Spring/Summer 2018
EXTRA! EXTRA! READ ALL ABOUT IT!
The Grytte Turns 120
a rt i n f o c u s
SUNSET SKYLINE Philip Raftopoulos ’18 Photograph
contents
Spring/Summer 2018 FEATURES
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Grytte Student Newspaper Celebrates 120 Years
16 Robotics Program Fosters Tech Skills and Community Leadership
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DEPARTMENTS 3 From the Head of School 12 Fine and Performing Arts
Colleges Offering Admission to Class of 2018
27 The Local Buzz 44 From the Archives
46 Summer Stipends
58 Athletics
54 Parents Association Benefit 2018
64 Alumni Events 84 Class Notes
Art in Focus (facing page): Art in Focus (facing page): Philip Raftopoulos ’18, a member of the School’s Photography Club, explains, “The Browning Photography Club captures various artistic photos throughout the year. Members of the club visited new areas, ranging from Venice to New York. Their photos captured
unique subjects, seasons and themes. Students practiced different methods of photography, including changing aperture, shutter speed and ISO. They also focused on creating high-quality images and utilized various editing techniques. Examples include modifying exposure, contrast, saturation, highlights and tones.”
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ON THE COVER
In its first issue of this school year, the staff of the Grytte student newspaper included part one of a three-part series reviewing the history of its publication, which celebrates its 120th year. Turn to page 4 for details.
MISSION STATEMENT 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
BUZZER STAFF
John M. Botti, Head of School Melanie S. McMahon, Director of Publications, Buzzer Editor Laura N. Lanigan, Director of Alumni Affairs SPRING/SUMMER BUZZER CONTRIBUTORS Dominique Bernard, French Teacher
Lauck Blake, Physical Education Teacher
Anderson Harp, Computer Science & Engineering Department Chair
Megan Ryan, Modern Languages Department Chair
a lifelong love of learning,
the belief in the dignity of the individual, and 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.
Andrew H. West ’92, Athletic Director
John Young, Classics Department Chair Contributing Photographers: Christine Bramble, Coffee Pond Productions, Rossa Cole, Jeremy Katz ’04, Laura Lanigan, Melanie McMahon, Al Pareira, Sanford Pelz ’71, Judit Resika Design by Misty Wilt Graphic Design LLC Proofreading by Marie S. Leed
BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2017-18
Valda M. Witt, President Stuart J. Ellman, Vice President David E. Glaymon, Vice President David J. Liptak, Vice President Alka K. Singh, Vice President Richard L.N. Weaver ’75, Treasurer Robert D. Ziff, Assistant Treasurer Celeste A. Guth, Secretary Andrew B. Sandberg ’01, President, Alumni Association John M. Botti, Head of School Nazmi Oztanir, President, Parents Association Maria I. Dell’Oro, Vice President, Parents Association
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Michael P. Beys ’89 Wendy W. Brooks Paul A. Burke Mark G. Cunha Elizabeth Granville-Smith Stephanie H. Hessler Philip A. Hofmann Federico Infantino
Ling S. Kwok Jeffrey M. Landes ’83 Raul Pineda Andrew M. Snyder Ellen Stafford-Sigg Deborah C. van Eck Andrew E. Vogel
James S. Chanos, Honorary Trustee Allan L. Gropper, Honorary Trustee T HE
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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 a celebration of the varied appearances, abilities, perspectives and values that characterize our community.
The Buzzer is published two times a year by The Browning School. The School may be reached at 212 838 6280. Website: www.browning.edu. 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 head of school
Tradition & Innovation: Allies at Browning Browning is often described as a
When change is pursued, it is not out of
that we can and should embrace. When
a concern for present fashion, but instead
so much to so many boys and families,
in the name of offering our boys new
strength and collective meaning that our
activities, pedagogies and perspectives…
“traditional” school, and this is a term
I think upon why Browning has meant I inevitably reflect upon the narrative
school’s traditional elements provide. Strong communities are not accidental, but rather a matter of purposefully cultivated
interactions, rituals and symbols; absent these reliable markers
our manner of serving boys well in an evolving educational
individuals, mere institutions – not strong or true communities.
so Browning tries both to avoid fads and to be self-honest when
stable environment and its shared expectations. Some of these
wise caution is certainly compatible with an open mind, and so
of tradition, schools are seldom more than aggregations of
context. Now, not all innovations are helpful to a community, and
And so Browning expresses its significance, in part, through its
a new program, schedule or event has not been successful. But a
involve recognizable rituals and symbols, such as our morning
tradition and innovation are ready allies in the work of a school.
trips. Other traditions are more abstract, such as an ongoing
traditions nor innovations are goals unto themselves but, rather,
norms of civility and mutual concern, and a preponderance of
they are” as thinkers, leaders, citizens and friends. Customs are
coaches and staff with the boys in their charge. These elements
rather, because they continue to provide boys the resources to
will never change.
in a way that helps them ask and answer important questions
but such fidelity cannot be unthinking and dogmatic if the
and courageous young man. In the same vein, when change is
philosophical founder of modern conservatism, Edmund Burke,
in the name of offering our boys new activities, pedagogies and
means of some change is without the means of its conservation.”
character dispositions, and forge deeper emotional connections
that successful states are also inescapably sites of reform and
critical thinking, ethical virtue and interpersonal empathy – are
some measure of evolution quickly becomes anachronistic and
be used in their pursuit, be it a venerable broadsheet student
health stems from its capacity for updating its plant, its program
program breaking new ground. Together, they speak to one of
while still hewing to its mission. As a school leader, I myself
it is through the traditional and the innovative alike that boys
renovated school building, the emergence of squash as a sport,
gentleman of the first order.
handshake, public speaking competition and perennial field
That work, of course, is the work of transformation. Neither
commitment to a broad liberal arts curriculum, community
crucial instruments in the effort to help boys become more “who
personalized, nurturing relationships developed by teachers,
maintained not because “that’s what we’ve always done,” but,
are constitutive of the Browning experience, and these elements
connect with ideas, with peers and with institutional history
Adherence to tradition can be powerful for communities,
about what it means to live as a compassionate, honest, curious
community is to meaningfully endure. As the traditionalist and
pursued, it is not out of a concern for present fashion, but instead
observed during the French Revolution: “A State without the
perspectives that will spark intellectual passions, strengthen
While no advocate of revolutionary upheaval, Burke recognized
with teachers and peers alike. The ends we seek – patient
innovation, for tradition that is not self-reflective and open to
worthy ones indeed, and, thus, we do well to employ all that can
even irrelevant. So it is with schools, and much of Browning’s
newspaper celebrating its 120th year or a burgeoning robotics
and its personnel to meet the needs of its community members
the central insights of the Browning experience; namely, that
am the fortunate inheritor of many recent innovations – the
are transformed into capable, conscientious, compassionate
and the introduction of a new Lower School math curriculum, for example – that have been among our “means of conservation,”
John M. Botti
Head of School
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f e at u r e
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THE
BROWNING
Grytte
CELEBRATES 120 YEARS!
In its first issue of the 2017-18 school year, the editorial staff of the
Browning Grytte included part one of a three-part series reviewing the history of its publication, established in 1897. Grytte advisor Jeremy Katz ’04 took pride in describing the special efforts taken by the staff for this particular anniversary edition, noting, “For
the first issue of the school year, the Grytte has gone big, literally! The boys chose to print this special edition broadsheet size. A big
thanks to John Botti, Jim Reynolds and Jim Simon for their review and support, and a huge shout-out to Sarah Murphy, who worked with our budding archivists to create the anniversary section of this edition, which reprints several articles from our 120-year history. The boys discovered really interesting finds that still
resonate in today’s news cycle.” In this edition – Volume 114 –
one of the paper’s three editors-in-chief, Caleb Sussman ’18, offered a retrospective, beginning on page 6.
Spring/Summer 2018
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F
ounded in 1897, the Grytte was
The Grytte has been contemporary
with the mission of aiding students to
to several events in modern history
originally a foreign affairs magazine, provide students with the “means of
acquiring knowledge of passing events in the outside world.”
The first issue, published in November of
1897, dealt with such global current events as
several renowned journalists who all served on
featured local coverage, including the creation
Sulzberger, Jr. ’70, chairman of The New York
of New York City’s first trolley car, as well as
several personal narratives. Unfortunately, no
copies of the Grytte have been preserved from
the period between 1898 and 1948. In this period, it is assumed that the Grytte took many forms and was not regularly published, and that the Lit, now exclusively a literary magazine, also
did some reporting. However, it is known that the newspaper was published in all of these
years, except for six, which is why Volume 114 celebrates 120 years of publication.
Nevertheless, the Grytte has been
contemporary to several events in modern history
and was there to write about each. The issues from the early 1960s deal with the implications of the
civil rights movement and integration in schools, while the issues from the later ’60s and ’70s
primarily deal with communism, the Red Scare, and the Vietnam War, amongst other topics.
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The Grytte has fostered the careers of
the British Invasion of Egypt and the Greek War of Independence. However, the first issue also
T HE
and was there to write about each.
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staff while students at Browning: Arthur Ochs
Times; Henry Luce, III ’42, publisher of Time and Fortune; David Callaway ’82, Chief Executive
Officer of TheStreet; and R. Thomas Herman ’64 and Ralph Gardner ’71, both columnists for The Wall Street Journal. Michael Ingrisani,
Browning’s English department chair, has twice been the faculty advisor to the Grytte. During
his second advisorial tenure, in the early ’90s, the
Grytte was published and printed in-house; since then it has outsourced its printing to a location in Long Island City. In the time between 1897 and
1950, the Grytte began to shift its coverage from primarily being centered around foreign affairs to being centered around school events and
happenings. This tradition is continued today. In
this 114th volume of the Grytte, the editorial staff republishes various articles from seminal events in the history of the past 120 years. ‑Caleb Sussman ’18
A BIG HAND FOR THE “BIG” EDITION! The following staff members are to be
William Mazzaro ’21, Christopher
the broadsheet-sized 120th anniversary
Motz ’19, Matteo Nickola ’21, Christian
commended for their work in creating edition of the Grytte:
EDITORS-IN-CHIEF
George Grimbilas ’18, Jackson
Richter ’18, Caleb Sussman ’18
Modica ’19, Gavin Mora ’21, Alexander Odenius ’22, Noah Oliva ’25, William Post ’25, Alexander Raftopoulos ’21, Philip Raftopoulos ’18, Jamie
Sussman ’22, Gabriel Soluri ’18, George Stavropoulos ’18, Dylan Steck ’21
DEPUTY EDITORS
ARCHIVISTS
Ishikawa ’18, Sebastian Rodriguez ’19,
Alexander Motz ’19
Theodore David ’18, Takayuki Diego Santamarina ’19 CONTRIBUTORS
Alexander Barr ’21, Logan Flynn ’20,
Ross Gramley ’23, Conor Gubbins ’19, Henry Gussman ’23, Andrew
Halajian ’21, Asher Hurowitz ’21,
Fazeel Khan ’21, Alexander Kwok ’20,
Caleb Sussman ’18, Gavin Mora ’21,
ARCHIVAL CONTRIBUTORS
Ryan Flynn ’12, William Guggenheim, III ’56, Eric Jamrich ’80, Daniel Levy ’96, Arthur MacArthur, IV ’56, Efrain
Morales ’13, Kevin Seal ’04, Arthur
Ochs Sulzberger, Jr. ’70, Will Tanous ’88, Scott Uffner ’04, Ameil Weisfogel ’88
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EXTRA! EXTRA! READ ALL ABOUT IT! Here are just a few of the headlines making news in
the pages of the Grytte through the years, as reprinted in the December 2017 retrospective issue:
NOVEMBER 1969 By Arthur Ochs Sulzberger, Jr. ’70
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Grytte Staffer Interviews Israeli Officials
Res pon din g
Ter to t he r o of 9 r A t t / ack 1 NO 1 VE MB s By ER Sco 2 t tU ffne 001 r ’0 4
PR TH OTES E F TIN LA GA G AP GA IS RIL W 2 By RO INST Kev 003 NG in S ea
T S I N U M M O C E TH EAT THR 6 III ’56 H 195 , C m i R e h MA uggen G m a illi By W
l ’0 4
LOG ON TO THE BROWNING WEBSITE AT browning.edu/grytte120years to view a video about the Grytte’s gold medalist award, as well as its 120th anniversary celebrations.
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GRYTTE GARNERS GOLD MEDALIST AWARD The Grytte newspaper staff was awarded a Gold Medalist rating by the Columbia Scholastic Press Association (CSPA) for the issues published in 2016-17 by boys in Grade Four through Form VI. The Medalist Critiques are the written evaluation of the publication compared against a set of printed criteria as completed by CSPA judges. At the end of last year, to celebrate the anniversary of its inaugural issue, which debuted in November, 1897, the staff, along with faculty advisor Jeremy Katz ’04, visited the Wall Street offices of TheStreet, a financial news and services website, where alumnus David Callaway ’82 serves as CEO. Mr. Callaway, who was a panelist at last year’s Grytte journalism conference, led a tour with the boys before engaging in a discussion with them about the current state of journalism, as
Grytte Editors-in-Chief (L-R) Jackson Richter ’18, George Grimbilas ’18, Caleb Sussman ’18.
well as that of the Grytte itself. Please read more on page 85.
GRYTTE STAFF HOSTS STUDENT JOURNALISM CONFERENCE
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he Grytte
and discuss common issues
words of advice. Panelists
staff hosted
they face as student-news
included Gillian Tett, U.S.
a journalism
organizations. The event
managing editor for Financial
conference in
also featured a panel of
Times; Alex Vadukul ’07,
February, providing an
professional journalists
contributor to The New York
opportunity for school
(pictured with moderator
Times and U.S. editor for
newspaper staffs from across
Caleb Sussman ’18) who
Port Magazine; and Brian
New York City to acquaint
discussed the state of
O’Keefe, deputy editor of
themselves with their peers
journalism and imparted
Fortune Magazine.
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Many members of the Grytte staff attended the annual CSPA Fall Conference at Columbia University for the third consecutive year. See additional photos of this day on page 6. Spring/Summer 2018
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fine and p e r f o r m i n g a rt s
ANNUAL ART SHOW APPRECIATED BY ALL Artwork created by Browning boys under the direction of art
teachers Nik Vlahos and Kate Bancroft brightened the Kurani
Gym and other spaces within the School during the Annual Art
Show attended by proud parents and siblings, as well as the boys, faculty, staff and Trustees. From the Upper School self portraits to the ever-popular penguins made by the Kindergarten boys, the hard work and talent at every division level was evident.
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CONCERT STARTS THE DAY OFF RIGHT! Michael Cedric Smith, a
classical guitarist and father
of Brogan ’17 and Farrell ’23, performed a set of engaging pieces at a Lower School
assembly concert. Joining
Mr. Smith on the program were after-school music instructors
Gemma Hinson on violin and Ilinka Manova on piano. This
duo featured a tango as well as music by Mozart and Chopin, two of the composers studied
by Lower School boys this year. The Upper School Chorus,
directed by Richard Symons, gave thrilling renditions of
songs from “Miss Saigon” and “Les Miserables.”
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MUSIC DEPARTMENT CHAIR SPEAKS AT NYSAIS/IBSC CONFERENCE Music Department Chair and Lower
School Music Specialist Lucy Warner was selected by the New York State
Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS) and the International
Boys Schools Coalition (IBSC) to
present a workshop for teachers at the organization’s conference in
February. Held at The Buckley School in New York City, her workshop was geared to Lower School music and language arts instructors.
Ms. Warner’s one-hour presentation,
entitled “Superhero Mozart and the Magical
Fourth,” featured poetry, chanting to the beat, visualizing and singing the musical interval of a fourth, and then applying these skills to a user-friendly xylophone-playing session (transferrable to visual representations for language arts teachers). Her program was based on the opening phrases of Mozart’s
popular serenade, “Eine Kleine Nachtmusik (A Little Night Music).”
AUGUST VENTURA PRESENTS AN EVENING OF VERDI In May the Browning community enjoyed an evening with New York architect, journalist and filmmaker August Ventura, who presented a program on the life and
works of Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi and who bears a striking physical
resemblance to Verdi as well. The event also featured
performances by both the
Upper School Chorus and
Ovation Orchestra and was followed by a reception.
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f e at u r e
ROBOTICS PROGRAM FOSTERS TECH SKILLS AND COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP “GRACIOUS PROFESSIONALISM” A BASIC TENET OF SUCCESS
According to Director of Technology Aaron Grill, the study of robotics at The Browning School inherently relates to all facets of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics), which has long been emphasized at every division level. For instance, the Lower School technology curriculum is designed in part to provide students, beginning in Kindergarten, with the opportunity to explore their interest in robotics. Once they enter Middle School, the boys reinforce their robotics skills and focus on how they might apply them to real-world problems. Upper School students are given a choice of technology courses to take during their final four years at Browning; not surprisingly, many choose to pursue their knowledge and build their skills in the subject of robotics. (Turn to page 21 to read about the robotics tools offered in Browning’s Tech Lab.)
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Moreover, Head of School John
Director of Technology Aaron
Botti is pleased that the robotics
Grill elaborated on the program
tenets of the organization FIRST,
in that we have dedicated classes
program, modeled upon the
promotes the overall Browning
mission of developing “personal
integrity and responsibility to the broader community.”
and its goals. “Browning is unique in the department of Computer Science and Engineering (CSE). Students in every grade, from
Kindergarten through Form III,
are exposed to a CSE class that
explores basic computer science principles and engineering
design processes. The boys then
have the option of taking a CS or engineering elective in Forms IV
through VI. Robotics is a field that unites these two interconnected
fields (CS and engineering) in an ideal way,” explained Mr. Grill.
HEAD OF SCHOOL JOHN BOTTI IS
“Robotics allows students to make
PLEASED THAT ROBOTICS, MODELED
and hardware by writing code
UPON THE TENETS OF “FIRST,” PROMOTES THE BROWNING MISSION OF DEVELOPING “PERSONAL
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a connection between software that declares a conditional
statement, dependent on input, which then controls the output
of a motor and ultimately moves a robot forward or allows it to pick up an object. The joy of
INTEGRITY AND RESPONSIBILITY TO
successfully programming a robot
THE BROADER COMMUNITY.”
daily in the School’s Tech Lab.”
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to complete a task can be seen
MOST IMPORTANTLY, THE ULTRO TEAM WAS THE RUNNER-UP FOR THE INSPIRE AWARD, WHICH IS PRESENTED FOR OVERALL ROBOT DESIGN, COMMUNITY BUILDING, INCLUSIVITY, ENGINEERING NOTEBOOK, BUSINESS/ STRATEGIC PLAN, INNOVATION AND PRESENTATION. Mr. Grill added, “Over the
past three years, our school’s robotics program has been shaped by an organization
named FIRST – For Inspiration and Recognition of Science
and Technology. (Read more at
competitive, it values students
adding that the team won the
rewards those that inspire
unique and stable design. Most
mentoring other teams and
and support others. Gracious
professionalism is a core value here at Browning as well.”
This year the Browning
www.firstinspires.org.) FIRST
robotics team, named “Ultro,”
the world each year, with the
in Latin – a nod to the team’s
challenges schools around
goal of inspiring students to
participate in a ‘mentor-based
research and robotics program to help them become science
and technology leaders, as well
as well-rounded contributors to society.’ FIRST values promote
‘Gracious Professionalism: a way of doing things that encourages high-quality work, emphasizes
the value of others, and respects
individuals and the community.’ While the challenge is extremely
meaning “of one’s own accord” mission based on autonomous programming objectives –
qualified for the New York
City Regional Championships. Mr. Grill was thrilled to
announce that Ultro was the
second team out of five to qualify for the championships; 30 teams competed for five qualifying
spots in the regionals. “This was the best performance to date by the Browning robotics team in
its three-year history,” he said,
Innovation Award for an elegant, importantly, the team was
the runner-up for the Inspire Award, which is presented for overall robot design,
community building, inclusivity, engineering notebook, business/ strategic plan, innovation and
presentation. Mr. Grill explained, “This placement qualified Ulto for the regional competition as the second team out of five to
ultimately qualify. The Inspire
Award placement is considered more valuable than winning
the competition, as it represents the values we wish to aspire to,
beyond winning in competition.” To view photos of Mr. Grill
and meet his Ultro team, turn to page 20.
Spring/Summer 2018
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CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2017-18 ULTRO TEAM! We are pleased to recognize the team
members of Ultro who worked so hard
and displayed the qualities of “gracious
professionalism” as they qualified for the NYC Regional Championships.
Robotics Drive Team and “Pit Crew” Robert Nielsen ’18 Ben Ellman ’18
Alec Candidato ’20
Giordan Escalona ’20 Erig Sigg ’21
Learn more about Browning robotics on YouTube:
Robotics Team Scouts and Support Rein Landsberg ’20
Giovanni Taveras ’20
www.browning.edu/robovid1
Zachary Brown ’20
www.browning.edu/robovid2
Griffin Davis ’21
Alex Kwok ’20
Christian Kim ’21
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BROWNING TECH LAB OFFERS ROBOTICS TOOLS AT ALL DIVISION LEVELS Cubelets Modular Robotics are robot
Lego Mindstorms EV3 lets Browning
younger boys in learning by building robots.
robots to drive, walk and spin, among other
blocks that make it fast and easy to engage Boys snap the robot blocks together, and
the magnetic faces do the rest. Every unique arrangement results in a new robot with its
own unique “behaviors.” Students problem solve to put together their creations using
logical thinking, patterns and sequencing. Lego WeDo introduces Lower School boys to robotics, allowing them to build and
program Lego models that feature working motors and sensors.
Browning boys use Makebot mBot – an
students build, program and command their things. The boys are given bricks, motors and sensors to build their robots, which
are then “brought to life” by using the EV3
programmer app and a smartphone or tablet as a remote control.
The FIRST Tech Challenge involves the boys programming robots on Android
phones acting as the core communications
hub, using Android Studio and Java as the programming language along with REV robotics electronics, motors and servos.
educational kit for beginners – and Scratch
LittleBits are modular electronic “building
community – to gain hands-on experience
stick together using small magnets and wood.
– a free programming language and online in robotics. The mBot kit comes with
various pre-assembled options, including an obstacle-avoidance car. Because it is
compatible with the Makeblock platform and most Lego parts, it offers the boys
infinite extensibility as they create their “dream robots.”
blocks” that aid in the design of robots; they Older students use Autodesk Fusion 360
software for 3D mechanical design of the robots. They can produce accurate 3D
models to aid in designing, visualizing
and stimulating robots before they actually build them.
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LEGO MINDSTORMS NAMED FOR BOOK BY MIT PROFESSOR, A TRAILBLAZER FOR COMPUTER-AIDED EDUCATION Lego Mindstorms products are named after the book “Mindstorms: Children, Computers and Powerful Ideas” by the late Seymour Papert, an MIT professor who helped blaze the trail for computer-aided education for children. Papert had the foresight to view these massive machines as a means to help children learn by doing. He developed a programming language for
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children, who initially used it to program and animate a small robot turtle. Papert’s “constructionist” theory of education held that “kids learn best by building things and making things happen,” according to an article in the MIT News. Director of Technology and Advisor to the Ultro Team, Aaron Grill wrote of his regard for Papert’s pedagogy in Browning’s online series,
From Theory to Practice (www.browning.edu/theoryto-practice/aaron-grill), noting that Papert challenged the traditional school model to “break away from the old patterns where children were born as learners, learned from their own energy until they went to school, and when they went to school, the first thing they had to learn was to stop learning and begin being taught.”
HIGHLIGHTS ON THE ROAD TO ROBOTICS SUCCESS
In 2013
first grade boys began to work with Lego WeDo in their
introductory robotics class. Each boy had a partner
and worked through the build instructions on an iPad. The boys rotated between being the builder and the
invention to a panel of some of the best advertising
professionals from JUICE Pharma Worldwide, where Browning parent Forrest King is managing partner and chief innovation officer.
One boy offered an accounting of his design and
reader which helped them develop their collaboration
experience at JUICE: “My design was of a robot dog.
building their robots and began learning how to
their children responsibility. The dog was upcycled
skills. Over the course of three weeks, the boys finished program them using the WeDo software and Scratch. While the first graders were hard at work, the
fifth graders started to assemble their own base robot in the lab. The boys were paired together
and used Browning’s Google Drive to report on
their assignments. Once their robot was complete, they then investigated the various sensors and programming controls in the NXT software.
In 2014 as part of their Advanced Engineering
course, Upper School boys participated in the
Ten80 Student Racing Challenge competition in
The purpose of the dog was to help parents teach
to connect to the internet using Wi-Fi signals. From these signals, anyone with a phone and the correct
password could control the dog. The parent could force the dog to make a noise until a button is pressed. My
design was created using littleBits, modular electronics that transfer energy and stick together using small
magnets and wood. The presentation of my design was a culmination of all the lessons we learned in class.
Presenting the final iteration of the project was a great experience in entrepreneurship and public speaking.”
In 2016 the Browning Robotics Club, comprised
Waltham, Mass. This year-long challenge dared
of four boys, competed in the FIRST Tech Challenge
high schools across America, building and tuning
Horace Mann. FTC is an international competition
students to reach nationals by competing against
radio-controlled cars, then racing them against each other. Points were earned through winning races,
overcoming engineering challenges, creating a clean visual design or driving a certain maneuver. During the competition, at one point two Browning team
members (Jacob King ’14 and Jonathan Flinchum ’14) were tasked with finding the engineering solution to fix a broken car. The boys were victorious, and
thus, Browning’s Clutch Motorsports team was one of the only teams that day to fully fix and analyze
their vehicle, proudly securing a second place finish overall in the Ten80!
In 2015 boys enrolled in the Introduction to
Engineering Design course tackled a project in which the objective was to isolate one problem, then ideate and prototype a simple solution connected to the
internet. Through process and experience, students
made connections with practical, analytical, creative and research-based thinking. Each boy created
a succinct “elevator speech” to pitch and sell his
(FTC) NYC Regional Qualifying at host school
in which students in grades 7-12 are challenged to design, build, program and operate robots to play a floor game in an alliance format. Club members entered the competition as rookies, never having
competed. Out of 23 teams in the competition, the Browning robotics team advanced to the finals.
The boys formed an alliance with Holy Cross and
pulled off a match upset against Mamaroneck High School. While the team lost the next two matches,
the exciting finals run taught them much about how preparation and hard work lead to success. At the end of the 2015-16 school year,
Browning’s technology department held its first Tech Expo in the Kurani Gym to showcase the
School’s comprehensive and engaging tech program, showcasing the ways in which Browning is at the
forefront of technology education in New York City.
As part of the Expo, the robotics class set up a game arena in the middle of the gym, where two “bots”
built and programmed by Form IV boys competed. Spring/Summer 2018
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Did You Know? A robot is a programmable mechanical device that can perform tasks and interact with
1.
its environment, without the aid of human
or, through inaction, allow a human being to
interaction. The word robot was coined by
come to harm.
the Czech playwright Karel Capek in 1921; he based it on the Czech word for “forced labor.” (Robot entered the English language in 1923.) Melanie McMahon
A ROBOT may not injure a human being
2.
A ROBOT must obey the orders given to
it by human beings, except where such orders
Robotics is the science and technology behind
would conflict with the First Law.
the design, manufacturing and application of robots. In 1941, Isaac Asimov published the
3.
short story Liar! in the May issue of Astounding
as long as such protection does not conflict
Science Fiction. In it, he introduced the Three
with the First or Second Laws.
A ROBOT must protect its own existence
Laws of Robotics; this is thought to be the first known use of the term robotics.
Those who attended the 1939 World’s Fair may have been lucky enough to see the Westinghouse Elektro robot. Going forward, robots of many types made their appearance. Here are some “fun facts,” as provided by Stanford University.
tool for the handicapped. Its six
lier wrote the hugely popular book
human arm. Acquired by Stanford
pioneer Edmund Berkeley, who ear“Giant Brains or Machines That
Think” (1949). The original Squee
prototype is in the permanent collection of the Computer History
Museum in Mountain View, Calif.
1958
based Elektro robot responds to the
Institute, Charles Rosen led a
rhythm of voice commands and
delivers wisecracks pre-recorded on 78 rpm records. It appeared at the
1939 World’s Fair, and it could move its head and arms.
1951
Squee: The Robot Squirrel used
two light sensors and two contact
switches to hunt for ”nuts” (actually,
At the Stanford Research
research team in developing a
robot called “Shakey,” so called
because of his wobbly and clattering movements. Shakey could wheel
around the room, observe the scene with his television “eyes,” move
across unfamiliar surroundings,
and to a certain degree, respond to his environment.
tennis balls) and drag them to
1963
“75 percent reliable,” but it worked
Arm robot at Rancho Los Amigos
its nest. Squee was described as well only in a very dark room.
24
Squee was conceived by computer
1939
Built by Westinghouse, the relay-
—As reported by Melanie McMahon
T HE
BUZZER
Researchers designed the Rancho Hospital in Downey, Calif., as a
joints gave it the flexibility of a University in 1963, it holds a
place among the first artificial robotic arms to be controlled
by a computer. In 1969 Victor
Scheinman’s Stanford Arm factory robot made a breakthrough as the first successful electrically
powered, computer-controlled robot arm, guiding itself with optical and contact sensors.
Scheinman then designed the
PUMA series of industrial robots for Unimation, robots used for
automobile assembly and other industrial tasks.
1974
David Silver at MIT designed
the Silver Arm, a robotic arm to do small-parts assembly using
feedback from delicate touch and pressure sensors. The arm’s fine
movements approximated those of human fingers.
1989
David Levy was the first master
It responded to more than 100 voice
the Volkswagen Touareg R5
a computer. The program Deep
tonal language.
than seven hours with no human
chess player to be defeated by
Thought defeated Levy, who had
beaten all other previous computer counterparts since 1968.
1995
The MQ-1 Predator drone was
introduced and put into action by
the United States Air Force and the Central Intelligence Agency. The unmanned aerial vehicles were
equipped with cameras for reconnaissance and could be upgraded to carry two missiles.
1999
The Sony AIBO, the $2,000 “ar-
tificial intelligence robot” was a
robotic pet dog designed to “learn” by interacting with its environ-
ment, its owners and other AIBOs.
commands and talked back in a
2004
Caltech designed both the
Opportunity and Spirit Mars
Rovers, both of which landed on Mars in 2004 and ran 20
times longer than their planned lifetime of 90 days. While Spirit ceased to move in 2009 and
finished the challenge in less
intervention – well before the
10-hour time limit. The DARPA challenges were intended to
generate interest and innovation in the area of self-driving cars;
this year, both U.S. and foreign
auto manufacturers continued to introduce their versions.
communications from the Rover
2010
exceeded its expected lifetime.
former “Jeopardy!” Tournament of
stopped in 2010, Opportunity far
2005
Stanford Racing Team’s
autonomous vehicle “Stanley” won the 2005 DARPA
“Grand Challenge.” Driving
autonomously on an off-road, 175-mile long desert course,
IBM’s Watson sparred against
Champion contestants, winning
a majority of the games. This was
preparation for a 2011 matchup in which Watson handily defeated
two of the all-time best “Jeopardy!” players, Ken Jennings and Brad Rutter, by analyzing natural
language questions and content
more accurately and faster than its human counterparts. –M.M.
Spring/Summer 2018
25
colleges offering admission to class of 2018
As this issue of the Buzzer headed to press, Director of College Guidance Sanford Pelz ‘71 provided the following list of colleges offering admission to members of Browning’s Class of 2018. We congratulate the Form VI boys in advance, as they will receive their diplomas on June 13 during exercises at Christ Church. Please visit our website at www.browning.edu for full coverage.
American University
University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill
Amherst College
Northwestern University
Bennington College
University of Pennsylvania
Boston College (2)
Princeton University
Bowdoin College
University of Redlands
Brown University (2)
Rhode Island School of Design
Bucknell University
Rice University
University of California – Los Angeles
University of St. Andrews (6)
University of California – San Diego
Sarah Lawrence College
University of Chicago (2)
Seton Hall University
Columbia University (2)
Skidmore College
Connecticut College
University of Southern California
Cornell University
Stanford University
Dartmouth College (2)
Syracuse University
Davidson College
Trinity College
Duke University (2)
Trinity College Dublin
University of Edinburgh
Tulane University (2)
Georgetown University (3)
Union College (2)
Hamilton College (2)
Vassar College
University of Massachusetts – Amherst (3)
University of Virginia
University of Michigan – Ann Arbor
Wake Forest University
New York University
Williams College
As of May 2018
26
T HE
BUZZER
the local buzz
TWO NEW DIVISION HEADS WILL JOIN THE BROWNING SCHOOL In February Head of School John Botti
Heads and also acknowledged the
chair; Janet Lien, director of Middle
Campbell as Browning’s new Head of
their expertise.
McDermott, assistant to the division
announced the appointments of Gene Upper School and Danielle Passno as
search firm, Wickenden Associates, for Members of the Search Committees
Browning’s new Head of Middle School.
were as follows: Mary Bosworth, Middle
on July 1, 2018.
Grill, chair of both Search Committees
Both division heads begin their terms
Mr. Botti thanked Aaron Grill and
the two Search Committees he chaired
for overseeing back-to-back searches for Browning’s Middle and Upper School
and Upper School history teacher; Aaron and director of technology; Laurie
Gruhn, assistant head of school and
head of Lower School; Michael Ingrisani, dean of faculty and English department
and Upper School admission; Meghan heads; Betty Noel, director of diver-
sity and Upper School science teacher.
Megan Ryan, modern languages department chair, served on the Middle School Search Committee as well.
Mr. Campbell and Ms. Passno will
be featured in detail in the next Buzzer, due out this December.
Gene Campbell,
Danielle Passno,
students at St. Albans
and public purpose
senior dean of
School in Washington, D.C., has enjoyed an impressive
12-plus-year career as a teacher and
administrator at
St. Albans, one of the
nation’s premier independent boys schools. In addition to his duties as senior dean of students, he also serves as assistant director of upper school admission at
St. Albans, teaches English in the upper school, helped
to create the school’s character education and advisory curriculum and has coached football and basketball.
Prior to his arrival at St. Albans, Mr. Campbell taught at the Kent School in Connecticut. He earned a B.A. from Georgetown University and an M.A. from the Bread Loaf School of English at Middlebury College.
director of outreach at The Spence
School, spent the past 10 years at
Spence as a middle school teacher and administrator. She founded and co-
directed the Teaching Institute and also collaborated
with their three division directors to build a vision for ongoing service learning among all grade levels.
Ms. Passno, who serves on the faculty of Teachers
College’s Klingenstein Summer Institute, also taught at
other independent schools, including Boston University Academy and The Webb School (Tenn.). She earned a
B.A. from Dartmouth College and an M.A. in Education Leadership from the Klingenstein Center at Columbia University’s Teachers College.
Spring/Summer 2018
27
“A” IS FOR AUTISM, “B” IS FOR BUDDY! The fourth grade boys, along with their teachers Rachel
“I have been so impressed with our boys’ responses to
Gerber, Meg Epstein and Gary Norcross, have been working
various situations they’ve encountered at MCC,” said
A Browning mother suggested the idea to Ms. Gerber, and the
boys may never have had a chance to meet autistic children
with autistic students at Manhattan Childrens Center (MCC).
rest, as they say, is history! Ms. Gerber explains, “We had read ‘Wonder’ and ‘Rules,’ which led to discussions on the topics of inclusion and autism. As it happens, both books were perfect segues to our work at
Ms. Gerber. “It’s been an amazing partnership! Browning if not for this experience. They seem to know just what to say and to adjust to different circumstances. They have learned that in working with autistic
students, extending praise is extremely
MCC. ‘Wonder’ is a book about a young
important. Our boys regularly
boy with a facial deformity, while ‘Rules’
congratulate the MCC students who, as
is about a 12-year-old girl whose brother
a result, have learned to both give and
is autistic.” Both fictional works prompt
receive compliments.”
readers to consider others’ points of view. Two Browning boys are paired with
one MCC boy, supervised by an MCC teacher,
for half an hour every other week. An MCC staff
member visited Browning to explain what autism is
and to prepare the fourth graders for their work. As part
of their preparation, the boys engaged in role-playing. They learned that some children with autism are non-verbal,
may not easily make eye contact and are often sensitive to
their experience: “I have to admit I had
never heard of autism, but now I’m really
excited to work with the boys at MCC.”
Another student said, “I was interested to see
what it would be like to be with kids who have autism.
I found out they are just like us, and that it’s fun to play games with them!”
Another offered this response: “I think of the MCC
loud noise. Through role-playing, Browning boys learned to
student as a second buddy. As fourth graders at Browning,
makes eye contact, for example.
MCC buddies!”
repeat the name of the boy they are working with until he
28
The boys offered these thoughts on
T HE
BUZZER
we have our Kindergarten buddies, and now we have our
OXFORD UNIVERSITY PROFESSOR VISITS BROWNING In February the
developments in the field
program and said, “This
was treated to its first
the future of biodiversity
with a very entertaining
Browning community SciCafé featuring guest
speaker Professor Martin Speight of University
of conservation biology, and how high schools can get involved.
Interim Middle
of Oxford. A researcher
School Head Sam
zoology, Dr. Speight
Department Chair Emilie
in tropical ecology and discussed his work,
Keany thanked Science
Wolf for organizing this
was a great evening
conservation biologist.
Dr. Speight’s fascinating stories about the science done by researchers
and citizens were enjoyed by students, parents and faculty.”
Spring/Summer 2018
29
VIEWBOOK HONORED WITH SILVER AWARD FROM CASE The Browning School’s new admission viewbook won a Silver Award in the Student Recruitment/ Individual Piece category from the Council for
Advancement and Support of Education (CASE). The annual CASE Accolades and Achievement Awards for District II were presented at a
special luncheon this past February during the
district conference in National Harbor, Md. As part
of the ceremony, photos of the School and its logo were featured.
This honor was bestowed by CASE based on the ways in which the viewbook
and admission program relate to Browning’s overall institutional and advancement goals and how well this publication addresses the needs of its target audience. A truly collaborative effort, the viewbook production team included Director
of Lower School Admission Kelly West, Director of Middle and Upper School
Admission Janet Lien, Designer Misty Wilt and Director of Publications Melanie McMahon, who was pleased to accept the award on behalf of the School.
30
T HE
BUZZER
SIXTH GRADERS TEST SURVIVAL SKILLS The Grade Six two-day trip to Greenkill YMCA Camp, in Huguenot, N.Y., engaged Browning boys in a rich environmental education program that supports their work at school. The boys were accompanied by Science
Department Chair Emilie Wolf, history teacher Mary Bosworth, and interim
Head of Middle School Sam Keany. Mr. Keany provided the following report: “The knowledgeable Greenkill naturalists led the boys on hikes,
taught them how to make survival shelters, schooled them in the use of
camouflage, and gave them opportunities to cross rope bridges and climb a rock wall. The boys learned how to start a campfire and (just as important!) how to put it out. A night hike gave them the experience of appreciating their natural night vision. Wildlife educator Brian Robinson treated the
boys to rare close-ups of birds of prey, including a kestrel, an owl, a hawk and a vulture. The boys marveled at the talons and wingspans as these great birds took flight in the auditorium. In the lodge in the evening,
we built a raging fire, and Ms. Wolf told a scary story that had the boys checking to be sure that their noses had not turned to cheese!”
BROWNING BRINGS BACK AWARDS FROM MODEL UN Browning’s Upper School delegates represented Uganda
economics was vital to his success. Everyone performed
Conference in Philadelphia this past winter. History
committees with hundreds of delegates.”
at the three-day Ivy League Model United Nations
Department Chair Dr. Gerald Protheroe, advisor to
exceedingly well in the most competitive fields in
Dr. Protheroe added, “Awen Abaatu ’16 is now a key
Model UN, noted, “Our boys faced strong opposition in a
member of the ILMUNC Secretariat at Penn. It is great to
our senior members (Rohan Singh ’18 and Brogan Smith’18,
at Browning. We have never had a graduate in such a high
challenging international affairs environment, with two of respectively) receiving awards, one for Bear Stearns 2008: Best Delegate and the other for Press Corps representing the China Daily: Verbal Commendation. Rohan’s award
was well merited on a committee in which his expertise in
see, as he was a member of our delegation for four years
position in the world of Model UN after going off to college.” After their tough days of competition, Browning’s
delegates and their teachers dined out together and enjoyed each other’s company.
Spring/Summer 2018
31
INTERSCHOOL FROST VALLEY TRIP OFFERS TIME WITH PEER SCHOOLS The Form IV boys and faculty
in Claryville, N.Y., where
schools that comprise New York
in the outdoors during the
discussion and team-building
group includes Brearley, Chapin,
chaperones had a great time
annual Interschool Frost Valley trip to the YMCA camp facility
they engaged in three days of
activities with their peers from
the other single-sex independent
Interschool. Beside Browning, the Collegiate, Dalton, NightingaleBamford, Spence and Trinity.
GIVING TREE CHEERS PEDIATRIC PATIENTS In December the Parents Association sponsored a Toy Drive for pediatric
patients in Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC). All the
toys collected were piled high in the Lobby and adorned with colorful
lights, forming a festive “Giving Palm Tree,� thanks to the generosity of the
entire Browning community who also
donated gift cards to this worthy cause. Parent volunteers, along with a
group of Browning boys, packed the toys in 27 large boxes, which were taken to the children at MSKCC.
32
T HE
BUZZER
ILLUSTRATOR-WRITER OF CHILDREN’S BOOKS SPEAKS TO LOWER SCHOOL BOYS Bryan Collier, award-winning
The Life of Dr. Martin Luther
rapport with
books for children, including
Lower School Assembly in April.
audience by
illustrator and writer of over 25 “Knock Knock: My Dad's Dream
for Me ” and “Martin's Big Words:
King, Jr.,” was a special guest at the Head Librarian Sarah Murphy, who introduced Mr. Collier,
said, “His watercolor and collage
combinations are detailed, lovingly
created, and full of interaction with the language of the books.” During the Browning
assembly, Mr. Collier spoke to the boys about a few of his favorite
childhood books, “The Snowy
Day” by Ezra Jack Keats
and “Harold and the Purple Crayon”
by Crockett
Johnson. He
immediately
established a
his young
reading from a
number of books, asking questions, and introducing
the phrase, “dream walking,” which
he defined as the
actions taken by the books’ characters (mostly actual
historical figures), who draw
with sticks or otherwise create art based on the settings and
situations they find themselves
in. He noted that a page of book illustrations can take him seven
weeks to complete, while an entire book may take six months.
Spring/Summer 2018
33
FRENCH STUDENTS WIN COVETED AWARDS AT THEATER FEST Form II and Form IV French students
received the coveted “best non-
theater festival organized by the
Browning also won a “Coup de
participated in the annual winter
Lycée Français of New York. French
teacher Dominique Bernard offers the following report: The boys’
assignment was to present a short play of five to
seven minutes in length based on
this year’s theme of
“Nature.” Ably assisted by
34
achievement indeed! It was, as it is
every year, an enjoyable and
engaging activity. Form II French students
have participated
in this event since 2003 and have
always performed
extremely well. For
the third time, Form IV has
been called up to the “big league.” It
speaking male actor” trophy. What’s
boys to immerse themselves in French
more, the entire Form II class
BUZZER
Coeur” for humor and wit – a superb
his talented peers, Oscar Gad ’20
was awarded the “best non-French
T HE
French speaking male actors” trophy!
is really a great opportunity for the language and culture.
JOINT SCHOOLS EVENT SENDS A LITTLE LOVE TO SENIOR NEIGHBORS As part of a joint school event,
fifth grade Browning boys and
girls from Nightingale-Bamford
joined together for a “hearts and crafts” activity with their senior
neighbors at the Stanley M. Isaacs
Neighborhood Center, a non-profit, multi-service organization.
DELVING INTO DATA Associate Director of Technology Saber Khan co-
we do, what do our values say
issue of Independent School magazine. Mr. Khan
this information?’ ”
authored a feature, “In Full View,” in the Winter 2018 interviewed Head of School John Botti as part of the
we ought to be doing with Mr. Khan then asked,
article, which addressed the “data-driven mindset”
“So the data would help
collected data to make informed strategic decisions.
would lead to discussion
adopted by schools as they explore the use of When asked by Mr. Khan, “Is there
quantitative or qualitative data that you wish you
had as it relates to your school?”, Mr. Botti replied,
“As someone concerned with the well-being of our kids, I would love to have more data around how much sleep our boys get and more accurate data
about how heavy a homework load they carry… So,
you ask questions that
and consensus?” To which
Mr. Botti replied, “If data is used as
a cudgel to force through an agenda, I’m not sure that’s congruent with the way in which I think a
school ought to operate. But if it’s a provocation, that’s really useful.”
Mr. Botti noted, “There are ways that data
for example, were we to find that some of our boys
thickens the conversation. Just as quantitative
think this means? Do we think this is important? If
qualitative reportage.”
are sleeping five hours, we would ask, ‘What do we
data shouldn’t stand on its own, neither should
Spring/Summer 2018
35
BROWNING TAKES CHESS CHAMP TITLE FOR THIRD YEAR For the third consecutive year at the New York State Chess
Championships in Saratoga Springs,
a Browning boy was “State Champ!” Chess Program Director John
Kennedy reports that second grader
Drake Martin won the title in the K-3
Reserve division, scoring a perfect six wins from six games!
Mr. Kennedy added, “In the
same section, first grader Dev Iyer
scored 5-1 for third place. Browning’s first grade team of Anand Jadhav,
Steven Cruz, Anthony Rodriguez and Ben Nicholls finished as the third place team in
the K-1 reserve division, with Anand, Anthony and Ben also earning individual awards. Fourth grader Ezra Marks scored 5.5 of six games to finish in second place in the K-5
Reserve division.” Form IV students Max Beem, Hugh Chapin, Giordan Escalona and Alex Liptak took home the fifth place team trophy in the High School Championship.
At press time, Max Beem ‘20 returned from the National High School Championship
in Columbus, Ohio, where he tied for second place, scoring six wins from seven games and winning the third place award on tiebreak.
36
T HE
BUZZER
HISTORY DEPARTMENT CHAIR INVITED TO PRESTIGIOUS NYU CONFERENCE Dr. Gerald Protheroe was one of
25 participants invited to attend a round table conference, The State of the European Union and the
Transatlantic Alliance, at the Center for Global Affairs, the School of Professional Studies, New York
University, in April. During this in-depth exercise, the experts
engaged in discussion on several major themes relating to the
relationship between the European Union and the United States.
Among the participants
were members of the European Parliament, a former deputy
director of analytical programs
at the CIA, the former Slovenian
ambassador to the United States, the director of the Modern War Institute at West Point, a senior
fellow at the Brookings Institution, and professors from Paris Institute
of Political Studies, Boston College, the University of Montreal, the
Fletcher School at Tufts and the University of Kiel, as well as
counter-terrorism and intelligence officials and journalists from The Guardian newspaper.
The all-day conference
dealt with three major themes, including European economic
and political relations in the post Cold War order, moderated by
Tamás Meszerics, a member of the European Parliament from
Hungary. Larry Wolff, executive
Dr. Protheroe, who teaches
director of the Remarque
two courses in international history
theme of NATO, terrorism, the
“It was a great honor to be invited
Institute, NYU, moderated the
Baltic States and the rise of Putin. The third and concluding session dealt with possible outcomes
of current models of U.S. and
at New York University, remarked. to be a participant in this group.
The standard of commentary and debate was daunting.”
European engagement.
Spring/Summer 2018
37
FOURTH ANNUAL BIODIVERSITY DAY IN CENTRAL PARK Organized by Browning’s Green Team
the Middle and Upper School boys
Biodiversity Day was once again a
including “Design Your Own Animal,”
and still going strong in its fourth year, huge success, thanks to the boys, guest
naturalists, teachers and staff who braved
unseasonably chilly temperatures to identify the amazing species that dwell in Central Park. Noted species beyond the classic
spring blooms included black-crowned
night herons, raccoons, mayapples, red-
eared sliders and a white-breasted nuthatch. The event helped raise $1,000 for the Wild
Bird Fund, which will help that organization care for injured animals and fledgling birds. According to Science Department
Chair Emilie Wolf, in the afternoon,
38
T HE
BUZZER
participated in workshops of their choice, “DNA Barcoding,” “Fishing in Central
Park” and “Eco-Chains Arctic Crisis.” Two boys led a workshop of their own design
which taught participants to build a device that extracts the remaining energy from
used batteries to charge phones. Another
student shared the board game he helped design through the Lang Program at the
American Museum of Natural History. The Lower School boys engaged with the Wild
Bird Fund and Kids for Positive Change to learn about what they can do to help birds and marine animals.
Spring/Summer 2018
39
FORMER HEADMASTER CLEMENT’S PORTRAIT UNVEILED Former Headmaster Stephen M.
Clement, III, who retired in 2016 after serving The Browning School for 28 years, returned with his wife Sally
and family members on April 18 for the formal unveiling of his official
portrait by artist Ronald Sherr. (See
inside back cover.) Board of Trustees President Valda M. Witt remarked
on Mr. Clement’s accomplishments before revealing the painting.
Mr. Clement thanked Head of
I worked with two business managers
Artist Ronald Sherr’s portraits
School John Botti for welcoming him
who saved me and the School! Number 1:
of notable Americans include
his appreciation to the Trustees and
one idea at the end of the day was
Supreme Court justices, senators
typical humor, he reflected on his
best for the boys at Browning?’ ”
them in “a 5, 4, 3, 2 and 1” format,
leads a busy life by serving as a
I worked with five great Board
(Dutchess County, N.Y.) Robert College
Division Heads and I worked
(Poughkeepsie, N.Y.), in addition to
four. Number 3: In 28 years I worked
on personal projects. Since leaving
advancement. And together we raised
have a grandson and granddaughter,
back to Browning and expressed
In 28 years of working with the faculty,
parents of the Class of 2016. With
always on our minds together: ‘What is
years at Browning by organizing
Even in retirement, Mr. Clement
as follows: “Number 5: In 28 years
board member of Millbrook School
Presidents. Number 4: the same
(Istanbul, Turkey) and Scenic Hudson
together for 10 years as a team of
exercising, reading and working
with three directors of development/
Browning, he and his wife Sally now
a lot of money! Number 2: In 28 years
who also keep them busy!
former presidents, cabinet members, and governors, as well as leaders in
business, medicine, academia and the arts. His portraits of General Colin Powell and of President George H.
W. Bush were commissioned by the
National Portrait Gallery. Among the other institutions representing
Mr. Sherr are the Smithsonian,
Supreme Court of the United States,
Yale University, Princeton University and Dartmouth College, to name but a few. Born in New Jersey in 1952, he currently resides in Suzhon, China.
EQUITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION ON COMMUNITY DAY AGENDA In December Browning held its fourth school-wide
Community Day during which the entire student body (Kindergarten to Form VI) interacted and focused on a
division-specific theme. Director of Equity and Diversity
Dr. Betty Noel noted, “This day is a wonderful opportunity for the older students to demonstrate leadership and
camaraderie with their younger peers and for the younger boys to make connections with the older ones.”
Forms II-VI boys focused on gender with various
activities led by students in the Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA)
session; the Harvard University swimmer is the first openly
Schuyler Bailar was present for an interview and Q&A
Division 1 men’s team.
and Gender Studies & Feminism Club. Transgender athlete
40
T HE
BUZZER
transgender athlete to compete in any sport on an NCAA
SENIOR PLACES IN GREEK-LATIN RECITATION COMPETITION The New York Classical Club held its annual Greek and Latin
Recitation Competition at Columbia University in April. Greek and Latin teacher Dr. Brett Wisniewski reports that in a field that was the largest in recent memory and composed of all
levels, including graduate, undergraduate and high school students, Brogan Smith ’18 won third place in the Greek
recitation contest, with a masterful performance from Book III
of “The Iliad,” traditionally attributed to Homer, and a portion of “Idyll II” of Theocritus.
Dr. Wisniewski said, “It was truly stiff competition,
and although Brogan received a cash prize, he also deserves
congratulations for engaging in such an advanced endeavor.
This was Browning’s first time at the contest, so it was a great way to start out what we hope becomes a tradition.”
BROWNING JOINS NATIONAL SCHOOL CAMPAIGN TO BRIDGE DIVIDES AND BUILD STRONGER COMMUNITIES Earlier this year, Harvard University’s
citizens who create a better world.
communities; increase equity and
launched a national campaign to
who joined this campaign, Browning
admissions process; and reduce
schools to prepare young people to be
the following specific goals: deepen
Making Caring Common project
mobilize high schools and middle
constructive community members and
As one of the 130-plus schools
seeks to advance one or more of
students’ care for others and their
access for all students in the college excessive achievement pressure
in communities where it is detrimental to students.
Spring/Summer 2018
41
BROWNING BIDS FAREWELL TO HEAD OF UPPER SCHOOL JAMES REYNOLDS Head of Upper School James Reynolds will depart
Browning at the end of June after 12 years of service to the School. In addition to his administrative responsibilities, Mr. Reynolds also taught the
Advanced Expository Writing class to Form VI boys, preparing them for their college application essays. He has been a frequent chaperone for the
Upper School boys’ forays beyond Browning,
accompanying them on both the annual college trip and Interschool excursion to Frost Valley
YMCA Camp, as well as on camping trips taken by Forms III and VI each year.
On Graduation Day, Mr. Reynolds has taken
great pride in extending a congratulatory handshake
as he helped present diplomas to each member of the senior class. His mentorship and leadership through the years have contributed to the success of the School and the accomplishments of our boys.
42
T HE
BUZZER
PLEASE NOTE! This Buzzer is the last edition for the school year. We hope that between issues, you will keep up with
FOURTH GRADERS TOUR HISTORIC FRAUNCES TAVERN As part of their study of the American Revolutionary era, the fourth grade
all our news and happenings
class toured George Washington’s headquarters at the historic Fraunces
through
as a museum, is notable as the site of Washington’s farewell to his officers
and by logging
Tavern in Lower Manhattan. The early American tavern, which now serves
social media
after British troops evacuated New York in 1783.
on to our
During their tour, the boys learned about the role of the tavern during
the Revolutionary War, as well as the war’s impact on colonial New
Yorkers and the city’s landscape. One of the highlights was visiting the tavern’s Long Room, where Washington gave his farewell.
After the tour, students reenacted the stance of revolutionary soldiers
by posing in powdered wigs and colonial clothes in front of an early American flag at the photo booth.
website, where you will find photos, videos and stories covering all the seasons at Browning!
www.browning.edu
LATIN STUDENTS HUNT FOR TREASURE AT MET The Form I Latin class spent an afternoon at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where they
acquainted themselves with the collection in the Greek and Roman Galleries by
participating in a scavenger hunt organized by Classics
Department Chair John Young.
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from the archives
HENRY BURNET POST, CLASS OF 1904 In December Sharon Hefter Loving, great-grandniece of the late Henry Burnet Post, Class of 1904 and a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army’s 1st Aero Corps, contacted Director of Alumni Affairs Laura Lanigan to donate archival photos of her uncle who was killed in 1914 while testing a hydro-aeroplane for the Army. The airstrip in Fort Sill, Oklahoma, is named after him (Henry Post Army Airfield). Capt. Arthur S. Cowen, head of the 1st Aero Corps, believed the age of the hydro-aeroplane was to blame for the accident, while others have theorized the accident may have been the result of an improper exit from a spiraling descent. A talented aviator who died in service to his country, Post is buried at Arlington National Cemetery; more information and photos of his headstone can be found at www.arlingtoncemetery.net/ hbpost. An excerpt from that website follows:
SAN DIEGO – February 9, 1914 – Lt. Henry B. Post of the 1st Aero Corps, considered one of the most skillful United States army aviators, plunged to his death in San Diego Bay today when the right wing of his hydro-aeroplane crumpled. Post died after establishing an
American altitude record of 12,120 feet. He fell 600 feet into shallow water and was dead when Francis Wildman, another aviator, reached the scene in a flying boat.
Post left the North Island hangars at 8:50 o’clock [sic] this morning after having
declared his intention of breaking the American altitude record for hydro-aeroplanes. Within an hour he had attained a height of 12,120 feet, the barograph showing this
figure when recovered from the wreckage. A series of wide spirals was a feature of the
descent, the machine appearing to be under perfect control. When within 600 feet of the water the plane was seen to collapse, then careen. The next instant the pilot was hurled
from his seat and the machine dropped like a bullet. Post fell into five feet of water, the wrecked craft disappearing from sight a few feet away.
Post was 28 years of age. He came here July 28, 1913, from Honolulu,
where he was attached to the 25th Infantry and
became a military aviator November 11.
He is survived by his widow and his
sister, who came here only recently to
visit him from their home in Babylon,
N.Y., where his mother also resides. A
brother, V. Z. Post, is a novelist. His father
died two weeks ago. The body will be sent
to Washington for internment in Arlington
National Cemetery.
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The portrait (above) of Lt. Post was sent to Browning by his great-grandniece. A Curtiss Hydroaeroplane, flown by the Navy, is pictured here. During his fatal flight, Lt. Post piloted a Wright Model C, which was retired from the Army in the weeks following the incident.
Lt. Post was a member of the Browning basketball team; his great-grandniece, who provided this photo, believes he is the player pictured in the center of the back row.
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summer stipends
EACH YEAR THE PARENTS ASSOCIATION AWARDS stipends to faculty members who apply for specific projects, such as summer travel, research or study. Read on to learn how their experiences benefit the Browning boys they teach.
Latin Milestones The North American Institute for Living
Latin Studies (SALVI) celebrated its 20th
anniversary this summer. I was there not only in my capacity as vice president of the Institute, but also as a player in the
original musical, “Auricula Meretricula John Young
Musicula,” composed to celebrate the event. I played the rustic father, Silex,
who disowns his urbane son for falling in love with the wrong sort of person. I am pictured in rehearsal with Tim Smith of Colorado, who assumed a role in the Greek chorus which
commented on the family tragedy taking place in the scene.
SALVI now occupies the Claymont Society grounds for
The North American Institute for Living Latin Studies (SALVI) celebrated its 20th anniversary this summer.
more than the entire month of July. This year we ran four
programs, including three immersion events for Latinists at
different levels, as well as the anniversary celebration. It was
increasing command of Latin, with the result that I was asked
week for beginners – graduate students and Latin teachers
past April.
my duty to manage the mansion during the first immersion who have never tried to use Latin to communicate. I stayed
At the end of July, I flew to Lexington, Kentucky, to
on during the second immersion event as an instructor. It
attend an historic event, the first American congress of the
Association first sent me to a SALVI event in 2009, when I was
France in 1957, its members chosen from the world’s most
has been a long journey for me since the Browning Parents
mute and able to understand so little of what I heard. With the Parents Association’s help, I have been able to pursue an ever-
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to lead a weekend immersion event in Atlanta, Georgia, this
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Academia Latinitati Fovendae (ALF). ALF was born in
eminent classicists. Gathering every four years to deliver
academic papers in Latin, ALF selected Lexington this year
in recognition of the contributions of Dr. Terence Tunburg, professor at the University of Kentucky, who has done so much to reinvigorate Latinity in the U.S.A. While
there, I was fortunate to be able to spend many delightful moments with our own beloved Kevin Dearinger, retired
I am pictured in rehearsal with Tim Smith of Colorado, who assumed a role in the Greek chorus which commented on the family tragedy taking place in the scene.
Browning English teacher, who calls Lexington home. By John Young, Classics Department Chair; Middle and Upper School Latin
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Residency at Fallingwater Informs Engineering Curriculum This past summer, along with 12
educators who are also Frank Lloyd
Wright enthusiasts, I lived and worked at High Meadow, the home base for students of Fallingwater Institute’s summer residency programs in Anderson Harp
architecture, art and design. High Meadow is located on a historic
Pennsylvania farm adjacent to architect Frank Lloyd
Wright’s renowned Fallingwater residence. During my stay, I worked on intensive, immersion inquiry drive projects
related to architectural engineering construction and design. In fact, we began our work as soon as everyone had
checked in and was introduced. Our first assignment was a
silent walk to Fallingwater, which offered an impressive first experience with the house. I had studied this house and its setting by reading journals and books for years. At the end of our walk through the moist and evergreen forest, there appeared an engineering masterpiece. We were allowed
engineering curriculum and practice in our third grade engineering design project.
access to all areas of Fallingwater and took the hour to find a
The work took time and patience, which I wasn’t used to
distinct layers with a foreground, middle and backdrop,
a valuable learning process.
setting for our first line drawing. Using perspective, I drew giving the drawing spatial presence.
That evening we returned to our sanctuary and settled
spending in one setting. However, the work in itself proved Project two examined organizational patterns used for
building. With a parallel bar, triangle and charcoal pencil,
into the open-air studio for orientation with our tools and
I drew a coordinate plane into Bristol paper using precise
would anything be accomplished?
knife to cut a repeating pattern through the material. I used
cutting craft) from my line drawing, required that I cut
cylinder. Then I wedged wooden toothpicks within each
materials. Without Wi-Fi, computers and 3D printing, how
measurements and symmetry. Next, I used the X-ACTO
The first project, to make a Kiere (Japanese paper-
bamboo skewers to fasten the paper into the shape of a
an image into one piece of paper using an X-Acto knife.
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My experience has already transformed
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slice of the paper to hold the form of a vent. In this case, the
vents reflected light from a bulb lit inside the cylinder and hung from the ceiling with one strand of twine.
Project three was a collaborative effort of designing and
vaulting arches with brick and plaster. Each end of a piece of string was held on the top corners of a large cardboard
square. We traced the parabola and cut out the guide for our
arch. Next, one teammate mixed the plaster while two others
simultaneously aligned and laid the bricks until the arch was set with the capstone.
Project four required another study of setting and scale
modeling. Using our cumulative skills from studio, we
designed and built a 3D space with two uniquely joined walls. All specifications were to scale and met structural guidelines for regular construction jobs.
Project five sent the teachers back to the drawing board
to create interdisciplinary unit plans with Fallingwater
and engineering as inspirational themes. Sharing my story
design project. Following consultation with Cooper Hewitt
connections with my audience and the lesson objective.
firm, we are working on a challenge to redesign
about visiting Fallingwater is one step to building authentic The cohort was guided by award-winning architect
Andrew Phillips and New York Times best-selling author
Siobhan Vivian. Residents, who came from all over the United States and United Kingdon, shared their diverse experience
in art, math, museum, science and college teacher education. Would you imagine how much can be learned and shared
when there are no TVs, Internet, Wi-Fi or computers drawing your eyes and ears to push notifications?
My experience has already transformed engineering
curriculum and practice in our third grade engineering
Museum and MASS, a Boston-based architecture design
Ms. Kehoe’s classroom for improved learning. (MASS, by the way, began in 2008 during the design and building of
the Butaro District Hospital in Rwanda, a project of Partners In Health and the Rwandan Ministry of Health. Since then, MASS has expanded to work in over a dozen countries in
Africa and the Americas.) I am deeply grateful to the Parents Association for allowing me to partake in this impressive residency program.
By Anderson Harp, Computer Science & Engineering Department Chair
Spring/Summer 2018
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Fifth Grade French Students Benefit from New Book Based on linguist Stephen Krashen’s theory that
comprehensible input is a key component to language
acquisition, I spent the summer writing a reader for the
fifth grade French class. While there are certainly plenty of examples of “comprehensible input” for purchase, I was
eager to create something that would be tailor-made for this Megan Ryan
level of language here at Browning and that would integrate all of the lessons the class typically covers in one year.
The book itself tells the story of Mops, a pug, and his owner, Ahmed, a
boy who lives near New York City. Ahmed and his family take a trip to Paris
and bring Mops along for the ride. Once in Paris, Ahmed and his mom decide that Mops needs a more Parisian look and, as such, dress him in a beret, red
neckerchief and a blue and white mariner shirt. Mops does not appreciate his new ensemble and, when his protestations are ignored, decides to run away.
number of adventures in Paris –
take him from the Luxembourg Gardens, to the French National Museum of
from the Luxembourg Gardens,
Once on his own, Mops has a number of adventures in Paris – adventures that Natural History, to Les Invalides.
I am eager to explore and further develop this resource in fifth grade French
and am grateful to the Parents Association for its generosity. By Megan Ryan, Modern Languages Department Chair
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Once on his own, Mops has a
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adventures that take him to the French National Museum of Natural History, to Les Invalides.
Pyrenees Exploration Enriches French Language Studies Last summer I was granted the
opportunity to discover the French side of Basque Country and the Midi-Pyrenees region. For 12 days I crisscrossed this
southwestern area of France, so rich in
offerings. Despite rainy weather during Dominique Bernard
my journey, I was impressed with this
beautiful, mountainous area – its lakes, its
cities and its talented, artistic people.
One does not usually go to the Pyrenees to visit its cities
but rather to hike, ski, stroll around it lakes and experience the
rural life. Yet I greatly enjoyed discovering
I also enjoyed discovering several lesser
Toulouse, Pau,
known museums in small cities, including
and Biarritz – all
France’s oldest museums.
Bayonne, Lourdes
the Musée des Jacobins in Auch, one of
beautiful cities that retain their historic features and never
fail to seduce visitors. I was particularly impressed with the Resistance
and Deportation
Museum in Toulouse, which offers a great collection of items from World War II. I also enjoyed
discovering several
lesser known museums in small cities, including the Musée des Jacobins in Auch, one of France’s oldest museums, and the Musée Historique in Biarritz. I found it interesting, too, to sojourn in several quaint villages, becoming acquainted with local residents to better understand their rich culture and heritage.
I thank the Browning Parents Association for this
generous stipend, which allows me to share this unique experience with all my students at Browning through
animated discussions and projects about this French-speaking part of the world.
By Dominique Bernard, French
Spring/Summer 2018
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Residents of Healthiest Places Share Similar Practices With funds received from the Parents
who worked for the Ogimi village farmers’ loan office, which
Ogimi (pronounced O-gee-me) village,
to develop additional farmland and equipment in and
one of the world’s healthiest places, in Okinawa, Japan. Ogimi has been
designated a Blue Zone region, where Lauck Blake
people tend to live longer and healthier
lives with fewer instances of disease than
anywhere else on the planet. This is my second trip to a Blue Zone, so I was able to tie in some of my knowledge about
longevity from my previous trip to North America’s only Blue Zone: Loma Linda, California. I was able to compare each
place and establish similarities observed between Loma Linda
allows farmers to purchase micro loans and land contracts
around the village. She estimated that 95 percent of Ogimi’s population grew their own vegetables on their properties.
She explained to me that because the town’s residents have little money, a large portion of their economy is based on a
trade system. Farmers share their crops with their neighbors, a practice which provides additional nutrients and a variety of foods for everyone. Sharing also provides routine social interactions and connects the residents of the town.
Eighteen different vegetables and fruits naturally grow
and Ogimi, including the nutritional practices that focus on
on the island of Okinawa. Many contain high levels of
and close friends. Most importantly, I was able to focus on the
the intense sunlight, fertile soil and salt contained in the sea
diversity of vegetables and the social cohesion between family social structures and how community and nutritional practices interact to foster health, then apply them in my teaching.
Ogimi village is located on the northwestern coast of
Okinawa, facing the East China Sea. The waters off the coast are turquoise in color and filled with thriving coral reef
systems. Much of Ogimi is situated on flatlands, and homes
are small, tightly condensed, one- and two-storied buildings. Two hundred meters to the east of Ogimi are mountainous
jungles filled with thick vegetation. The population is roughly 3,000, with 10 of the residents over 100 years old. Twenty-five percent of the population is over 65 years old. The town has
a health food store, a farmers’ equipment store, a town office
antioxidants and are full of vitamins and nutrients, due to
breezes. Two plants in Ogimi that thrive and are consumed daily by residents are shikuwasa and goya. The shikuwasa fruit, also known as Okinawan lime, contains the highest levels of the flavinoid nobiletin on the planet. Nobiletin aids in cellular health and causes an anti-inflammatory
response within cells, which relates to decreased incidences of cancer. The goya fruit, or bitter melon, has 32 different phytonutrients to keep cells healthy and is linked to
decreased rates of cancer, improved memory, enhanced
strength and durability of cartilage, and regulation of insulin levels. These foods are eaten daily.
I then visited a health food store within Ogimi. The
and a loan office. This remote and isolated place has been
counters were filled with fresh fruits and vegetables, dried
age of 100) per capita than anywhere else on the planet.
Much of the produce was sold and traded by the farmers
documented as containing more centenarians (people over the Ogimi village residents routinely share close and
meaningful social connections with each other. Many of their
homes are inhabited by multi-generations of the same family. It is common to see three and even four generations living
under the same roof. Close and routine friendships with family and friends have been positively linked to enhanced longevity.
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While visiting the village of Ogimi, I spoke with a woman
Association, I was able to explore
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seaweeds and mushrooms, and condensed shikuwasa juice. in the village of Ogimi. There was a surprising diversity of
dried and fresh seaweeds and dried seafoods on the shelves. Through additional research, I discovered that the villagers consume per capita more seaweed and higher levels of
protein than any other place on the Island of Okinawa. One
particular type of seafood they carried was fresh umibudo or
Farmers share their crops with their neighbors, a practice which provides additional nutrients and a variety of foods for everyone. “sea grapes,” which have high levels of polyunsaturated fatty
I also asked him about stress levels within residents.
acids in combination with high protein levels. Protein has
He responded that generally people on the island have low
muscular tissue, while fatty acids work to protect the nervous
and incidences of long-term stress are infrequent. The older
been linked to muscular health and promotes regeneration of
system. The consumption of diverse and nutrient-dense fruits
and vegetables, healthy plant proteins, and fibrous foods may promote wellness and cellular health throughout a lifetime.
During the evenings, I stayed at an eco-friendly working
farm and inn owned by a couple in Higashi village, five miles from Ogimi. The husband was in charge of the business
operations, while the wife was in charge of hospitality and cooking for guests.
I sat down with the owner and we delved into the
subject of longevity specific to Okinawa and Ogimi. He was well-versed in the topic, as he runs a farm with a hotel that
caters to guests by offering nutritious foods and sustainable
levels of stress; they don’t let problems bother them for long, populations are not actively trying to improve their health; it is just something they have done their entire lives.
Acute stress may not play a significant factor in longevity,
especially early on in one’s life. For example, in WWII
Okinawans lived in abject poverty with very few resources. They were also subjected to the dogfights of American and
Japanese planes flying over the northern mountains around
Ogimi. His parents told him stories of the island’s inhabitants
using jet fuel from downed fighter planes to cook their meals. All of this produced an excruciatingly high level of stress for Okinawans over shorter periods of time.
Many physical, social and cultural similarities exist
farming practices. He informed me that other researchers,
between residents of Loma Linda and Ogimi. Both cultures
his farm. I was the first American he had encountered who
elderly through social interactions by family members and
most of whom were either Swedish or French, have visited was interested in longevity research. I asked him why Ogimi was special. He said that maybe there is a genetic part to it, but there is also more help in Ogimi from one another. He
explained that Ogimi village is more close-knit and densely
populated in relation to other neighboring towns, like Higashi village. I asked him about residences’ diets and portions from meal to meal. He said people tend to eat three meals a day: a big breakfast, a medium-sized lunch and a small dinner. He
display high levels of supportive social cohesion for the
close friends. Both cultures eat a diet that contains a wide variety of nutrient-dense vegetables and fruits. They also limit chronic stress levels and get plenty of low-intensity
exercise through gardening and hiking. The communities in both places offer supportive environments that foster interconnections through food, culture, religion and proximity of family and friends.
So far this year, I have been able to present my findings
added that when they eat meat, they tend to boil it, which
to sixth graders as well as Form II students. I will allow them
the residual lard to saute vegetables, as people don’t eat
they indicate nutritional practices, exercise options, positive
causes the fat in it to dissolve and separate. They then use
many of the vegetables in their raw form. He informed me
of a Japanese saying, “Hara hachi bun me,” which translates to “Eat until you are 80 percent full.” The elderly eat a lot of dried fish and squid, and the chewy fibrous material
is good for their digestion. Okinawans tend to eat unripe
fruits because the bitter flavors often have health-enhancing nutrients with less sugar.
to research and create their own longevity plan, whereby
social behaviors, and environmental considerations in order to live a long and healthy life. My goal is to enhance each
student’s understanding of how the establishment of positive connections between peers, family and food choices plays a significant role in happiness and can strengthen their longterm health.
By Lauck Blake, Physical Education
Spring/Summer 2018
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parents association benefit 2018
In April the Browning Parents Association held its first-ever Fun*Raiser at Chelsea Piers to
support the School. The event, which was open to all ages, included parents, students, siblings and extended family. Parkour, basketall, gaga,
soccer, rock-climbing, “swinging” in the batting cages and playing bubble soccer with Head of School John Botti were among the many
activities enjoyed by the Browning community. The carnival booths, online auction and giant dunk tank with its target, Assistant Head of
School/Head of Lower School Laurie Gruhn, were also at the top of the “must do” list.
Funds raised from the event will benefit
Faculty Stipends, STEAM (science, technology,
enrichment, arts and music) initiatives, athletics, clubs and activities, blended learning, and student trips and engagement.
Benefit Chairs Nazmi Oztanir H. Kenneth Metz Maria I. Dell’Oro
Benefit Committee
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Diana Brodlieb Christine Callahan Kathleen Glaymon Elizabeth Granville-Smith
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Jenn Hagfors Atoussa Hamzavi Myra Ferreri Agnes Kelly
Carrie Millis William Millis Wendy Mocco Kinjal Nicholls
Barbara O’Connor Eve Schenk Jeff Schulman Monica Storch
Elisa Strohfeldt Carmen Taton Reagan Wellins
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at h l e t i c s
Winter Wrap-up
Andrew H. West ’92
In March the athletic department held its
and second graders on Panther Game Day at Loyola. (See
annual Winter Sports Assembly for the
full story below.) The JV Panthers had an impressive 14-8
Middle and Upper Schools in the Upper
record, advancing to the playoffs but coming up short
Gym, and I’m pleased to report that the
against Loyola. Our Forms I-II squash teams also enjoyed
2017-18 winter season at Browning was
seasons filled with highs and lows, but throughout it
filled with highlights and rebuilding.
all, the boys improved and all enjoyed themselves. The
The varsity basketball team started the
fifth and sixth grade teams were a combined 10-10; both
season off with high hopes, and that excitement grew after
teams improved throughout the season, making the
they won both the LREI Preseason Tournament and their
outlook bright for the future. Our winter running club
annual game at Barclays Center. They then got hit by the
also attended two exciting indoor track meets, which
“injury bug” and experienced some other bumps, which got
the boys really enjoyed. The varsity squash team had
them off track. Luckily, by the time the playoffs came around,
another successful season with a 14-8 record, as more and
they were once again playing good team basketball, which
more boys are interested in the sport. Lastly, our fencers
provided us with an exciting playoff game vs. Calhoun
represented Browning with grace and grytte, as they were
School. We ultimately fell short of advancing, though.
an integral part of the Chapin Interschool team.
Another highlight of the season was sophomore Alex
– Director of Athletics Andrew H. West ’92
Liptak ’20 scoring his 1,000th point in front of all the first
FIFTH PLAYER IN SCHOOL HISTORY NETS 1,000TH CAREER POINT Coach Dan Ragsdale reports that during the February 1 varsity basketball game against Loyola School, Alex Liptak ’20 netted his 1,000th career point in the second half in front of the first and
second grade Panther Game Day crowd. He is the fifth player in Browning’s history to reach this impressive
milestone. Mr. Ragsdale noted, “Alex
has been a starter for the varsity team since he was in eighth grade and has
led the team in scoring, rebounding and steals for the last two seasons. Reaching
this milestone is an incredible accomplishment, especially in
pointer for a long time.” As a freshman in 2017, Alex was
all the mini-Panthers in attendance will remember that three-
coaches’ ballots.
light of all the other ways he contributes to the team. I think
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selected to the NYCAL First Team, a vote based on opposing
VARSITY BASKETBALL The varsity basketball team showed significant
improvement this year, doubling its win total from the 2016-17 season and finishing the year with
a record of 10 wins and 12 losses. The Panthers
ended the season with a thrilling game in front of dozens of Browning supporters in the first round of the NYCAL postseason tournament. Despite a
heartbreaking one-point loss in the final seconds,
the boys played an outstanding game. Both the team and our fans represented Browning with admirable spirit and sportsmanship.
We want to express a special thank-you to our
graduating seniors, Marwan Nsouli, Grant Thompson, Daniel Kravitz and Luke Hexner. Their combined 14
seasons with the varsity program reflect their steadfast commitment to the team.
–Coaches Dan Ragsdale, Michael Cohn and Gerald Colds
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JUNIOR VARSITY BASKETBALL This year’s team emphasized accountability,
teamwork and communication, resulting in a
successful season despite ups and downs. The team’s dedication to these standards, along with “grytte
and grind,” helped them persevere into the playoffs. The leadership of Shazeb Dayani ’19, day in
and day out, kept us afloat throughout the season.
Hercules Sotos ’21 and Dylan Steck ’21 showed signs
of greatness in their domination in the post. The sharp shooting of Hugh Chapin ’20 and tenacious defense
of Mickey Westman ’20 helped us to secure leads and kept us in games, time and time again. Eric Pena ’19,
Tommy Ramirez ’19, Andrew Halajian ’21, Alexander Raftopoulos ’21, Fernando Hierro ’19, Evan Taylor ’21,
Gus Stimpson ’21 and Gabe Flicker ’19 were extremely valuable, keeping the tempo as alternating pieces in our match-ups through out the year.
–Coaches Sankara Iwelu and Meghan McDermott
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FORMS I/II BASKETBALL (RED) The team had a rebuilding
improving individually and as a
were impressed by the leadership
player from last year’s team,
the course of the season.
down the stretch. The team looks
year, as they returned only one and finished the season with a
team was apparent throughout Some highlights include a
2-14 record. Although the wins
come-from-behind win against
boys played in many competitive
contests against Avenues School
were few and far between, the
games, and their commitment to
UNIS School and playing two close and Grace Church. As coaches, we
displayed by the Form II players to improve with a strong core of Form I boys for next year. –Coaches Lauck Blake and Richard Symons
FORMS I/II BASKETBALL (BLACK) The team showed tremendous growth and improvement throughout their season. Despite some tough initial losses, the boys rebounded to win home games against St. Thomas
Choir School and Calhoun School, ending the year with a close 34-30 away win over LREI. The boys
also demonstrated hard work and
determination in two tough losses to Trevor Day School and Allen-
Stevenson School that were both
decided in the last minute of play.
The collaborative efforts of Form I
and Form II athletes allowed the team
to develop a strong camaraderie during both practice and games. Liam
Westman ’22, Tomas Infantino ’23 and Jackson Hellman ’23 were effective
leaders as point guards and commanded the team with offensive play calling.
Malek Assaf ’23 and Nicholas Dingle ’22
the team counted on Michael Stitt ’23,
could be counted on to make jump shots
Mota ’23, Johir Hossain ’23 and
were powerful shooting guards who and steal the ball at crucial moments
of a game. Henry Smith ’22, Federico Schmidt ’23 and Greg Parizhsky ’22
were reliable “big men” who led the
team in rebounding and lay-ups. Lastly,
Jonathan Stephenson ’22, Jonathan
Chris Bowen ’23 to play all positions on the court and adapt to critical game situations.
–Coaches Stacey Duchak and Lance Williams
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SIXTH GRADE BASKETBALL The team started the season determined to get the program back to
winning ways. Although they lost the opener in early January, there were signs that the boys were up for the task. Through some hard
work and latterly smart play under pressure, the team won its last three games to finish 4-4 for the season.
Special mention goes to Michael
Gabriel ’24, who was top scorer with 60
points, and to Sam Snyder ’24, who sunk
both foul shots with 20 seconds left to lead
the team to victory over Trevor Day School by 19-17 in the final game of the season. It was gratifying to see the effort and work
that the boys put in, and we look forward to hearing about their exploits next year.
–Coaches David Watson and Kris Pischel
FIFTH GRADE BASKETBALL The team had a wonderful season with many
of the boys playing for the first time ever on an organized basketball team. The progress made in a short period of time was immense. From
our first game against Rodeph Shalom School to our last games against St. Bernard’s School
and Trevor Day School, it was evident that the boys had begun to understand the game and worked nicely together.
Our final record was a commendable 4-4,
and the team should be very proud of this
accomplishment. It was truly a pleasure to coach this team, and we are certain that the boys will be ready for the sixth grade team next year. –Coaches Jonathan Stoler and Kris Pischel
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FENCING Despite being small in numbers, the Browning team played a
huge role in this season’s success. Caleb Sussman ’18 proved
to be an integral part of the team this year. He admirably fulfilled his role as a senior leader on
the team and has done a very
respectable job with outreach to his fellow fencers. He made it a
point to keep them up to date on our schedules and even sent out practices. He is responsible and
Raymond Diaz ’19, another
continually proves to be an asset
model team member, is punctual
regularly and fences foil instead of
He is patient in general, and this
to the team. He attends practices
saber when the team needs him to do so – a true team player!
and attends all meets and practices. quality makes him a good epee fencer. Raymond is a starter on
the team and a steady presence.
He is currently eighth in the league with 13 victories and eight defeats
and well-placed to be a team leader next season.
–Coach Runako Taylor
As this issue of the Buzzer headed to press, our spring sports season was about to conclude.
VARSITY SQUASH Browning’s squash team had an impressive season with eight wins and four losses. While we lost two team members, the rest of the squad was able to
make up the difference. All members of the team contributed to a successful and fun season, and we look forward to continued success next year.
We extend a special thank-you to our departing seniors, Norman
Champ ’18, Ben Ellman ’18 and Brogan Smith ’18.
For a report on how our teams fared, please log on to www.browning.edu.
www.browning.edu
regular notices about meets and
–Coach Roland Lafontant
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alumni events
Thank you to all of our dedicated volunteers who made this year’s Note-a-thon such a success!
NEARLY 900 LETTERS MAILED AT 10TH ANNUAL ALUMNI NOTE-A-THON Browning’s Alumni Council hosted the 10th annual
as an Annual Fund contribution. For the first time,
February 12. A record number of 55 volunteers (many
in “3” and “8” this year) received a letter signed by
Alumni Note-a-thon in the Kurani Gym on Monday, participating remotely) ranging from the Classes of
1963 to 2013 participated in signing and personalizing nearly 900 letters to fellow alumni. Letters promoted attendance at Alumni Reunion on April 13 as well
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each and every milestone reunion class (those ending their Reunion Representative. A brief Alumni Council meeting was also held during the event. Huge thanks
to our dedicated volunteers who took the time to write thoughtful notes to classmates near and far!
Alexander Bendo ’13, Paul Pricop ’13 and Evan Blumenthal ’13.
Steve Schott ’72 and Godfrey Bloch ’63.
Alexander Bendo ’13, Evan Blumenthal ’13, Andrew West ’92 and Nader Mobargha ’91.
David Holleb ’73, Director of College Guidance Sandy Pelz ’71, Stuart Orenstein ’00 and Allanby Singleton-Green ’83.
David Holleb ’73, Director of College Guidance Sandy Pelz ’71 and Director of Alumni Affairs Laura Lanigan.
Director of Alumni Affairs Laura Lanigan, Alumni Association President Andy Sandberg ’01 and Bill Reed ’85.
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All photo captions in the Alumni Events and Class Notes sections read left to right, unless otherwise noted.
Grey Team
Points Rebounds Assists
Philip Blake ’95 Harrison Fields ’11 Nader Mobargha ’91 Sam Morril ’05 Andrew West ’92 Red Team
Back row: Philip Blake ’95, Nader Mobargha ’91, Andrew West ’92, Sam Morril ’05, Harrison Fields ’11 and Head of School John Botti. Front row: Philip van Scheltinga ’14, Terrel Phelps ’11, Jonas Borra ’03, Steven Kassapidis ’11 and Will Jacob ’16.
41 30 11 31 4
6 14 6 16 11
4 3 5 2 11
Points Rebounds Assists
Jonas Borra ’03 Will Jacob ’16 Steven Kassapidis ’11 Terrel Phelps ’11 Harris Russell ’16 Philip van Scheltinga ’14
9 35 9 57 4 2
7 9 10 12 8 22
4 7 2 1 2 5
ALUMNI BASKETBALL GAME Alumni basketball players from
the Classes of 1991-2016 returned to Browning on December 20 for the
annual Alumni Basketball Game in
the Upper Gym. Director of Athletics Andrew West ’92 provided the following re-cap:
“This year’s Alumni Basketball
Harris Russell ’16, Philip van Scheltinga ’14 and Will Jacob ’16.
Jonas Borra ’03, Steven Kassapidis ’11 and Terrel Phelps ’11.
Sam Morril ’05, Andrew West ’92 and Harrison Fields ’11.
Philip Blake ’95 and Nader Mobargha ’91.
lead changes and no easy baskets. The
two-point bucket and a time-out, they
I dragged my wife to the game to watch
the final quarter before Phil Blake ’95
to send him to the line to shoot. After
tied his career high with one assist!
Game was one for the ages. In past
years, teams were divided as even class years versus odd class years, or older alums versus younger alums. This
year, the group divided the teams up as fairly as possible, and as you can tell by the final score of 117-116, it was a good matchup between the Red Team and the Grey Team.
“The teams battled back and forth
throughout the game with multiple
Red Team took a nine-point lead into
took matters into his own hands, lighting up the scoreboard with 24 of his 41
points coming in the final frame. After the Grey Team took the lead just three
minutes into the fourth, the Red Team
made a terrific coaching adjustment by putting Terrel Phelps ’11 back in, and
the game went back and forth through-
out, with Phelps and Blake trading jabs. The Grey Team trailed by three points with 12 seconds left. After a quick
decided to foul Steven Kassapidis ’11
a missed freethrow and another time-
me play.’ Also of note, Terrel Phelps ’11 “Special thanks to Chef Gene
out (luckily, time-outs are unlimited
DeFreitas and his crew for the delicious
Phil Blake ’95 has been waiting for
the game, and of course to Director of
in the alumni game) came the moment since 1992, when he first played varsity hoops. With 1.6 seconds left, the
Grey Team inbounded the ball to Phil,
who turned around and calmly sank a 12-footer to give the team the victory! “After the game, Phil said: ‘It felt
good, I just wish I had done that the year
salad, pizza, cookies and drinks after Alumni Affairs Laura Lanigan and
Director of Institutional Advancement Jim Simon for making sure the event went off without a hitch. It was also
great to see Head of School John Botti and Director of College Guidance Sandy Pelz ’71 in the stands!”
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INAUGURAL YOUNG ALUMNI AND PAST PARENT RECEPTION On Thursday, January 11, Browning’s Alumni Association hosted a Young
Alumni and Past Parent Reception for the Classes of 2008-2017. More than 60 young
alumni and their parents, as well as faculty, staff and Alumni Council members,
attended this inaugural event. Alumni
Association President Andy Sandberg ’01 and Head of School John Botti both gave
brief remarks during the reception. It was great to see everyone!
Bill Reed ’85, Samora Legros ’03 and Head of School John Botti.
David Parisier, Rebecca Parisier, Sandy Pelz ’71 and Aaron Parisier ’14.
Melodie Ting and Jake Germano ’17.
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Jake Germano ’17, Chanda Chapin, Cynthia Kramer and Joseph Mansfield.
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Barry Belgorod, Cynthia Belgorod and Gregory Belgorod ’13.
Ralph Harvard, Rafe Harvard ’14, Clifford Harvard, Theresa Rodriguez and Cheryl Chiovetta.
Aaron Parisier ’14, Ethan Parisier ’17 and Luke Barba ’17.
Anita Nilert, Nicholas Nilert ’10, Phyllis Rachmuth and Nancy Mansfield.
Andy Sandberg ’01, Will Hemminger ’98 and John Botti.
Sandy Pelz ’71, Michael Zuppone ’16 and Betsy Zuppone.
Chris Pelz ’12, Jon Pelz ’12 and Sandy Pelz ’71.
Alex Barnard ’17 and Luke Barba ’17.
Michael Lippa, Jody Kaplan, Theresa Rodriguez and Matthew Lippa ’13.
Casey Hutzler, Betsy Zuppone and Cynthia Kramer.
Cheryl Chiovetta, Claire Casey and Chanda Chapin.
Anne Rieselbach, Matthew Marani ’12, Grant Marani and Jim Reynolds.
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Andy Sandberg ’01, John Botti, Jeremy Katz ’04, Jim Simon and Eliza Botti.
A Marymount student and her tour group.
BROWNING AND MARYMOUNT ALUMNI RETURN TO THE MET Browning and Marymount co-hosted an
alumni function for the sixth consecutive year on Friday, January 19, at The Metropolitan
Museum of Art and Marymount School. As is
tradition, the Marymount student tour guides once again did a phenomenal job leading
tours of two exhibits: David Hockney and
Michelangelo: Divine Draftsman & Designer. Following the gallery tours, guests walked
across the street for a reception at Marymount. Browning’s Alumni Association is grateful for
Marymount’s partnership in this annual event!
Browning Key Society volunteers and Marymount art history student tour guides posed for a group photo before the gallery tours.
One of the tour groups gathered for a photo following the gallery tours.
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“A Bigger Splash” by David Hockney (1967).
“Portrait of An Artist (Pool With Two Figures)” by David Hockney (1972).
A digital recreation of Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel.
The marble bust “Brutus” by Michelangelo (c. 1538).
Shannon Sitchenko, Michael Afshar ’98, Alexander Forostenko ’98, Carrie Schenk and Graham Bahler ’98.
A close-up of “A Bigger Interior With Blue Terrace and Garden” by David Hockney (2017).
A close-up of a Hockney artwork.
Guests congregated in the Carson Family Hall prior to the tours.
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BROWNING WELCOMES OVER 160 ATTENDEES TO REUNION On Friday, April 13, more than 160 alumni and guests
returned to Browning for the annual Alumni Reunion.
Alumni ranging from the Classes of 1950 to 2013, along
Sandberg ’01 [Read more on pages 78 – 81].
Earlier in the day, an Alumni Panel presented at the
with a number of current and former faculty, attended
Upper School Assembly and featured three inspiring
Donor Recognition Luncheon, and Reunion reception.
Stanley), Chris Coffey ’98 (head of the NY practice of Tusk
the Upper School Assembly, True Grytte Society and
This year, the Alumni Association’s highest distinction,
the Charles W. Cook ’38 Alumnus Achievement Award,
was presented to Zachary Goldfarb ’01, deputy business
alums: Lawrence Bahr ’96 (financial advisor at Morgan
Ventures and Tusk Strategies) and Francisco Estrada ’93 (talent acquisition consultant at AMC Networks).
At 11 a.m., Zachary Goldfarb ’01 met with the staff of
editor of The Washington Post. Mr. Goldfarb was honored
Browning’s student newspaper, the Grytte, sharing his
Alumni Association Council officers Stuart Orenstein ’00 and John Moran ’97.
Andy Sandberg ’01, Zachary Goldfarb ’01 and Head of School John Botti.
during an evening award ceremony led by Head of
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School John Botti and Alumni Association President Andy
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Back Row (L to R): Tom Hughes ’78, Justin Blitz ’96, Eric Ordway ’67, Jim Simon, Steve Schott ’72, John Botti, Despina Gimbel, Ian Corbin ’93, Lin Wells ’63, Andy Sandberg ’01, Zachary Goldfarb ’01, Caroline Axelrod, Soo Mi Thompson, Jeffrey Landes ’83 and Richard Weaver ’75. Middle Row (L to R): Stevie Rachmuth ’10, George Grimbilas ’80, Bill Reed ’85, Godfrey Bloch ’63, Leon Dalva ’58 and Bob Gimbel ’57. Front Row (L to R): John Moran ’97, Michael Linburn ’50, Kathy Linburn and Stuart Orenstein ’00.
experience as a White House correspondent, the state of
affairs in the newsroom today and invaluable advice to the next generation of journalists. At noon, the annual True
Stephen S. Perry ’76 Memorial Class Representative Awards were presented to the following individuals:
Grytte Society and Donor Recognition Luncheon was held
• Most Outstanding Class Fundraiser: Andrew West ’92
special musical performance by Browning’s a cappella
• Most Outstanding Class Representatives: Chris Coffey ’98,
for the 12th year nearby, where guests were treated to a group, the A CaPanthers.
Reunion guests gathered in the Kurani Gym for the
evening reception. In addition to the Charles W. Cook ’38
• Most Outstanding Class Correspondent: Ben Berman ’93 Alexander Forostenko ’98, Graig Springer ’98
The Alumni Association is grateful to all who helped
Alumnus Achievement Award presentation, the
make this event possible!
George Grimbilas ’80, Godfrey Bloch ’63, Steve Schott ’72 and Tom Hughes ’78.
A CaPanthers after their performance at the luncheon: Manny Medina ’18, Philip Raftopoulos ’18, Gabriel Flicker ’19, Jackson Richter ’18, Nicholas Hurley ’19, Caleb Sussman ’18, Brogan Smith ’18 and Eric Pena ’19. Spring/Summer 2018
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The 25th Reunion Class: Gregory Manuel ’93, Ian Weiss ’93, Lyle Fass ’93, Andrew Gropper ’93, Alexandros Theodorou ’93, Kevin Smith ’93, Christian Salvati ’93, Than Ferris ’93, Paris Montoya ’93, Ian Corbin ’93 and Ben Berman ’93.
The 30th Reunion Class: Daniel Schweitzer ’88, Michael Cooper ’88, Harris Falk ’88, Andrew Gelb ’88, Jeremy Novak ’88 and Lex Haris ’88.
10th Reunion Class: Brett Schulman ’08, Bradley Aronson ‘08, Eve Pollet, Ethan Schulman ’08, Elizabeth Beasley, John Hendren ’08 and James Singer ’08.
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Michael Beys ’89, Peter Orphanos ’89, Clair Smith ’63, Mary Smith and Jonathan Mason ’89.
The 50th Reunion Class: Sam Earnshaw ’68, Gordon Baird ’68, R. Treat Rinear ’68 and Michael Ellis ’68 with their former Browning teacher John Dennis-Browne.
Rohan Wijegoonaratna ’10, Gregory Davis ’10, Nicolas Nilert ’10 and Stevie Rachmuth ’10.
The 15th Reunion Class: Alexander Cecil ’03, Matt Jordan ’03, Berk Sonmez ’03, Gene Prentice ’03, Christopher Holme ’03, Tony Caputo ’03, Jeremy Garretson ’03 and Samora Legros ’03.
Jeffrey Landes ’83 and Michael Hutzler ’83 celebrating their 35th reunion.
The 20th Reunion Class: George Cabrera ’98, Graig Springer ’98, Cris Cravetz ’98, Alexander Forostenko ’98, Chris Coffey ’98, Graham Bahler ’98, former faculty member Carol Goulian Stewart, Lynn Berman ’98, Kerry Deal ’98, William Hemminger ’98 and Justin Kingson ’98.
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John Botti with this year’s Stephen S. Perry ’76 Most Outstanding Class Representatives: Chris Coffey ’98, Graig Springer ’98 and Alexander Forostenko ’98.
John Botti presented the Stephen S. Perry ’76 award for Most Outstanding Class Correspondent to Ben Berman ’93.
The 5th Reunion Class: Alexander Bendo ’13, Wilfred Wallis ’13, Will Beasley ’13, Paul Pricop ’13, Declan Quillen ’13, Olivier Fontaine ’13, David Leeds ’13, Nicolas Donarski ’13, Evan Blumenthal ’13 and Michael Gabrellian ’13.
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The Office of Institutional Advancement: Jeremy Katz ’04, Jim Simon, Laura Lanigan, Soo Mi Thompson and Krizia Moreno-Cruz.
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Over 160 alumni and guests attended the evening reception in the Kurani Gym.
A FOND FAREWELL & THANK-YOU FOR 11 YEARS OF LEADERSHIP After serving as Director of Alumni Affairs for 11 years,
Laura with a thank-you gift and toast. Andy said, “Laura
of-state. Alumni Council members and past Alumni
community of alumni here in this room tonight. It’s going
Laura Lanigan and her family recently relocated out-
Association presidents attending Reunion joined current
President Andy Sandberg ’01 to show their appreciation to
has done so much for this school and particularly for the to be hard to imagine Browning without her. So please raise a glass to join us in thanking her!”
Michael Beys ’89 (past Alumni Association President), current President Andy Sandberg ’01, Laura Lanigan, Jeffrey Landes ’83 and Richard Weaver ’75 (both past Alumni Association Presidents).
Alumni gathered for the award presentation in the Kurani Gym.
John Botti, Dominique Bernard and Gregory Manuel ’93.
Adele Pelz, Jon Pelz ’12, Kevin Dearinger and Sandy Pelz ’71.
Anik Akhund ’10 and Jim Reynolds.
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Lawrence Bahr ’96
Chris Coffey ’98
Francisco Estrada ’93
ALUMNI CAREER PANELISTS SPEAK AT ANNUAL UPPER SCHOOL ASSEMBLY
Semitism and helping to secure fair treatment to all. He is a member of
the New York Regional Board of the
Anti-Defamation League and chairman of ADL’s Westchester Advisory Committee. Born and raised in
Manhattan, he now lives in Chappaqua with his wife and two daughters. John Botti, Lawrence Bahr ’96, Chris Coffey ’98 and Francisco Estrada ’93.
LAWRENCE W. BAHR ’96 Larry Bahr is a financial advisor and
financial planning specialist with The
Maddalena Group at Morgan Stanley,
Chris Coffey leads the New York practice
Retirement Director title.
strategy firm focused on startups, and
Morgan Stanley to earn the Corporate He began his financial services
career in 2005 as a financial consultant
build and preserve their wealth while
AXA Advisors before becoming a
achieving financial security.
Mr. Bahr also serves as the senior
relationship manager for some of The Maddalena Group’s largest corporate retirement clients. He has experience
advising organizations on investment management, menu construction,
asset allocation, fiduciary oversight and plan design. He consults on
both defined contribution plans and
defined benefit plans, as well as equity plans and non-qualified deferred
compensation programs. He is among
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a select few financial advisors at
where he focuses on helping corporate executives and business owners
T HE
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CHRIS COFFEY ’98
at New York Life; he later joined
member of The Maddalena Group in 2009. Throughout his career,
Mr. Bahr has been committed to
professional development. A graduate of Hamilton College, he earned his
Chartered Retirement Plans Specialist designation in 2013, and his Certified Financial Planner designation in
2015. He is a member of the Financial Planning Association of New York. In his personal time, Larry has
committed himself to the continued
civil rights movement, fighting anti-
for both Tusk Ventures, a political
Tusk Strategies, a firm responsible for developing, managing and executing full-scale political campaigns. Mr.
Coffey’s clients include The Patrolman’s Benevolent Association (PBA), Citi Bike and Whole Foods. He also helps lead Tusk’s technology and public policy
projects. He has secured major victories
for Times Square Alliance, Uber and the PBA. Most recently, he helped manage Corey Johnson’s successful campaign for Speaker of the New York City
Council, making Speaker Johnson the
highest-ranking LGBT elected official in the state of New York. Mr. Coffey also
serves on Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez’s transition committee.
The Annual Alumni Career Panel was held during an Upper School Assembly in the Kurani Gym.
Prior to joining Tusk, Mr. Coffey
matters during her run for mayor; in
for developing a diverse network
for 12 years. He served at City Hall on
of Athlete Ally, a group dedicated to
candidates for MLS talent pipeline
worked for Mayor Michael Bloomberg Mayor Bloomberg’s three electoral cam-
paigns and at Bloomberg L.P. During his
2015 she nominated him to the board fighting for equality in sports.
Mr. Coffey guest lectures a class at
time in city government, he helped set
New York University and frequently
also co-authored the Roadmap for the
York political matters. He currently
up the first-ever NYC digital office. He Digital City, which the Mayor unveiled as the first digital blueprint for city
government in the nation. Previously,
Mr. Coffey served as first deputy commissioner of the Mayor’s Community
Office and assistant press secretary for the Mayor, as well as director of may-
oral advance. In 2009, he worked on the
appears on NY1 as an expert on New serves as vice chair of the Brooklyn
Bridge Park Conservancy and is on
Brooklyn, with his husband Adam J. Riff and their son Will.
experienced recruitment and diversity
Francisco Estrada is a highly
from newspapers across the city.
executive with broad industry
Love. Hate Hate.” public service
advertising campaign in New York City in the aftermath of the tragic suicide of Tyler Clementi. In 2013
Mr. Coffey served as an advisor to
Christine Quinn on LGBT and other
Baseball and JPMorgan Chase & Co., primarily focusing on recruitment as
well as diversity and inclusion efforts. Born and raised in Queens, and
family to go to college. He graduated
a record-breaking 64 endorsements
equality. He helped create the “Love
American Express, Major League
City and now lives in Cobble Hill,
was born and raised in New York
munications strategist, helping to secure
LGBT issues, including marriage
at Univision Communications Inc.,
with extended roots in Mexico,
FRANCISCO J. ESTRADA ’93
Mr. Coffey worked on a number of
consideration. Previously, he worked
the board of Athlete Ally. Mr. Coffey
Bloomberg campaign as a senior com-
In Mayor Bloomberg’s third term,
of qualified active and passive
experience in sports, media and
entertainment, and financial services.
Mr. Estrada was the first member of his from Browning in 1993, followed by
Yale University and NYU Stern School of Business. He is a proud alumnus of
the following diversity and leadership development organizations: Prep for
Prep, The Experiment in International Living, INROADS-NYC and Management Leadership for Tomorrow.
In 2017 he was selected as an
He joined Major League Soccer (MLS)
ambassador for The Alumni Society,
of recruitment and diversity; in this
seeks to build a high-caliber network for
in April 2016 as the senior director
role he led the strategy and execution of all League recruitment efforts. He
managed full-cycle recruitment, new hire processes and the internship
program. He was also responsible
an organization for Latino leaders that career enhancement and professional development. He was also featured by FindSpark as “30 Must-Follow
Diversity & Inclusion Thought Leaders Transforming the Workplace.”
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REMARKS BY ALUMNI ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT ANDY SANDBERG ’01 April 13, 2018, Alumni Reunion Reception
See, in my profession of theater, I
suppose that’s how he found his place in
that charlatan’s path, but since we’re
question in just the right way so that you
could have happily continued down
honoring a respected journalist tonight, I should probably skip the fake news... In truth, I’d say we were friendly
academic rivals. “Rivals” may not be the right word, since I don’t
Thank you, John, for not only that
welcome but for all you do for the
School. And thank you all for being
here tonight. A special welcome to the classes ending in 3 and 8 celebrating their milestone reunions.
For those of you I don’t know, my
name is Andy Sandberg, and I’m the
president of the Alumni Association.
We have another record turn-out at this year’s Reunion, and it’s exciting to see
can trust him. But if you’re not careful, he’ll air all your dirty laundry. He’ll pretty much own you.
Of course, we both learned that
negotiation doesn’t always work on
think we inspired each other. Certain
subsequently applied these skills to
teachers probably knew they were in
for a battle if they ever graded us more than a few points apart, because one
thing Zach and I did share in common
teachers. I guess that’s why we’ve
our respective extracurriculars – which, in both of our cases, have now become our professions.
Now, one area it would have been
was a penchant for negotiating.
foolish to compete with Zach: journalism.
were trying to haggle with Coach West
than to ever challenge him on his turf.
My fondest memories of Zach
about whether we needed to actually
get changed for weight room when we had absolutely no intention of lifting.
We were too cool for that – so cool, in fact, that we wanted to use our gym
We often collaborated, but I knew better
Sure, we worked together on the School’s publications, but I happily found excuses to slip away to rehearsal and let Zach reign over his kingdom.
After 10 years at Browning, where
period to finish our history homework.
Zach served as editor of both the Grytte
Those of you with Panther pins on
shameless in my attempts to manipulate
yearbook and the French newspaper En
already to this year’s Annual Fund.
might say – whereas Zach was more
both familiar and new faces here today. your lapels, thank you for contributing Everyone else, it’s not too late, and in addition to making events like
this possible, your contributions are
incredibly meaningful in helping the School to grow and thrive. So thank you for your support.
Now to our guest of honor…
Zach Goldfarb and I are very
different people. At any other school,
I’m not sure we would have even been friends. But at a school like Browning, we frequently found our paths
aligning. First and foremost, we were
both star athletes, having each served as captain of… [sic]
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think you can talk to that guy – that you
think either of us saw ourselves in
competition with one another – I like to Andy Sandberg ’01
the world of journalism. He’ll ask you a
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BUZZER
Now, I was always rather blunt and
the system – more combative, some clever and covert in his strategies.
Most of the faculty thought he was
innocent and some would have even said quiet, but he was secretly far
more mischievous than the rest of us. I
and the Lit and also worked on the
Evante, Zach went on to Princeton, where he served as editor-in-chief of The Daily Princetonian. He has since gone on to a
successful career at The Washington Post,
where among his other accomplishments, Zach was a White House correspondent covering President Barack Obama.
We often collaborated, but I knew better than to ever challenge him on his turf. Sure, we worked together on the School’s publications, but I happily found excuses to slip away to rehearsal and let Zach reign over his kingdom.
He currently serves as the deputy
“Off the record,” Zach’s political
business editor at the Post, overseeing
views were somewhat radical back in
business, economics, technology and
his campaign to launch [a website
a team of 50 journalists responsible for policy coverage. He and his wife Sarah live in D.C., and they are the proud parents of one-year-old Andrew.
If I didn’t know Zach to also be an
excellent writer with a strong sense of ethics and a sense of humor – an
effective pairing of senses – I’d assume he schemed his way into his personal and professional success.
shy about questioning the status quo.
If you asked any of my classmates
high school. Some might remember
to do an impression of Zach, it usually
devoted to Centrist political views].
The words of politeness but the tone of
Challenging the system, but through the lens of fairness. (For those of you who were paying attention to what I
just said, yes, in high school in the late
started with: “Excuse me, excuse me.” “I-know-what-I’m-doing-here.” And
he usually did. And thankfully for the world of journalism, he still does.
Please join me in congratulating
’90s, “centrism” seemed radical. As did
my classmate Zach Goldfarb as the
that matter.) Now Zach wasn’t always
Achievement Award.
the existence of political websites, for
the voice of dissent – but he was never
recipient of this year’s Alumnus
2017-18 LEGACY PHOTO The annual legacy photo was taken in April in the Wilson Room. This year, there are 17 Browning boys with fathers who also attended Browning, for a total of 12 legacy families. Back row (L to R): George Grimbilas ’18, George Grimbilas ’80, Ned Hurley ’82, Nicholas Hurley ’19, George Stavropoulos ’18, Peter Stavropoulos ’82, Michael Beys ’89, John Hadden ’24, John Hadden ’87 and Mark Frangos ’96. Middle Row (L to R): Adam Berman ’25, Ben Berman ’93, Andrew Gelb ’88, Cole Hadden ’26, Peter Frangos ’30, Evan West ’29, and Andrew West ’92. Front row (L to R): Andrew Bates-Zoullas ’23, Winston Bates-Zoullas ’23, Chase Berman ’30, Jack Gelb ’27, Peter Beys ’25, Alexander Beys ’27, Jude Theodore ’27, Julian Blitz ’30 and Justin Blitz ’96. Not pictured: Nicholas Zoullas ’55, Ali Theodore ’88 and Lee Theodore ’24.
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AWARD ACCEPTANCE REMARKS FROM ZACHARY GOLDFARB ’01
Good evening. Thanks so much for
technology and public policy. And just
at Browning, and as I’m sure you can
at Browning, I think I learned some of
this great honor. It’s exciting to be back
as I was nurtured to become a writer
understand, it’s great to be out of quiet
the key lessons of being a good editor
Washington, D.C., for a couple of days.
from Browning’s teachers: setting high
As I thought about what to say
expectations, showing compassion
today, I looked through the list of
and enjoying the vicarious pleasures
recipients of this award and was struck
of others’ success.
by how many I enjoy a surprise kinship
I feel confident this is still
with. The award was first given to the
happening at Browning today, based
legendary Charles Cook ‘38 in 1991, my first year at Browning. Fast
forward to the year I graduated –
2001 – and one of the recipients was
Osborn Elliot ’41, a famous editor of Newsweek. The next recipient was
Tom Herman ’64, a widely respected Wall Street Journal journalist who helped show me the ropes of the industry when I was an aspiring reporter. And then came fellow
Princeton alumni Ken Offit ’73 and
Charles Plohn ’62, both of whom I came to know over the years, and several other well-known journalists and
proprietors of journalism – from Henry Luce ’42 and Arthur Sulzberger ’44,
to David Callaway ’82, who just last
year I had the pleasure of sitting next to at a journalism awards dinner. And, of course, my closest
connection was to one of last year’s
recipients, Mr. Pelz ’71, who went to
bat for me and every other student to make sure our lives after Browning were the best they could be. I still
remember the day when I walked into Mr. Pelz’s basement office to let him know about my college acceptance and him bursting with pride as
though his own son had achieved
something special. I’ve now been able to follow his sons’ success via the
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on my conversation with students Zachary Goldfarb ’01
who work on the Grytte this morning. They asked incredibly sophisticated
Buzzer and Facebook, feeling a sort of
questions about the media and politics
boys whom I never knew personally
to ride on Air Force One made me feel
class notes about.
to the 1997 Harrison Ford blockbuster
that I may have the distinction of
none of the students in the room had
kinship with a generation of Browning
(although a question about what it’s like
but still smile at seeing pictures or
particularly dated, when I compared it
Among this list of alumni, I feel
and faced blank stares, before realizing
being the least distinct. But I think
been born when it came out).
Browning that you could pluck
I see from my generation of teachers
graduate in the new millennium
Mr. Ingrisani, Mr. Pelz, Monsieur
connection to fellow alumni spanning
shape how I do my job today at The
The last time I had the honor of
a light on the actions of the powerful
it says something special about
The lessons of Browning teachers –
a member out of the first class to
in the room today – Mr. Dearinger,
and find that he has an immediate
Bernard and Mr. Prestigiacomo –
more than a half century.
Washington Post as we work to shine
speaking at Browning was at the 2011
with the belief that, as our newspaper’s
was a reporter covering the President,
Darkness.” Yes, to do this job, precision
toward, unbeknownst to me, since
a deep sense of history – all things
published a Middle School newsletter.
but so are the values of, in the words
whether President Obama’s tan suit
“personal integrity and responsibility
graduation ceremony. At the time I
motto says, “Democracy Dies in
a dream job I had been working
with language, critical thinking and
my first years at Browning when I
taught at Browning – are important,
Those days the big controversy was
of the Browning mission statement,
color was befitting to him. Times
to the broader community.”
editor, helping oversee dozens of
especially important today when the
from the economy and business to
truth – can often seem under attack by
have changed. For me, I’m now an journalists who cover everything
For journalism, these feel
core of what we do – try to uncover
And just as I was nurtured to become a writer at
have the direct benefit of a Browning
Browning, I think I learned some of the key lessons
will be exposed, in a small way, to a
of being a good editor from Browning’s teachers: setting high expectations, showing compassion and enjoying the vicarious pleasures of others’ success. politicians, polarization and platforms
Browning help students not only
versions of the truth.
knowledge with virtue. In some
that collectively serve up twisted
In a recent speech, the editor of the
Post, Marty Baron, quoted from the landmark 1985 book on media and
democracy, “Amusing Ourselves to
Death,” in which author Neil Postman compared the dystopian visions of
George Orwell’s “1984” and Aldous
gain knowledge, but marry that
ways education and journalism are twin pillars of our civil society, the former preparing young people to
captive culture,” while Huxley feared “a trivial culture.”
class – “In Country,”“Other Voices, Other Rooms” and “All the King’s Men” – margin notes intact. These
books and particularly the last one,
about a newspaperman, a politician and a meditation on what Robert Penn Warren called the “awful
responsibility of time,” have loomed largely in my life.
Admittedly, it will likely be
more focused on “The Very Hungry
I’m joined tonight by my wife
and I live in Washington with our one-
Orwell feared what Postman called “a
from Mr. Dearinger’s English
people to be informed citizens.
citizens and the latter empowering
Orwell worried about the truth being being buried in a “sea of irrelevance.”
On the bookcase by which he
plays all day long are three books
some 15 years before I can read
Sarah and my dad, who spent years
concealed, Huxley worried about it
Browning education.
be conscientious and knowledgeable
Huxley’s “Brave New World.”
Postman described how while
education. Yet I feel confident he
enjoying Browning with me. My wife
year-old son, and we’ll be there for the foreseeable future, so I’m sad to say – despite Dr. Botti’s encouragement this morning – he probably won’t
them with my son – right now we’re Caterpillar” and “Goodnight Moon.” But I look forward to that day circa
2033 when I will sit down with him and talk about what I learned from these books that absorbed me at
Browning, and from whom I learned about them.
Thank you.
As Marty noted, Postman thought
Huxley’s fears were the more likely to materialize. It was an argument I first encountered about 18 years ago in
Mr. Pelz’s class on Science, Technology and Society, when we read each of
these three books. But far more than
then, the risk of Huxley’s vision seems real today.
I think we can derive hope,
however, from the fact that the
free press’s role is constitutionally guaranteed, and that teachers
across the country at schools like
Joel Goldfarb, Zachary Goldfarb ’01 and Sarah Goldfarb.
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81
John Botti and Stuart Orenstein ’00 present Manuel Medina ’18 with a gift from the Alumni Association.
CLASS OF 2018 WELCOMED INTO ALUMNI ASSOCIATION On Wednesday, April 18 Head of School John Botti and Alumni Association Vice President Stuart Orenstein ’00 hosted
the annual Form VI Alumni Association Breakfast. Every year at this event, the Alumni Association recognizes each
member of the graduating class with a special gift in honor of his upcoming
graduation. Speakers at the breakfast
included Alumni Association Vice President Stuart Orenstein ’00, Director of College
The Form VI Alumni Association Breakfast, an annual tradition, is held at a nearby venue.
Guidance Sandy Pelz ’71, Director of
Athletics Andrew West ’92, and Director of Communications Design Jeremy Katz ’04. Upper School Head Jim Reynolds and
Director of Advancement Jim Simon were
also in attendance. The Alumni Association members look forward to Graduation Day,
when these 29 members of the Class of 2018 will officially join their ranks!
Patrick Yee ’18, Caleb Sussman ’18, Michael Riley ’18, Philip Raftopoulos ’18, Benjamin Ellman ’18, Theodore David ’18, Jack Twaronite ’18 and Brogan Smith ’18.
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Top Row (L to R): Ekene Duruaku ’18, Jack Twaronite ’18, Louis Cutter ’18, Norman Champ ’18, Luke Hexner ’18, Marwan Nsouli ’18, Theodore Florescu ’18, Grant Thompson ’18 and Daniel Kravitz ’18. Middle Row (L to R): Sean Nickola ’18, Julien Anavian ’18, Adrian Rodriguez ’18, Brogan Smith ’18, Sean Flores ’18, Takayuki Ishikawa ’18, Michael Riley ’18, Connor Medland ’18, Robert Nielsen ’18, Theodore David ’18, Rohan Singh ’18 and Patrick Yee ’18. Front Row (L to R): Jackson Richter ’18, Philip Raftopoulos ’18, Manuel Medina ’18, George Grimbilas ’18, George Stavropoulos ’18, Gabriel Soluri ’18, Benjamin Ellman ’18 and Caleb Sussman ’18.
Julien Anavian ’18, Grant Thompson ’18, Theodore Florescu ’18, Adrian Rodriguez ’18, Luke Hexner ’18, Jim Simon, Connor Medland ’18 and Andrew West ’92.
Spring/Summer 2018
83
class notes
TO SHARE NEWS with the Browning community, please contact the Office of Institutional Advancement at advancement@browning.edu or 212.838.6280 Ext. 1920.
50s
In February 2018, George W. Liebmann ’57 released his latest book, “America’s Political Inventors: The
Lost Art of Legislation.”
close by. Janet and I have
of the Bird effort: “If you
on the way in May. We spend
Geographic’s 2018 Year
take care of the birds, you
take care of most of the big
environmental problems in the world.”
national history. His other
60s
“Diplomacy Between the
the following news in
Mr. Liebmann is a historian and lawyer specializing in American and interpublications include
F. Dodd Adair ’65 submitted
Wars: Five Diplomats
February: “Most of us from
and the Shaping of the Modern World,” “The
Last American Diplomat: John D. Negroponte and
the Changing Face of U.S.
Diplomacy,” and “The Fall
of the House of Speyer: The
Story of a Banking Dynasty.” A quote by biologist
and conservationist Thomas E. Lovejoy ’59 is the
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featured tagline of National
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mitted the following news in
two months a year skiing in
directing Johns Hopkins
Colorado and two months a year at a beach on the coast of Georgia. Recently, we
took a Danube River cruise to the Black Sea ending in
Bucharest. Family joins us when they can. Hope all from ’65 are well.”
70s
daughter invited many of
Sulzberger, Jr. ’70 retired as
I turned 70 last May, and my
In December, Arthur O.
my friends for a dinner party
publisher of The New York
at her home. Where did the
years go? My oldest daughter and family live in California. Youngest son is in Colorado and another daughter and son in Birmingham, Ala.,
Dodd Adair ’65 and his wife Janet (both seated) with their four children: Lauren, David, Diane and Scott.
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eight grandchildren and one
or soon will turn 70 (yikes).
the Class of ’65 have turned
John C. Cook ’71 sub-
Times, handing the reins
March: “Following 34 years
University’s annual fund and principal gifts programs, I
retired here in Baltimore with my wife. Our six children are spread coast to coast.
Please visit us when you’re in town.”
to his son, Arthur Gregg
Craig Sands ’71.
Mr. Sulzberger will stay on as
to us in February: “I’m still
Times Company.
from Lausanne, Switzerland,
Sulzberger. The elder
chairman of The New York
Craig J. Sands ’71 wrote
alive and kicking and moved
The Sulzberger family has run The New York Times since 1896. In this photo, Arthur Sulzberger, Jr. ’70, is seated on the lap of his grandfather, Arthur H. Sulzberger, while his father, Arthur O. Sulzberger ’44, looks on. Photo credit: The New York Times Company Archives/From “The Trust.”
to Ghent, Belgium, a few
years ago. I occasionally see
Browning classmate news via Facebook. Retirement is not yet in sight!”
David G. Holleb ’73
submitted the following news in December: “We
are finally empty nesters as, our son Matthew moved to
Members of the Grytte staff with Mr. Callaway ’82 (center) in November.
his ocean tug boat that brings
winning a federal appeals
service providers in various
Jacksonville, Fla. Our son
free speech rights of public
reached at nelsonanthoine@
Charleston, S.C., to be closer to supplies to Puerto Rico from Peter is completing his first semester of medical school at St. George’s in Grenada.
After this winter, he is happy
to be going back to where it is
always around 80 degrees. We
have a Shiba Inu grand puppy that is a real darling and is keeping us in shape with
our long walks. I am looking forward to seeing many of my classmates at our 45th reunion!”
Nelson H. Anthoine ’75
reports that he considers being a good father to
smart, kind, future leaders
as his best accomplishment,
followed by suing his former long-term employer and
court case that helps protect employees (Nelson Anthoine v. North Central Counties
communities.” He can be
Callaway ’82 hosted the staff
sbcglobal.net.
student-run newspaper, at the
Alexander C.
Consortium). His daughter
McCormick ’76 submitted
his son recently attained
December: “January 2018
attends UC Davis, and
a perfect score on the SAT
mathematics section. After developing and managing rental property in Chico,
Calif., Mr. Antoine is hoping to work again in a larger
city, improving our society in some capacity. He asks
that fellow alumni feel free to contact him, “especially
if you are with a foundation that needs help drawing up categorical funding criteria, scoring grant proposals,
and overseeing effective
In November, David A.
the following news in
of the Grytte, Browning’s
New York offices of TheStreet, where Mr. Callaway is chief executive officer.
Jonathan A. Mason ’89
marks my 10th anniversary
is an agent for Buchwald, a
at Indiana University
with offices in New York
as a faculty member
Bloomington, where I teach in the doctoral program in
higher education and student affairs. I also direct a national project on college quality
called the National Survey of Student Engagement in
which we survey first-year and senior-year students at 500-700 colleges and
universities annually. I enjoy seeing occasional posts on
Facebook from Browning and Hewitt friends.”
talent and literary agency
and Los Angeles. In January, he was featured in a New York Times photo with
Buchwald’s founder, Don
Buchwald. Mr. Mason tells us, “I’ve actually been at
the company for the same number of years that I
was at Browning...13! Felt like forever going from
Kindergarten to Form VI, but feels like two minutes from
when I started at Buchwald back in 2005 to now.”
80s
Douglas S. Brophy ’81
was named head of The
Town School in February.
Previously, Mr. Brophy was Maximilian Ulanoff, Don Buchwald and Jonathan Mason ’89 at the Friars Club, as featured in The New York Times in January. Photo credit: Jackie Molloy for The New York Times.
the academic dean at The Spence School.
Doug Brophy ’81 with his wife Barbara and daughter Allegra.
Spring/Summer 2018
85
media agency. In February,
00s
news that Hyatt Worldwide
York-based investment bank
Peter R. Orphanos ’89
is founder and president of Orphmedia, LLC, a digital
Mr. Orphanos submitted the
Justin F. Karr ’00 joined New
is one of Orphmedia’s new
East Wind Advisors as a
clients; Orphmedia recently helped launch The Driskill,
one of Hyatt’s properties in Austin, Texas.
90s
Edward-Isaac Dovere ’98, chief Washington
correspondent for Politico and host of its podcast
Off Message, interviewed
Arnold Schwarzenegger in a featured session at South by Southwest this year.
During their conversation,
Schwarzenegger discussed his principles for effective governing, why he made
gerrymandering and other issues his crusades after finishing as governor of California, and what he sees for the future of American politics.
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director, where he focuses
on the consumer and retail
sectors. He lives on the Upper
Browning alumni at the wedding of Alex Sheridan ’04 in December: Ben Sheridan ’10, Alex Sheridan ’04, Jeremy Katz ’04, Albie Bramble ’04 and Robert Bramble ’06.
and two young sons.
of 2017 I was promoted
continues to serve as
Portfolio Services, LLC, a
West Side with his wife Eliane Andy Sandberg ’01
president of Browning’s Alumni Association.
Outside of Browning,
he is a director, writer
and producer, currently
developing multiple new works for the stage. Two musical comedies that
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specialty finance company
2011 caught up at Dorrian’s
headquartered in New
York and Arizona, buying
performing, sub-performing, and non-performing
comedy about kindergarten admissions, is now in
development for television. Alexander Zaro ’01
submitted the following
news in February: “In May
where Owen Canavan ’06 was a guest bartender.
Owen B. Canavan ’06
Charles G. Braddock ’06
continued healing from
LLC, an art advisory company
“Application Pending,” a
Red Hand for Native Night,
submitted the following
all major U.S. creditors.”
opening Off-Broadway
this summer, and his play
from the Classes of 2000 to
consumer receivables sold by
is founder and director of
Edward-Isaac Dovere ’98 with Arnold Schwarzenegger at South by Southwest.
T HE
holiday, alumni ranging
he’s directing, “Neurosis” and “R.R.R.E.D.,” will be
Over the Thanksgiving
to president of Cavalry
Serial Artists Consultancy, based in New York. In
February, he produced and curated an exhibition for
artist Hanna Leah Gibbs,
an emerging contemporary
painter; Hanna also happens to be the wife of Browning
alumnus Michael Serman ’06.
in February: “I have
the accident last April much faster than my
trauma team’s original
expectations. My eighth and final surgery, an abdominal wall reconstruction hernia operation, will happen in March. God willing, this will all be in the past by
summertime. Thank you for your continued support.”
Edward Kent ’02, Brett Schulman ’08, Tennyson Singer ’08, Harrison Fields ’11, Michael Glasser ’08, Terrel Phelps ’11 and Jeremy Katz ’04. Not pictured: Jon Estreich ’00, Christopher Latos ’05, Robert Van Laer ’08, Ethan Schulman ’08, Bradley Aronson ’08 and Miles Bogner ’08.
always be a special place in
IN MEMORIAM
my heart for a very special school back in NY. My
best wishes go out to the
Browning community for the 2017-18 school year!”
Athina Aston P ’87 Dr. Guilford H. Bartlett, Former Faculty Jean-Christophe Froelicher-Schwarzenbach ’36 Robert L. Kirk, Jr. ’75
Zachary M. Perskin ’09
Edward Longstreth, Jr. ’48
submitted the following
Christopher M. Mershon ’73
news in February: “I will be
Martin Murphy, Sr. P ’02
getting married as well as Jonathan Pelz ’12, Christopher Pelz ’12 and Adele Pelz at the University of Edinburgh in November.
John C. Russell P ’02
graduating from NYU’s Stern
William L. Selden ’65
School of Business with an MBA in May.”
10s
In November, both
Christopher M. Pelz ’12
and Jonathan E. Pelz ’12
completed their respective
graduate school programs at
Chris Haack ‘14 spoke to students in Advanced Computer Science class.
Jon’s graduate degree is
criminal defense investigator.
the University of Edinburgh. Michael Jozoff ‘17 and Josh Jordan ‘17 visited Browning in November.
in Japanese culture and
language, and Chris’s is in
Exciting work!”
In January, faculty
carbon management.
member Gerry Protheroe
D’Innocenzo ’06 submitted
submitted the following
students to the annual Ivy
December: “My life in
to Colorado in August to start
Benjamin P.
the following news in
Colorado is full of outdoor adventure, but there will
Benjamin D. Jacobs ’13
news in February: “I moved work at the Colorado State
Public Defender’s office as a
chaperoned Browning
League Model United Nations Conference (ILMUNC),
where the group crossed
paths with Awen Abaatu ’16.
Dr. Protheroe noted, “Awen is now a key member of the
ILMUNC Secretariat at Penn. This is great to see, as he was a member of our delegation for four years at Browning.
We have never had a graduate in such a high position in the world of Model UN after going to college.”
In November, former Middle School Head Christopher Dunham visited Browning, where he was given a warm welcome by his former students and colleagues. Mr. Dunham and his family moved to California this past summer. Spring/Summer 2018
87
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Former Headmaster Clement’s Official Portrait Unveiled
Former Headmaster Stephen M. Clement, III, who retired in 2016 after serving The Browning School for 28 years, returned on April 18 for the unveiling of his official portrait by artist Ronald Sherr. Please turn to page 40 to read more.
Spring/Summer 2018
89
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BOYS OF ALL AGES PARTAKE IN BIODIVERSITY DAY
S
ponsored by Browning’s Green Team and still going strong in its fourth year, Biodiversity Day was once again a huge success, thanks to the boys, guest naturalists, teachers and
staff who braved unseasonably chilly temperatures to identify the amazing animal species that dwell in Central Park. Please see more photos on pages 38-39.
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