Buzzer Spring 2012 by The Browning School

spring 2012

THE BROWNING SCHOOL the browning school buzzer

“I love incorporating work of the art department into my work here as well; the creative writing my students produce is often teamed with their art work in the School’s literary magazine.” —Kevin Dearinger, English Department Veteran English teacher Kevin Dearinger spoke with parents of pre-primary boys at a fall admission open house. A synopsis of his remarks on page 4 is a fine example of the integration and cooperation among grade levels and departments here at Browning, where "the life of the mind" is paramount.

"The Life of the Mind" at Browning

Spring 2012

ART IN FOCUS

Minds and Hands at Work… Middle School Boys at Browning

Stone Ware, Glaze • By Philip Connor ’12

Art teacher Zachary Davis explains that students in

successful combination of wheel throwing and hand-

the ceramics classes are encouraged to learn to throw

building techniques. It displays the vast potential of this

traditional, functional forms on the potter’s wheel. They

method and the complex visual effects that can be achieved.

are also given the opportunity to alter these forms and

This form also displays innovative application of glazes,

combine them to create sculptural objects. Mr. Davis notes,

which produces an extremely unique and lively surface.”

“The form pictured here is an excellent example of a

nder the guidance of their teacher,

Notre-Dame. Mr. Bernard snapped these photos of his proud

Dominique Bernard, sixth grade French

students (note their expressions!) and their creations, as

students constructed scale models of famous

showcased in Headmaster Clement’s office this past winter.

French landmarks, from the Eiffel Tower to

For more information on the project, please turn to page 40.

CONTENTS

Contents

SPRING 2012

FEATURES DEPARTMENTS 4 In this issue, we contemplate the “life of the mind” at Browning. Veteran English teacher Kevin Dearinger sets the scene, describing what the School hopes to achieve at every grade level.

6 Department Chairs Michael Klein and Sam Keany discuss Browning’s annual Math and Science Night, particularly the integration of technology.

14 As Head Librarian Sarah Murphy says, “There is something for everyone at the annual Browning Book Fair.” Photos tell the story of this school tradition.

Director of Academic Technology Jeremy Sambuca discusses how his fine arts computer students use MakerBot’s Thing-O-Matic to turn 3-D computer models into physical objects.

28 Dean of Faculty Michael Ingrisani, inaugural recipient of the Clement Chair for the Humanities, explores the question, “What is education for?”

Contributors From the Headmaster The Local Buzz Fine & Performing Arts Athletics Alumni Events Class Notes From the Archives Alumni in the News

ON THE COVER This issue of the Buzzer explores how "the life of the mind" is a driving force throughout The Browning School.

30 After 15 years of accompanying Form IV boys on an annual three-day winter retreat, Dean of Students Sam Keany observes that peer leaders are instrumental in its success.

46 The Browning community was saddened by the death of Trustee Lois L. Hutzler. Headmaster Clement and others pay tribute to her.

2 3 36 50 62 64 70 79 80

Faculty members whose interests range from art to classical languages describe their summer sojourns.

the Buzzer is printed on paper containing 10% total recycled fiber

CONTRIBUTORS BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2011–2012

Zachary Davis Art

Kevin Dearinger English

Robert Heilberg ’16

Michael Ingrisani Chair, English Department/ Dean of Faculty

James S. Chanos, President William L. Jacob, III, Vice President Lois L. Hutzler, Secretary, deceased R. Thomas Herman ‘64, Assistant Secretary Thomas S. Hexner, Treasurer Richard L.N. Weaver ‘75, Assistant Treasurer Michael P. Beys ‘89, President, Alumni Association Susan Grimbilas, President, Parents Association Alka K. Singh, Vice President, Parents Association Stephen M. Clement, III, Headmaster Mildred J. Berendsen, Honorary Trustee

Sam Keany Chair, Science Department/ Dean of Students

Michael Klein Chair, Math Department

Max Liu ’12

Laura Neller Director of Alumni Affairs

Julian Orillac ’16

Jeremy Sambuca Director of Academic Technology

Nikolaos Vlahos Chair, Art Department

John Young Chair, Classics Department Middle and Upper School Latin

MISSION STATEMENT

Laura Z. Barket Stuart J. Ellman Allan L. Gropper Celeste A. Guth William S. Kingson Tricia S. Langton Wendy F. Levey David J. Liptak Jeffrey S. Olson Othon A. Prounis ‘79 Michael L. Rankowitz Rodney M. Schiffer Ellen Stafford-Sigg Sanjay Swani Valda M. Witt Tucker York

BUZZER STAFF Stephen M. Clement, III, Headmaster Martin T. Haase, Director of Institutional Advancement Melanie S. McMahon, Director of Publications Laura E. Neller, Director of Alumni Affairs

Founded in 1888 as a college preparatory school for boys, The Browning School continues its commitment to the goals of John A. Browning: the pursuit of academic excellence and a lifelong love of learning, the belief in the dignity of the individual, and

Contributing photographers: Christine Bramble, Martin Haase, Jeremy Katz ’04, Melanie McMahon, Laura Neller, Sandy Pelz ’71, Sarah Pribyl, Soo Mi Thompson, DeBalko Photography and Marty Hyman Photography.

the development of personal integrity and responsibility to the broader community. The Browning boy develops amid these values. The Browning alumnus is a good citizen, sensitive to the needs of others, and respectful of divergent yet informed opinions. He is, in the best sense of the word, a gentleman.

DIVERSITY STATEMENT The Browning School strives to create a diverse community in which all members are safe, respected, and valued. We believe that in actively promoting a diverse learning environment, we are fostering intellectual, social, and emotional growth for all. Recognizing and pursuing diversity, however, are not enough; we seek to transcend mere tolerance of differences and aspire to

The Buzzer is published three times a year by The Browning School Office of Institutional Advancement. The School may be reached at 212 838 6280. The website is www.browning.edu.

a celebration of the varied appearances, abilities, perspectives, and values that characterize our community.

2 • THE BUZZER • SPRING 2012

The Browning School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sexual orientation, religion, or national and ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletic and other school directed programs, or employment practices.

FROM THE HEADMASTER

From the Headmaster THE LIFE OF THE MIND AT BROWNING: “BLUE SKIES” VS. “GOOGLE + HANGOUT” With so many qualified and committed adults in the

ecently I came

past 10 years. I

across a small

recognized many

group of fourth

of the applications

grade boys

Gates mentioned

sitting on the floor outside

and felt inspired

the Wilson Room, picking

and curious about

guitars. Alone or in small

others. The advent

clusters, they were plucking

of textbooks online

out the tune of Irving Berlin’s

is revolutionary,

classic “Blue Skies” (1926),

and the huge

School working closely with parents, I believe Browning can help our boys make positive decisions about technology in their lives.

which they were studying in Ms. Warner’s Composer of the

backpacks under which our boys labor cannot disappear

Month series. “Blue skies smiling at me/Nothing but blue

soon enough. Browning is initiating a pilot project this

skies do I see.”

spring: Science Department Chair Sam Keany and his

Later that day at the administration meeting, I heard about the latest obsession of some fifth grade boys: “Google + Hangout.” This site involves 10 people, 10 screens, and anyone is

Advanced Chemistry class will be using iPads instead of textbooks. I expect other classes will follow suit. Browning’s technology department has grown in the past

invited. A social network clearly designed for adults, “Hangout”

decade as well. Browning is now well-served by Director of

was ensnaring our boys, as well as some young girls, in

Technology Aaron Grill, who oversees our entire application for

inappropriate virtual encounters. Head of Middle School Chris

education and administration, along with Director of Academic

Dunham immediately began to alert parents to encourage active

Technology Jeremy Sambuca, Network Administrator Glenn

monitoring of their sons.

Walker and Digital Communications Designer Jeremy Katz. In

“Blue Skies” vs. “Google + Hangout”: the challenge for Browning... and the world. I have just returned from the annual meeting of the National

addition, we have three classroom teachers as technology division representatives: Meredith Carney Bennett in the Lower School, Janet Lien in the Middle School and Giurissa Félix in the

Association of Independent Schools, held this year in Seattle,

Upper School. And then we have the faculty and the

where native son Bill Gates, founder of Microsoft, was the

administration, all learning and growing.

keynote speaker. A graduate of Lakeside, a prominent

With so many qualified and committed adults in the School

independent school in Seattle, he acknowledged his debt to his

working closely with parents, I believe Browning can help our

teachers there. Lakeside’s current head noted that Gates’

boys make positive decisions about technology in their lives.

precocity emerged early: he was asked to create student

With good judgment, the expanding opportunities can outweigh

schedules while a student there himself! Gates wryly observed

the damaging pitfalls; our fourth graders, and all of our boys,

that social networking 40 years ago meant talking on the phone.

will (more often than not) bask under Blue Skies.

As he delivered his expansive and optimistic talk, I reflected on the integration of technology at Browning in the

Stephen M. Clement, III Headmaster

THE BUZZER • SPRING 2012 • 3

FEATURE

Continuity and Community BY KEVIN DEARINGER, ENGLISH DEPARTMENT

As we contemplate the “life of the mind” here at The Browning School, this spring issue of the Buzzer seems an appropriate venue to showcase just how this particular philosophy permeates the School. Throughout this edition, you will read about the ways in which the minds of our students are expanded in many directions. Veteran English teacher Kevin Dearinger spoke with parents of pre-primary boys at a fall admission open house. A synopsis of his remarks below paints a picture of what The Browning School hopes to achieve at every grade level.

teach English in Forms I and IV, as well as head a

Form I. Quite often our vocabulary study includes root words

homeroom in Form II. I also teach public speaking in

these students recognize from Spanish, French or Latin class.

Form III and offer English AP level electives in Form VI.

The boys are urged to plan ahead and consult their on-line as-

(Form V is the only respite from my noise!)

signment sheets in preparation for the increasing demands

When Ms. Gruhn asked me to speak at this admission

open house, I pulled out the Browning yearbook from 2000 when our current seniors were in pre-primary. How quickly

made on their self-reliance. But it is as gentle a transition as we can make it. With public speaking students in the Upper School and

they grow from here to here, and might I suggest ear to ear. The

with my Form IV English classes, I encourage the boys to ex-

mind just keeps on expanding and so very quickly.

press themselves clearly and concisely. We write analytical

My only direct duty with the Lower School is with the

essays, preparing them for the APs and college. I am always

spelling bee; I am the “spelling bee guy.” Of course, I see the

pleased when a recent graduate emails me during his first se-

Lower School boys every day in the hallways. Having these lit-

mester of college to say, “I am the only guy in my dorm who

tle guys around is great for my older boys. The upper class stu-

knows how to incorporate textual support and properly cite

dents are protective and a bit sentimental and nostalgic about

a source.” I must give a nod again to the history department

their own Lower School days. The older boys serve as book

on this sort of success, but the two departments do work well

brothers to the younger boys.

in tandem.

When the boys first officially reach my classroom in Form I,

I love incorporating work of the art department into my

they are ready for a new kind of independence and responsibil-

work here as well; the creative writing my students produce is

ity. They are more active in discussions and more vocal with

often teamed with their art work in the School’s literary maga-

their opinions. They learn the study strategies of note-taking

zine. As advisor to that publication, I think this looks great!

and review that will prepare them to do well in the Upper

My boys can recite Chaucer in Middle English (Whan that

School. I work with my colleague, Ms. Bosworth, a teacher in

Aprille, with his shores soote). They can also write a poem that

the history department, on an historical fiction project with

may win a prize in the School’s Betty Jean Johnson Poetry

4 • THE BUZZER • SPRING 2012

if there is a better college guidance counselor anywhere, I haven’t met them. There are canoeing adventures, trips to the theatre, museum outings, a wide range of clubs, an outstanding choral music program, great athletic teams – in short, many opportunities to learn and lead. My high school had an excellent English program, but if I had gone to Browning, I might have been an artist or a soccer player or a hockey “Squirt.” Beginning in Form II, each boy joins an advisory group. He meets regularly with his advisor and a wonderful mix of other younger and older boys. The conversations are intense, and we laugh a lot. This time of year, in addition to my usual paperwork, I am busy writing recommendations for colleges. The boys come formally to request that I represent them, and they always start out with how long

Beginning in Form II, each boy joins an advisory group. He meets regularly with his advisor and a wonderful mix of

Awards competition, be published in our literary magazine or

we have known each other.

appear in the interschool publication, Independent Voices. Last

Frequently the letters I write

year one of the young men in my poetry class won the national

start with a similar claim, “I

Browning Society Poetry Prize. (Browning, as in the poets

have known this young man

Robert and Elizabeth Barrett, not the School.) Our Browning of-

for 13 years and can tell you…”

fers many publication and editing opportunities such as the

Well, you’d be amazed. I love writing these letters.

Grytte newspaper and the language journals. In Middle School,

other younger and older boys.

I am sure you know something of what is ahead for

boys participate in Math and Science Night, as well as the

your son, but I want to close with this observation, based

magnificent Art Fair to show off their paintings, sculptures,

on many years under this roof: The graduating classes that

drawings and ceramics.

have retained a large number of “lifers,” the 13-year boys,

I attend the Ivy League Model UN conference each year

are the tightest friends, the most joyous students and the

with our boys and watch them shine. Every year, Director of

most likely to make me cry at their graduation ceremony.

College Guidance Sandy Pelz takes Forms V and VI on a three-

Continuity and community make Browning a great school.

day college trip. Mr. Pelz is the heart and soul of the School, and

—Kevin Dearinger, English n

THE BUZZER • SPRING 2012 • 5

FEATURE

Math and Science Night: Technology at the Forefront AN INTERVIEW WITH DEPARTMENT CHAIRS MICHAEL KLEIN AND SAM KEANY

he Middle School Math-Science Research Project is a long-standing annual event for every student in Grades 5 to Form II, culminating in Math-Science Night. These projects are an opportunity for boys to explore an area of particular

interest in science and to practice using scientific inquiry to answer their questions. The projects integrate mathematical analysis of the data as a central component and, in fact, the ability of a question to generate numerical data is a requirement that must be met before a project is approved. The philosophy behind the project is that students learn to apply scientific inquiry as a way to investigate the world around them and to use the language of mathematics to interpret and gain meaning from the results, in a firsthand way. Development of the projects occupies a large part of science and math classes for the first half of the winter trimester each

Michael Klein, Math Department Chair

year, with presentations to parents on Math-Science Night. Math Department Chair Michael Klein and Science Department Chair Sam Keany answered a host of questions about this year’s projects. – Melanie McMahon

6 • THE BUZZER • SPRING 2012

Sam Keany, Science Department Chair

THE BUZZER • SPRING 2012 • 7

MATH AND SCIENCE NIGHT

RENOWNED EDUCATOR VISITS BROWNING Finds Faculty and Students Preparing for a Changing World The Browning School kicked off 2012 with a Professional Development Day featuring acclaimed author, educator and consultant Dr. Heidi Hayes Jacobs. Dr. Jacobs works internationally with schools, districts, companies and not-for-profit groups on K12 curriculum reform, instructional strategies to encourage critical thinking, and strategic

8 • THE BUZZER • SPRING 2012

planning. She focused her remarks at Browning on the book, Curriculum 21: Essential Education for a Changing World, which she edited and collaborated on with 10 other education “thought leaders.” Dr. Jacobs has taught all grade levels, from elementary to high school, and has served as an adjunct associate professor at the Department of Curriculum and Teaching at Columbia University’s Teachers College. She is also the president of Curriculum

Designers Inc. and consultant to Children’s Television Workshop, Peace Corps and International Baccalaureate, among other organizations. Interviews with Dr. Jacobs have appeared in The New York Times and Child Magazine and have aired on National Public Radio’s “Talk of the Nation.” PBS features her courses for teachers in their online professional development program, PBS TeacherLine. Among the education “tools” Dr. Jacobs shared with Browning faculty

MM: How does the content of the project vary from grade to grade? MK/SK: Each student seeks a question that genuinely interests him and which his teacher considers an appropriate challenge. Over the course of his four years in Middle School, he will generally experience a wide range of science topics. Each grade has certain mathematical requirements. The complexity of the mathematics involved increases as the grades get higher. Grade five students are required to calculate “means” (averages) of their trials, then represent this information on a bar graph and list their experimental data in a table. Each higher grade must include the requirements of the previous grade and incorporate other elements. Grade six students must calculate percent changes. Form I students must include more “measures of central tendency,” analyzing their data with regards to modes, medians, ranges, and identify and discuss outliers. Form II students perform

Julien Anavian ’18

linear regression to determine the relationship between two variables, one dependent and one independent.

was Prezi, presentation software for exploring and sharing ideas on a virtual canvas. Many Middle School Browning boys are proud to be “ahead of the curve” in already utilizing Prezi, most recently in creating their projects for the annual Math-Science Night as discussed on page 10. Developed by Hungarian architect Adam Somlai-Fischer as an architectural visualization tool, Prezi intends to “make sharing ideas more interesting,” according to its website, and was designed as “an intuitive tool to develop and share ideas as a visual narrative.”

Based on Dr. Jacobs’ observations and recommendations, Browning administrators are enthused that its faculty have, indeed, embraced technology and continue to adapt to changing methodology. Dr. Jacobs remarked that even during her brief visit to the School, she clearly sensed the camaraderie among Browning teachers, as well as their willingness to share their knowledge of technology and implement it in their classrooms when appropriate. For further examples of Browning’s progress in this area, turn to page 17 to read more about the

School’s “Wednesday tech moments,” particularly the prevalent use of SMART Boards. As part of Browning’s weekly faculty meetings, these sessions allow teachers to share their use of technology with their peers for potential adaptation. Additionally, beginning on page 14, Director of Academic Technology Jeremy Sambuca discusses how his fine arts computer students design prototypes by using computer software and the amazing 3-D Thing-O-Matic printer.

THE BUZZER • SPRING 2012 • 9

MATH AND SCIENCE NIGHT

David Wilkerson ’19

Charles Olson ’19

MM: Students spend a great deal of time preparing for this

confirmed to us that we were on the right track. (See sidebar

night, and when it arrives, they do a wonderful job of orally

on pages 8-9 regarding Ms. Jacobs.)

reporting on their work. Can you explain that facet and the benefits gained by such presentations to the public?

MM: What are your ideas moving forward?

SK: A key skill in life, not only in science, is the ability to

MK/SK: Again, following Heidi Hayes Jacobs’ visit, the

condense, summarize and verbalize the central aspects of

departments have begun imagining new digital presentation

one’s work. The oral presentations to parents and later in

formats and seeing how this could help redefine the flow of

class to peers give a student multiple opportunities to hone

the entire presentation evening. Imagine students presenting

his summary, focus on the salient points and respond to a

their projects on a “virtual” poster board using touch

range of questions. This is a chance for a boy to become an

technology to initiate imbedded elements. We are excited

expert in his project area.

about the prospects.

MM: How did the concept arise of having the Form II

MM: How has the use of technology changed the projects?

students present their projects in Prezi?

MK/SK: From a logistical perspective, with most boys using

MK/SK: This year the math, science and technology departments

their own laptops, the technical set-up of the equipment for

met before the winter break to review the projects as a whole.

the Form II presentations has been drastically simplified.

Brainstorming about possibly incorporating technological

Gone are the days when we would be hauling heavy iMacs

elements into the projects led us to ask Form II students to use a

around the building to the various spaces.

Prezi format in addition to the website presentations that have been the norm for several years. The Form II students found the Prezi presentation easy

MM: How have the physical spaces used for the presentations changed over the years?

to create and a very effective way to illustrate the course

MK/SK: Many years ago, we used to have presentations in the

through their projects. A Prezi enables a student to zoom

Wilson Room, as well as in the library and labs. In recent years,

quickly from his aim and background research to his

we have brought all the projects closer together by making use of

hypothesis, procedure and results – all in a visually dynamic

the art gallery space, a good venue in which to view projects.

field. Listening to Heidi Hayes Jacobs’ presentation on Professional Development Day with regards to technology

There are still times when some spaces can get crowded and this is a major concern for effective viewing of the (continued on page 13)

10 • THE BUZZER • SPRING 2012

THE BUZZER • SPRING 2012 • 11

MATH AND SCIENCE NIGHT

Reed Switzer ’19

Alfonso Laffont ’19

Rohan Singh ’18

Christopher Childs ’17

Christopher Elwell ’19

Nick Warner ’16

12 • THE BUZZER • SPRING 2012

projects. This year, the Middle School Science Lab really

MM: Can you comment on any other specific ways in which

benefited in this regard with the new classroom furniture.

Browning keeps the momentum going, long after Math-

The new individual desks and bright “Browning red” chairs

Science Night is over?

have replaced the large, heavy stone lab tables. In day-to-day

MK/SK: That is a question we posed to Director of

teaching, the tables provide versatile seating arrangements

Technology Aaron Grill for his thoughts. Here is Mr. Grill’s

for the Lower, Middle and Upper School classes taught there.

response to us:

For the Math-Science Night presentations, the room became a

I was approached by a Form IV student, Christopher

much more open space, with the tables holding display

Haack, who has a strong desire to learn programming along

boards on the periphery of the room. The flow to viewing the

with several of his classmates. Ultimately, he and the other

projects in this space was tremendously improved.

boys in his grade are interested in studying for the AP Computer Science test. The first day that the club met, 19

MM: What were some of the more novel projects this year?

boys ranging from Form II to Form IV attended. The numbers

MK/SK: The increasing use of computer programming to

are still high, so I am planning both a Form IV and Form V

answer questions and simulate events has been a very

computer programming course. This year, we began with a

interesting development. Computer science projects are

programming club during activities period learning Java. My

welcomed by the science and math teachers. We expect this

hope is to give the students a half-credit course for the third

kind of project to develop further with the advent of the

trimester.

programming club and course offered by the technology department. Projects that focus on alternative energies are also of

Our course here at Browning uses a free online course created by Stanford University in which the students watch the course lectures at home on YouTube

great interest. This year saw investigations of solar panels,

(http://see.stanford.edu/see/lecturelist.aspx?coll=824a47e1-

wind turbine fields, and the growth of algae for potential bio-

135f-4508-a5aa-866adcae1111) and then come in to my class

fuel generation. These are exciting projects that demonstrate

to work on the projects. This method of teaching is called

our students’ interest in contemporary technology and

“flipping” the classroom. It is a reversal of the traditional

economic issues.

teaching method, with lecturing done outside class time – it’s

One boy’s project focused on the “Monty Hall problem,”

often referred to as “the flip.” n

a probability puzzle loosely based on the American television game show, “Let’s Make a Deal,” and named after the show’s original host, Monty Hall.

THE BUZZER • SPRING 2012 • 13

FEATURE

Implementing Ingenuity MAKERBOT’S THING-O-MATIC BLAZES NEW TRAILS IN COURSEWORK

August, 2011, The Browning School became the proud owner of a MakerBot Thing-O-Matic, a 3-D printer that can be used to create colorful plastic models of

objects. This machine can literally turn a three-dimensional computer model into a physical object. The printer identifies cross-sectional slices of the image and then lays down slice upon slice of ABS plastic to create a physical prototype. Engineers, architects and other professionals, as well as hobbyists and students, use this machine to make models of designs that they conceive or, alternately, download from the parent company’s website. MakerBot Industries, located in Brooklyn, N.Y., and launched in January of 2009, was named one of the top 20 startups in New York City and has been featured in The New York Times, Wired, Forbes, The Wall Street Journal and Financial Times,

as well as on CNN and NPR. MakerBot Industries describes its 3-D printer as “a robot that makes things…your own little factory that sits on your desktop. Best of all, it is completely automated: you hit print, and the machine does all the work. Want to print 100 butterflies? Easy. Want to print an entire chess set? No problem.” At this point, you may be asking yourself whether The Browning School needed 100 plastic butterflies, or better yet (being the chess masters they are), if Browning boys are making their own chess pieces. For answers to how the ingenious MakerBot Thing-O-Matic is being used here at the School, I posed a number of questions to Director of Academic Technology Jeremy Sambuca to find out what’s been happening since Browning initially acquired the machine. – Melanie McMahon

14 • THE BUZZER • SPRING 2012

IMPLEMENTING INGENUITY

Director of Academic Technology Jeremy Sambuca teaches Brandon Keno ’16 how to design a custom chair prototype with computer software, then make an actual plastic prototype, such as the example shown here. Mr. Sambuca demonstrated this special printer at a fall faculty meeting as part of the popular weekly “tech moment” (see sidebar, facing page).

MM: I think the most obvious questions to ask are how

my Form II fine arts computer class. As an introduction to

Browning discovered this unusual product and what use has

engineering, the class focuses on the design process and its

been made of it since the School acquired it. How has this 3-D

application. Students use Google Sketchup, a 3-D modeling

printer been incorporated into your curriculum?

software, to help them design a custom chair prototype.

JS: A rep from MakerBot presented the Thing-O-Matic (or TOM,

In the future and to further expand the technology

as I refer to it) at a NYCIST (New York Consortium of

education program, I would like to design and develop

Independent Schools Technologists) meeting last April, and I

trimester-length Upper School electives similar to what the

was instantly hooked. Since college, my educational background

science department implemented this year. While technology

and interest has been focused on design, development and

complements almost all of the coursework at Browning, I think

engineering. With the purchase of the TOM, I now had the

it’s important to expose the boys to a hands-on, real-world

ability to implement coursework at Browning that never existed

problem-solving approach to learning through STEM education

in the past. We received the TOM in mid-August as a kit, which

(Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics). The future

required about 22 hours of labor to assemble, solder and

projects to be developed would reinforce the information they

calibrate. Once the TOM is fine-tuned, it provides you hours of

are learning in math and science and would give the boys a

printing with little maintenance. I currently use the TOM with

stronger understanding for the future. (continued on page 18)

16 • THE BUZZER • SPRING 2012

TEAM APPROACH TO “TECH MOMENTS” SMART Boards Enhance Traditional Teaching Methods “Tech moments” are an eagerly anticipated facet of Browning’s weekly faculty meetings. Topics of such sessions are not confined to any particular subject matter; the premise is that all teachers might share their use of technology and, conversely, adapt what they take away from these weekly sessions to their own curriculum. In fact, music and language teachers are among those who have proudly presented ways in which they use technology, including a SMART Board interactive whiteboard, to engage their students in meaningful ways and augment the use of textbooks and printed hand-outs. (A SMART Board, by the way, combines a whiteboard with a computer.) Lower School Music Specialist Lucy Warner’s recent “tech moment” piqued the interest of her audience as she demonstrated use of the SMART Board to complement the teaching of three concepts using a famous musical composition: intervals (the distance between two pitches), names and sounds of selected orchestral instruments, and rhythmic note values. With the photo of a sunrise on the SMART Board, Ms. Warner asked, before starting the music (just as she does with her young students), if anyone could guess what instrument they heard playing in the opening measures of German composer Richard Strauss’s tone poem “Also Sprach Zarathustra” (“Thus Spake Zarathustra”/ “Sunrise” – known widely as the musical theme from the film “2001: A Space Odyssey”). There were some close answers from the audience, eventually giving way to the discovery of the stringed instrument known as the double bass. Three additional instruments – the bass drum, the organ (not a regular member of a standard symphony orchestra) and the contrabassoon were clarified by Ms. Warner, followed by the opening melodic fifth and fourth intervals sounded by the trumpet, giving way a few measures later to the dynamic presentation of the

Spanish teacher Giurissa Félix is among the Browning teachers who utilize a SMART Board interactive whiteboard in the classroom.

rhythmic “fourths” pattern on the timpani (kettle drums). Ms. Warner informed the faculty that with the SMART Board in the classroom, an actual orchestral performance showing the instruments featured can be viewed by the students, with video downloaded from the site called keepvid.com. Ms. Warner noted, “Using anywhere from one-third to one-half of class time over a period of several music classes for this project, Lower School boys are able to develop an appreciation of Strauss’s music while strengthening musical skills – all enhanced and enriched by use of the magical SMART board!” Spanish teacher Giurissa Félix and Latin teacher John Young, who also chairs the department of classics, augment their language lessons through the use of the applet NanoGong and Moodle – a free, open source learning management system. These free computer-based products allow one to

record, play back and save their voice in a Web page. Basically, Ms. Félix and Mr. Young create homework exercises that allow their students to listen to a recorded phrase in Spanish or Latin, then orally repeat the phrase to perfect their enunciation and proper pronunciation. Additionally, students are asked to complete incomplete sentences and answer questions in the target language. Ms. Félix also noted that as part of a winter project, her Spanish II students took advantage of the technology available to them in order to write a song in Spanish, film and edit a music video, and create a CD booklet. Note: Taking to heart his own advice to students that Latin be spoken as well as read, Mr. Young has spent a number of summers perfecting his ability to speak the language, thanks to stipends from the Parents Association. Turn to page 60 for his article about these experiences.

THE BUZZER • SPRING 2012 • 17

IMPLEMENTING INGENUITY

A one-inch cube takes roughly 15 minutes to “print,” whereas a miniature Empire State Building takes over an hour.

MM: How long does it take to “print” objects with

the correct temperature for the ABS plastic to melt, the

this machine? What are the steps involved from start

TOM takes it from there.

to finish? JS: It really depends on two factors, complexity and

MM: In reviewing the MakerBot website, I notice they

size. A one-inch cube takes roughly 15 minutes,

continue to refine their products and present new

whereas a miniature Empire State Building takes

offerings. Do you have any plans to augment your

over an hour. I did a lot of “test prints” in the

current printer? And do you and your students follow

beginning to make sure the TOM was calibrated

the company’s blog?

before we started to print the students’ chair

JS: I follow their website, blog and Twitter feed

prototypes. I have a third of the Form II class chairs

quite regularly. Because of this, I know they just

printed to present at the Browning Art Show.

unveiled the MakerBot Replicator. The new 3-D

As for the steps involved, it’s actually quite

printer is equipped with a larger build envelope

simple, since the computer does most of the work.

which is roughly the size of a loaf of bread. It also

Once you finish your 3-D model, it needs to be

includes the new MK8 dual extruder (allowing

exported as an STL file. This file describes the geometry surface of the object, which is needed in

you to print two colors simultaneously) as well as an on-board LCD interface that enables you to

order to generate GCode (computer numerical

print without a computer. I am very excited and

control programming language) to print the 3-D

hope to purchase a couple new printers for the

model on the TOM. Luckily, ReplicatorG, an open-source printing software, does most of the GCode computing. Once the extruder is at

18 • THE BUZZER • SPRING 2012

upcoming school year.

FEATURE

2011 Book Fair A FEAST FOR ALL AGES!

here is always something for everyone at the annual Browning Book Fair, held over the course of three days this past November. As Head Librarian Sarah Murphy explained, “The fair – A Browning tradition – offers a chance to meet authors, start your holiday shopping and add to your bedside table inventory. This year, the Browning library teamed with the Parents Association and Book Fair co-chairs Dianne Batista and Preeti Swani to work with WORD, a phenomenal bookstore in Greenpoint that, according to The New York Times, ‘not only stocks books but also strives to create a community of people who love them.’ “

Ms. Murphy noted that before the fair officially began, Lower School boys were treated to a Thursday morning assembly with visiting author and illustrator Paul Hoppe. His books, Hat and The Woods, were available for sale at the fair on Monday. He was present that day as well to sign books for eager buyers. On Friday morning, Adam Gidwitz visited the Middle School assembly to discuss his recent novel, A Tale Dark and Grimm. He captured the attention of teachers and students alike as he revealed his cleverly written and decidedly “twisted” plot twists, based on the classic fairy tales. Mr. Gidwitz returned

THE BUZZER • SPRING 2012 • 19

2011 BOOK FAIR

Monday to meet and sign books for the boys, no doubt some of his newest and most ardent fans! The book fair officially kicked off on Friday evening with a cocktail party for parents, faculty, staff, visiting authors and alumni. The newly renovated Lower Gym proved the perfect venue for this event and was, in fact, filled to capacity. Signing authors at the cocktail party included Browning alumnus Hicks Stone ’73 and Browning parent Geralyn Lucas. Browning Form III student Alexander Gottdiener joined authors Carol and Laurence Sheehan to sign copies of The Birding Life in which he is featured. Fiction authors Helen Schulman and Jami Attenberg joined cookbook writer Tracey Zabar to round out the evening. On Saturday, families visited the fair to make purchases together and meet guest authors. Finally, Monday was “class day,” when all students had the opportunity to visit the fair to browse, shop and have their books signed by Paul Hoppe, Adam Gidwitz and George O’Connor. Mr. O’Connor also visited Mr. Dearinger’s Form I English class to discuss his graphic novel series, The Olympians. His presentation took on colorful proportions as he projected many of his book pages on the large screen. Turn to the following pages for photos taken at the book fair. n

20 • THE BUZZER • SPRING 2012

“GUYS READ” RECEIVES RAVE REVIEWS Father-Son Book Club Established “How do I get my son to read, to enjoy reading and to keep reading?” The answers lie in giving him great books and good books, the right book at the right time, and showing him that reading is something adults value and want to share with him, according to Assistant Librarian Susan Levine, who founded Guys Read: Third Grade Book Club earlier in the school year. “It is particularly essential for boys that they see the men in their lives reading and engaging with them in this activity,” said Ms. Levine. She notes that the club was created as an opportunity for dads (or uncles, grandfathers or other close guy friends) to share the experience of reading in a participative and fun way. “Our first selection, The Invention of Hugo Cabret, brought the group together for a lively and fully engaging discussion,” explained Ms. Levine. “Grown-ups and third graders alike found Hugo’s story an exciting one. Our second session brought in even more dads and sons to talk about The Fantastic

Guys Read: Third Grade Book Club is off to a great start.

Secret of Owen Jester. The conversation was lively as both the older and the younger guys shared their perspectives and thoughts about the book.” Guys Read

has gotten off to a great start, providing fun and thoughtful father-son evenings throughout the school year.

THE BUZZER • SPRING 2012 • 21

2011 BOOK FAIR

Browning parent Alexandra Messer and visiting author Geralyn Lucas, also a Browning parent.

Author Adam Gidwitz enthralled his audience with details on his decidedly “twisted” plot twists based on classic fairy tales.

Headmaster Clement with Browning alumnus and visiting author Hicks Stone ’73. 22 • THE BUZZER • SPRING 2012

Author George O’Connor visited Kevin Dearinger’s Form I English class to discuss his graphic novel series.

Browning Form III student Alexander Gottdiener joined visiting authors Carol and Laurence Sheehan to sign copies of The Birding Life in which he is featured.

Author Paul Hoppe signed copies of his book for eager buyers, including Taylor Thomas ’21.

2011 BOOK FAIR

24 • THE BUZZER • SPRING 2012

THE BUZZER • SPRING 2012 • 25

FROM BOOK FAIR TO BOOKSHELVES Form II Boys Explore City’s Library System By Robert Heilberg ’16 and Julian Orillac ’16 Just as the community was gearing up for winter break, the Form II students in Mrs. Pribyl’s English class were given the opportunity to explore the New York Public Library on 42nd Street, check out a branch library with a teen center, and even receive their own library cards allowing them to check out books from branches around the city. Though a few of the students already had cards, the majority did not, and those who had one were in need of a new one. Afterward, students were allowed to explore the teen center and begin checking out books. Little did they know that the libraries do not just have books, they also have movies and magazines. The Form II students took great joy in visiting the local branch. When they arrived at the main library, they saw the two lions they had spotted in innumerable movies. They stood there

26 • THE BUZZER • SPRING 2012

in pure awe for a few minutes, admiring those two felines known to the whole world. They walked inside and found the Lego representation of the lions created for the library’s 100year anniversary. Students met their tour guide in an oval-shaped room with beautifully painted ceilings. There were doors on each side of the room with large, rich paintings in between. The guide led them into a room containing about two dozen computers, more than three-quarters of which were occupied. Along the wall were textbooks fitting perfectly in the bookcases. The guide explained that anybody could go into that room to work. Next the guide led students into another larger, rectangular room with desktops and books. In the middle was a large counter where visitors could submit requests for books.

The staff asked people downstairs in the five-mile-long cave holding thousands of books to look for a specific request. Library computers allow visitors to look up their genealogy 10 generations back and discover their heritage. After explaining this to students, the guide led them through a series of halls to a wall lined with information about American history. Students read this history for a few minutes until they were guided to the map room, a rectangular room about the same size as the lobby containing maps dating to the Civil War. There were strategy maps for the Union and maps of the city as it progressed. After observing these antique maps, students concluded their tour. Many found the field trip to the libraries in New York both fun and a great learning experience. n

THE BUZZER • SPRING 2012 • 27

ESSAY

The “Job” That Matters Most By Michael Ingrisani, Inaugural Recipient of the Clement Chair for the Humanities English Department Chair and Dean of Faculty

a move that caused considerable

romance; orators and publications of the day

controversy last autumn, Florida Governor

are no longer infallible authorities; eloquent

Rick Scott proposed narrowing the state’s funding for higher education to programs

diction is no longer a substitute for matter,

he asserted would be more likely to make graduates employable.

nor bold statements, or lively descriptions, a

Favored would be majors in science, technology, engineering

substitute for proof.

and math, the so-called STEM fields. “If I’m going to take money from a citizen to put into education then I’m going to take that

Newman would certainly expect that graduates would pro-

money to create jobs,” he said. “So I want that money to go to de-

ceed to lead productive lives, but that productivity would be the

grees where people can get jobs in this state.”

consequence of this frame of mind, not a target at which one

Among the many questions raised by Scott’s proposal is the

should purposely aim.

fundamental question of the value of a college education. Is the

Professor William Cronon of the University of Wiscon-

increasingly formidable cost of a four-year course of study to be

sin, writing in The American Scholar in 1998, did not seem to

judged by the employability and average salary of its graduates?

disagree, saying, “More than anything else, being an edu-

If not, how does one determine whether the degree is “worth it?”

cated person means being able to see connections that allow

In fact, what is education for?

one to make sense of the world and act within it in creative

The question is hardly new. Among the many writers to ad-

ways.” In an ever-changing world, an education focused too

dress it, a few come to mind. Cardinal Newman, in his treatise,

specifically on a vocational goal may become outdated in a

The Idea of a University (1852), spoke of a university education

surprisingly short time. The individual whose frame of mind

leading to a certain “formation of mind.”

allows him to respond creatively to new problems and possibilities will avoid being left behind.

,—that is, a habit of order and system, a habit of referring every accession of knowledge to what we already know, and of adjusting the

Governor Scott is, of course, quite right in valuing the STEM disciplines. The kind of education these writers propose would not be limited to philosophy, history, rhetoric, art and the other “humanities.” More than 50 years ago, C. P. Snow at-

one with the other; and, moreover, as such a

tacked the notion that one can consider oneself educated while

habit implies, the actual acceptance and use of

remaining ignorant of even the basics of science. Most under-

certain principles as centres of thought, around which our knowledge grows and is located.

graduate programs require students to acquire “distribution credits” on both sides of the humanities/science divide, reinforcing the idea that students cannot ignore areas of learning

Where this critical faculty exists, history is

that are “irrelevant” to their intended careers. To do so is to

no longer a mere story-book, or biography a

risk depriving oneself of the ability to adapt to what life brings and to pursue previously unforeseen options.

28 • THE BUZZER • SPRING 2012

Governor Scott is not to be condemned for his concern about the welfare of his state, but he does need to reconsider his understanding of the value of non-STEM programs. Anthony T. Kronman, Sterling Professor of Law at Yale, put it well:

programs is enormous. But all rest on the assumption that one important aim of undergraduate education is to afford the young men and women who are its beneficiaries an

All liberal arts education is defined in

opportunity to reflect on the curious and

consciously non-vocational terms. It is not a

inspiring adventure of life before they have

preparation for this job or that, for one career

gone too far in it and lost the time and perhaps

rather than another. It is a preparation for the

the nerve for such reflections.

“job” of living, which of course is not a job at all. Different schools undertake to do this in different ways. The variety of liberal arts

Our colleges and universities should be there to prepare young men and women for this “job,” the one we are born into, and the one that ultimately matters most. n

THE BUZZER • SPRING 2012 • 29

FEATURE

25 Years of Interschool Friendship at Frost Valley DEAN REPORTS THAT PEER LEADERS ARE KEY TO SUCCESS By Sam Keany, Dean of Students and Chair, Science Department

30 • THE BUZZER • SPRING 2012

There was a worrying lack of snow visible from the bus window as we worked our way through the southern Catskills Mountains towards Claryville, N.Y. Browning’s Form IV boys were divided among six buses with other tenth graders from Brearley, Chapin, Collegiate, Nightingale-Bamford and Spence – all of the single-sex schools in the Interschool association. This was the 25th time these schools have brought their students together in this way to the Frost Valley YMCA camp. In the 15 years that I have been taking our boys on this trip, I have seen it grow into a more valuable, more substantial experience for all the students.

THE BUZZER • SPRING 2012 • 31

FRIENDSHIP AT FROST VALLEY

trip to Frost Valley in January without snow

Dinner time, and the groups sit together again, as they

would be unusual and a bit dreary. As we near

will for every meal. The food has improved at Frost Valley

Claryville, wisps of snow start to blow, and the

over the years. But then, any negative change would have

build-up on the ground begins to look more en-

been impossible. There is always a well-prepared salad bar

couraging. The tone on the buses is generally subdued. The

and soup options. The hot meals have become surprisingly

students know that they are being thrust together and will

palatable. Fresh fruit is constantly available, and hot

soon be expected to interact. They don’t know what the food

chocolate is the favorite anti-freeze.

or accommodations will really be like. It could be miserable. Lunch on day one, right after arrival, is the first time the

After dinner the groups split up to

Form IV boys really meet their peer group with whom they

different locations in

will spend the next two days. These are not easy moments

lodges and rooms in the

with a new group, but the meals at Frost Valley are tightly

main buildings. The

choreographed by the camp staff with instructions for

discussion groups are led

collecting food, clearing and cleaning tables and weighing

by peer leaders, with

uneaten food waste, along with a general introduction to the

faculty in rooms nearby

environmental practices of the camp. This distracts the

just for emergency

younger students sufficiently. Nevertheless, the peer leaders

support. It is all up to the

know from their own experience at Frost Valley that first

peer leaders to create a

meals can be uncomfortable, and they begin their work

comfortable, relaxed

bringing the group members closer together and helping

atmosphere whereby the

conversation along.

younger students can

The first afternoon is a Project Adventure activity run by

It is all up to the peer leaders to create a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere whereby the younger students can discuss a range of topics relevant to teenagers.

discuss a range of topics relevant to teenagers. From their

Frost Valley staff, taking each group and putting them

own sophomore trip, the peer leaders know what they are

through two hours of challenges outside and indoors. The

aiming for. Furthermore, they have trained and planned with

students, peer leaders and faculty advisors start to come

their co-leaders how to continue to break the ice and generate

together as a group through simple cooperation, trust and

meaningful discussions. The groups are fairly large this year

communication activities that take on an added urgency

with about 19 students in each. Peer leaders look for activities

when performed in sub-freezing temperatures – bonding by

that will be engaging and that can transition from lighter to

thermal deprivation.

more serious discussion topics. The first night’s discussions

32 • THE BUZZER • SPRING 2012

last for one hour. For some groups, this time flies with

of the experience. After the first night, this is never an issue,

conversation flowing from one theme to another with little

though sometimes calming down students after the

effort. Other groups may have more difficulty encouraging

excitement of the day can be a challenge for faculty.

younger students to talk. It is good for the peer leaders to have a back-up activity in mind. After the discussions, Howard Richman, a professional square dance caller, leads the 300 students in a vast introduction to some basic square dance forms in the main

Waking up to a crisp, quiet morning with powder falling in the valley is one of the blessings of Frost Valley. Getting the 70 boys in Hussey Lodge out of bed in time for 8:00 a.m. breakfast is not. Thursday’s activities see the student groups moving in

dining hall. Starting with simple steps, he builds confidence

pods of four from one activity to another. The rotation

then breaks sections of dancers apart and skillfully reforms

includes a more intensive square dance experience (made

them for new challenges. After 45 minutes, the group is

more manageable with fewer students), the choice of several

hooked and working up a sweat. This activity feeds right into

outdoor activities (ever-popular tubing, broom-ball, snow

an “open mike” as the last event of the first day. Students

hiking and, in good years, cross-country skiing), and two

have been primed for this at their home schools, and many

indoor discussion sessions led by trained adult presenters.

have performances prepared. One of the most potent images

These presentations vary from year to year but usually focus

of the Frost Valley trip must be a single singer, rapper, dancer

on decision-making, peer pressure, substance abuse, and

or poet taking the stage in front of this group of peers, whom

responding to the differences in others.

he or she barely knows, and basking in the uniformly thunderous applause. Back in the lodges for the night, the students are

This year, in a discussion led by Derek Gay, students were challenged to explore the concept of “The Other” and tease out the assumptions they make about people based on

reminded that there is no shifting of rooms to get back with

their knowledge or lack thereof. Derek, a former faculty

best pals. Bunking down with newly acquired friends is part

member at Nightingale and now a consultant on social justice THE BUZZER • SPRING 2012 • 33

FRIENDSHIP AT FROST VALLEY

issues, zeros in on the Interschool students very effectively. In developing this presentation for the second year, he enlists the peer leaders as co-presenters in small break-out groups designed to help the younger students examine their assumptions about others and the labels commonly applied. This particular presentation is well-received by the students. Over the years, the peer leaders have emerged as the secret ingredient to the trip’s success. The role of the peer leader has become more central. Faculty now support the peer leaders more from the sidelines, and the senior students use a variety of activities and facilitation strategies,

Faculty now support the peer leaders more from the sidelines, and the senior students use a variety of activities and facilitation strategies, generating a close-knit group and remarkably open dialogues among the younger students.

generating a close-knit group and remarkably open dialogues among the younger students. The majority of the peer leaders

started to get to know their compatibility as co-facilitators of

are quite experienced in working with younger students at

discussions, and began the planning of their first Frost Valley

their own schools. Nevertheless, it is always a real challenge

discussion sessions. Over the next two weeks, they continued

tackling a new group where most of the members do not

their planning independently through Facebook, Skype or

know one another. Additionally, the co-ed nature of the

going out to dinner. When they arrive at Frost Valley, the

groups adds a new dimension which peer leaders must be

peer leaders are no longer strangers thrown together with a

sensitive to.

common task but friends who are starting to understand each

The group of Frost Valley peer leaders were brought together for the first time two weeks before the trip in early January for a day of training. They met their co-leaders, 34 • THE BUZZER • SPRING 2012

other’s approaches to leadership, and who have a plan. Late Thursday afternoon, between the physical exertions and intellectual efforts, students, peer leaders and faculty are

The trip provides a setting in which Browning students can shine both individually and collectively. Lasting friendships are made at Frost Valley, and students do start to feel they are part of a “larger campus” of New York schools.

becoming drained. Free time arrives just in time. The pre-

structure with a theater, arts and crafts rooms and a large

dinner snow football game has become something of a

dialysis center. The entire center easily accommodates

tradition at Frost Valley. Originally a pick-up game between

300 students and faculty for the few minutes it takes before

Browning and Collegiate students which could have easily

the electricity is fully restored. This was the only blackout

devolved, it has been structured and refereed effectively by

any of us could recall, and it was good to see how effectively

Jim Reynolds and the peer leaders, making it a decent

it was handled.

contest. The students respond with no less enthusiasm but

The final events of the night are a dance (with peer

with more strategy. Smart teams realize that enlisting girls to

leader DJs) and a concurrent movie option. Students enjoy

play on their side can startle an opponent and actually bring

the music and need frequent breaks to cool down near the

strong athletic ability into play. The sight of a Browning

doors. As they return to the lodges to begin packing for the

quarterback with the shifting targets of five girls in the end-

morning, they discover departure is not such an arduous task

zone is memorable – and worth the bone-chilling cold.

after all. Students are happy to be around one another, and

After dinner, the peer leaders face an extended hour-

their common experiences bring them closer together.

and-a-half discussion with their groups. Building from the

The Interschool Frost Valley trip, coming in the middle

previous day’s discussion, strategizing to help each other’s

of Form IV, is a pivotal moment for many Browning Upper

groups feel more comfortable, and planning new topics,

School students. It is on this trip that Browning boys realize

most peer leaders are confident they can have a great

while they may be fewer in number than their peers at other

meeting. This means every student will have many chances

schools, they can definitely be full participants in the

to speak, the topics may become a bit deeper, guards will

stimulating discussions and physical activities offered. The

drop more, and a sense of relatedness will finally start to

trip provides a setting in which Browning students can shine

replace rigid school identities.

both individually and collectively. Lasting friendships are

After about 17 minutes, the discussion groups are going

made at Frost Valley, and students do start to feel they are

well when the lights suddenly go out. A blackout has hit the

part of a “larger campus” of New York schools. Their

Y. Only in the Wellness Center does the emergency generator

opinions matter, and peer validation is something they can

kick in. Calmly, the Frost Valley staff assures us the back-up

carry with them into their broader school activities. I hope

generators will be online very shortly. Students meeting in

most Form IV students will agree that the cold, the food, the

more distant lodges start to make their way back to the

discomfort of new groups, and even the loss of a football

Wellness Center, thankful for remembering to bring

game are small sacrifices by comparison.

flashlights. The Wellness Center is a new and commodious THE BUZZER • SPRING 2012 • 35

THE LOCAL BUZZ

The Local Buzz FROM TREETOP TO FOREST FLOOR

late fall, Grades Two and Three spent the day at Black Rock Forest hiking and observing salamanders,

newts, trees and decomposers, particularly fungi. Squirrels, chipmunks, hawks and centipedes were among the wildlife sighted. Students also undertook a more focused examination of small areas of the forest floor as they searched for invertebrates. Director of Education Dr. Jeffrey Kidder (see story below) hiked with the boys and described interesting trees and berries along the way. In particular, the boys learned how the hemlock woolly adelgid, a tiny insect, is slowly destroying many hem-

Director of Education Dr. Jeffrey D. Kidder, hired last year by the Black Rock Forest Consortium, is pictured with Browning boys during a field trip to the forest last fall.

locks in the forest. They were fascinated by how a twig from a black birch could be chewed on to enjoy a natural flavor of win-

tal role in the consortium’s efforts to deepen and expand educa-

tergreen. Students were accompanied by their science teachers,

tional offerings at Black Rock Forest.

Ms. Seto and Mr. Keany, as well as their homeroom teachers Ms. Gerber, Ms. Hilton, Ms. Kehoe and Ms. Coleman. Encompassing over 4,000 acres in the Hudson Highlands near Cornwall, N.Y., Black Rock Forest is an ecological field station with over 300 scientific publications stemming from research

Dr. Kidder received his Ph.D. in zoology from Cornell University in 1998 with a major concentration in developmental biology and minor concentrations in reproductive physiology and animal science. He also holds an M.S. in wildlife science from Cornell. Prior to pursuing his doctorate, Dr. Kidder was a high school

conducted in the forest. Black Rock is Browning’s best resource

biology teacher. For the past decade, he has focused his academic

for keeping students connected to a pristine slice of the natural

career on providing science outreach programs for secondary and

world. The School uses trips to the forest not only for studies in

elementary school audiences in university settings, first at Rutgers

science but also as a rich environment for creative and descrip-

University’s Newark campus where he served as an assistant pro-

tive writing, in addition to art studies. Browning’s use of the for-

fessor in the department of urban education and as the director of

est has expanded over the years; students in each division of the

science outreach. Subsequently he served at the University of Col-

school visit the forest for day trips and overnight visits. n

orado’s Boulder campus as an assistant professor in the School of Education and the executive director of Science Discovery, a not-

CONSORTIUM HIRES DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION

for-profit organization dedicated to science education. In these roles, Dr. Kidder developed expertise involving science faculty and graduate and college students in K-12 education.

the first director of education for the Black Rock Forest

public and independent schools, as well as New-York City-based

Consortium, an organization The Browning School joined in

colleges, universities and leading scientific institutions. The facili-

1989 when the consortium was first founded.

ties at Black Rock include a lodge and well-equipped science

r. Jeffrey D. Kidder (pictured above) has been hired as

Browning’s Science Department Chair and Dean of Students

The Black Rock Forest Consortium comprises about a dozen

building with classrooms and lab spaces available for use by

Sam Keany was pleased to introduce Dr. Kidder at a faculty

member schools. Additions of solar panel arrays and geothermal

meeting earlier in the school year. Mr. Keany was a member of

heating help expose students to sources of alternative energy. n

the search committee that hired Dr. Kidder to play an instrumen-

36 • THE BUZZER • SPRING 2012

SUCCESSFUL SHOWING IN SCIENCE BOWL

ean of Students and Science Department Chair Sam Keany offered his congratulations to Browning’s Science Bowl

team for competing against seven schools in the Interschool Science Bowl at The Dalton School in late fall. The team was

comprised of Form V students Ben Jacobs, John Adam Plenge, Paul Pricop and Wilf Wallis, along with Form IV students Griffin Bassman and Chris Haack. Mr. Keany said, “Our team showed great discipline, speed and knowledge, beating Nightingale and Spence…Some of the other teams were totally comprised of seniors, so our somewhat younger team was very competitive and will be back next year.” Mr. Keany added, “Throughout the day, the boys showed terrific energy, sense of humor and sportsmanship. With one school disqualified, Browning’s team finished in fourth place overall. Many thanks to science teachers Janet Lien and Jeffrey Martin for their work preparing the team during the fall and for their officiating duties. Thanks also to science teacher Cynthia Jackson for her support in the cheering section. “ n

GREAT DEBATE: BROWNING BOYS HOLD THEIR OWN

BOARD PRESIDENT SPEAKS TO GLOBAL FINANCE CLUB

Head Librarian Sarah Murphy: “I accompanied two

Trustees President Jim Chanos, president

Browning debate teams of Form III students to the

and founder of the hedge fund, Kynikos

tournament: Aadir Khan and Armaan Rawat along with

Associates, paid them a visit. Club

Michael Cleary and Douglas Belgorod. Aadir and Armaan

members prepared for the presentation by

had competed once before, but this was the first tournament

studying some of Mr. Chanos’ positions on

for Michael and Douglas.”

China and the state of the U.S. economy.

rowning’s second visit to the Manhattan Debate League Public Forum Novice Tournament at Regis took

place in December, with the following results as reported by

Ms. Murphy added, “Public Forum is a two-on-two debate, consisting of two speeches, a summary, final focus and three cross-fires. Every month, a new resolution is cho-

he Browning Global Finance Club was treated to a special guest speaker

in February when Browning Board of

The young men had one hour to ask whatever questions were on their minds. “It was a remarkable exchange,” said

Board of Trustees President Jim Chanos, center, spoke to members of the Browning Global Finance Club, including Michael Gabrellian ’13, left, and Adam Nebenzahl ’13, right

sen. December’s was as follows: Resolved – In the United

club advisor and history teacher Mary

States, current income disparities threaten democratic

Bosworth. “Who wouldn’t have wanted to

ideals. Each team is expected to participate in at least two

be a fly on that wall, considering the excellent questions of club

rounds and to debate both sides of the issue. Michael and

members and the undivided attention of Mr. Chanos?” n

Douglas were only able to stay for one round on Friday, but in that round they did very well, losing by only one point to a more experienced team from Regis. Aadir and Armaan debated both sides, narrowly losing their ‘con’ argument to a Regis team, and winning by one point against a team from Stuyvesant in their pro argument!” n

THE BUZZER • SPRING 2012 • 37

THE LOCAL BUZZ STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN 2012 IVY LEAGUE MODEL UN

wenty Browning boys, along with nearly 3,000 other students

from around the world, participated

Ryan Flynn ’12

in the 2012 Ivy League Model UN hosted by the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia from January 26 to 29. English teacher Kevin Dearinger and History Department Chair Gerald Protheroe accompanied the contingent. The boys worked in large and small committees to discuss refugee relief, genocide, women’s rights and a range of other social and legal issues. Their hard work gave way at Remy Fortin ’12

times to delegate dances and the camaraderie of shared meals, including the long-standing tradition of dinner in Chinatown on Saturday night. Mr. Protheroe proudly announced that Ben Jacobs was awarded an Honorable Mention for his role as Justice Xue Hanqin on the International Court of Justice. n

2011 ANNUAL FOOD DRIVE: “FOR THE HAPPINESS OF OTHERS”

aul Mastroianni, Browning physical education teacher, was solving a “cryptoquote” puzzle on his way

home just two days before the conclusion of the annual Thanksgiving food drive led by fifth grade teacher John Carroll and Browning’s Middle School students. Inspired by its timeliness, Mr. Mastroianni shared the cryptoquote with the School community: “An effort made for the happiness of others lifts us above ourselves.” Authored by Lydia M. Child, these words, as Mr. Mastroianni noted in his email, are “great words to live by with the holiday season approaching.” (Coincidentally,

duce farm that donates heaps of fresh fruits and vegetables. So

Ms. Child – a school teacher and writer – is best remembered for

our past request for canned fruits and vegetables was replaced

her poem about Thanksgiving, “Over the River and Through

by cries for desserts, desserts, desserts, stuffing, gravy and other

the Woods.”)

items. The MS Student Council boys enthusiastically spread the

In keeping with Ms. Child’s advice, Browning community

word of the new menu to the School, rushing from class to class

members – parents, students and faculty alike – came together to

like town criers. Special thanks to Browning parents, who we

provide for others. With “Turkey Day” just a week away, the

suspect had a bit to do with their sons’ generosity. I’m sure the

food drive’s drop-off point overflowed with donated goods des-

YCP and 700 poor and homeless families thanked them, too!”

tined for New York City’s largest community-based food pantry,

Located at 8 E. 109th Street, YCP focuses on aiding residents

the Yorkville Common Pantry (YCP). Donors constructed a veri-

of East Harlem and other underserved communities throughout

table cornucopia of food items.

New York City. Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday, YCP dis-

Mr. Carroll, who has led the drive for the past 10 years,

tributes grocery packages to between 1,600 and 1,800 families.

noted, “Browning contributions this season have varied from

For more information on YCP, please visit their website at

previous years because YCP has found a new benefactor – a pro-

www.ycp.org. n

38 • THE BUZZER • SPRING 2012

GIVING THANKS AND RECOGNITION

or only a half day in duration, November 23 was chock-full of activities from the time students and faculty arrived until their early

dismissal at noon. Pre-primary boys enjoyed a Thanksgiving feast with their teachers, then attended their first school-wide assembly of the year. Meanwhile Lower, Middle and Upper School boys participated in spirited camaraderie during the annual Intraschool Exchange. Head of Upper School Jim Reynolds explained, “As they have for the past four years on the short school day before Thanksgiving break, the Lower, Middle and Upper School students experienced a day of interaction. The objective is to provide an opportunity for boys from all of the School’s divisions to get to know one another; it is also a great way for the boys in the younger division to get a glimpse of life in the Upper School, where a majority of them will eventually be. It was from this Intraschool Exchange that our very successful Book Brothers program grew.” Afterward, the Thanksgiving Assembly at 11:00 a.m. offered the Browning community an occasion to celebrate what they are most thankful for, with readings and music by faculty and students alike. The Drumming Circle, The Browning Balladeers (Grade 4) and Form II Handchimes performed during the course of the program, with both the Middle and Upper School Student Council Presidents addressing the audience. All in attendance stood to sing in unison, “We Gather Together.” The First Presidential Proclamation by George Washington in 1789 was read aloud, followed by a welcome and introduction of young alumni by Director of College Guidance Sanford Pelz ‘71. Much to the delight of all – especially the youngest boys – the Panther mascot then raced down the center aisle on winged feet to

unfurl a banner with Headmaster Clement that proudly proclaimed, “Browning School: N.Y.C.A.L. XC (Cross Country) 2011-2012 League Champions.” Athletic Director Andrew West and the team were applauded by the school community as each member received a special hooded sweatshirt declaring the wearer a winner! (See page 63 for more details.) A number of young alumni who participated in the assembly returned to the School’s newly renovated Lower Gym (see page 66) where they gathered to enjoy the annual Young Alumni Thanksgiving Reunion. The Grytte newspaper staff handed out their first fine issue of the school year at the conclusion of the assembly. n

THE BUZZER • SPRING 2012 • 39

THE LOCAL BUZZ

Head of Upper School James Reynolds (left) and Michael G. Thompson, Ph.D., guest speaker

MICHAEL G. THOMPSON, PH.D. PREPS BOYS FOR COLLEGE TRANSITION

oted psychologist Michael G. Thompson, author of The New York Times bestseller, Raising Cain:

Protecting the Emotional Life of Boys, visited Browning late last year to meet with Form VI and discuss their transition to college. He talked with them about the challenges of this transition from high school and the impact this process has on their family dynamic. Head of Upper School James Reynolds noted, “Dr. Thompson is a great speaker and deeply involved with boys’ issues. We were very pleased that he shared his knowledge with our students and prepared them for the not-too-distant future.” As his website explains, Dr. Thompson is a psychologist, school consultant and author or co-author of eight

FRENCH AND SPANISH STUDENTS EXPAND HORIZONS

rench teacher Dominique Bernard reports that sixth grade French students completed a project at the end of last

books, including Speaking of Boys: Answers to the Most-Asked

year on the topic, “Les monuments célèbres en France et dans le

Questions about Raising Sons and Best Friends, Worst Enemies:

monde francophone.” Each was assigned a monument to focus

Understanding the Social Lives of Children. His most recent

on; among the options were the Tour Eiffel, Arc de Triomphe,

book, It’s a Boy!: Understanding Your Son’s Development from

Pont du Gard, Notre-Dame, La Pyramide du Louvre, Pompidou

Birth to Eighteen, was published by Ballantine Books in

Centre, Le Panthéon, Versailles, Chateaux de la Loire:

March of 2008.

Chambord, Chenonceau, La Défense et la Grande Arche, Sacré-

Dr. Thompson has spoken at or consulted with more than 500 schools in the United States and abroad. He has appeared on the “Today” show, the “Oprah” show, ABC’s

Coeur, La Sorbonne, La Tombe de Napoléon and The Door of No Return (Sénégal). Students were required to include a scale model construc-

“20/20” and CBS’s “60 Minutes.” He was the co-author,

tion, as well as an essay recounting the history of the chosen

host and narrator of a two-hour PBS documentary, “Raising

topic (in English), a five-minute oral presentation and a list of at

Cain: Focus on Boys,” which aired in 2006. n

least 25 vocabulary words (in French and English) related to the project. Mr. Bernard snapped the group photo on the next page

40 • THE BUZZER • SPRING 2012

of his proud students and their creations; he is pictured above

traditions allowed students to demonstrate what they have been

with individual photos as showcased in Headmaster Clement’s

learning in Spanish class. Toward the end of the workshop, the

office this past winter. Please see the inside back cover of this

boys enjoyed the opportunity to create their own Three Kings

issue for additional views.

Day Crown. Later they visited the Art Gallery to view and learn

Spanish teacher Giurissa Félix reports that in January, she and the fifth grade Spanish class, along with fifth grade teacher

about the current exhibit on display. Later in January, the Advanced Spanish class attended a

Daniel Ragsdale, visited El Museo del Barrio, the leading Latino

play at El Repertorio Español theatre, while in February,

cultural institution in New York City. For almost 40 years, El

Spanish teacher Elizabeth Suarez accompanied her Spanish

Museo del Barrio has had a tremendous impact in representing

IV class to this same venue to view “La casa de Bernarda

the art and culture of the Caribbean and Latin America. The boys

Alba.” Ms. Suarez reports, “There were no subtitles, of

attended a cultural workshop designed for Middle School stu-

course. Upon our return to school, students drew compar-

dents and centered on El día de los tres reyes (Three Kings Day),

isons between the play they had just seen and the movie

one of the most festive events of the holiday season in Latin

version previously screened in class. The students had also

America, the Caribbean and various European countries.

read and analyzed the text in depth before our field trip.

Three Kings Day honors the story of the Kings’ (the Three

This groundbreaking play – the last one Federico García

Wise Men’s) travels to Bethlehem and their arrival on the

Lorca wrote before he was killed at the beginning of the

Epiphany – a time to rejoice with family and friends. Ms. Félix

Spanish Civil War – is still powerful and relevant today, as it

noted that a presentation of the history of the holiday and its

denounces gender inequality and oppression.” n THE BUZZER • SPRING 2012 • 41

THE LOCAL BUZZ KEEPING HIS DREAM ALIVE: COMMEMORATION OF MLK DAY

irector of Diversity Glenn Walker (pictured) and

members of the Multicultural Club presented assembly

programs for the Lower, Middle and Upper Schools in recognition of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day this past January. Music teacher Lucy Warner recognized African-American music throughout history, showing a video from each particular time period. She then led the Lower School boys in singing songs related to each era. Presidents of the Multicultural Club also participated in recognition of Dr. King. A number of boys read excerpts from Dr. King’s speeches, while others chose to discuss his life and achievements, as well as his role models including Mahatma Gandhi and Henry David Thoreau. Admissions/Guidance Associate Alex Sheridan ’04 discussed Dr. King’s close relationship with Jewish community leaders, especially Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel who first met Dr. King in Chicago at a 1963 conference on race and religion. Under

the direction of music teacher David Prestigiacomo, the African drummers and wind chime students performed. Mr. Prestigiacomo explained the importance of the drums in terms of musical history, then led a wind chime performance of “Battle Hymn of the Republic” – often played at demonstrations during the Civil Rights movement. During the course of these programs, students and faculty participated in thoughtful question-answer sessions based on the material presented, lending insight on how racism might best be alleviated, keeping Dr. King’s “dream” alive. n

IT’S ALL GREEK TO THEM!

ary Bosworth, Middle School history teacher,

CORRECTIONS We apologize for errors/oversights in the prize recognition section of the Fall Buzzer. Please note the following corrections:

reports on a winter project accomplished by her students: “It’s an interesting phenomenon that in the study of ancient history, war is often more interesting than peace, which doesn’t seem quite right. In

The Saleh M. Al-Madhahekah Memorial Award Jason T. Bader The Eleanor and Harold P. Kurzman Memorial Award for Improvement Alec O. Ezratty Jonathan A. Rodriguez

order to give sixth graders an experience of the dynamism of the Golden Age of Athens, the boys worked in small groups to create artistic projects of their

The D. Alan Dillenberg Scholar Athlete Award Nicholas H. Corliss The Kenneth Komito Award for Citizenship Theodore C. Altman

own. Groups assembled a theatre (complete with zip line to move actors on stage), an ATM machine dispensing handcrafted drachmas, temples dedicated to patron gods and goddesses, and more. Watching the boys’ ingenuity unfold served as a reminder that a golden age is accessible if we put our minds and hearts to it. Well done, boys!” n 42 • THE BUZZER • SPRING 2012

Varsity Tennis Most Valuable Singles Player Evan M. Blumenthal Varsity Tennis Sportsmanship Paul E. Pricop

HEART-POUNDING ACTION, FROM FINAL WORD TO FINISH!

nglish teacher Kevin Dearinger, who moderates the annual Laura P. Muhlfeld Spelling Bee, reports on this year’s competition:

“Energizing the gray days of winter, all the boys from second grade to Form II participated in the classroom rounds of the spelling bee. On January 26, from an impressive field of skilled finalists, three winners emerged in the Lower School – Alexander Raftopoulos ’21, William Hatfield ’20 and Keaton Ramey ’20.” Mr. Dearinger added, “A week later, fifth-grader David Wilkerson survived the grueling challenges of the final rounds in the Middle School Bee and stood in single triumph as he confidently spelled out ‘n-o-n-c-h-al-a-n-t.’ The competition in both bees was fierce and exciting. Congratulations to all! Thanks to our judges, Ms. Murphy and Ms. Haunss. And thanks, as always, to Laura P. Muhlfeld!” The other well-prepared finalists in the Middle School competition are listed below. Second Grade: Jonathan Davidoff, Sacha Greenberg, Andrew Hatfield, Kabir Kurani, Colin Mandl-Ciolek, Spencer Meyers, Joshua Soh, Ben Sullivan; Third Grade: William Bousquette, Fazeel Khan, Dylan Landsman, William Mazzaro, Evan Segalman, Hercules Sotos, Dylan Steck; Fourth Grade: Hugh Chapin, Chasen Hofmann, Reinhardt Landsberg, Alexander Naber, Oliver Obeid, Jesse Starr; Fifth Grade: David Wilkerson, Thomas Knoff, Bear Matthews, Christopher Modica; Sixth Grade: Chris Batista, Jaime Gomez-Sotomayor-Roel, Connor Medland, Philip Raftopoulos; Form I: George Allen, Christopher Childs, Kenneth Mazzaro, Alexander Young; Form II: Anthony Carrasco, Aris Kalogerakis, George Sanchez, Nikita Tsimmer. n

THE BUZZER • SPRING 2012 • 43

THE LOCAL BUZZ

COMMON BOOK AUTHOR WES MOORE LAUDS SCHOOL'S OUTREACH EFFORTS

Hoop-A-Thon, to say, “I wanted to tell you just how much it means to me that The Browning School has helped the Eagle Academy Foundation. Not only did you make [founder] David Banks’ day and that of the young men there, but you made my day as well. I am so inspired and touched by this call to action. Bless you for everything.” Mr. Moore has said that one of the reasons he wrote his book, The Other Wes

econd grade teacher

Moore, was to highlight the critical work that service organi-

Rachel Gerber reports

zations are doing and to encourage those who can donate

that the first-ever Browning All School Hoop-A-Thon benefiting the Eagle Academy Foundation

time or funds to the organizations to do so. Ms. Gerber explained the School’s January fundraiser: “In the spirit of service and as reflected in our mission, The Browning School is committed to reaching out to our broader community. The Hoop-a-Thon was structured such that, during

elicited a personal

physical education classes, every boy had 10 attempts to make a

phone call from Wes

basket/baskets. Upper School boys who did not have a set phys

Moore, author of the School’s Common Book 2011 and special guest speaker at

ed time also had an opportunity to shoot their baskets. Monetary donations from Browning families were made per basket,

Browning as reported in the last Buzzer. Mr. Moore is a

and we kept track of the total number made by the entire

strong supporter of the foundation, which empowers at-risk

School. With 408 boys enrolled, even a donation of one penny

inner city young men to become academic achievers and

per basket made a difference! A total of $5,406 was given to the

engaged citizens. He telephoned Ms. Gerber, who led the

Eagle Academy Foundation.” n

44 • THE BUZZER • SPRING 2012

BROWNING BOY WINS STATE CHESS CHAMPIONSHIP!

this issue of the Buzzer headed to press, the annual New York State Scholastic Chess Championships had

just concluded, with Browning boys taking first place overall. Thomas Knoff ’19 won first place in the K-6, while Max Beem ’20 came in sixth. Members of the first place team in the K-6 section include Thomas and Max, along with Hugh Chapin ’20, Tak Ishikawa ’18, Philip Raftopoulos ’18 and Alfonso Laffont ’19. Browning took fifth place in K-3, K-5/Under 800 and K-1. Prior to the state competition, Varsity members of Browning’s chess team competed in the 46th Annual Greater New York Scholastic Team and Individual Chess Championships during a weekend of competition in January. A total of 30 boys competed on Saturday, while 21 vied on Sunday, in 11 different sections. The reigning title on Sunday went to Max Beem, who tied for first place in the K-6 Varsity, the most difficult Elementary section.

(L to R): Thomas Knoff ’19 and Max Beem ’20

Other winners included Thomas Knoff, who placed eighth in the same section. Additionally, Thomas, Max, Hugh Chapin, Alexander Raftopoulos ’21 and Philip Raftopoulos won a third-place team trophy in the K-6 Elementary Varsity section. Saturday’s top winners included Max, who placed seventh in the K-0 JR High Varsity (the most difficult JR High section) and won third place team with only one player. Sunday’s top winners were Hercules Sotos ’21 who placed eighth in the Elementary JR Varsity out of 62 players and, together with Evan Segalman ’21, Nicholas Dingle ’22, William Clarke ’22 and Kyle Liptak ’21, took home a fourth-place team trophy. Max Beem and Thomas Knoff join the top players in the history of Browning chess. Other members of this elite group include Grandmaster Robert Hess ’10 and Master Adam Maltese ’05.

THE BUZZER • SPRING 2012 • 45

Remembering Trustee

Lois L. Hutzler (NOVEMBER 25, 1936 – DECEMBER 27, 2011) The Browning School community was saddened by the death in December of Lois L. Hutzler – parent, grandparent, Trustee. For 40 years, she was deeply involved as a volunteer in every aspect of the School and was a loyal member of the community along with her husband Joel, sons Michael ’83 and John ’86 (Casey), and grandsons Jay ’16 and Stuart ’19. Trustee since 1982, Lois was a board officer as Secretary and also invaluable as editor of school publications, including the Buzzer. A memorial service was held in February at Christ Church, where Browning boys sang one of her favorites songs and Headmaster Clement shared his remembrances of the woman he considered a “peer.” His remarks appear below, followed by tributes from others who served with Lois at Browning.

Remarks by Headmaster Stephen M. Clement, III

Rekindle our bosom’s memories,

and speak to us of times gone by!

hank you, boys of the Browning Upper School Chorus and conductor David Prestigiacomo. “Va Pensiero” was one of Lois’s favorite compositions, and in addition to her knowledge and love of

opera performances, she heard “Va Pensiero” many times at Browning, especially at graduation. As an officer of the Board, she led the way down the aisle in the processional, just behind Jim Chanos, our speaker of the year, and me. In the past few years, she leaned on her cane… and as long as Lois was involved at Browning, we all leaned on her. But more about that later. The boys have just sung “Va Pensiero” from Verdi’s opera, “Nabucco.” The chorus records the voices of the Hebrew slaves captured and laboring in Babylonia, mourning their homeland in Judea. The translation: Va pensiero Fly, thought, on wings of gold; go settle upon the slopes and the hills, where, soft and mild, the sweet airs of our native land smell fragrant! Greet the banks of the Jordan and Zion’s toppled towers... Oh, my country so beautiful and lost! Oh, remembrance so dear and so fatal! Golden harp of the prophetic seers, why dost thou hang mute upon the willow?

46 • THE BUZZER • SPRING 2012

Mindful of the fate of Jerusalem, give forth a sound of crude lamentation, or may the Lord inspire you a harmony of voices which may instill virtue to suffering. Opera legend has it that at Verdi’s funeral in Milan in 1901, bystanders along the route of the cortege spontaneously broke into choruses of “Va Pensiero.” More than once I have signaled to David Prestigiacomo that “Va Pensiero” is the song I want sung at my funeral (but not yet!). Lois and I had several conversations about the piece. I took it to be prophetic that, on the rainy afternoon of December 27, the day of her death, when my wife and I were driving onto the West Side Highway listening to WQXR, “Va Pensiero” came over the waves. I took it as a send-off for Lois. The connection of the Hutzler family to Browning began in 1971 when Michael, class of ’83, entered that fall. John ’86 followed in 1974, and now, of course, we have Lois’s grandsons, Jay in Form II and Stuart in Grade 5. Our thoughts today are with these members of Lois’ family, including Casey, wife of John and mother of Jay and Stuart, and, of course, her devoted husband Joel. I first met Lois at a conference of the National Association of Independent Schools in Washington when she was a representative of the Parents League, and she then resurfaced as a member of Browning’s search committee in 1988 when I inter-

Lois and her husband Joel

Head of Middle School Chris Dunham, Lois and Headmaster Steve Clement

viewed for the job as Charles Cook’s successor. Lois had headed

at the last minute, and she produced wonderful and wicked dog-

Browning’s Parents Association in 1983 and served on the Board

gerel verse to honor him. Lois was also a beloved fixture sitting

for two years in that capacity, and since then had been elected

in on classes at Trustee Visiting Day, benefiting from the fact that

for consecutive terms, serving as Board secretary for as long as I

she knew twice the number of teachers through both grandsons.

can remember. At Browning, Lois became indispensable. I am

They all welcomed her visit, and at the end, she always compli-

sure she was chosen a class mother many times and quickly rose

mented them on their work with the boys. Sadly, last year she

to the leadership of the Parents Association. Loaded with com-

tripped and fell on the stairs, but in typical Lois fashion, brushed

mon sense, she had a practical approach to every issue. In that

it off casually in the nurse’s office and then went off for more

post, she succeeded such luminaries as Karla Williams and Nan

classroom visits. One of my last memories was of Lois at this

Lombardi, who eventually came to work at Browning in the De-

year’s holiday party, proudly sitting in a bright red dress at the

velopment Office. Lois worked here, too, as our full-time volun-

table just inside the door, where she could greet her friends as

teer editor of almost every school publication. Packets of draft

they entered.

materials were delivered to her apartment on East 71st Street

For many of us at Browning, Lois was an idealized mother

regularly, and in the summer, Joel planned his trips in from

figure: warm, funny, smart, embracing, accepting. The last time I

Weston to be her courier. With her neat handwriting and diplo-

saw Lois was at this year’s holiday program at Temple Emanu-El

matic style, she helped us avoid many gaffes and avert several

on December 16. As was our custom, Lois was my date for the

disasters. Not put off by controversy, however, Lois always

event, and she and I sat together in the front row of the Presiden-

knew where she stood. My first observation of her in action was

tial Box. She rose to sing carols with gusto, chuckled at the lapses

her leadership of the Centennial Gala in April 1988. Against the

in the program, and commented admiringly on the boys’ read-

initial objections of some on the Board, the event was held at the

ings. With her animated sense of engagement, I knew she found

newly opened Marriot Marquis in Times Square on the West

this event a high point of her holiday celebration and of her year.

Side, and the event was a rousing success for parents, teachers

Here is our last communication, by e-mail, later that day:

and alums alike.

@ 1:56 p.m.

Another key affiliation for Lois was the Parents League, and

From: Lois Hutzler

both institutions benefited from Lois as bridge. Or, should I say

To: Stephen Clement

Lois playing bridge, as often that seemed the primary activity! As

Steve, when I was leaving the holiday program today

you will hear from Cynthia Bing, Lois was invaluable in school

a Browning mother (identity unknown) had evidently

placement consultations for her depth of knowledge of city

seen us sitting together and she asked whether I was

schools and also summer programs, and she always dispensed

your mother!

advice with wisdom, conciseness and a heavy dose of reality.

Have a good trip to Minnesota and a wonderful vacation.

I want to conclude with glimpses of the many sides of Lois’s

Best, Lois

recent involvement at Browning. She was always a fixture at the

@ 2:31 p.m:

annual Book Fair, arriving early, visiting several times and get-

I wrote back from La Guardia:

ting most of her holiday shopping efficiently completed in No-

“No, but a great substitute! Or better, a peer!”

vember. Lois knew the faculty well, and last year for the retirement party for a long-time teacher, I called her, I am afraid,

Goodbye, Lois. Va Pensiero. THE BUZZER • SPRING 2012 • 47

REMEMBERING LOIS L. HUTZLER

Tributes Carolyn A. Albert, past parent/former Trustee Lois was part of the brick work at Browning. She was a

Nan Lombardi, past parent/former Director of Publications

fine lady. I remember her as a great parent, totally dedicated to

I knew Lois Hutzler for 40 years – a long time. We first met

whatever she did. We should all be Lois Hutzlers, as she led an

at Browning in 1971, when my eldest son started in preprimary

exemplary life. She was a dynamo. She put her whole self into

and her eldest son, Michael, was in first grade. We both became

everything she did, whether it was being a parent or hanging

involved with the Browning Parents Association not long after

streamers in the school gym as we decorated for the Browning

that. Later, we both were officers of the Parents Association and,

holiday party.

then, members of the Board of Trustees. In recent years our paths

Like her mother, Lois was always helping and thinking of

would cross at one Browning event or another. We would catch

others, never of herself. It’s so hard to find people like her these

up on each other’s families’ news, and then our conversations

days. She was a true multi-tasker and a mover, just full of en-

would frequently return to those days when the cast of charac-

ergy. She will leave a vacuum at home and at Browning.

ters was quite different than it is today. She and I had some memorable recollections of Charlie Cook (former Headmaster)

Mildred J. Berendsen, Honorary Trustee/former Headmistress, The Chapin School

and R. Thornton Wilson (former President of the Board of

In writing to Headmaster Clement: Lois Hutzler [was] a

Lois always had a marvelous sense of humor and enjoyed telling

true and faithful servant of the School. Her total support of the

– and hearing – a witty story.

Headmaster – whether it be Charlie Cook or you – has to be a

Trustees), both of whom were at times somewhat larger than life.

And as I sit writing about Lois, I also realize that I won’t

cherished gift. She was part of the force which created such a

have her by my side to bail me out as a copy editor. When I was

unique quality in the room as we deliberated.

Browning’s Director of Publications, the Buzzer copy always made a first stop with Lois – even before it went to Headmaster

Florence A. Metzger Berney, past parent/ former Trustee

Clement. And, always, it was returned in a few days with Post-it notes attached with her insightful corrections and a few welcome

Lois was always so cheerful and happy…just a delight!

suggestions. When the tiny and colorful tab Post-it notes came

And she was so bright. Such a wonderful lady, a solid citizen

on the market, Lois must have been elated, for I got the Buzzer

and so philanthropic in her quiet way. My son is a Browning

mock-up returned to me looking like a colorful bird flapping its

alumnus who stayed active after graduating; he often saw Lois

wings! She was a superb copy editor.

at holiday parties, and she would make mention of that to me.

Everyone who was fortunate enough to know Lois will re-

Lois’ son, John, an alumnus who also taught at the School, was

member her as a thoroughly thoughtful, gracious, kind and gen-

one of my son’s teachers. Both he and his mother personify the

erous person. She had a true moral compass, and if things got off

Browning mission statement.

course, she could be counted on to come up with good, sensible suggestions on how to set them straight. Her mind was quick

Georgia O. Grimbilas, past parent/ grandparent I knew Lois for over 20 years – what a wonderful woman! I will never know how she got everything done the way she did. She was such a decent, good and helpful person, just like her mother. It was such a shock to learn of her death, as I had received a holiday card from her just days before her death. In typical fashion, she had written a note in it about recently seeing my grandson. It was so like Lois to take the time to include that information rather than simply signing and sending the card. 48 • THE BUZZER • SPRING 2012

and sharp; her devotion to her family – and to Browning, too – was deep. I know she was truly compassionate; if there was a need somewhere, she would be the first one to offer help – and she never expected or sought “credit” for her good deed. She was a tireless volunteer at Browning as a parent and, more recently, as a proud Browning grandparent. No job was too large – or too small – and she was as gracious and efficient checking for commas and semi-colons as she was organizing and running a large event. And she did it all so well.

Lois, far right, with past presidents of the Parents Association and former faculty, including Chris Lambiris; Karla Williams; Christine Bramble, Laura Muhlfeld, Tricia Langton, Sharon Jacob, Toni Marie Fleischer.

All of us who knew Lois as a friend, as a colleague, as a fel-

son who had the collective knowledge of the School’s history

low parent or grandparent will miss her. She was one of those

and a firm opinion of what direction the School should take

rare individuals who really do make a difference; we all are so

moving forward.

lucky to have had her be a part of our lives.

I feel privileged to have known Lois Hutzler. She was a very special person who changed the lives of everyone she touched.

Laura Muhlfeld, former faculty

She helped us all unite as people involved in Browning to make

Lois was a warm and generous person. She always had a smile

the School a family place.

and a kind word for everyone. Many years ago, when computer use at the school was still in its infancy, I was at my

Stephanie Solar, past parent/former Trustee

Mac working on our Lower School newspaper, The Good

Lois was a terrific person! I liked and loved her and was so

News Gazette, when Lois stopped in my classroom on her way

sorry to hear of her death.

to the Development Office. She was quite computer savvy sory, an external hard drive. A few days later, a box contain-

Karla A. Williams, past parent/former Trustee/former Director of Development

ing an external hard drive arrived in my classroom,

Lois was a truly good woman. She was kind, generous and

anonymously. Another was sent to Development. This was so

loyal. She loved to laugh, to eat a good meal and listen to classical

typical of Lois's generous, unassuming manner.

music. She also played a lot of bridge and volunteered at the Par-

and explained to me why I needed the latest computer acces-

ent’s League where many families received the benefit of her

Juan Reyes, former Trustee/former Alumni Council President

wide knowledge of New York schools.

My family and I will miss Lois Hutzler very much. She

Tuesday afternoons so that her daughter-in-law could have some

played a very prominent role in our lives and was an amazing in-

time to herself. When the second one came along, she just added

fluence on all of us. I first met the Hutzler family when I came to

him in. She was an integral part of their lives as they grew up, al-

Browning in 1982. My good friend, John Hutzler, was kind

ways generous with her time.

enough to invite me into his home many times during our high

When her first grandson was born, she cared for him on

Tuesday evening found her at the Philharmonic. After a

school days. Mr. and Mrs. Huzler welcomed me in as part of the

good meal (Shun Lee, perhaps), her fingers could be seen oc-

family and even generously invited me on two family trips to the

casionally playing along with the orchestra as she listened.

Caribbean. They were also kind enough to invite me and our fel-

She started going to the symphony with her grandmother

low classmates to Weston, Connecticut, for relaxing weekends of

when she was five years old and never stopped. Opera was

sailing and other family activities.

also a favorite pleasure.

The Hutzlers were so kind that they even welcomed the en-

Her loyalty to Browning was unquestionable. From class rep

tire troop of our Browning-Hewitt productions into their homes

to president of the Parents Association, Trustee and then Secre-

for cast parties several times. Mrs. Hutzler brought the Browning

tary of the Board, she represented the best of support for her

students and the entire Browning community together in a very

cause – the School. No matter which committee she served on,

special way. Parents, faculty and students all relied on and en-

she did so with complete attention. In her volunteer life, Brown-

joyed drawing from Mrs. Hutzler's wisdom.

ing always came first.

I also had the privilege of serving as the president of the Browning Alumni Council and sitting next to Mrs. Hutzler

She will be sorely missed by everyone fortunate enough to have known her. n

during the Board of Trustees meetings. She was the one per-

THE BUZZER • SPRING 2012 • 49

FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS MUSICAL CHAIRS: A SIT-DOWN INTERVIEW By Max Liu ’12

he Browning School Music Department has been successful in its

endeavors for many years now. Led by A. David Prestigiacomo, a teacher at the

Browning School for 14 years and department chair for 10, the music department has had a presence in all significant Browning events. When Mr. Prestigiacomo arrived at Browning in the fall of 1998, the course curriculum for music classes in the Middle and Upper Schools was virtually non-existent. He was asked to completely revamp the department offerings, as well as increase involvement in the Middle and Upper School choruses. When he first came here, there were five boys in the Middle School chorus and eight in the Upper School chorus. Today, there are typically 20 to 30 boys in each group. One of Mr. Prestigiacomo’s key improvements during these past 10 years was creating the curriculum for music classes in the Middle and Upper Schools. In the Middle School, students attend music class in the Wilson Room three times during a two-week cycle. In fifth and sixth grade classes, students learn to play the recorder, a wood-wind instrument, and progress from playing simple songs such as Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy” to mastering challenging twopart pieces written during the Renaissance and early Baroque. In Form I, students also meet in the Wilson Room three times within the twoweek cycle. Mr. Prestigiacomo teaches his Form I students hand chimes as part of their course work; these students then provide hand chime music for the holiday program in December. When students are in Form II, they take an African drumming course for one trimester. Although this course is taught at the introductory level, a great amount of 50 • THE BUZZER • SPRING 2012

Music Department Chairman A. David Prestigiacomo and choral students are pictured at the holiday program last December

skill can be learned in a short amount of

offered. Students who normally would

time. In the Upper School, Form IV stu-

not enjoy singing discover it is great fun.

dents take a music survey class. In this

The entire chorus meets for practices dur-

trimester-long course, Mr. Prestigiacomo

ing Monday activities period as well as for

teaches the history of Western music from

two half periods a week in smaller groups

the Renaissance to the 20th century. Stu-

according to grade level. Chorus re-

dents learn about composers such as

hearsals are usually spent practicing

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ludwig van

arrangements that will be performed at

Beethoven and Joseph Haydn, just to

school events.

name a few. In this music class, students

Unlike other school choirs that sing

are required to read from a textbook by

more contemporary music, the Brown-

Joseph Kerman called Listen, take notes in

ing chorus performs traditional men’s

class, pass several tests, and then write a

choral music arranged in three or four

review of an opera the class attends at the

parts. Mr. Prestigiacomo follows this

Metropolitan Opera House at Lincoln

approach because he strives to intro-

Center. As many students will learn after

duce his students to music they nor-

their first test, this is a very difficult class.

mally would not hear or perform.

A composition course is also of-

The biggest performance of the year

fered in the computer lab for the third

occurs during the holiday program at

trimester music elective for Form IV. As

Temple Emanu-El. The Upper School cho-

students enter Form V, they can sign up

rus usually performs two or three songs

for the African drumming elective,

before a large audience of nearly 1,000

which will also give them a half-credit

people. Other important performances

toward their grade-point average. As

take place at the Interschool Choral Music

juniors, they will learn a variety of

Festival in February and Browning gradu-

Afro-Cuban beats and rhythms.

ation in June.

The foremost feature of the music de-

Mr. Prestigiacomo has worked in-

partment is, without question, the Upper

credibly hard over the past 14 years to im-

School chorus. Many Browning students

prove the School’s music department. His

are encouraged to participate in the choir

work at Browning is much appreciated. n

because of the half academic credit that is

TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD COMES TO LIFE ON STAGE

enough to be almost next to the actors during a sold-out per-

By Robert Heilberg ’16

sion of the performance, the boys enjoyed a special question-

formance. The two-hour play with a brief intermission came to an end in dramatic and suspenseful fashion. At the concluand-answer session with the actors and director. They

a Saturday afternoon this past fall, Mrs. Pribyl

learned how the actors adapted to speaking in southern ac-

and Ms. Suarez took the Form II boys to watch their

cents and also how they adapted to portraying characters liv-

fall reading book, To Kill a Mockingbird, come to life on stage. The

ing in a completely different time in American history. Three

students traveled to Drew University in Morristown, N. J., to see

of the actors were young children who discussed how they

the play performed by the New Jersey Shakespeare Company.

balanced keeping up with their education while still partici-

The acting was exceptional, and the adaption for the stage of

pating in the play.

Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel was terrific. The script included exact quotes from the book itself, not

Students also learned about the adjustments the actors made in order to further improve their performances. The

to mention that Mrs. Pribyl’s mother portrayed Mrs. Dubose

actor who played Dill, a main character, was a young boy

in the play. To Kill a Mockingbird is a story about a small

who discussed how he decided to be his character instead of

southern Alabama town called Maycomb during the Great

just act because he felt he was not incorporating enough emo-

Depression. It follows the life of the Finch family and their

tion into his performance.

many small-town acquaintances. The play perfectly brings to

After it was time to leave the theater, the boys were not

life the major plot points that leave the reader in suspense as

yet done having fun. Playing on the swings and running

they read the book. (The Form II boys had already finished

around in the fresh air helped them get out their energy after

the book before seeing the play.)

spending a lot of time sitting. After a long ride back to

Many students discovered that the play helped them understand the story a little better and provided a sense of what

Browning, delayed by traffic, the day was over and the boys were sent home for the night. n

it was like living in the South in 1935. The boys sat close

THE BUZZER • SPRING 2012 • 51

FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS

ODE TO AN ORCHESTRA

ower School music teacher Lucy Warner could hardly contain her excitement in announcing that The

Browning School now boasts an orchestra. She reports the following in her “ode” (as she calls it!) to this groundbreaking group: “The seeds of the Ovation Orchestra were planted and nurtured as a four-piece violin ensemble last year by Lucie Gelinas, Browning’s after-school music instructor of strings. She has been with us for about seven years and really built the orchestral strings program from the ground up. This year, it has doubled in size and is comprised of the standard first violin, second violin, viola and cello sections. When Lucie started teaching, we had three violinists in the Lower

Lucie Gelinas, Browning’s after-school music instructor of strings, teaches pre-primary violinist Oliver Clarke; the Ovation Orchestra performed for the first time this past winter under the direction of Sarah Kidd, conductor.

School. Now, we have boys at all three grade levels studying these instruments.” Ms. Warner added, “The Ovation Orchestra is open to

by Christ Church United Methodist. The Ovation Orchestra, under the capable direction of conductor Sarah Kidd, re-

qualifying Browning musicians in grades four through

ceived rapt attention and applause during the performance.

Form VI. Its members include Upper School players Armaan

The Browning boys represented the School not only as capa-

Rawat on violin and Edwin Wallis on cello; Middle School

ble, talented musicians but also as goodwill ambassadors –

violinists Philip Raftopoulos, Michael Riley, Tak Ishikawa

true Browning gentlemen – with a new Browning tradition!”

and Sebastian Baquero; Middle School cellist Caleb Sussman, and Lower School fourth-grader Jack Freiser on viola.” Ms. Warner added, “On December 3, 2011, the orches-

Frank Riti, director of activities at The Methodist Home, sent a note concerning the Ovation Orchestra’s performance. In his correspondence he wrote, “The program was excellent.

tra’s presentation of Beethoven’s ‘Ode to Joy’ and the holiday

Along with me, the residents, staff and visitors enjoyed the

favorite, ‘The First Noel,’ resounded richly throughout the

concert…What a difference you have made in the lives of

handsome performance area of The Methodist Home for Sen-

these people. I can only say, keep up the good you do.”

iors in Riverdale. The residents there enjoyed the orchestra’s

The Browning community enjoyed the new orchestra’s

first performance – a ‘musical outreach field trip’ – in part-

performance at the School’s holiday program at Temple

nership with a holiday community service project organized

Emanu-El. (See following item.) n

52 • THE BUZZER • SPRING 2012

RING! HERALDS HOLIDAY SEASON AT BROWNING

ith Ring! the theme of the holiday program held in Temple Emanu-El last December, the Browning

community enjoyed its share of carols bearing the word “bells” along with a lively mix of music, including a processional performed by members of Form I Hand Chimes. After a warm greeting by Headmaster Clement, the Browning boys proceeded to present readings from a wide range of authors – from Dr. Seuss, to Poe, to Dickens, to Longfellow and others. Students, under the direction of Music Directors David Prestigiacomo and Lucy Warner, practiced for weeks to prepare for this impressive program, and their efforts were evident. Musical selections included “Jingle Bells,” “Bells Across the Snows,” Jingle Bell Rock,” “Ring Out, Wild Bells,” “Now All the Bells are Ringing,” “Carol of the Bells,” as well as ”Eight Days of Hanukkah,” “Christmas Lullaby Calypso” and even an Ethiopian carol entitled, “Issay, Issay.” The congregation of community members, including parents, stood to sing several traditional favorites, “Deck the Hall” and “Winter Wonderland.” Boys in all grade levels participated in the festive event – even pre-primary students – with various groups performing, including the Middle and Upper School Choruses, Tick-Tock Orchestra, Starbright Strings, Ovation Orchestra and “All That Jazz” Ensemble. Art for the colorful program cover was based on work accomplished by Upper School drawing and painting students under the direction of art teachers Zachary Davis and Nikolaos Vlahos. Read details about this art project on page 54. n

BEWARE THE IDES OF MARCH!

he annual Middle School Shakespearean production was staged in January, with students

presenting “The Tragedy of Julius Caesar” on two consecutive evenings. The production featured 17 boys from the Browning Middle School and two girls from Brearley. The challenges faced by Middle School students when approaching Shakespeare include grappling with difficult blank verse, strange words and complex characters and situations – the same problems most people encounter when reading or watching Shakespeare’s plays. However, the students’ overwhelming energy and enthusiasm for “play” (in both the artistic and natural sense) propelled them to jump in there and just do it! n

THE BUZZER • SPRING 2012 • 53

FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS

“Blobs Grow in Beloved Gardens”

“Close-up of Infinity-Tagores Sun”

64” x 58” • Acrylic on Canvas • 2011

72” x 60” • Acrylic on Canvas • 2011

STUDENTS APPRECIATE AUSTRIAN ARTISTS

ased on the work of two Austrian painters, Friedensreich Hundertwasser and Kustav Klimt, Upper and Middle

School art students collaborated on the paintings shown here in exercises designed by art teachers Zachary Davis and

Nikolaos Vlahos. Images of original works were projected and traced onto canvas. The boys brought them to completion using acrylic paint and employing various techniques. The work on the right, above, graced the Headmaster’s holiday card, while the one on the left provided a colorful image for the holiday program cover. n

BOWLED OVER BY THEIR TALENT!

set of six ceramic bowls – the result of a collaborative effort

between art teachers Zachary Davis and Nikolaos Vlahos – were on display in the Lobby this past winter. Each artist employed different skill sets, as Mr. Davis made the bowls and Mr. Vlahos glazed them. The Austrian artist Hundertwasser, one of the artists that the boys studied (see story above), served as an inspiration for all the bowls. n

54 • THE BUZZER • SPRING 2012

IT’S ALL HAPPENING AT THE MET!

rench teacher Megan Ryan

reports that in January, the fifth grade French class spent a morning exploring the French art collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Not only did the boys visit a variety of galleries whose contents are representative of some of the major movements in the history of French art, they also broke into three teams in order to explore the museum’s collection of paintings by the famous Impressionists Manet, Monet and Renoir. Ms. Ryan noted that in addition to acquainting themselves with French art, the boys in fifth grade French also had the opportunity to meet Max Motz’s father, a member of the Met’s finance department, who shared some insights with the boys regarding the day-to-day operations of this world-famous institution and treated the boys to a special souvenir of their trip. n

HISTORIC APOLLO THEATER HOSTS BROWNING BOYS

econd grade students and teachers, including Alison Hilton, Rachel Gerber,

Caitlin Colemen and Lucy Warner, took a trip to The Apollo Theater in January in conjunction with their study of New York City, Harlem and Black History Month. The boys learned about such artists as Ella Fitzgerald and The Jackson Five as they toured the venue with their guide, Billy Mitchell, tour director (pictured above), also known as “Mr. Apollo.” n

PICTURE THIS: DEBUT OF BROWNING PHOTO CLUB BLOG

rt Department Chair Nikolaos Vlahos is pleased to note the enthusiasm

of the Browning Photo Club members this school year. “In January, club members achieved a ‘first’ by deciding to create and launch a ‘tumblr’ site dedicated to the Browning Photo Club,” he said. “It is meant to be a place where the boys can exhibit their

BROWNING PARENT PRESENTS SPECIAL CONCERT

work and share it with a larger audience. They

February, Browning parent Vincent Lionti (far left),

library of their work.” To view, log onto

father of Nicholas Lionti ’19 and a violinist with the

http://browningphotoclub.tumblr.com/

Metropolitan Opera, performed during a Lower School Assembly, along

add to their blog on a weekly basis throughout the year and will eventually build an online

The Photo Club meets every Monday

with other musicians from the opera, at the request of Lucy Warner,

with Mr. Vlahos during their activities period.

Lower School music teacher. Mr. Lionti graciously introduced each of

During this time they set goals, edit and

his fellow musicians and asked them to tell the students and faculty

prepare images, and discuss their work. n

about their instrument and why they chose to play that particular one. Headmaster Clement personally thanked the performers for a morning of magnificent music. n THE BUZZER • SPRING 2012 • 55

SUMMER SOJOURNS

Each year, the Parents Association awards stipends to faculty members who apply for specific projects, such as summer travel, research or study. During the 2010-2011 school year, 17 stipends were given. Each recipient writes an article for the Buzzer about his or her project; three faculty are featured in this issue. Additionally, this past winter the Parents Association created a wonderful presentation showcasing many of these excursions; you may view this slideshow on the Browning website within the archived news section.

creative people from Spain, the U.S., Scotland, Latvia and Poland. Each artist brought a different set of skills and

VALE, VENGA: RIGHT ON! By Zachary Davis, Art Teacher

a full-time teacher and practicing artist, my time outside the classroom is

experiences that made our mandatory dinner conversations lively and spirited. The group consisted of three writers, a filmmaker, a composer, a painter and me. I had the good fortune of collaborating with all of them in one way or another. The situation was ideal for me, as I am interested in

vital to my creative process. My goals for

enhancing my ability to design and execute cross-disciplinary

summer recess tend to remain consistent:

projects with the various departments at Browning.

produce a new body of sculpture and advance my skills with

Most of my personal time was spent revisiting my roots

materials and processes in an effort to offer my students new and

on the potter’s wheel, which turned out to be far more

interesting techniques. This past summer, I was able to

rewarding than I originally predicted. I had packed a

accomplish these goals and a great deal more. Perhaps the best

portable tabletop wheel, but, unfortunately, it broke three

part of this story is that I did so in the south of Spain! (By the

days into my stay. This mishap turned out to be a blessing in

way, the title of my article, “Vale, venga,” translates to “Right

disguise, as it led me to a local ceramist with a small studio

on!” or “Sounds good!” and is an oft-heard expression in Spain.)

nearby who allowed me to use her wheel and kiln. It was

Prior to joining the Browning faculty in the fall of 2010, I

there that I was really pushed to use my Spanish skills, as my

had applied for a residency at the Fundación Valparaíso in

gracious host was not an English speaker. Additionally, I had

Mojacar, Spain. I was fortunate enough to be granted a stay for

the opportunity to speak with several of her colleagues who

the month of July, 2011, which was ideal for obvious reasons.

spun wonderful tales about Andalucía.

The Fundación is a program designed for artists to live and

After a month of isolation at the Fundación, my curiosity

create in a semi-isolated environment, free from the distractions

about the area took over. I rented a car and took off driving. I

and duties of daily life. This atmosphere allows the artist to

had heard of a nearby village of potters called Nijar; there I

concentrate on developing new ideas and producing new work.

discovered that the traditional Alfarerías (production pottery

As an artist in residence, a tourist and, at times, a self-

houses) were all but gone. I came across a British artist and

taught cultural anthropologist, I discovered the many

historian who had done a short documentary about the death

wonders of Andalucía. The bulk of my time was spent at the

of the potter. He had come to Nijar to study with the

Fundación, a gorgeous facility, formerly an olive plantation,

alfareros (potters) years ago and found he was the only one

complete with living quarters, private studios and a vast

left. He recommended that I explore Andalucía, visit the

collection of books, artwork and local ceramics. The facility

Alhambra in Grenada, take in a Flamenco show, and so on. I

sits in a valley near a small pueblo and beach community

took his advice and headed to Grenada, spent the day at the

known as Mojacar Playa, near Málaga, the birthplace of

Alhambra, and visited a few contemporary ceramic artists he

Picasso. While in residence, I was introduced to the seven

had introduced to me. They all told the same story of the

other artists I lived with for the month of July. The group was

death of the potter, but I was having a hard time believing

comprised of an extremely interesting international array of

there were no alfareros left in the area.

56 • THE BUZZER • SPRING 2012

Potters like Raphael Orellana are rare, and his technique was interesting to observe. He was throwing on a homemade wheel, where he sat sidesaddle. Art teacher Zach Davis, left, observes Spanish potter.

From there I made my way to Trevélez in the Alpujarras (the highest village in Spain), where I came across what I determined was the last potter in Andalucía. There he was in a

and Cádiz, concluding with four days in Madrid where a trip to the Prado pushed my mind and spirit in new directions. Perhaps the best part of my experience was the way in

converted trailer on the side of the road, throwing pots! I

which I finished my summer. I landed an exhibition at a gallery

discovered he was the son of a master potter, but when his father

on a college campus in my hometown of San Diego, where I

died, he closed down the Alfarería and downsized to a roadside

recreated my experience in Spain in the form of an installation,

attraction. He told me his sons were not interested in taking over

working side by side with students from the art program. I was

the business nor learning the trade.

also provided with the opportunity to present a lecture about my

Potters like Raphael Orellana are rare, and his technique was interesting to observe. He was throwing on a homemade

summer residency. I have no doubt that my experience and research will

wheel, where he sat sidesaddle. I found this intriguing because

have a positive effect on both curriculum development and

my method of throwing is very unlike his. I was able to get some

my teaching methods. I hope to see some Spanish influence

great video for the purpose of showing my ceramic students.

on future student projects, as well as many new, exciting

Learning to throw can be a daunting task, but by watching the

collaborations with other departments at Browning. I am

technique of an alfarero, one can see the basic steps quite clearly.

extremely grateful for the support of the Parents Association

I spent the rest of my time exploring Andalucía, looking for potters and talking with artists. My trek included stops in Sevilla

which afforded me the opportunity to travel, create and learn so much. n THE BUZZER • SPRING 2012 • 57

SUMMER SOJOURNS

ARTISTIC INSPIRATION FROM A TO V: AMSTERDAM, PRAGUE AND VIENNA

Bernard Pass,” and a collection of expressive busts known as

By Nikolaos Vlahos, Chair, Art Department

work by Egon Schiele, Kolon Moser, Gustav Klimt and their

collection includes paintings, drawings, poster design, furniture

“character heads” by Franz Xaver Messerschmidt. The palace itself is an impressive structure sitting on expansive grounds adorned with beautiful gardens. In the Leopold Museum, I enjoyed an extensive collection of contemporaries. Most worked in a secessionist style, and the

put the money awarded to me by the Parents Association toward funding a summer trip in 2011 that began in Vienna,

continued to Prague and ended in Amsterdam. I chose these

cities for their unique contributions to art, architecture and amazing collections housed in their institutions. It was in Vienna that I was able to get to know the work of Friedensreich Hundertwasser in a more intimate manner. The Hundertwasser Museum, which is part of the Kunst Haus Wien, features a permanent display of the artist’s work over five floors of the museum that he designed. This place offers a wide range of his work and allows the viewer to experience it in the environment he intended. It is an organic space with expressive tile work, plants, and not a straight line or level floor in sight. Hundertwasser called straight lines, “the devil’s tools.” Other highlights of Vienna included the Secessionist Museum which houses a Gustav Klimt mural and Belvedere Palace with a collection that includes many important Klimt paintings, as well as David’s painting, “Napoleon at the Saint-

Art teacher Nikolaos Vlahos, far left, admires a work by Rembrandt during a stop in Amsterdam.

58 • THE BUZZER • SPRING 2012

and sculpture. The Kunst Historisches Museum is far too vast to begin to describe; it is a journey through all of art history with major works by most well-known artists as well as ancient Egyptian and Greek artifacts. Something I did not expect to see was a “unicorn” horn. Hundreds of years ago, this unicorn horn was considered more precious than all the jewels in this collection and the source of the power of the ruling class. Housed in the Hofburg Treasury (Weltliche und Geistliche Schatzkammerare) are some of the most impressive jewels to be seen anywhere, along with crown jewels and Byzantine artifacts. Carefully propped up here is a “unicorn” horn – most likely a Narwhal horn. In Prague, the National Museum was undergoing much needed renovation and won’t re-open until 2015. However, much of the collection is housed in another building – a great and massive space with local and foreign art throughout the

ages, including an impressive collection of Kupka paintings.

The Rijkes Museum had an abbreviated selection on display.

Other memorable sites were Prague Castle (the largest castle in

Luckily, Rembrandt’s “The Night Watch” and Vermeer’s

the world), Wenseslas Square, the Astronomical Clock, Charles

“Milkmaid” were exhibited along with some other gems. On a

Bridge, Old Town and the Jewish Quarter. All these sites, both

very rainy day, I was trapped in the Van Gogh Museum with no

old and new, were filled with tremendous amounts of valuable

umbrella and so spent most of the day taking in his work and

visual and historical information. The towers and architecture

sketching the sunflowers. I also visited Rembrandt’s studio

present throughout the city since medieval times were of the

where you can experience the room in which he made his prints,

kind I have never before experienced in person. Prague, with its

as well as his painting studio, living quarters and a reconstructed

history, art, architecture and food, is an extremely inspiring city.

arrangement of what he had in his collection. A range of marble

My journey ended in Amsterdam where another major museum I’d been looking forward to was closed for renovation.

sculpture, tribal artifacts, paintings, weapons, props and accessories used in his paintings are all available to view. The collection is very accurate; when Van Gogh became bankrupt, the

On a very rainy day, I was trapped in the Van Gogh Museum with no umbrella and so spent most of the day taking in his work and sketching the sunflowers.

items were catalogued in order to sell and pay off his debt. Russia’s Hermitage has an annex space in Amsterdam with a terrific show of icons from Russia, many of which have not traveled before. It was a great chance to see them! Overall, this was an incredible journey through cultures and art that took place in three beautiful cities. There were many moments in all these cities when just walking around, feeling the pace and getting a sense of how things look, was inspiring enough. The 2011 holiday party theme was a result of this trip, and I look forward to sharing more with the community in the months ahead. n

SUMMER SOJOURNS

LEARNING LATIN THE CLASSICAL WAY: SPEAKING IT! By John Young, Chair, Department of Classics; Middle and Upper Schools, Latin

ur gracious Parents Association provided me the

My goal this year was

means to travel twice this summer, in order that I should

continue to develop professionally and intellectually. My first

improved listening

excursion carried me to the campus of the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis to attend the American Classical

comprehension, which

League’s 64th Annual Institute, where several hundred Latin teachers gathered from every corner of the country to discuss

is the first natural stage

and perfect their profession. For five days we attended lectures and participated in workshops all aimed at improving our

in language acquisition,

teaching skills. Most valuable to me was the workshop featuring the Ørberg textbook, which we have adopted at The Browning

just like it is for very

School. Teachers experienced with the text and its workings gathered to discuss its best practices. Befriending its publisher

young children.

and some of its most enthusiastic proponents, I learned much about effective implementation of the textbook and was asked to

How I wish my week in West Virginia with the SALVI (a

help develop curricula for it. In other respects, getting to know

Latin acronym for North American Institute for Living Latin)

other Latin teachers from around the country was illuminating

organization could last all summer! For eight days, more than

and informative. A number of us have stayed in touch, regularly

30 Latinists cooked, cleaned, dined, studied and lived

communicating and trying out ideas on one another as we

together entirely in Latin. This, my third summer with them,

prepare for the coming school year. We will, no doubt, share

demonstrated to me that language acquisition is really just a

throughout the year what works and what doesn’t.

matter of patient, attentive practice. My goal this year was

The keynote speaker of the Institute was the indubitable

improved listening comprehension, which is the first natural

Reginald Foster, America’s most famous living Latinist.

stage in language acquisition, just like it is for very young

He has been called “the Pope’s Latinist” on account of his

children. In these pages in the past, I reported that I had

prominent post at the Vatican’s Secretariat of State, whose

developed as far as a bashful five-year-old in my ability to

Latin documents for the last several decades he himself

converse in Latin. I am now pleased to report that I have

wrote or approved. He proved incorrigible, contrariant

progressed to the stage of an annoyingly loquacious pre-teen.

and inspiring, insisting that we

I was able to understand most all

Latin teachers must know the

that I heard, even though I was

language well enough to let it

bucked off the train of thought a few

speak for itself: a challenging

times when a dependent clause took

order for American Latin teachers

too sharp a turn. I had numerous

who generally have only a

complex conversations as well, both

receptive (reading) knowledge

serious and jovial.

of the language.

With us at Rusticatio was Evan Gardner, the founder of a system for

Claymont Mansion in West Virginia, site of “Living Latin” summer conference.

60 • THE BUZZER • SPRING 2012

Knowledge acquired during attendance at summer lectures and workshops is put into practice when John Young returns to his classroom each fall.

language acquisition that he developed for saving endangered languages, especially Native American tongues, called, Where Are Your Keys? Evan introduced to us his

I was able to understand

method for quick language acquisition which employs sign language as a superstructure, so that the target language can

most all that I heard,

be used without interruption and within comprehensible limits. His strategies proved surprisingly effective, and I have

even though I was bucked

incorporated much of what I learned from him into my classes at Browning. My teaching has been greatly improved

off the train of thought

and enlivened by both of these experiences – the ACL Institute and Rusticatio. My own gratitude for these

a few times when a

opportunities is certainly seconded by Browning’s Middle School Latin students who are acquiring the language

dependent clause took

through more engaging and enjoyable methods. n

too sharp a turn.

THE BUZZER • SPRING 2012 • 61

ATHLETICs

Athletics FALL SPORTS HIGHLIGHTS By Andrew H. West ’92, Director of Athletics

the NYCAL. The boys battled Columbia Prep – as well as the wind and rain – but came up short by a score of 1-0. Coaches Brown and Travers did a great job with the team, and we

espite initial uncertainty, the varsity soccer team set

look forward to some of these players jumping up to the

out to beat the odds. After graduating almost the entire

varsity level next year.

recovering from illness at home, the Panthers stepped up in a

cross country team, under the leadership of Coach Bernard,

big way from the first day of soccer camp. The boys played

bringing home the first-place trophy and gold medals after

wonderful team soccer all year and made it to the finals of the

being crowned NYCAL Champions. The boys trained hard all

NYCAL, only to lose in a 10th round epic shoot-out. None of

season, and their efforts paid off. One boy, Kyle Johnson ’12,

this could have happened without Coach Zeuner assuming

even set the new school record with his time of 17:48.

the position of head coach after serving as assistant last year,

Browning honors these boys with a banner that will hang

assisted by the unbelievable soccer-minded Dr. Protheroe.

in the new Lower Gym going forward. (See photo, facing page.)

starting team and with their head coach, Dave Watson,

A great effort was also put forth by the Middle School

The highlight of the fall season, however, was the varsity

All and all, it was a very exciting and successful season! n

Panthers, who beat Trevor Day School to reach the finals of

Left to right (back row): Chris Haack, Clovis Ogilvie-Laing, Philip van Scheltinga, Lorenzo Mezzatesta, Evan Blumenthal, Wilf Wallis, Ralph Harvard, Brandon Valentin, Ibrahima Diallo, Coach Protheroe; (middle row): Coach Zeuner, Freddie Edwards, Alex Makkos, Edwin Wallis, Juan Yanes, Philip Connor, Sumner Erbe; (front row): Captain Nate Monteverde, Captain Daighn Dunn

62 • THE BUZZER • SPRING 2012

Left to right (back row): Wilfred Wallis, Christopher Stephens, Chris Haack, Jack Morris, Michael Gabrellian, Armaan Rawat; (front row): Coach Bernard, JR Chansakul, Kyle Johnson, Jon Pelz, Chris Pelz, James Brisotti

Coverage of Browning’s winter and spring athletic highlights will appear in the Summer issue of the Buzzer.

Go, Panthers!

THE BUZZER • SPRING 2012 • 63

ALUMNI EVENTS

Alumni Events By Laura E. Neller, Director of Alumni Affairs

ALUMNI COUNCIL MEETINGS

rowning’s Alumni Council met on September 12, November 7 and January 23. At the September meeting,

the Alumni Association welcomed new leadership with Michael P. Beys ‘89 presiding as president. Joining him in officer positions this year are: Vice President Allanby

L to R: Director of Institutional Advancement Marty Haase, Headmaster Steve Clement, past Alumni Association President Juan Reyes '86 and current Alumni Association President Michael Beys '89.

Singleton-Green ’83, Secretary Joe G. Metzger ’02 and

Messer ’12 about the Class of 2012’s fundraiser for their Class

Treasurer Sharif Tanamli ’87. This first meeting’s discussion

Gift. For more information on the custom Browning Vineyard

centered on Alumni Council membership appointments, alumni

Vines belts that the Class of 2012 is selling, please see page 68.

Annual Fund numbers from the record-breaking 2010-2011 fiscal

Also at the November meeting, Council committee chairmen

year, and a look at the year ahead.

were appointed.

The special guest at the September Alumni Council

At the January Alumni Council Meeting, special guest

Meeting was Browning’s Chief Financial Officer John Camp-

Jeremy Sambuca, director of academic technology, gave a

bell, who provided an update on the summer renovations to

Prezi on technology integration at Browning. In addition, the

the School’s Lobby and Lower Gym. At the November

Council noted the passing of Trustee Lois L. Hutzler (mother

meeting, the Alumni Council heard from senior Harrison

of Michael Hutzler ’83 and Alumni Council member John Hutzler ’86), as well as discussed plans for the Note-a-thon on February 27, the Class of 2000 Speaker Series on March 14 and Alumni Reunion on May 10.

Alumni in the Wilson Room during the first Alumni Council Meeting of 2011-2012.

2011-2012 ALUMNI COUNCIL John B. Alfieri, Jr. ‘75

Richard A. Helgason ‘82

Joe G. Metzger ’02

Stephan E. Rothe ‘87

Michael P. Beys ’89

John E. Hutzler ‘86

Nader Mobargha ’91

Andrew B. Sandberg ’01

Jonathan A. Cohn ’01

Edward D. Kent ’02

John P. Moran, III ‘97

Steven G. Schott ’72

John C. Dearie ‘99

Justin Kingson ‘98

Andrew M. Ponzo ‘98

Allanby Singleton-Green ’83

George Grimbilas, Jr. ’80

Jeffrey M. Landes ‘83

William T. Reed ‘85

Peter G. Stavropoulos ‘82

John W. Hadden, II ‘87

T. Andrew Madden, Jr. ’96

Juan D. Reyes, III ’86

Sharif Tanamli ’87

64 • THE BUZZER • SPRING 2012

James Wu '87 and his wife attended the Browning-Hewitt Reunion in October.

L to R: Hewitt's Annual Fund Director Sandra Midkiff and Browning's Director of Alumni Affairs Laura Neller ran the check-in table together.

L to R: Christopher Lancaster '00, Roy Han '00 and Jonathan Estreich '00.

BROWNING-HEWITT REUNION

he annual Browning-Hewitt Reunion traditionally held in April was held on October 6 this year at Sutton Place Bar

& Restaurant in New York City. Alumni and alumnae classes from 1980-2006 were invited, and guests enjoyed drinks and appetizers compliments of both schools. Thanks to everyone who came out to support this annual event! L to R: John Hutzler '86, Tamsen Green, Benjamin Melting '00 and Gary Connolly '86.

L to R: Sam Morril '05, Stafford Travers '05, Andrew West '92, Evan Abrams '06 and Luc Vareilles '04.

Charles Davi '00 (left) and Bryan Boisi '00.

L to R: Whitney Cary, Suzanne Thayn, Joe Metzger '02, Evan Sachs '02, Carrie Zwiebach and Taylor Watson '02.

L to R: John Moran '97, Graig Springer '98 and Francesca Djerejian.

Graham Bahler '98 (left) and Cristopher Cravetz '98.

L to R: Manoli Sakellarios '92, Michael L to R: Kristy Rao, Candace Hancock, Ross Beys '89 and Nader Mobargha '91. Thompson '04 and Stuart Orenstein '00.

HOLIDAY PARTY

n Friday, December 9, Browning’s annual Holiday Party was hosted by the Parents Association at the School.

Hundreds of alumni, parents, faculty and friends attended for a festive evening of drinks and hors d’oeuvres. As is tradition, the Multi-Purpose Room was the designated Alumni Association room, which saw more than 100 alumni and guests in attendance. Alumni were identified by red “Browning Alumnus” pins on their lapels.

Ian Allen '06 (center with tie) with fellow alumnus Dan Smith '06 (far right) and two guests.

Chris Jennings '99 with his parents, Suzanne and Robert Jennings. THE BUZZER • SPRING 2012 • 65

ALUMNI EVENTS

Young alumni on stage at Christ Church during the annual Thanksgiving Assembly.

Sandy Pelz '71 (left) and John FitzSimons '08.

L to R: Michael Sandino '10, Michele Gama Sosa '10 and Ian Shaw '10.

L to R: Ryan Flynn '12, Adrian Muoio '10, James Preiss '10, Teddy Altman '11 and Alex Lynn '09.

Matthew Geline '11 (left) catching up with Headmaster Clement.

L to R: Adrian Muoio '10, James Weinhoff '10, Anik Akhund '10, Justin Leder '10 and Daniel Leder '10.

L to R: Dan Wessel '06, Dan Smith '06, Mr. Ingrisani and Dr. Protheroe.

Peter Shapiro '10 and Director of Alumni Affairs Laura Neller.

Young alumni singing with faculty members during the Thanksgiving Assembly at Christ Church.

Alumni, faculty and Form VI students enjoying lunch in the Lower Gym as part of the annual Young Alumni Reunion.

L to R: Charles Epstein '08, Mr. Klein, Philip Devereux Demetriad '08 and Ms. Bosworth.

Harrison Fields '11 (left) and Teddy Altman '11.

YOUNG ALUMNI THANKSGIVING REUNION n Wednesday, November 23, Browning hosted the annual

briefly introduced himself and announced his Browning class

Young Alumni Thanksgiving Reunion. Nearly 40 young

year, number of years at Browning and his college or university.

alumni from the Classes of 2002-2011 returned to Browning to

Following the all-school assembly, alumni, faculty and Form VI

visit with classmates and fellow alumni, faculty and current

students returned to School for a lunch reception in the newly-

students. The day began with the traditional Thanksgiving

renovated Lower Gym. Thanks to all who helped make this

Assembly held at Christ Church, where alumni were brought on

annual event a success!

stage by Headmaster Clement and Mr. Pelz ’71. Each alumnus 66 • THE BUZZER • SPRING 2012

ALUMNI BASKETBALL GAME By Andrew H. West ’92 and Alexander A. Sheridan ‘04

eplacing the old format of odd-year alumni classes vs. even-year alumni classes, the 2012

An on-c ou Game in rt action shot of the A the Upp lumni B er Gym asketba . ll

Alumni Basketball Game marked a transition to a new era of rivalries. For the third consecutive year, the teams were divided up by age, squaring off “old guys” vs. “young guns,” and for the third time, old wisdom proved more valuable than young legs.

Jesse Graff '11, Kassapidis '11, L to R: Steven io '11. uo M and Adrian Jesse Rost '11

The old alums got off to a fast start and never looked back, leading by as many as 20 points in the second quarter, thanks to the sharp shooting of Chicky (Nick) “I’m Not Too Proud To Wear Tights” Cohen ‘02. However, not to go down without a fight, the young guns staged a mini-comeback, led by Jesse “If Only I Had One More Year of Browning Basketball” Graff ’10. In the end, the older guys’ selflessness, fluid ball movement and clutch shooting carried the older alums to a 97-66 win. Special thanks to Laura Neller for once again organizing the game, Chef Clark and her crew for another year of sandwiches, drinks and cookies, and Nurse Linehan for being there and, thankfully, not being needed.

L to R: Bryan Bo isi '00, Nick Co hen '02 and Andrew W est '92.

'11, ields on F n o arris 4 and Jas 6, H al '0 reilles '0 h t n e Lind , Luc Va 0 R: JJ L to Preiss '1 s Jame an '06. m Fried

TEAM: YOUNG GUNS Jesse Graff ’10 Jason Friedman ’06 JJ Lindenthal ’06 H. Harrison Fields ’11 Steven Kassapidis ’11 Evan Abrams ’06 Adrian Muoio ’10 Luc Vareilles ’04 Jesse Rost ’11 James Preiss ’10

POINTS 19 15 13 7 5 3 2 2 0 0

REBOUNDS 17 6 8 10 6 3 4 5 2 5

'06, 1, JJ Lindenthal : Jesse Graff '1 R) to on (L ris w ar ro H Back s '10, '06, James Preis Steven Jason Friedman Jesse Rost '11, 4, '0 es ill re Va c row Lu t 1, on '1 s Fr 0. eld '1 Fi uoio and Adrian M ith '00, Sm m Kassapidis '11 ha ra G Abrams '06, (L to R): Evan '00, Mike '04, Bryan Boisi an id er Sh Alex e Dafnos '99, rg eo G 5, Blake '9 Dorra '92, Phil '94, Luca no ta '92, Victor Ca Andrew West Cohen '02 ick N 9, '0 e yr McEnt Libani '11, Tab '97. and Paul Boisi

ASSISTS 2 4 8 4 1 2 1 4 4 4

TEAM: OLDER GUYS Nick Cohen ’02 Alex Sheridan ’04 Bryan Boisi ’00 Vic Catano ’94 Phil Blake ’95 Mike Dorra ’92 George Dafnos ’99 Andrew West ’92 Graham Smith ’00 Paul Boisi ’97

L to R Georg (clockwis e) e Daf nos ' : Andrew 99, M W ike D est '92, M orra ' 92 an ichael Bey d Phi s l Blak '89, e '95 . POINTS REBOUNDS ASSISTS

27 23 16 11 6 4 3 2 2 2

4 7 15 2 10 6 4 7 12 4

2 5 3 5 10* 6 5 7 4 2

*Denotes total had someone made a layup. THE BUZZER • SPRING 2012 • 67

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

6:00 PM:

8:30 AM:

Reunion Cocktail Reception

Alumni Career Panel Featuring the 2012 Co-Recipients of the Alumnus Achievement Award, David Callaway ’82 and Jack Callaway ’84, and Lex Haris ’88, managing editor of CNNMoney.com Wilson Room

12:00 PM: True Grytte Society and Consecutive-Year Donor Luncheon Honoring the Class of 1962 and consecutive-year donors to the Annual Fund Knickerbocker Club (by separate invitation only)

Presenting the Class of 1938 Alumnus Achievement Award to David Callaway ’82 and Jack P. Callaway ’84 Jack Callaway ‘84 Recognizing Coach David “Wattie” Watson, faculty honoree Loews Regency Hotel, 540 Park Avenue at 61st Street

7:30 PM: Reunion Dinner Celebrating all alumni classes but especially major reunion classes ending in “2” or “7” Presenting the Class of 2002 Gift Announcement and the Stephen S. Perry ’76 Memorial Class Representative Awards (recognizing the most outstanding class representative, class fundraiser and class correspondent, as well as the class with the largest number of reunion guests) Lower Gym

See You Soon! FORM VI FUNDRAISER Support Form VI by purchasing a custom Browning belt by Vineyard Vines! Belts are $50 each and can be ordered by emailing Aleksandr Schiavetta '12 (aschiavetta@browning.edu) or Harrison Messer '12 (hmesser@browning.edu). When placing an order, please include: • Your name and email address • Your quantity and sizes for each (belts range from sizes 24"-44" in even-numbered sizes only) • Your method of payment - check or cash (checks should be payable to The Browning School and must include Class of 2012 on the memo line). All payments should be returned to the Advancement Office. Order forms can be found at www.browning.edu/alumni. All proceeds from belt sales will go toward the Class of 2012’s Form VI Class Gift, to be decided on by the Class of 2012 and given to The Browning School upon the class’s graduation.

Thank you in advance for your support!

68 • THE BUZZER • SPRING 2012

David A. Callaway ’82

2012 ALUMNI REUNION CHAIRS OAKLEIGH THORNE, II ’47

JOHN W. HADDEN, II ’87

PHILLIP K. GOODWIN ’52

STEPHAN E. ROTHE ’87

CHARLES J. PLOHN, JR. ’62

SHARIF TANAMLI ’87

ERIC ORDWAY ’67

PIERCE C. FORSYTHE ’92

STEVEN G. SCHOTT ’72

ANDREW H. WEST ’92

CHRISTOPHER W. GIFFORD ’77

PAUL BOISI ’97

W. MICHAEL RAFAEL ’77

SAMEER KEWALRAMANI ’97

YOUSSIF H. KAMAL ’82

JOHN P. MORAN, III ’97

CARLOS M. MELETICHE ’82

EDWARD D. KENT ’02

DAVID A. CALLAWAY ’82

JOE G. METZGER ’02

RICHARD A. HELGASON ’82

KIERAN P. PICKERING ’02

PETER G. STAVROPOULOS ’82

SEAN G. RUSSELL ’02

UPCOMING EVENTS SPRING 2012 Summer Buzzer Class Notes Deadline: TBA Spring Benefit: April 27, 6:00 pm, The Plaza ALUMNI REUNION: May 10; see facing page for full schedule Annual Meeting of the Alumni Association: May 21, 6:00 pm, Wilson Room 5th Annual Young Alumni May Mixer: May 24, 6:30 pm, TBA Graduation: June 6, 11:00 am, Christ Church

THE BUZZER • SPRING 2012 • 69

CLASS NOTES

Class Notes To share news with the Browning community, please contact Laura Neller, director of alumni affairs, at 212-838-6280 Ext. 192 or lneller@browning.edu.

1930s In October 2011, a biography of the legendary and long-serving U.S. Senator Claiborne Pell ‘36, of Newport, Rhode Island, was published by University Press

George Hamilton ’57 as the lead in the Broadway musical, “La Cage aux Folles.”

of New England. The book is titled, An Uncommon Man: The Life and Times of

the Bouviers of New York and East

Sohodra Nathu, who worked on many of

Senator Claiborne Pell. Senator Pell passed

Hampton – died on January 29 at his

his books. He is survived by his sister,

away in 2009, but his legacy as father of

home in Manhattan. After nine years at

Maude S. Davis. More information can be

the Pell Grant program, among other

Browning, Mr. Davis attended Deerfield

found in Mr. Davis’s obituary in The New

important initiatives, lives on. For more

Academy and Princeton University.

York Times.

information on this book by G. Wayne

Following his Princeton graduation, Mr.

Miller, please visit http://pellbook.com.

Davis was commissioned to the rank of

Oakleigh Thorne, II '47 recently sent us

ensign in the United States Naval Reserve.

the following news, "After 57 years,

While on duty, Mr. Davis applied for and

Thorne Ecological Institute has changed

received a Fulbright scholarship for study

its name as of January 1 to Thorne

in Italy, where after completing his

Nature Experience. It says better what

1940s

service, he studied at the Italian Institute

we do: connect kids to nature!" Dr.

From September 18 through January 9,

for Historical Studies in Naples. He

Thorne is founder and honorary

the Museum of Modern Art featured a

became fluent in Italian and remained in

president of the Thorne Nature

retrospective on Dutch artist Willem de

Italy for 13 years as founding director of

Experience, located in Boulder, CO.

Kooning, with major support provided by

the American Studies Center in Naples,

For more information, please visit

the Henry Luce Foundation. The late

then as director of Tufts University’s

http://www.thornenature.org/.

Henry R. Luce, III ’42 was chairman and

Intercollegiate Center of Italian Studies.

CEO of the Luce Foundation from 1990

Books authored by Mr. Davis include:

through 2002. His legacy lives on at

The Bouviers: Portrait of an American Family,

Browning in the Henry R. Luce, III ‘42 Art

The Kennedys: Dynasty and Disaster, Mafia

Center, built in 1999.

Kingfish: Carlos Marcello and the Assassination of John F. Kennedy, Mafia

John H. Davis ’47, prolific chronicler of

Dynasty: The Rise and Fall of the Gambino

prominent American families including

Crime Family, The Guggenheims: An

the Kennedys, the Guggenheims, the

American Epic, and Jacqueline Bouvier:

Gambinos and the family he shared with

An Intimate Memoir. He spent his last

his cousin, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis –

years at home under the care of his friend,

70 • THE BUZZER • SPRING 2012

1950s Peter R. Decker ‘52 wrote to us in October, upon the occasion of Browning’s varsity soccer team’s championship game: “I wish you and your team great success in the coming championship game. I remember well the beginning of my

school/college soccer career at Browning. I entered as a third grader in 1943; we played soccer on a tarmac surface on the School’s roof. The ‘field’ was enclosed by a wire fence to guard us from falling down onto 62nd Street. I still have the scars on my knees to remind me of the hard fought games against opposing teams, especially the brawny players from the seventh grade. On one occasion, we did play on a dirt/grass field either in Central Park or on Randall’s Island. There was no fence to run into, and the ground was as soft as a cloud. I played soccer in boarding school but an injury limited my playing time for two years. At Middlebury College, I scored the first goal for the college in intercollegiate competition.

Howard Dean ‘66 (fifth from right) with Tom Herman ‘64 (sixth from right) and Tom’s students at Yale in October. Photo by Charlotte Greene.

That year – 1954, our first – we went on

foreign policy. It is a most detailed and

I launched in 1978. Each side of the cake

to complete an undefeated season. By

finely written tome.”

had something I enjoyed, including

my senior year, I had attained Second

Lionel trains, ‘45’ records and family

Team All-New England. The skills that

Kenneth F. McAllister ‘58 recently sent in

pictures. It was lots of fun, and yes, I

I attained over the years all began on

the following news: “For the past 34 years,

was really surprised. Best to all.”

the roof of Browning, and my thanks

Marilyn and I have lived near the city of

to that coach, whoever he was.”

Cincinnati, Ohio, where we raised our six children. We now spend our time visiting

Thomas C. Dillenberg ’55 sends his best

with our 24 grandchildren. I have posted

to all his friends at Browning. In June, the

a personal profile on Mormon.org. Under

D. Alan Dillenberg Scholar Athlete Award

‘Meet Mormons,’ enter Ken McAllister

was presented to Nicholas H. Corliss ’11.

and click on my photo. My very best

Please see page 42 for more information.

wishes to all our Browning family – past, present and future.”

Last year, actor George Hamilton ’57 starred as the lead in the Broadway

Michael F. Rosenblum ’58 is a retired

musical production of “La Cage aux

lawyer living in Highland Park, Illinois.

Chauncey Johnstone ’59 celebrated his 70th birthday in September; his family surprised him with this cake.

Chauncey O. Johnstone ’59 recently

1960s

George W. Liebmann ’57 wrote a book

sent us the following news: “I

Robert J. Dalva ’60 recently sent in the

titled, The Last American Diplomat: John D.

celebrated my 70th birthday on

following news: “In 2011, I was one of

Negroponte and the Changing Face of

September 11. My family had a surprise

the editors of Captain America: The First

US Diplomacy, published by Palgrave

party and about 100 guests came. My

Avenger. I also edited another feature with

Macmillan in December 2011. Mr.

siblings got this cake for me [see photo

a vastly smaller budget called Knife Fight,

Liebmann shared with us that writer

above]. It is topped with my first car, a

starring Rob Lowe and Julie Bowen. I am

and historian John Lukacs described the

1960 Austin Healey. [The side shown]

now working on Lovelace, a feature about

book as, “a true masterpiece…far above

has my boat “Irish Eyes,” an issue of

Linda Lovelace. My brother Leon’s wife

the standards and the contents of the

Car and Driver which I have been

flew me into NYC on New Year’s Eve

great majority of the dozens of, often

reading since it was Sports Cars

to help shoot the last performance of the

ephemeral, works published each year

Illustrated, my camera hobby, and

Merce Cunningham Company at the

about the theme and themes of American

Eucerin, the brand of skin care products

Folles.” [See photo on facing page.]

THE BUZZER • SPRING 2012 • 71

CLASS NOTES Park Avenue Armory. All my kids are

with Patsy Randolph, widow of the late

his parents were active at Browning for

doing well.”

Christopher F. Randolph ’63. Mr. Plohn is

many years. Governor Dean visited Mr.

the 50 Reunion Chair for the Class of 1962.

Herman’s class on Thursday, October 20,

John A. Lack ’62 is chief partner of

He reports that he, John H. Baker ‘62,

which coincidentally was Mr. Herman’s

FireMedia Partners. According to

Clyde J. Harris III ‘62, A. Peter Muller ‘62

65th Birthday. Mr. Herman’s seminar,

www.firemediapartners.com, Mr. Lack is

and Frederick Spoor ’62 are all planning

“Behind the Headlines: The Press,

“best known for creating MTV, the

to attend their class’s 50 Reunion

Business and the Economy,” was limited

broadcast vehicle now an integral part of

celebration at Browning on Thursday,

to 18 students. This is the fifth year he has

global culture. Formerly the co-founder

May 10. Hank Randolph ’62 lives in

taught at Yale. In addition to being

and CEO of Firebrand, Lack also

Mexico City but hopes to return for the

Browning alumni, both Governor Dean

developed and launched The Movie

event, too.

and Mr. Herman are graduates of Yale.

Channel and Nickelodeon as COO of Warner Amex, and ESPN2 while he was ESPN. He’s also served as CEO of ACTV,

1970s

an interactive television technology

Craig J. Sands ’71 recently sent in the

company now owned by Liberty; CEO of

following news: “I continue to live in

i3 mobile, the parent company of

Lausanne, Switzerland, and have projects

PRONTO and the leading provider of

here and in Austria. The food, language

innovative wireless media solutions; and

and culture bring a daily pleasure as does

Managing Director of Stream, Telecom

the view of the Alps and Jura.”

EVP of Marketing and Programming at

Italia’s pay television company, now part of Sky Italia. Lack previously spent nine

Clair Smith ’63 (front) and his wife, Mary, on the Natchez Trace Parkway last summer.

years at CBS, including stints as

Richard E. Fisher ’72 recently sent us the following news: “From mountains and

VP/General Manager of WCBS News 88

Former Browning faculty member

lobster in Maine, to Christmas week on

and VP/General Manager CBS Radio

Clair L. Smith ’63 lives in Florida,

Bourbon Street, to champions in soccer

Spot Sales. His extensive experience with

where he plays lots of golf and travels

and kickball, 2011 was a great year! With

broadcast, interactive and wireless media

from time to time. He and

companies make him uniquely qualified

his wife, Mary, a former

to bring these great paradigms together.”

Browning receptionist, took a motorcycle ride on the

In November, Charles J. Plohn, Jr. ’62 and

Natchez Trace Parkway

his wife, Dorothy, had dinner at the 21

last summer.

Club in New York City with Hank Randolph ’62 and his wife, Enne, along

Trustee R. Thomas Herman ’64 recently sent us the following news for the Buzzer: “Marilyn and I are moving for the next

Rich Fisher ’72 (top left) plays on a soccer team that won the over-45 championships last spring.

few months to southern California. We will be living in La Jolla, and I will be teaching journalism at the University of San Diego. We will be back in New York in late May.”In the fall, Howard B. Dean, III ’66 was a guest speaker at a seminar at Yale University taught by R. Thomas Hank Randolph ’62 (front row, left) and Charles Plohn ’62 met up for dinner in November in New York. Top row, L to R: Enne Randolph (Hank’s wife), Patsy Randolph (wife of Chris Randolph ‘63) and Dorothy Plohn (Charles’s wife).

72 • THE BUZZER • SPRING 2012

Herman ‘64. Governor Dean, who ran for president in 2004, is a former Vermont governor and former head of the Democratic National Committee. Both of

Rich Fisher ’72 with his daughters (L to R), Natalie and Brittany, and his wife, Tricia, at Nottoway Plantation in Whitecastle, Louisiana.

Brittany in Charleston and Natalie in Wilmington, Tricia and I go ‘coastal’ every chance we get. Definitely looking forward to that...gulp, 40th Browning Reunion in the spring. It is hard to believe it’s been that long. Look me up in Greensboro or on Facebook.”

aspects of student life at the University of

1980s

Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine. Dr.

Peter C. Lippman ’81 and his family have relocated to Perth, Australia. Mr. Lippman is an associate director at EIW Architects. For more information, please visit http://www.eiwarch.com.au/. In September, Reja Sabet ’82 ran into classmate Alexander Prout ’82 while both were dropping their daughters off at St. Paul’s School. The two had not seen each other since eighth grade at Browning. Mr. Prout is also an alumnus of St. Paul’s and current CEO of Invesco Japan. Mr. Sabet lives in New York and is president of Gulf

Visiting Author Hicks Stone ’73 with Director of Alumni Affairs Laura Neller at the Book Fair in the Lower Gym.

Associates, Inc.

Woodruff is a graduate of Williams College and the Columbia University School of Physicians and Surgeons. He completed his internal medicine residency training at the University of Chicago, where he was selected as a chief resident and elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society by its student members in 1996. Dr. Woodruff became the program director for the Internal Medicine Residency Training Program in 2003 and was promoted to associate professor of medicine in 2006. In recognition of his myriad accomplishments in medical education, Dr. Woodruff received the Society of General Internal Medicine Midwest Region Clinician-Educator of the

Hicks Stone ’73 wrote a book titled, Edward

Year in 2004. In 2005, he was appointed

Durell Stone: A Son’s Untold Story of a

vice chair for education in the Department

Legendary Architect. Published in October

of Medicine, and in 2007, he was named a

2011, Mr. Stone wrote this biography on his

fellow of the University of Chicago

father, a renowned 20th century architect.

Pritzker School of Medicine Academy of

Edward Durell Stone was responsible for

Distinguished Medical Educators.

iconic projects such as The Museum of Modern Art in New York, the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. Hicks Stone is a practicing architect and founder of Stone Architecture LLC. He received his Master of Architecture from Harvard University’s

Andrew Ponzo ’98 (left) and Peter Stavropoulos ‘82 at a conference together in January.

Peter G. Stavropoulos ’82 and Andrew M. Ponzo ’98 both attended the 2012 American Securitization Forum Conference in Las Vegas in January.

Graduate School of Design in 1983, and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Hamilton College in 1978. He has a national practice currently based in Roxbury, Connecticut, with projects from Maine to Florida and the Bahamas to California. His work has been published in Interior Design, House & Garden, Palm Beach Cottages & Gardens, Maine Home + Design and This Old House Magazine. He holds licenses to practice architecture in eight states and the District of Columbia. His firm’s principal focus is on the design of residential housing, retail boutiques and cultural facilities. For more information and examples of his work, please visit www.stone-architecture.com.

James Woodruff ’84 was recently appointed associate dean of students at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine.

In November, James N. Woodruff, M.D. ’84 sent in the following news: “I recently took on the position of Associate Dean of Students at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine and continue as Vice Chair of the Department of Medicine for Education.” In his new role, Dr. Woodruff will serve as advocate and advisor for medical students and student organizations as well as oversee all

Jeremy Stovin ‘87 with his daughter, Evelyn, at Browning in January.

Jeremy Stovin ’87 visited Browning in January with his daughter, Evelyn. Mr. Stovin and his family live in Washington State, where he works for Expeditors International as a senior cargo claims specialist in the risk management group. This was his first visit back to Browning in many years.

THE BUZZER • SPRING 2012 • 73

CLASS NOTES Alexander “Lex” Haris ’88 is managing editor of CNNMoney.com. On May 10, Mr. Haris will return to Browning to participate in the 2012 Alumni Career Panel, as part of the annual Alumni Reunion. As managing editor of CNNMoney, he oversees the site, which draws nearly 30 million unique visitors a month. Mr. Haris joined CNNMoney for the site’s launch in 2001, serving as deputy managing editor. He was named managing editor in December 2007. In 1999, he joined Time Warner as a senior

Members of the Class of 1989 at Bobby Van’s in December, L to R: Bryan Rhee ‘89, Andrew Monachelli ‘89, Michael Beys ‘89, Peter Orphanos ’89 and Kevin Polakoff ‘89.

editor for MONEY magazine’s website.

School. For more information, please visit

Prior to his work at MONEY, Lex worked

http://craigmooneystudio.com.

at Individual Investor magazine from January 1994 through December 1999,

Alumni Association President Michael P.

ultimately serving as executive editor. He

Beys ’89 reports that the Class of 1989

holds an M.A. from Fordham University

recently gathered for their 3rd Annual

in International Political Economy and

Holiday Dinner at Bobby Van’s in New

Development. He received his B.A. from

York in December. In addition to Michael,

Lake Forest College in 1992. He was born

Bryan Rhee ‘89, Andrew Monachelli ‘89,

and raised in Manhattan.

Peter R. Orphanos ‘89 and Kevin M.

1990s Michael Anselmo ’92 and his wife, Kristin, welcomed their baby, Ryan, to their family on January 12, 2012. Ryan weighed in at 9 pounds and 7 ounces.

Polakoff ‘89 were all in attendance.

Painter Craig Mooney ’88 in his studio.

Painter Craig A.

Michael said, “This year’s dinner was also

Mooney ’88 will

dubbed the ‘2 Kids Club’ since we each

be showing his

have two kids under the age of five. Most

artwork at

recently, Andrew and Bryan each had their

Gallery One in

second of two daughters, Gabriella and

Nashville,

Emma, respectively, and Kevin has an

Tennessee, from March 27-April 28. In

11-month-old boy, Caleb, along with his

January, The Marx Group – a marketing

5-year-old daughter, Alexa.”

Ryan Anselmo is the son of Kristin and Michael Anselmo ’92.

Andrew H. West ’92 and his wife, Kelly,

and communications group – wrote a

welcomed their second child, Evan Jack

press release on this exhibition saying,

Herbert West, to their family on May 11,

“Craig Mooney’s roots in art go back to

2011. Evan weighed in at 7 pounds and

his youth as a child living in Midtown

6 ounces, and joins his big sister, Ally,

Manhattan. The son of a physician and

who is age two.

avid amateur painter, Mooney would often scour office building rubbish bins for art supplies as a boy. The city was an immensely inspirational place for the young artist, especially on weekends when the city streets would empty and

Nic Perkin ’89 (left) and Sandy Pelz ’71 at Browning in January.

leave a vast canyon of office towers to be

Nicolas R. Perkin ’89 visited Browning

explored.” Mr. Mooney’s art can also be

in January. He stopped in to visit

seen in collections at New York Hospital,

in particular with Sandy Pelz ’71.

Cornell Medical College, Merchant Ivory

Mr. Perkin’s company, The Receivables

Films, and his alma mater, The Browning

Exchange, is doing very well and has grown from two people to 100 employees.

74 • THE BUZZER • SPRING 2012

Evan West is the son of Kelly and Andrew West ’92.

Previously, he was the deputy politics editor there. He can be reached at isaac@politico.com, or on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ isaacdovere. Brett C. Model ’98 Browning alumni at the wedding of Emily Spahr and Andy Madden ’96 (L to R): Lee Polikoff ’96, Andy Madden ’96, John Moran ’97, Andrew Ponzo ’98 and Juan Reyes ’86.

Spencer Rothschild ’90 (left) and Headmaster Steve Clement at the Browning Grade One cocktail party at the Copacabana in December.

Ben A. Berman ’93 recently wrote to us with the following news: “Rosalie and I are proud to announce the birth of our second son, Chase Daniel Berman, born on August 17. As always, my best to everyone.” In November, Sean-Patrick M. Hillman ’94 sent in the following news about what he and his wife, Kylie, have been up to: “We started a new charity called Rock & Rawhide, whose mission is to increase adoptions at Animal Care & Control and kill shelters across the nation through distraction therapy. [This involves] collecting items at music, arts and culinary events across the nation and donating them to the cats and dogs. According to our research, by giving dogs and cats these distractions, it brings the stress and noise levels down in these facilities, thereby allowing their real personalities to shine through…which leads to higher adoption rates!” In November, the New York Daily News ran a story on Rock & Rawhide, and the nonprofit has also been featured on the Reuters Board in Times Square as well as on several blogs and industry publications. For more information, please visit www.rockandrawhide.org.

Steven S. Johnson ’96 sent us the following news: “I recently started working at L’Occitane en Provence (corporate office in Midtown) as a systems and network administrator. I’ve been tasked with bringing our Brazilian subsidiary into the technology fold managed by my team; as a result I’ll be relocating to Sao Paulo Brazil for four months. Very excited!” T. Andrew Madden ’96 married Emily

recently sent in the following news: “After nearly a year working in the beautiful and serene

mountainous Kingdom of Bhutan, I have returned to China. Now I am living in Sanya on Hainan Island, a tropical white sand beach paradise located in the South China Sea. I am working for Starwood Hotels & Resorts. The hotel is incredibly busy, but I could not have picked a more picturesque beach to watch the sunset after a long day at work. Happy Year of the Dragon to everyone!”

Spahr on November 11, 2011, in New York City. The ceremony was held at the

Graig Springer ’98 on the cover of Fordham’s Corporate & Finance Law brochure last year.

Church of the Heavenly Rest and the reception was at 7 East 91st Street at the James Burden Mansion. Filmmaker Meshakai Wolf ’97 was featured at the 35th Annual Margaret Mead Film & Video Festival in November at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. His film, Flames of God, was played on the closing night of

Graig J. Springer ’98 was featured on the cover of Fordham Law School’s Corporate & Finance Law brochure.

the festival, and follows the Romani

On October 10,

songwriter and poet, Muzafer Bislim, on

Jesse E. Miller-

his journey from Macedonia to Paris for

Dillon ’99 and

the International Biennial of Poets. The

his wife, Alanna,

Mead Festival program presents an

welcomed their

outstanding and diverse program of 40

first child, daughter

films from 30 countries. Seven of the films

Leila Rose, to

are premieres, and the program was culled from more than 1,000 submissions. Edward-Isaac Dovere ’98 was appointed

Leila Rose MillerDillon is the daughter of Alanna and Jesse Miller-Dillon ’99.

their family.

deputy White House editor at Politico.

THE BUZZER • SPRING 2012 • 75

CLASS NOTES Etienne M. Pourtout ’99 recently sent us the following news: “I’ve moved to Atlanta, Georgia, and serve as a news reporter for two publications, the Marietta Daily Journal and the Douglas County Sentinel. I’ve also launched my own sports media Web page titled The Sports Inquirer; check it out at thesportsinquirer.wordpress.com.”

L to R: Chris Jordan ’09, Mr. Dearinger and Andy Sandberg ’01 at the Book Fair in October.

to juggle many hats as a director, producer, writer and actor. He is currently

2000s

developing multiple new plays and

Benjamin S. Melting ’00 recently sent in

and regional theater. “The Last Smoker

the following news: “As of January 1,

in America,” an original musical by Bill

2012, I accepted an offer to join New York

Russell and Peter Melnick, which Andy

City real estate firm Stribling &

is directing and producing, is aiming

Associates. As this is an extraordinary

for a New York premiere in 2012.

time to be in the real estate industry, I am

For more information about Andy’s

only happy to share my knowledge and

various projects and opportunities to

experience. Please feel free to email me

get involved, please send an email to

anytime: BMelting@Stribling.com. I am

Andy@AndySandberg.com.

musicals for Broadway, Off-Broadway

always happy to hear from the Browning community. I hope all had a terrific 2011,

In November, Nicholas S. Versandi ’01

and my best to all in 2012.”

ran the ING New York City Marathon for the Alzheimer’s Association, along with

Michael D. Alpert ’01 graduated with a

his twin sister, Alexis.

Ph.D. in virology from Harvard University. Actor Paul Dano ’02 and banker Jamie Ralph D. Labossiere ’01 visited Browning

Dimon ’74 are both listed as alumni of

in November.

The Browning School in Lisa Birnbach’s 2011 book, True Prep: It’s a Whole New

Colin R. McGurk ’01 recently sent in

Old World.

the following news: “I am back living in New York City and am working full time

1st Lieutenant Luke A. Forelle, USMC ’02

as a scenic designer. I’m an associate

is an infantry officer with the 3d Battalion,

designer at Alexander Dodge’s Studio and

3d Marines. He is currently serving in

am working on my own shows around

Helmand Province, Afghanistan, and is

town. My work can be seen online at

expected to return from this deployment

www.makethespace.com.“

in June 2012.

Andy Sandberg ‘01 was invited back to

Jonas F. Borra ’03 recently sent in the

Yale University, his alma mater, on

following news: “My band, the EMP’s, is

January 19 to present a Master’s Tea in

about to release a new single called, ‘In

Jonathan Edwards College. He addressed

Your Eyes.’ You can check us out on

an audience of undergraduates, graduate

Facebook at facebook.com/theemps.”

L to R: Stafford Travers ’05, Ralph Labossiere ’01, Andrew West ’92 and Alex Sheridan ’04 at Browning in November.

Rouge, Louisiana. In January 2011, he had the opportunity to speak at an NAACP education hearing at the Wadleigh School in Manhattan. He has also been working closely with the Max Cadet Dental Foundation, a non-profit dental clinic in Haiti since 1992. During the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, the principal place of establishment was destroyed and the Foundation has since been working from a mobile dental clinic. Samora is working to raise awareness and support for this organization, and recently, he had the opportunity to work with developers regarding the construction and rebuilding of the clinic. For more information, please visit http://www.maxcadet.org. Comedian Sam E. Morril ’05 performed in Kirkland, Washington, in October, and in Austin, Texas, in November. Also last year, Sam was named one of Comedy Central’s 2011 “Comics to Watch,” and he was a finalist in New York’s Funniest Stand-Up at Carolines in New York City. Benjamin P. D’Innocenzo ’06 sent us the

students and faculty members, speaking about his career in theater and the current

Samora L. Legros ’03 is in his first year at

state of the industry. Andy continues

Southern University Law Center in Baton

76 • THE BUZZER • SPRING 2012

Benjamin D’Innocenzo ’06 in Chiang Mai, Thailand, at a tiger sanctuary outside the city.

following news: “I recently completed my MBA in International Business and graduated with honors. I have been indulging in some excellent travel around Southeast Asia since the end of December and have made my way through Indonesia, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam and soon the Philippines as well. I will have not have been stateside for nearly two years and look forward to returning to New York and Browning!” David L. Bendes ’07 was awarded a full

New York-based journalist Alex Vadukul ‘07 (center with newspaper) spent time with the staff of the Grytte, Browning’s student-run newspaper.

tuition Kauffman Entrepreneurial Year

Last summer he traveled to Kolkata,

create a ‘Stern Newsroom’ in the

fellowship by the Kaufman Foundation

India, with his father, photographer Max

existing Stern Lounge that offered

(St. Louis) and the University of

Vadukul, to write a piece for the Winter

students access to free newspapers and

Rochester. David will study at the

Travel issue of The New York Times Style

magazines as well as iPads and

University of Rochester within its

Magazine. For an excerpt, see page 80.

NOOKs. Not only will students be able

Simon Graduate School of Business and

For more information, please visit

to catch up on relevant current events,

the Eastman School of Music to create a

http://alexvadukul.com/. In January,

but it also fosters a sense of community

concert venue and series featuring

Alex returned to Browning to talk with

by providing topics for students across

locally and nationally recognized

the staff of the Grytte newspaper.

all grades to discuss and explore in a

artists, and to develop a music business

common setting. After being selected to

certificate program at the University.

the top three out of 21 ideas submitted,

This past summer, David completed an

we made a 15-minute live pitch to the

internship at Atlantic Records, a

dean and Stern administration, and our

division of Warner Music.

idea was chosen! We will now be responsible for the implementation of

Gabriel A. Ulla ’07 recently sent us the

the idea and successful maintenance of

following news: “For the last five months,

the Newsroom!”

I’ve been working as features editor of the website Eater National, a job that’s given me the chance to do long-form interviews

L to R: Jason Bader ’11, Mr. Reynolds and Nick Stieg ’11 at Browning in January.

Nicholas Stieg ’11 plays on Cornell University’s polo team.

with Ferran Adrià, René Redzepi, Anthony Bourdain, Heston Blumenthal, Eric Ripert and many other chefs. In addition to performing editing duties, I’ve been able to report from Copenhagen, Paris and all across Spain and the U.S. I also oversee the video department at Eater New York, producing all video segments on that site.”

2010s Jason T. Bader ’11 was a winner of New York University’s Stern Ideation Challenge. He recently sent us the following details about this news: “I organized a group of four Stern freshmen, including myself, to prepare a pitch for an idea to benefit the Stern

Alexander M. Vadukul '07 is a contributor to The New York Times. He writes frequently for the Sunday Metropolitan section of the paper and recently penned his first cover article.

community as a submission for the Stern Ideation Challenge, a yearly competition where all members of Stern can submit ideas that operate under a $4,000 annual budget. Our idea was to

Michele Gama-Sosa ’10 is on the track team at Yale University.

THE BUZZER • SPRING 2012 • 77

Former Faculty News Former faculty member Matthew P. Horvat and his family are moving to Redmond, Washington, where Mr. Horvat will be headmaster of The Overlake School. In January, former faculty member Patty Kim and her husband, Joon, welcomed their son, Colin Matthew Kim, to the world. Colin weighed in at 7 pounds and 13 ounces.

Alex and Matteo Horvat are the sons of Susan and Matt Horvat.

Colin Matthew Kim is the son of Joon and Patty Kim.

Former faculty member Taylor Mali is writing a book called, What Teachers Make, part-memoir and part-teaching philosophy filled with stories and liberally spiced with poetry. The book is due for publication by Putnam this spring.

In Memoriam James S. Berman P ’93, ’98 John H. Davis ’47 Stephen M. DuBrul P ’84 Trustee Lois L. Hutzler P ’83, ’86; GP ’16, ’19 Jane McEntyre P ’09 Doris A. Meyer P ’57 Anthony D. Stark ’79 Anthony Stockdale ’72

For more information, including links to obituaries, please visit www.browning.edu/alumni.

78 • THE BUZZER • SPRING 2012

FROM THE ARCHIVES

From the Archives

he Lower Gym is pictured as it appeared in days gone by. In October, a ribbon-cutting ceremony commemorated this

newly expanded space which has accommodated assemblies, special events and athletic contests over the past months.

THE BUZZER â€˘ SPRING 2012 â€˘ 79

ALUMNI IN THE NEWS

Alex Vadukul ’07 in the News “Filthy, Gorgeous,” an essay by Alex Vadukul ’07 on traveling to Kolkata (formerly Calcutta), India, with his father, appeared in the November 18 edition of T: The New York Times Style Magazine. The two men journeyed to Kolkata this summer to document the city’s storied culture, photographing and profiling some of its notable artists, thinkers, writers and artists. Alex wrote, “The misunderstood city welcomed our curiosity. Its grim slums, incessant Ambassador taxi horns and unpleasant street odors tested us at first, but we eventually developed a great affection for the place.” A video documenting their experience on assignment was featured online, along with a slideshow of the story's portraits. Coincidentally, in his conclusion, Alex refers to Kolkata as having a bond with “the life of the mind” – the topic of this edition of the Buzzer. Alex’s introductory essay to the piece appears below.

all the third-world metropolises, few are as maligned as Kolkata. To many, it is synonymous

with bleakness, instinctually associated with slums, delirious traffic, Mother Teresa’s Home for the Dying and weary rickshaw pullers. But it is also part of India’s cultural bedrock, having produced some of its greatest writers, thinkers, artists and filmmakers. In June I traveled to the city with my father, Max

(L to R): Max and Alex Vadukul '07

Vadukul, to interview and photograph a cast of notable

happen. We were, perhaps, already too culturally far gone.

residents, from the artist Suhasini Kejriwal to the godfather

But as years passed, I wanted to know more. My skin tone

of Indian cinema, Mrinal Sen.

was an unexplored mystery. When Max’s father, Shantilal,

The trip was personal as well. Max is Indian but was born in Kenya and culturally Anglicized as a teenager in

died, he felt a similar desire to be intimate with his past. The misunderstood city welcomed our curiosity. Its grim

London. He first tried eating meat as a nine-year-old, when

slums, incessant Ambassador taxi horns and unpleasant street

he attempted to wolf a drumstick, but his parents snatched it

odors tested us at first, but we eventually developed a great

away. He wouldn’t taste meat for another 10 years. Later, to

affection for the place. To the shock of Max’s traumatized photo

his parents’ dismay, he married an Italian. My twin sister and

assistant, we were sad to leave it, charmed by Bengali

I were born in Milan, and we grew up immersed in Italian

hospitality and its bond with the life of the mind. We’ll miss the

culture. As our family made a life in New York, we only

long conversations with talkative strangers; bookstores no

drifted further from our Indian heritage.

bigger than a literal hole in the wall; and the simple pleasures

When the family took a trip to India in 2005, my father hoped we would have a revelatory experience. That didn’t

80 • THE BUZZER • SPRING 2012

of lighting a cigarette the local way, with the slow burning butt of a rope nailed to the wall of a corner shop. n

ART IN FOCUS

Minds and Hands at Work… Middle School Boys at Browning

Stone Ware, Glaze • By Philip Connor ’12

Art teacher Zachary Davis explains that students in

successful combination of wheel throwing and hand-

the ceramics classes are encouraged to learn to throw

building techniques. It displays the vast potential of this

traditional, functional forms on the potter’s wheel. They

method and the complex visual effects that can be achieved.

are also given the opportunity to alter these forms and

This form also displays innovative application of glazes,

combine them to create sculptural objects. Mr. Davis notes,

which produces an extremely unique and lively surface.”

“The form pictured here is an excellent example of a

nder the guidance of their teacher,

Notre-Dame. Mr. Bernard snapped these photos of his proud

Dominique Bernard, sixth grade French

students (note their expressions!) and their creations, as

students constructed scale models of famous

showcased in Headmaster Clement’s office this past winter.

French landmarks, from the Eiffel Tower to

For more information on the project, please turn to page 40.

spring 2012

THE BROWNING SCHOOL the browning school buzzer

"The Life of the Mind" at Browning

Spring 2012