” Maggie said. “I Academy as a freshman. “She’s Jenny Ridgley on the had to ask myself the hard questions and push myself record board so it was nice to put a Bunker on there. harder than others do. I had to hit higher speeds than “She has a legacy in coaching and running. My dad the target speeds to push myself to get better and be (Jon) is super well-known as a (sixth-grade) teacher better.” (at Maryland Elementary in Bexley), so I was always Jen said it finally has started to sink in that her eldest known as ‘Jenny’s daughter’ or ‘Jon’s daughter’ or even daughter will be leaving for college soon. “There’s this ‘Caroline’s sister.’ I always felt like, kind of pressure in concept that’s really important in our family, and that’s school or in sports. Once I set my own record at Bexley, leaving a legacy,” she said. “The time that you spend it was easier to create my own name.” in the community or in a program, you need to leave a The sisters are ultra-competitive, whether it’s who runs lasting, positive mark. We are supportive and positive the fastest, who gets dressed the fastest for school or as a family, but we also have high expectations. who eats meals quicker. “They have big shoes to fill, but they are filling their own “I think that competition comes from wanting to do shoes. They are creating their own identity and their own something for myself,” Caroline said. “People call me Mr. legacy. For me that’s the greatest thing is watching them Bunker’s daughter, or Jenny Ridgley’s daughter or even find their own way and do their thing, but also know that Maggie Bunker’s sister, but that’s not me. I’m Caroline. they have a great network and safety net to catch them “It’s another layer (of competition) between me and as they push themselves and take risks.” Maggie. I know in the track world, she’s the faster one
348 S. Cassingham Road, Bexley, OH 43209 • [email protected] • 614.338.2093 • www.bexleyalumni.org 6 From Bexley senior to alumnus Senior Recognition Assemly The march toward graduation for the Bexley High School That journey took him from Bexley High School to Indiana Class of 2018 began with the Senior Recognition Assembly University where he graduated with a BS in Public Affairs, on Monday, May 21. Over 50 senior students were a minor in Public Relations and a certificate in Film Studies. recognized for their academic and athletic achievements, Following graduation, Goldman joined the staff of his college service to the community and future service to their country. fraternity, Sigma Alpha Mu and was on track to become the Over $65,000 in scholarships were awarded. third Executive Director of the fraternity when he was diagnosed with HIV/AIDS in 1991 and told he had only a few years to live. The recipients of the $1,000 Carlton Smith Memorial Fortunately, anti-retroviral drugs had been introduced and he Scholarships from the Bexley High School Alumni spent the next several years Association Endowment were Amanda Frey and Grant “on tour” speaking to more Robinson. Haley Bernstein received the $1,000 William than a million students at high E.L. Young Service Award. Alexander Jacobson was schools, colleges, conferences named the recipient of the Sandra Montgomery, Class and for Jewish youth groups, of 55’, Memorial Endowment Scholarship. BHS Class of and earning praise for his ‘08 Alumnus Alex Morton presented two, $2,500 “Dream honesty and deeply touching Big” Scholarships. Gifts made by alumni to the Lions’ lives in the process. Pride Alumni Fund made possible, for the first time ever, a $250 cash award for each student who was named the Goldman’s ability to connect recipient of a Departmental Award or “Cup.” A total of 11 with others, including many departmental awards were presented. Hollywood celebrities, led him to fundraising and organizing Goldman’s commencement address Senior Celebration Day successful charitable events (photo courtesy the Bexleo) Following the awards assembly, seniors congregated on connected to the entertainment the high school’s Carlton Smith Field to enjoy the Senior industry. But it was his life-long Celebration Day, hosted by the Alumni Relations Committee. passion for those living with HIV/AIDS that would lead him to The members of the BHS Class of 2018 enjoyed a food take on his current role as Managing Director with the Elizabeth truck lunch, games and took a group photo in their new Taylor AIDS Foundation. alumni t-shirts. Goldman encouraged graduates to be bold, not afraid to take Graduation chances and break boundaries by thinking outside of the box. The 96th Annual Commencement of Bexley High School Combine that with being grateful and humble, he said to the was held on May 27, 2018. It was the last commencement students and you will find unexpectedly perfect opportunities in for BHS principal, Dr. Harley Williams, who has taken on a life, just as he has. new administrative role with the school district, and the first commencement for Dr. Kimberly Pietsch Miller as Bexley City Schools Superintendent.
In a ceremony that followed many traditions, there were non-traditional moments including a keynote speaker who never envisioned that someday he would be the speaker for his own high school. Seniors Ben Haidt and Emily Markham gave the student commencement addresses.
Keynote speaker, Joel Goldman, BHS Class of ’81 has traveled across the country and throughout the world giving Class of 2018 alumni enjoy Senior voice to those living with HIV/AIDS. The invitation, however, Celebration Day with corn hole (photo to come home to Bexley to speak was deeply meaningful courtesy the Bexleo) and provided the opportunity to talk about his personal journey.
348 S. Cassingham Road, Bexley, OH 43209 • [email protected] • 614.338.2093 • www.bexleyalumni.org 7 A A perfect pair When Bruce and Nancy Meyer Matt, Nancy continued to create that too many scientists have no married 54 years, little did they and paint and began volunteering appreciation for the arts, which know that art and medicine as a docent at the Columbus provide not only a healthy outlet together would provide such Museum of Art. Being at the for stress but a well-rounded life,” a unique focus for their lives. museum allowed her to share said Bruce. Nancy, a native of Pittsburgh, her love and appreciation of art discovered her passion for art with children and to take classes Now, with ten grandchildren, early on, attending Saturday at Columbus College of Art and seven of whom will graduate morning art classes at Carnegie Design (CCAD). from Bexley High School, Mellon University. It was a blind Bruce wanted to perpetuate date with a medical student at the couple’s appreciation for Ohio State, however, that would the Bexley Schools and honor set in motion a life where creating Nancy’s life-long commitment to and appreciating art intersected the power of art to improve lives. regularly with raising a family, The endowment fund they have volunteering and Bruce’s practice seeded at the Bexley Education in pediatrics. Foundation will support annual docent-led tours of the Columbus Bruce, a BHS Class of ’57 Museum of Art as well as other graduate, earned his medical art institutions for Bexley students degree from Ohio State in 1964. Dr. Bruce and Nancy Meyer in the Alumni in grades 5-12. He completed his internship at Piazza Parkland Memorial Hospital For Nancy and Bruce, the in 1965 and Residency at The Meyer’s Bexley home was endowment is a natural extension Nationwide Children’s Hospital soon filled with art and there of their lives with Bruce noting in 1967. After completing his were many trips to art museums that ‘it’s nice to think of the fellowship at Children’s Hospital of across the country and the world. possibilities” that the endowment Pittsburgh in 1970, Bruce joined Bruce found himself promoting the will have for Bexley students. Dr. E.V. Turner in his pediatric benefits of exposure to the arts office and worked at Children’s to the parents of his pediatric Hospital. patients and later to physicians in While raising sons Jeff, Jon and training. “I have come to realize WHAT WILL YOUR LEGACY BE? You can ensure that the Bexley tradition of [email protected]. The Bexley excellence continuse for future generations by High School Alumni Association encourages all adding bequest language to a will or estate plan donors who are considering making a planned naming the BHSAA as a beneficiary (for a specific gift to seek independent legal and/or financial amount or a percentage amount). planning advice.
For bequest language, or if you would like more If you have already included the Bexley High information about making a planned gift to the School Alumni Association in your will or estate Bexley High School Alumni Association, please plan, please let us know so that we may express contact BEF/ BHSAA Executive Director Pam our gratitude and add you to the list of Legacy Glasgow at (614) 338-2093 or email her at Society Members. LEGACY SOCIETY MEMBERS Ann M. Albershardt Barbara & Gary Giller Charlene E. Morgan Rich & Julie Russo *Bob & Bev Darwin Peter B. & Janet Halliday Matt & Lisa Palmer *Edward Schlezinger Karen Eisenbach & Tom & Julie Heilman Bill & Anne Porter Robert E. Stevenson Danny Yee Lee Hess & Irene Levine Susie & Charlie Rath Jeff & Megan Walker G. Preston & Jill Elliott Linda & Frank Kass John & JoAnn Rohyans Jim Winnegrad & Beth Grimes-Flood Brad & Holly Kastan Drs. Marty Ross-Dolen & Janice Manheim Mabel Gilbert Freeman Ron & Renee Kauffman Eric Dolen *Indicates deceased
348 S. Cassingham Road, Bexley, OH 43209 • [email protected] • 614.338.2093 • www.bexleyalumni.org 8 In Memoriam (reported since last newsletter) 8/2017-8/2018 Class of 1930-39 JACK L. PRATHER ‘49 SYLVIA ROSENBERG ‘58 RUTH DAVIDSON ‘35 (12/6/2017) (8/15/2018) (9/21/2017) MIGNON DANNAN ‘49 SALLY CARLIN ‘59 DOROTHY B. ALBIN ‘37 (3/18/2018) (10/4/2017) (6/11/2018) Class of 1950-59 ANNE KAUFFMAN ‘38 ROBERT BOREN ‘59 HAROLD W. VOGEL ‘51 (1/25/2018) (5/12/2018) (8/14/2017) MARCIA CRABTREE ‘39 Class of 1960-69 (1/12/2018) SHIRLEY A. PAYNE ‘51 MARTHA PARSONS ‘61 (11/2/2017) (1/25/2018) Class of 1940-49 ANNA MCKEAG ‘40 RICHARD BLAKE ‘51 LENORE A. LUTZ ‘62 (8/15/2017) (1/30/2018) (12/8/2017) FRED K. BERNLOHR ‘40 ELYSE KINDLER ‘51 ELLEN WEDELES ‘63 (10/16/2017) (8/18/2018) (11/16/2017) SHIRLEY SALT ‘40 MARC LOWY ‘63 PATRICIA M. BILLINGSLEY ‘52 (2/19/2018) (5/10/2018) (7/27/2018) ALEEN L. EFFLER ‘43 CHRISTINE BAGLEY ‘66 (4/1/2018) IRENE DRAGONETTE ‘53 (2/1/2018) (1/1/2018) ELEANOR L. JONES ‘44 WENDY J. GALAN ‘67 (4/6/2018) (7/23/2018) JAMES HANESWORTH ‘53 CHARLES SHRINER ‘45 (1/1/2018) Class of 1970-79 (11/19/2017) JAMES CARR ‘70 CARL F. WEIFFENBACH ‘53 (8/6/2018) FREDERICK B. HILL III ‘45 (1/1/2018) (5/9/2018) DAN ZACKS ‘77 CYNTHIA STECH ‘53 BETTY LOU IRWIN ‘45 (8/1/2017) (5/9/2018) (6/4/2018) Class of 1980-89 RICHARD HENRY EISELT ‘46 KAREN BATY ‘55 TAMMY WOODS ‘80 (12/3/2017) (4/9/2018) (12/20/2017) GERALD SUSIL ‘47 NANCY STANGEL ‘56 JAY HORNBERGER ‘88 (11/1/2017) (11/18/2017) (4/16/2018) JOHN F. LEWIS ‘47 RUTH SCHAFER ‘56 Class of 2000-09 (8/28/2018) (4/27/2018) ANDREW GOOD ‘04 BARBARA J. STEWART ‘48 (2/28/2018) (2/13/2018) MOLLIE JUSTICE ‘57 (7/13/2018) PHILIP BROWN ‘06 CHARLES S. HYATT ‘48 (3/1/2018) (5/20/2018) KEITH A. NOETHLICH ‘58 WILLIAM PARKER ‘09 NORMA LOVING ‘48 (9/19/2017) (6/14/2018) (5/22/2018) Remembering Roger It is with great sadness that we report on the passing of Roger Middaugh on August 21, 2018. Roger’s wife and life partner, Carol Miley Middaugh, BHS Class of ’62 served for many years as the Treasurer, Newsletter Editor and manager of the Bexley High School Alumni Association. Roger, a 1962 graduate of Eastmoor High School, was embraced by the Bexley alumni community who named Carol a Distinguished Alumnus in 2004.
Roger and Carol were married for 56 years and shared in life’s adventures together. Following retirement, they moved from Lancaster, Ohio to South Carolina. Roger is survived by Carol, daughters Wendy (Steven Cole) Listebarger, Kelley (Sam)Patino, four grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, one brother, three sisters and many extended family members.
348 S. Cassingham Road, Bexley, OH 43209 • [email protected] • 614.338.2093 • www.bexleyalumni.org 9 REUNION UPDATES
Class Reunions are a perfect time for Bexley Alumni to get together with classmates and to relive old memories. Many class reunions are planned around the Independence Day holiday in order to allow for Alumni to participate in the Bexley July 4 Parade and attend the Bexley Fireworks. Class reunions often include informal receptions or picnics, dinners or brunches, golf outings and other social activities. In addition, the BHSAA holds an annual alumni open house to which all are welcome, featuring tours of the high school, Members of the Class of 1993 during the July 4 Parade refreshments and more.
If your graduation years ends in a “4” or a “9” this means that you have a class reunion in 2019! As Class reunions get organized, please continue to check the BHSAA website. Your class may also have a website or Facebook page.
Planning your class reunion can seem like an overwhelming task. The BHSAA will do whatever possible to help reunion Students in the Bexley High School Marching Band perform chairpersons.
The Alumni Association can help your planning process by providing updated class lists. Please call (614) 338-2093 or email [email protected].
Alumni from the class of 1949 support the Alumni Open House every year with their attendance Class of 1959 celebrates 59 years The Bexley High School Class of 1959 marked 59 years since graduation on September 14 and 15, 2018. Classmates from across the country gathered at Bexley’s Giant Eagle Market District Kitchen + Bar for a Friday night happy hour and enjoyed a buffet dinner at the Columbus Country Club on Saturday. Forty-nine classmates were on hand for the reunion festivities which included a special recognition of Jane Baldwin. Jane has kept track of 1959 graduates so that they could all stay in touch with each other over the years, and along with class president David Brandt and his wife Barbara, also a member of the class of ‘59, has helped to plan all of the reunions. As a tribute to Jane’s efforts, classmates made donations in her honor to the Bexley Education Foundation. An engraved paver will be placed in the BHS Alumni Walkway and Piazza in recognition of Jane’s many contributions to the Class of ’59.
348 S. Cassingham Road, Bexley, OH 43209 • [email protected] • 614.338.2093 • www.bexleyalumni.org 10 Thank you to the following individuals and organizations who made gifts to the Lion’s Pride Fund, Alumni Endowment Fund the last fiscal year:
Mr. & Mrs. Stanford M. Davidorf & Bernie Anne B. Kauffman Susie McClelland Rath Ackley Davidorf (deceased) Seth Reichenbach Ann Donaldson Aldrich Richard M. Donaldson David & Laura Leland Jean & Richard Robbins Don Barnett Mary Jo Edwards Nancy M. Leonard Ron Robins Garry Beim Dr. Ron & Joyce Erkis Janet Lipp Jeff Salt Bexley High School Class Carol Friedman Anne Tate Lorms Steven Schottenstein of 1952 Paul Fritsche Anna Duddy McKeag Mary Lee Wright Snavely Eric A. Binau (deceased) Cissi Bloom Glickfield William G. Spencer Walter C. Buchsieb/Class Jason Goldhaber Nancy & Bruce Meyer of 1947 Chris Stolarski Joel Goldman Terry & Nancy Meyer Dick & Ruth Ann Bull Harry Sutherland John T. Haas Marilyn VanMeter Miller Susan M. Byer Constance Kendall Theado Bevra Hannahs Hahn Pickerington Education Rita Lasky Cohen Foundation Inc. Fahn Zelizer Tishkoff Lee Hamilton Richard B. Cooper Dr. Harlan Pollock Jeff & Megan Walker Colman & Marcia Kahn Rosemary Dassel Evan Porter Stanley Yenkin Herbert R. Kahn Eleanor Michaelson John H. Ragase Kenneth M. Young Joan Schlezinger Kass A path of treasured memories
Since its dedication on July 4, 1996, the Bexley High School Alumni Walkway and Piazza has continued to be a special place to honor Bexley graduates, teachers, coaches, administrators and special friends. Last year, 82 bricks and pavers were installed and in the center section of the piazza and one bench was added along the brick path.
The Alumni Walkway and Piazza began with 500 Envisioned as a gathering area for past, present and engraved bricks and pavers, two benches honoring future Bexley graduates, the piazza has become just the BHS Classes of 1955 and 1995, two trees that. High School classes often gather there, and it is a honoring the Classes of 1941 and 1944, and a popular lunch place on sunny day. Former graduates curved brick wall honoring the 19-member Class attending their reunions often stop by while new of1925. The brick wall enclosing the east portion of graduates, still in their caps and gowns, can be seen the piazza recognized a major gift made by 1925 looking for their bricks along the walkway. The not- alumnae, Mildred Polster Simpson. so-secret to finding an engraved brick is that they are placed along the walkway alphabetically by last name Today, twenty-two years later, there are over with the “A’s” starting at the main entrance to Bexley 1,500 engraved bricks, 49 engraved pavers and High School and the “Z’s” near the Board of Education 23 benches, 15 honoring graduating classes and entrance at the south end of the building. 8 remembering special individuals and families. The Niermeyer Family has the largest grouping of To find out more about purchasing a brick or paver or a engraved bricks with 16 total. bench, visit the BHSAA website or call (614) 338-2093.
348 S. Cassingham Road, Bexley, OH 43209 • [email protected] • 614.338.2093 • www.bexleyalumni.org 11
Members of the Class of 1949 reunite every Open House 348 South Cassingham Road Bexley, Ohio 43209
BOARD OF GOVERNORS Elizabeth T. Farrar, Chair Julie Cohen, Vice Chair Ted Sapp, Vice Chair Jeremy Seck, Vice Chair Douglas J. Segerman, Vice Chair Jonathan Ross, Treasurer Megan P. Walker, Past Chair, ‘82
Michael Agriesti, ‘87 Jennifer Ridgley Bunker, ‘91 Catherine Z. Cory Jody S. Fournier Michelle Hall Larry Helman Katie Kaufman, ‘89 Tim Madison, ‘82 Dr. Harlan D. Meyer, ‘82 Alissha M. Mitchell Alison S. Nakasako Toby Paine Tim Pitts Victoria E. Powers Anna Ramsden Kathleen S. Russo, ‘86 Sarah Saxbe, ‘93 Dr. Sivaraman Sivaswami CONNECT WITH THE BHSAA Marlee Snowdon Drew Stark Be in the know about alumni activities and how your Rachel Longaberger Stukey gifts are at work by doing any or all of the following: Amy Wagenbrenner Eric Wasserstrom, ‘87 Visit our website: Barbara Giller, Chair bexleyalumni.org and use the homepage to sign up for Advisory Council our monthly e-newsletter, ”What’s Possible.”
Linda S. Kass “Like” us on Facebook and see photos, Member Emeritus access links and get regular updates. STAFF Pamela Glasgow Follow us on Twitter and Instagram Executive Director @bexleyalumni for news and links. Jennifer McGhee Development Manager Wendy Hauswirth Alumni & Events Manager
348 S. Cassingham Road, Bexley, OH 43209 • [email protected] • 614.338.2093 • www.bexleyalumni.org 12