PALLIUM — Spring/Summer 2025

A CONVERSATION WITH CAROLINE BLATTI: LEADING CANTERBURY FORWARD

Canterbury’s seventh Head of School speaks candidly about her inspirations, her hopes for the community, and the enduring purpose that shapes the Canterbury experience.

A LEGACY IN PRINT: THE STORY OF PALLIUM

Since 1984, PALLIUM has served as an ongoing connection between Canterbury’s alumni community and life on the hilltop. Like the School itself, its modern iteration is based in tradition and has seen strategic and exciting advancements over the years.

TRANSFORMING TEACHING, ONE JOURNEY AT A TIME

As recipients of the John P. '59 and Anne Duffy P '87, '91 Faculty Travel Award, teachers Isabel Polletta and Noah Gichan traveled to Mongolia, immersing themselves in the country’s culture, history, philosophy, and folklore to enrich their classrooms.

WHERE PURPOSE LEADS: ALUMNI TRANSFORMING HEALTH CARE AND HEALING LIVES

Across the world of healthcare, Canterbury alumni are shaping lives through science, compassion, and innovation. Their work demonstrates how a Canterbury education continues to inspire a lifetime of service and leadership.

RECOGNIZING EXCELLENCE ACROSS GENERATIONS

Meet the newest inductees into Canterbury’s Athletics Hall of Fame and the recipients of the Society of Alumni awards, recognized for their enduring impact and inspiration.

A magazine for alumni, parents, and friends of Canterbury School.

SPRING/SUMMER 2025

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

Jennifer Loprinzo

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Alexa Saunchez

SENIOR STAFF WRITERS

Jim Norman, Jamie Kenney PHOTOGRAPHY

Rick Giles, Marc Vanasse '73, Tyrus Xanthos '16

CLASS NOTES & IN MEMORIAM

Kate Heslin '96, P '24, '25, '28

MAGAZINE LAYOUT & DESIGN

Margaret Galeano

SEND ALUMNI NEWS TO ADVANCEMENT OFFICE

Canterbury School 101 Aspetuck Avenue New Milford, CT 06776 advancement@cbury.org

860-210-3800 CBURY.ORG/ALUMNI

DEADLINES FOR CLASS NOTES

FALL: AUGUST 1 SPRING: FEBRUARY 1

BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2025—2026

Mr. Nick Ragland ’88, P ’21 | President

Mr. John A. Donovan ’59 | Vice President

Ms. Carol Lovell Carmody P ’18 | Treasurer

Mrs. Mary Coleman Lynn ’90, P ’22, ’23 | Secretary

Ms. Dorothy L. Alpert ’78

Mr. Keith G. Angell ’75

Mr. Harold T. Clark III ’86, P ’22

Mr. Douglas M. Famigletti ’90, P ’25

Mrs. Holly Fedorcik P ’26, ’29

Mr. Lawrence P. Fisher II ’77

Mr. Sean F. Flanagan ’91, P ’23

Mr. Theodore C. Hollander ’82

Mr. Jeremiah E. Keefe P ’21, ’22

Mr. Stephen M. Kessing P ’20, ’22, ’26

Ms. Nancy B. Mulheren P ’03, ’13, GP ’24, ’28, ’28

Mrs. Nicole D’Amour Schneider ’93, P ’20, ’22, ’23

Mr. Justin Towey P ’24

Mr. Donald Vincent ’83

Mrs. Nell P. Williams ’81

Mr. Robert L. Williams ’90

@canterbury1915

Canterbury School in New Milford, CT cburysaints

Canterbury School cburypix communications@cbury.org

PALLIUM is produced bi-annually by Canterbury’s Marketing & Communications Office, 101 Aspetuck Avenue, New Milford, CT 06776

NON-DISCRIMINATION

Canterbury School does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, age, creed, national origin, age, sexual orientation, or disability in admission or employment in its programs and activities.

©Copyright 2025 Canterbury School. All rights reserved. No content from this publication may be reproduced or reprinted in any form without the express written consent of Canterbury School.

PRESIDENT EMERITUS

Mr. Robert H. Steers ’71, P ’11

TRUSTEES EMERITI

Mr. James R. Briggs ’56, GP ’12, ’15

Mrs. Hope Carter P ’86, ’87, ’88, ’91, ’95, GP ’09, ’10, ’14

Mr. Denis P. Coleman, Jr. ’63, P ’97

Mr. Donn C. Dolce ’63, P ’01

Mr. John P. Duffy ’59, P ’87, ’91

Mr. John D. O’Neill ’57, P ’89

Dr. L. Michael Sheehy ’56

Mrs. Lauren J. Steers P ’11

From the Head of School

Over the course of my first months at Canterbury, I have often found myself filled with a sense of reverence, inspiration, and gratitude: for the beauty of this 110-year-old campus, the stone buildings set against the backdrop of rolling hills, and the traditions that connect generations of Saints. Most of all, for the sense of community that permeates every aspect of the Canterbury experience, not only on our hilltop, but across time, place, and life experience.

In this issue of PALLIUM, you will find myriad examples of that community—students, alumni, faculty, families, and friends—each giving meaning to the Canterbury Promise: to know themselves, to belong to something greater, and to lead with purpose.

I was honored to be joined by so many in this community in October when I was installed as Canterbury’s seventh Head of School (page 4). It is a privilege to help guide this institution forward and, on page 6, I share my vision that will shape our next chapter—one that builds on a proud past and looks ahead with great optimism.

That same sense of continuity—honoring what has come before while embracing what lies ahead—is beautifully reflected in PALLIUM itself, which has served as a tether between the alumni community, the hilltop, and each other for more than 40 years (page 12). It speaks to the tenacity and spirit of the School that in four decades, the magazine continues to find new stories to tell: stories of alumni, students, and employees who carry Canterbury’s spirit into every corner of the world. Among them are faculty members Isabel Polletta and Noah Gichan, the 2025 recipients of the John P ’59 and Anne Duffy P ’87, ’91 Faculty Travel Award, whose journey to Mongolia brought global perspective and renewed inspirations to their classrooms (page 15).

This issue also features Saints’ contributions to healthcare (page 31), highlighting four graduates whose research, innovation, humanitarianism, and empathy have revolutionized medicine and changed the lives of patients and communities worldwide. You will also meet alumni who have returned to share their wisdom directly with students: professionals, creators, and leaders who show our young Saints that what begins here extends far beyond the classroom and into lives of purpose and service.

During my installation, I told current students, “Everything you need to flourish already exists within you—in some form, waiting to be realized. Trust that. When you do, prepare to be astonished by what you are capable of achieving.” I believe the same is true of Canterbury itself. Looking through these pages, I see a school brimming with possibility, ready to flourish in ways both faithful to its roots and bold in its aspirations.

Because just as PALLIUM is a chronicle of our past, it also speaks to a brilliant and exciting future. I hope you enjoy reading these stories and feel, as I do, deep pride in all Canterbury is—and all it continues to become.

Caroline Blatti Head of School

The Next Chapter in Proud Legacy Canterbury Celebrates Caroline Blatti as the Seventh Head of School

“As we begin this journey together, I want our ‘beginning’ to be grounded in a promise— that we remain steadfast in living out Canterbury’s Five Values: Honesty, Respect, Compassion, Spirituality, and Self-reliance.”

On a brilliant Friday in October, current students and alumni joined faculty, friends, and the Board of Trustees for the Installation of Caroline Blatti as Canterbury’s seventh Head of School. Bells rang out from the Chapel of Our Lady as guests processed into Pigott Arena. The celebratory afternoon, rich with a sense of tradition, served to officially usher the School into a new era of bold vision and transformative leadership.

Caroline Blatti came to the hilltop in July with her husband Stephan and their sons Sullivan and Aidan. Chosen from a pool of nearly sixty accomplished candidates from across the country, she brings more than 25 years of independent school experience to Canterbury.

Caroline, a first-generation college graduate and daughter of IrishCatholic immigrants, earned a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Princeton University and a Master of Arts in English Literature from University College London. Early in her career, she taught

English, coached, and served as an Assistant Housemaster at The Lawrenceville School before moving to Hutchison School, an all-girls’ school in Memphis, Tennessee. There, she founded the nationally recognized leadership program Hutchison Leads, designed to empower young women, and later assumed the role of Head of Upper School.

From Hutchison, she served eight years as Head of School at Roland Park Country School in Baltimore, Maryland. Caroline led Roland through extraordinary milestones, including an eight-figure capital campaign, the establishment of the Gore Leadership Institute, and the endowment of the Holliday Heine STEM Institute.

After the Invocation led by Chaplain Father Brendan Horan, S. J., Sixth Form Council member Grace Getchell welcomed the assembly. Katy Nair, Caroline’s former Hutchison colleague and Head of Upper School successor, then offered words of introduction.

“We worked side by side, dreaming of and building the kind of culture every school longs for: one grounded in trust, curiosity, and care,” she said, continuing, “She had a sharp vision, a fierce dedication, and, importantly, a sense of humor about the intensity of the work.”

Board of Trustees President Nick Ragland ’88, P ’21 then took to the stage to give Caroline her charge.

“Caroline, these expectations are not light—but you do not carry them alone,” he said. “You are supported by a committed Board, an exceptional faculty and staff, and a loyal community of alumni and parents who believe deeply in your leadership—and in Canterbury’s future. Your vision, your voice, and your care for this community will guide us forward. And we are proud to walk this path with you.”

“As we begin this journey together, I want our ‘beginning’ to be grounded in a promise—that we remain steadfast in living out Canterbury’s Five Values: Honesty, Respect, Compassion, Spirituality, and Self-reliance,” Caroline shared. “I promise to uphold these values in my decision-making and in my interactions with each of you. … For more than 100 years, Canterbury has offered students an incredible promise: if you give your best to this institution, it will give back to you a thousand times over.”

Following the ceremony, guests gathered briefly for a reception in the Academic Hub of Robert M. Steele ’72 Hall before continuing the celebration with a dinner in Ragland Commons, hosted by Nick Ragland ’88, P ’21, for members of the Board of Trustees, school leadership, and invited guests.

During the dinner, speakers offered reflections and wisdom for Caroline as she begins her tenure, each sharing a unique Canterbury perspective shaped by time and experience. Bob Steers ’71, P’11, President Emeritus, spoke about leadership, legacy, and the enduring values that define Canterbury, emphasizing that passion is the essential trait of great leadership—the deep belief in and commitment to something larger than oneself. Trustee John Donovan ’59 shared heartfelt reflections on his Canterbury experience, drawing vivid comparisons between life on the hilltop in the 1950s and the vibrant, forward-looking community of today. Margaret Smith ’06 reflected on what she has carried forward into her life: the power of multigenerational connections, the confidence to lead with purpose, and the enduring influence of Canterbury’s values in all she pursues.

As guests shared stories, laughter, and toasts, the evening embodied the very spirit Caroline had celebrated earlier in the day—one of connection, conviction, and the collective belief that Canterbury’s next chapter will be shaped by both faith in its past and confidence in what lies ahead.

Honoring Tradition, Inspiring Purpose: A Conversation with Head of School Caroline Blatti

As Canterbury’s seventh Head of School, Caroline Blatti has spent her first months on the hilltop listening deeply and learning from students, faculty, alumni, parents, and staff—past and present. Through these conversations, she has sought to understand what defines Canterbury across generations and how the community envisions its next chapter. In this conversation with PALLIUM, she shares what first drew her to independent schools, what she has discovered about Canterbury since her arrival, and how her stewardship of Canterbury’s heritage, mission, and values will guide her leadership. Her reflections reveal both a vision for the future and the warmth, faith, and conviction that define her approach to education.

Q: What first inspired you to pursue a career in independent schools?

A: I have always believed that education is about more than acquiring knowledge—it is about equipping students with the skills and experiences necessary to seek a life of purpose and a commitment to the larger world. Independent schools have the freedom to explore the academic and social-emotional lives of students in ways that are transformative for the entire community. At Canterbury, we set high academic expectations, but we also care deeply about each student finding and pursuing interests, passions, and experiences that build resilience and develop skills and habits of mind that enable lifelong learning and growth.

I know from my own life that a great education is about transformation. I was fortunate to have teachers and mentors who saw me clearly and encouraged and supported me to embrace challenges and to always believe in my capacity to learn, change, and grow. These interactions with teachers, coaches, advisors, and mentors were life-changing, instilling in me a conviction to spend my career creating similar environments for young people. Independent schools, at their best, nurture intellect, character, and purpose all at once.

Q: When you visited Canterbury for the first time, what stood out to you? How did those first impressions compare with how you felt upon your official arrival?

A: When I first set foot on Canterbury’s campus, I sensed right away that it was a place alive with both energy and warmth.

Caroline visits a class in the early weeks of the school year.

The students I met carried themselves with a quiet confidence—not arrogance, but an assurance that comes when you know you are supported. The faculty welcomed me not with formality, but with pride and genuine enthusiasm for their school.

What struck me most was that the values I had read about in advance were embodied in the way people spoke, in the way they treated one another, and in the way they talked about the future of the School. When I officially arrived, those first impressions proved true: from the dining hall to the Chapel to classrooms, I kept encountering moments where people looked out for one another, asked thoughtful questions, and showed real pride in this place. I knew immediately I had joined a community that lives its values.

Q: Tell us a little bit about the kinds of opportunities you hope to bring to the student experience at Canterbury.

A: My vision builds on Canterbury’s long tradition of excellence in teaching and learning while expanding opportunities that connect classrooms with the wider world. I am deeply committed to experiential learning—through internships and fellowships, STEM research, leadership development, entrepreneurship, philanthropy, financial literacy, and community-based service learning. In the months ahead, I plan to engage alumni and current and past parents as partners in creating these dynamic, forward-looking experiences that prepare students to lead with confidence and purpose.

Living the Canterbury Promise

Continued

For Canterbury, this means holding fast to our moral and spiritual foundation while embracing creativity, research, and new approaches to teaching and learning that prepare students for the future. Our responsibility is to equip students with the skills, perspectives, and experiences they’ll need to thrive in a world far different from the one our alumni entered a generation ago. If we nurture their character and moral compass, they will have the adaptability and confidence to succeed anywhere.

Q: You’ve spoken often about the importance of partnership in leadership. How have you felt supported in your early months at Canterbury?

A: I feel incredibly fortunate to step into this role with such strong partners alongside me. The Board of Trustees, both past and present, has positioned Canterbury on a foundation of strength through foresight and care. President Emeritus Bob Steers ’71, P ’11 and his wife, Trustee Emerita Lauren Steers P ’11, along with Nick Ragland ’88, P ’21, our current Board President, have been generous with their wisdom and steadfast in their support of my transition. Trustee Emeritus John O’Neill ’57, P ’89 has also been a trusted advisor, helping me understand Canterbury’s story and culture through his own deep commitment to the School. This summer, I was grateful for the time and perspective offered by Trustees Emeriti John Duffy ’59, P ’87, ’91 and Jim Briggs ’56, GP ’12, ’15 whose thoughtful reflections on Canterbury’s past and future enriched my understanding of this remarkable community.

I am equally thankful for the entire current Board of Trustees, whose guidance and commitment ensure the School’s continued strength. And, certainly, for my leadership team. While several are new to Canterbury this year, they collectively hold more than 150 years of institutional knowledge. Their unique blend of fresh perspective and seasoned wisdom creates a dynamic, thoughtful team united in their care for our students.

Q: What are the strengths you see at Canterbury that you hope to elevate even further? Are there new opportunities you’re excited to develop during your time here?

A: The greatest strength I see at Canterbury is the depth of the relationships within the community. Students are known by their teachers, alumni feel deeply connected to one another, and families feel woven into the life of the School. That sense of belonging is extraordinary, and its upward trajectory has no limits.

I also see opportunities for growth—ways for our students to engage more fully with the wider world. That might mean global experiences, new academic pathways, or service partnerships that open doors for leadership and creativity. What excites me is that these opportunities don’t ask us to become something we are not. They build directly on who we already are, and they prepare our students to thrive in a future where adaptability, resilience, and compassion will be as important as intellect.

These early months have been about listening to the wisdom of our past, the hopes of our students, and the aspirations of our families. That dialogue will continue to inform how we envision Canterbury’s future—together.

CAROLINE BLATTI

Q: Over the summer, you visited with alumni and other members of the Canterbury community. Can you talk about what you gleaned from those conversations—what affirmed Canterbury’s strengths, and what sparked ideas for the future?

A: This summer was invaluable because it gave me the chance to listen. Alumni shared stories of friendships that have lasted decades, of faculty who shaped their character, and of moments at Canterbury that defined the course of their lives. That affirmed for me that Canterbury’s strengths have been lived and carried forward across generations.

Many alumni also expressed a desire to give back not only through philanthropy but through mentoring, networking, and supporting current students. That excites me because it highlights a tremendous opportunity: to connect our alumni and our students in more intentional ways. If we can create spaces where today’s students can learn from those who came before them, the cycle of inspiration and support will only grow stronger.

I’ve also been intentional about reaching across decades, listening to alumni from the 1950s to the 2020s, current and former faculty, parents, and even extended family members who carry Canterbury in their hearts. Each generation offers a distinct perspective on what this school has meant in their lives, and together, those voices form the foundation of where we go next.

Q: Is there something we haven’t discussed that you’d like to talk about or share?

A: I would only add this: I feel profoundly honored to lead Canterbury at this moment in its history. Every day, I am reminded of the privilege it is to serve this community. My promise is to lead with gratitude, with faith, and with joy, and to ensure that every student here discovers just how much they are capable of becoming.

FRESH FACES, BOLD VISION

NEW LEADERS JOIN CANTERBURY SCHOOL

Canterbury has welcomed four exceptional leaders to its senior administrative team whose expertise and forward-thinking approach will help shape the School’s next chapter. With deep roots in independent school education and a shared commitment to Canterbury’s mission, they bring the insight, energy, and leadership necessary to elevate the School’s academic program, enhance student development, deepen a culture of philanthropy, and foster a student body that reflects the values at the heart of the School.

EMILY ALLEN, ED.D. Dean of Academics

Joining Canterbury as its first Dean of Academics on July 1, 2025, Dr. Emily Allen brings an inspiring blend of scholarship, teaching, and leadership. A physicist by training, Emily earned her B.S. from Trinity College, an M.S. from Yale University, and an Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from Boston University. Her career spans roles at Pomfret School, Boston University, The Governor’s Academy, and the School of Leadership, Afghanistan (SOLA), now based in Rwanda.

At The Governor’s Academy, Emily chaired the Science Department, developed innovative curricula, mentored new faculty, and launched strategic academic initiatives. Her research on STEM education has been supported by the National Science Foundation, and she has guided both students and colleagues with vision and care. She is also known for her work supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion through

THOMAS DIASCRO, JR. Chief Advancement Officer

Thomas Diascro, Jr. steps into the role of Chief Advancement Officer later this fall, bringing more than two decades of leadership in fundraising and institutional advancement. At Hopkins School, Tom directed an $80 million comprehensive campaign, grew annual fundraising from $3.5 million to $9.1 million, and secured multiple seven-figure gifts. His earlier work at Wesleyan University refined his ability to cultivate donor relationships, inspire generosity, and align philanthropy with mission.

“Partnering with faculty and students alike, I look forward to working together to continue fostering growth and creativity in this amazing academic program.”

faculty programming and student affinity groups. “She brings both experience and heart to her work,” said Associate Head of School Sue Roberts.

Emily reflected: “I am honored to be joining Canterbury this year. The true sense of community I feel on campus is inspiring, and it already feels like home. Partnering with faculty and students alike, I look forward to working together to continue fostering growth and creativity in this amazing academic program.”

Equally important, Tom’s personal values resonate deeply with Canterbury. A graduate of Perkiomen School, he understands the transformative power of independent schools. He is admired for his ability to mentor teams, build authentic relationships, and set bold but achievable goals for institutional growth. Head of School Caroline Blatti reflected, “Tom brings exceptional expertise and a deep

“I look forward to working alongside colleagues, alumni, parents, and friends to strengthen the culture of philanthropy that sustains this extraordinary school.”

belief in the power of education to shape character and inspire purpose.”

Tom shared: “I am honored to join the Canterbury community at such an exciting moment in the School’s history. Canterbury’s mission, values, and deep sense of purpose resonate with me, and I look forward to working alongside colleagues, alumni, parents, and friends to strengthen the culture of philanthropy that sustains this extraordinary school.”

ROBERT MORRIS

Director of Athletics and Co-Curriculars

Robert Morris began his tenure as Canterbury’s Director of Athletics and CoCurriculars on July 1, 2025. With more than 30 years of experience, including three decades at Phillips Exeter Academy and most recently at Hebron Academy, Rob is recognized nationally for his leadership in athletics, wellness, and student development. His career has spanned coaching football, basketball, and baseball, as well as mentoring students in residential life and overseeing large, complex athletic programs.

“When I visited campus and met students, faculty, and staff, it was clear that Canterbury’s mission is lived and not just words on a page.”

of student-athletes toward success at top colleges. Rob has been honored with the Brown Family Teaching Award, the Rupert Radford Faculty Fellowship Award, and the Outstanding Professional Award from the New Hampshire Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation & Dance.

At both Exeter and Hebron, Rob revitalized athletic offerings with an emphasis on equity, opportunity, and the development of coaching talent. His achievements also include major facility enhancements and partnerships with admission and college counseling to guide hundreds

NICHOLAS WILBUR Dean of Strategic Enrollment Management

Nicholas Wilbur began serving as Canterbury’s Dean of Strategic Enrollment Management, on July 1, 2025. With nearly 20 years of experience in independent school enrollment, Nick has led admission and financial aid programs at Brewster Academy, Westminster School, Kent School, Mercersburg Academy, and Avon Old Farms School. At Brewster, his data-informed strategies strengthened enrollment pipelines, expanded outreach to new markets, and consistently exceeded tuition revenue goals.

Rob noted: “In Canterbury, I saw a school whose values were fully aligned with my own. As an educator, I have always embraced a holistic approach to working with students, centered on building relationships and grounded in character development. When I visited campus and met students, faculty, and staff, it was clear that Canterbury’s mission is lived and not just words on a page.”

“In every Canterbury interaction I have had—with both students and faculty—I felt a deep commitment to community, a genuine sense of engagement, and a shared joy that is truly special.”

A graduate of Hobart College and Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College, Nick pairs strategic expertise with a coach’s mentality. He has coached varsity lacrosse and basketball throughout his career, modeling teamwork, resilience, and collaboration both on the field and in the admission office. Known for balancing analysis with empathy, Nick believes enrollment work is mission-driven and relational, shaping the very foundation of a school’s future. “Nick brings a compelling combination of expertise and heart to his work,” said Caroline Blatti.

Nick explained: “In every Canterbury interaction I have had—with both students and faculty—I felt a deep commitment to community, a genuine sense of engagement, and a shared joy that is truly special. As a parent, I wholeheartedly believe in Canterbury’s Five Values and the School’s aspiration to continue being the best small boarding school.”

Together, these four leaders embody Canterbury’s enduring commitment to purposeful growth and values-driven excellence. Their leadership will strengthen every dimension of the student experience and guide the School confidently into its next chapter.

A LEGACY IN PRINT: The Story of PALLIUM

In the fall of 1984, a new chapter in Canterbury’s history quietly unfolded—not with a groundbreaking or a ribbon-cutting, but through the printed word. It arrived by mail, carrying with it the familiar logo of the School and something far less familiar: the first issue of PALLIUM, Canterbury’s inaugural magazine. For graduates across generations, it was a profound signal that their connection to the hilltop—though no longer daily—remained enduring.

More than a publication, PALLIUM became a vessel. It held within it not only updates and announcements, but the spirit of a place that had shaped its readers. It conveyed the experience of school life, the evolution of campus, and most importantly, the heartbeat of the Canterbury community. From its first pages, the magazine was designed to reaffirm what every alumnus already knew: Canterbury was not just a memory—it was still home.

That intention was made explicit by then-Headmaster Roderick Clarke ’46, who addressed readers in his introductory letter: “This magazine has emerged from the urging of many of the alumni throughout the country,” he wrote. “Their desire to be current with the life and work of the school today is matched by the wish of the Trustees to have the informed input of the wider Canterbury family, alumni, and parents.”

The first issue was, in many ways, a response to this call. It was also the product of collaboration among individuals whose connections to Canterbury were as personal as they were professional. Together, they ushered in what would become a defining aspect of alumni life.

A Vision Assembled

The creation of PALLIUM was entrusted to three members of the extended Canterbury family: editor Stephen Reynolds ’78, photographer Marc Vanasse ’73, and graphic designer Warren Smith P ’86, ’90. Each brought not only technical skill but a lived understanding of what Canterbury meant—and why it mattered that its stories be shared.

“The board and Rod Clarke had taken the initiative to evolve the newsletter that had been serving as the main alumni communication at the time,” Steve recalled. “We started with a blank sheet, and Marc and I were tasked with figuring out what was going in this new magazine.”

That initiative had strong backing from Canterbury’s leadership. “The trustees were certainly a major force in encouraging the School to start the magazine,” Marc explained. “I especially remember board member Dick Dillon ’51, P ’84, who was a successful marketing and advertising executive at that time, putting all of his energy into making sure PALLIUM happened.”

They were not merely filling pages. They were defining voice, curating identity, and establishing a new way of staying connected. Warren Smith, whose professional eye would shape the magazine’s early design, also played a broader role in reimagining Canterbury’s visual identity— from printed materials to signage, and even a promotional video According to Marc, Warren was also responsible for choosing the magazine’s name.

The title was far from arbitrary. On the inside cover of that first issue, its meaning was explained with reverence:

“Pallium is the name of a vestment worn by the Archbishop of Canterbury. It was first given to St. Augustine by Pope Gregory the Great, and each successive archbishop has worn one. A representation of the pallium appears in the center of the school seal, as well as in the school’s new logotype. Because of its great symbolic value, the word has been chosen as the title of the new quarterly magazine of Canterbury School.”

Above: Stephen Reynolds ’78

Right: Marc Vanasse ’73 in 1985

Far right: J. Peter O'Donnell ’70, Rob Clarke ’46, and now-Trustee Emeritus Donn Dolce ’63

Stories Rooted in Relationship

What gave PALLIUM its texture and warmth, even from the beginning, was the deep connection its creators had to the School. Marc, who had returned to Canterbury as a faculty member in 1977, was more than an alumnus—he had grown up with the School as a constant presence in his life. His father, Gerry Vanasse P ’73, ’75, ’75, ’78, ’84, was a longtime language teacher, and four of Marc’s siblings—Nicole ’75, Paul ’75, Gerald ’78, and Guy ’84—had also graduated from Canterbury. His own photographic lens had already begun capturing the rhythms of campus life, and his understanding of the School’s traditions and spirit shaped every image he created.

Marc’s brother Gerry was featured in that first issue in an article titled “The Path of a Comet,” which chronicled his notable accomplishments as a marathon runner. He also contributed to the issue as the author of “The Canterbury Observer,” a first-person column that would go on to become a staple of the magazine.

Steve had also returned to campus with a full heart and a journalist’s eye. A former editor-in-chief at Boston College’s student newspaper with experience at a wire service on Capitol Hill—and even a stint writing for Rolling Stone—Steve brought editorial polish and narrative instinct to the fledgling publication. But above all, he brought gratitude.

“The School changed my life,” Steve reflected. He accepted Rod Clarke’s invitation to return to Canterbury and begin shaping PALLIUM in the fall of 1984. “I walked around campus and thought about what made it magical, and paired that with what I found interesting in magazines. I wanted PALLIUM to say something; to be reflective of our amazing alumni community.”

Two additional individuals were credited in the first issue: Director of Development J. Peter O’Donnell ’70 and Assistant Director of Development and Alumni Secretary Pat Shea P ’77, ’78, ’79, ’81, ’86. Their influence, though behind the scenes, was no less formative.

“I enjoyed my back-and-forth with Peter,” Steve remembered. “He was key because he had the budget. I had known him since I was a student at Canterbury. He was my football coach, so I had to live down whatever I did in front of him when I was a 15-year-old! But Peter was a lovely guy, and we got along great.”

Of Pat Shea, Steve was equally effusive: “She was a fantastic woman. When I came on to produce the magazine, she was a valuable link to alumni with the force of her personality. She was extremely outgoing and warm, and always remembered names and details about people. Pat was an incredible asset for the Development team at Canterbury.”

A First Issue That Resonated

By the time the inaugural edition reached mailboxes, it was evident that this was not just an experiment—it was a promise. The stories were substantive and rooted in the life of the School. A cover photo of Rod Clarke and Georgetown University President Fr. Timothy S. Healy accompanied news of Clarke’s honorary doctorate. Inside, readers found feature-length pieces that struck a balance between progress and tradition.

A centerpiece article, “Robert Markey Steele ’72 Hall: Gateway to the Future,” chronicled the completion of the new academic building:

“It took three years and $2.8 million. A house had to be moved for it. And when the building was finished, Robert Markey Steele Hall was much more than just a new facility: it was the new focus of the school.”

Another article detailed the expansion of the School’s technology infrastructure:

“The school has grown from one computer terminal in 1965 (the clanky old PDP-8 with a teletype), to its current facility, 24 Commodore PETs and 12 Apple IIs.”

Continued on next page

Transforming Teaching, One Journey at a Time: The Duffy Legacy

History and Social Sciences Teacher Isabel Polletta had certain expectations for her professional development trip to Mongolia this past August. Her Foundations of Civilization class concludes with a unit on the Mongols, so she’d extensively studied the Mongol Empire and its ruler, Genghis Khan. But when she arrived in the capital city of Ulaanbaatar, she was struck by how new everything was. The country itself, already, had completely defied her expectations—and that was a good thing.

“I am always pleasantly surprised when I travel and my expectation of the trip does not line up with the reality,” she said shortly after returning from the two-week adventure. “Soviet-style buildings were sandwiched between towering glass skyscrapers while the rolling green hills of the steppe loomed in the background: that contrast led me to challenge my preconception of what Mongolia would be.”

Established through the generosity of its namesakes, the John P. ’59 and Anne Duffy P ’87, ’91 Faculty Travel Award has funded faculty development trips annually

since its inception in 1996. It was founded on the conviction that, in an increasingly interconnected, shrinking world, intercultural experiences for educators enhance not only the individuals fortunate enough to receive the award, but also their students.

Isabel and English Teacher Noah Gichan had separate but similar objectives when they applied for the Duffy Travel Award seven months earlier. Isabel hoped the opportunity to step beyond the classroom would bridge the gap between knowledge and lived experience

and provide nuanced understanding that could not be gained through research alone. Noah, on the other hand, was looking to broaden his course—Honors: Origins, Myths, and Legends—which explores Western origin stories. A better grasp of Eastern mythology, he thought, could provide deeper insight through comparison.

And so, with their Duffy Travel Award application approved, Isabel and Noah set off on their Mongolian learning adventure.

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“When

teaching history, it is difficult to fathom Genghis Khan moving over the steppe at a rapid pace just by talking about it. Staying with a nomadic family who move seasonally with their animals through the grassy, hilly plains put it into perspective.”

ISABEL POLLETTA

Transforming Teaching,

After taking a day to explore the monasteries, museums, monuments, and palaces of Ulaanbaatar, they continued on to immerse themselves in the culture and lifestyle of a nomadic tribe.

The nomadic families, who comprise up to 40% of the population of Mongolia, welcomed the Canterbury travelers with open arms, offering them gifts, food, even the chance to ride camels! The pair were put up in a ger, a portable round Mongolian dwelling covered and insulated with skins or felt. There is no WiFi, and electricity is regulated to certain hours. One camp only offered electricity for two hours out of the day, so all devices needed to be charged during that period.

“The insides are beautiful, very decorative,” Noah shared. “The colors are related to Buddhist symbolism and the idea of bringing good luck and health to travelers. The doors are also painted with symbols.”

One Journey at a Time Continued

Isabel marveled at the hardiness and resourcefulness of the families, who often live under harsh conditions.

“It was amazing to experience what it feels like living in the Mongolian steppe,” she recalled. “When teaching history, it is difficult to fathom Genghis Khan moving over the steppe at a rapid pace just by talking about it. Staying with a nomadic family who move seasonally with their animals through the grassy, hilly plains put it into perspective. Historically, it clicked for me, and culturally, it was incredible to spend time with this family.”

For his part, Noah was awed by the wide variety of landscapes in the Gobi Desert. “I always thought of the Gobi as having nothing but sand and dunes, but it can be mountainous with lots of green grass as well,” he said. “My favorite part was the southern end of the Gobi. We walked through a canyon pass that once had a glacier within it. While the glacier is gone today, it is still relatively cold—in the 50s—so you bundle up. And then you walk

out of it, drive for a couple of hours, and you are in hundred-degree weather surrounded by dunes mixed with lush green marshes and mountains in the background. It blew my mind.”

And yet despite the beauty of the land and graciousness of their hosts, the pair also found themselves confronting more sobering elements of Mongolia’s past. Stalinist purges from 1937 to 1939 resulted in the destruction of more than 700 of the country’s monasteries, during which time an estimated 17,000 to 18,000 Buddhist monks were murdered.

“We walked through monasteries that were completely destroyed, so we only saw what was left of the foundations,” Noah said.

“We also visited the Ongi Monastery, the largest site in Mongolian Buddhism. It once housed about 1,500 monks and 30 temples in its heyday, but now it has just one monk and one temple built in 2005 from the destroyed ruins of the others. Seeing that was quite impactful.”

By the end of their journey, both Isabel and Noah had acquired valuable knowledge and resources for their students. Isabel brought back materials for the faculty team. “I have this one book that details the history of Karakorum, the ancient capital of Mongolia, and includes transcriptions you cannot find in the United States,” she said. “That would be easy to integrate into the class to elevate student understanding of the great Khan and his predecessors. I also took notes and transcriptions of documents from the various museums we visited. I gave all of those materials to Thomas Hamilton (Assistant Dean of Faculty and History and Social Sciences Teacher), who is teaching the course now.”

Isabel fully intends to incorporate her experience in Mongolia into her AP U.S. Government and Politics class as well. “I talk about the roles and responsibilities of government, and Mongolia is a terrific case study for how a unique system of government operated back then,” she explained.

Noah brought back a fresh new set of fairy tales for his curriculum. “Among the many stories the nomads told was the tale of a man and woman who fall in love, but since they are from competing families, their love is forbidden. The couple tries to keep it a secret but are discovered. They are put to death, and what ends up happening is the man turns into the Altai Mountain range and the woman turns into the sand dunes—so they are forever looking at each other. It is both

tragic and beautiful, much like Romeo and Juliet and even a storyline from Avatar: The Last Airbender. I was able to make those connections for students.”

Upon their return to campus, the intrepid travelers were tired but extremely thankful for the Duffy Travel Award that made it all possible. “What was so wonderful about this Mongolia experience is that, through the generosity of the Duffy family, we were able to do something that we had only ever dreamt of,” Isabel said. “I cannot emphasize enough how lucky we were to have this opportunity.”

Canterbury students are just as fortunate that, true to the spirit of the Duffy gift, these two dedicated teachers will bring their experiences with them to the classroom.

OUTSTANDING FACULTY AND STAFF HONORED WITH YEAR-END AWARDS

It is always so rewarding to recognize the stellar work of our faculty and staff—and that’s just what we did with several prestigious honors as the 2024-2025 school year concluded.

Teaching Award, Honorary Diplomas Presented at Commencement

During Commencement exercises, Director of the Donovan Center for Learning and English Teacher Alison Bailey received the J.P. Mandler Teaching Award, presented each year to that faculty member who reflects the fundamental commitment to excellence in classroom teaching. The award is named for the former faculty member who served Canterbury for 46 years as English Department Chair, Director of Studies, Dean of Faculty, Director of Technology, Dean of the School, and Senior Master. J.P. Mandler himself was invited to the stage to help recognize Alison.

In making the presentation, Dean of Faculty Wright Danenbarger praised Alison for helping students build a strong foundation of essential skills that support their academic growth. “A dedicated educator and lifelong learner, Alison Bailey brings a rich blend of academic leadership, discipline, and a passion for student growth to her current role,” Wright said. “Whether in the classroom or through her leadership of the Donovan Center, Alison is deeply committed to helping students achieve their fullest potential— academically, emotionally, and personally. The expansion of the Donovan Center for Learning is a tribute to Alison’s vision, commitment to her students, and commitment to Canterbury.”

Interim Head of School Sue Roberts P '24, '27 also presented honorary diplomas to three faculty members—History and Social Sciences Teacher Alec Braley P '94, '97, '00; Science Department Chair Cammy Roffe P '12, '15; and Director of Academic Technology and Innovation and Digital Communication, Design, and Innovation Chair Robert Roffe P '12, '15—in recognition of their 30 years of outstanding teaching, dedicated service, and unwavering commitment to students.

“Truly Special Person” Honored with Yearbook Dedication

Showing their appreciation for one of the most beloved members of the Canterbury community, the Class of 2025 dedicated its yearbook, the Cantuarian, to Dining Server Luz Burns. During a late-year School Meeting in Maguire Auditorium, Yearbook Advisor and Fine Arts Teacher Katie Roffe '15, along with editors Grace Morris '25 and Catherine Zeng '25, presented the honor.

Luz joined Canterbury’s Dining Services team in 2016 and has interacted with just about every person on campus since. Epitomizing the spirit of hospitality, she spreads joy and kindness wherever she goes—greeting everyone with a smile and asking about their day. She also loves helping students practice their Spanish, and her infectious smile, energy, and good nature brighten the lives of our entire Saints family.

Luz was moved to tears when the yearbook dedication was announced. “I try to do the best I can for my family, the students, and this community,” she said. “I am honored and overjoyed, and I will never forget this moment. Muchas gracias!”

CLASS OF 2025 COLLEGE MATRICULATION

Canterbury’s newest graduates are excited and ready for the next step in their journey! We look forward to hearing about their amazing accomplishments in the years to come. Here are the colleges and universities that were fortunate enough to welcome them to their campuses this fall:

Amherst College

Babson College

Barnard College

Bates College

Bentley University

Berklee College of Music

Boston University

Bryant University

Bucknell University

Canisius University

Carleton College

Clark University

Clemson University

Colby College

College of the Holy Cross

Connecticut College

Cornell University

Endicott College

Fairfield University

George Washington University

Hamilton College

Hampden-Sydney College

Haverford College

Hobart and William Smith Colleges

IE University

Ithaca College

THIS EXCEPTIONAL CLASS IS PRIMED FOR SUCCESS:

83% were accepted to Barron’s Profile of American Colleges “Most and Highly Selective” schools

76% have earned college merit scholarships

37% are playing college athletics

Johns Hopkins University

Lehigh University

Lynn University

Mercer University

Mercyhurst University

Middlebury College

New York University

Northeastern University

Northwestern University

Pace University (Westchester)

Parsons School of Design (The New School)

Providence College

Quinnipiac University

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Sacred Heart University

Skidmore College

Smith College

Southern Methodist University

Stevens Institute of Technology

SUNY Oneonta

Syracuse University

Texas Christian University

The University of Tampa

Trinity College

Tulane University (Louisiana)

United States Naval Academy

University of Arkansas

University of California (Davis)

University of Colorado (Boulder)

University of Connecticut

University of Denver

University of Massachusetts (Dartmouth)

University of Massachusetts (Lowell)

University of Michigan

University of New Haven

University of North Carolina (Chapel Hill)

University of Notre Dame

University of Pennsylvania

University of Scranton

University of Southern California

University of Vermont

University of Wisconsin (Madison)

Vanderbilt University

Vassar College

Villanova University

Wagner College

Washington University (St. Louis)

Wentworth Institute of Technology

Wesleyan University

Worcester Polytechnic Institute

SOCIAL JUSTICE SERIES

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH AND MIGRATION SERVICES

In a powerful Zoom talk with Canterbury students, David Spicer, J.D., shared insights on the Catholic Church’s commitment to supporting migrants and refugees in the United States and beyond. It was the final session of the School’s 2025 Social Justice Series.

David serves as Assistant Director for Policy in the Department of Migration and Refugee Services at the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), where he works to provide guidance on migration-related policies and programs. “The issue of immigration is fundamentally about the movement of people—human persons created in the image and likeness of God,” David said. “The approach of the Church is to see the people who are involved, not only in this issue but in all policy areas we engage in.”

During his presentation, he outlined key principles of Catholic social teaching on migration and highlighted the role of the USCCB in offering direct support to those in need through humanitarian aid programs, refugee resettlement efforts, assistance for survivors of human trafficking, legal services, and pastoral outreach.

“The

approach of the Church is to see the people who are involved, not only in this issue but in all policy areas we engage in.”

David’s message resonated with Joshua Leeuw, Director of the D’Amour Center and Theology Teacher, who reflected on the importance of bringing discussions like this to Canterbury. “David is incredibly knowledgeable and a man of great faith,” Josh said. “His deep understanding of migration and the Church’s role in supporting people through difficult transitions was inspiring. He helped students see how service and faith intersect in real-world situations and why it is important to approach these topics with awareness, empathy, and a sense of responsibility.”

STUDENTS KNEW THEIR BUSINESS AT DECA COMPETITION

After establishing a Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) student organization on campus early this year, our business-minded Saints did not take long to jump right into competition. Nineteen Canterbury students joined around 1,000 peers statewide in the annual DECA State Career Development Competition in early March at the Aqua Turf Club in Plantsville, Connecticut.

The trip was rewarding in many ways for our students. They all thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to combine learning with real-world experiences as they formed teams to create essays and

presentations on a variety of business-related subjects. Two Saints, Ryan Diaz ’27 and Francis Foley IV ’27, received DECA pins for excelling in a knowledge contest. And one of the Canterbury teams— consisting of Lochlan Finnegan ’26, Grayson Mengold ’26, and Henry Saunders ’27—earned an impressive fourth-place finish!

Competing in the Hospitality and Tourism Operations Research event, the trio chose to explore potential AI applications in a popular online travel site’s current business plan. “In our essay, we compared the company’s user interface to some of its competitors and found ways to implement AI,” Lochlan said. “From there, we presented our findings and potential long-term strategies to a judge. It was great to not only compete but also meet so many students from all around Connecticut.”

SEVEN STUDENTS CELEBRATED FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE IMPACT

We were delighted that seven of our students were recognized by the United Nations Association of the USA (UNA-USA) and InnerView in the eighth Annual Community Service Impact Awards.

Joseph Pieksza ’27, Isabella Pilch ’27, Maeve Prendergast ’27, and Catherine Zeng ’25 earned Ambassador Awards; Miguel Garcia ’26 and Allegra Linero ’27 received Honor Awards; and Grayson Mengold ’26 won a Merit Award. Maeve was also a recipient of the Zero Hero Award from The Kroger Co.

During the school year, these Saints collectively participated in 163 activities totaling more than 629 hours, which yielded a community impact value of $22,923 (per InnerView).

Catherine led the way with a remarkable 155 service hours!

The program, open to all U.S. students, is designed to connect student community service activities, skill development, and commitment to the United Nations’ Global Goals to transform our world. Well done,

Joey, Bella, Maeve, Catherine, Miguel, Allegra, and Grayson! Your Canterbury family is exceedingly proud of your well-earned recognition as servant leaders!

FIRST-YEAR SAINT RECEIVES TOP NATIONAL HONOR FOR VOLUNTEER SERVICE

Steadfast dedication to community service has earned Canterbury student Natalie Hraska '28 the President’s Volunteer Service Gold Award, the highest level of this prestigious national accolade.

Natalie became eligible for the award—presented by AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteerism—by completing nearly 140 volunteer hours in libraries near her home in New York’s Hudson Valley. Much of that time was spent in children’s sections, assisting with programs, cleaning and organizing their rooms, and sorting books and periodicals. It was the direct hands-on work with the youngsters that most appealed to her.

“The Pawling Library had a children’s book program where kids create their own books and illustrations,” Natalie shared. “It was wonderful for developing their minds. After a day of guiding the children, I would think, ‘I did something great today’ and just smile.”

SAINTS BASEBALL CROWNED CHAMPIONS!

Canterbury baseball won the WNEPBL Tournament championship in thrilling fashion, capping off a tremendous season with a dominant 11-2 home victory over Cheshire Academy in the title game on Sheehan Field. As they had done all year, the Saints showcased clutch hitting, lockdown pitching, and unshakable team chemistry to bring home the coveted crown. It was the first-ever baseball championship for the Saints and Head Coach Todd Mathewson.

In the title game, Carter Heagle '26 pitched all seven innings, allowing just four hits with five strikeouts. He also went 3 for 3 at the plate with a double, a walk, three RBI, and a run scored. Team Co-Captain Logan Martel '26 contributed two hits, a walk, two RBI, and two runs, while Ryan Gabianelli '26 added two hits and drove in three. The team had advanced to the final the day before with a tense 2-1 win over Suffield Academy, also at home.

“Winning the championship on our home field was a storybook ending for sure,” Logan said. “It was extremely satisfying getting this first one for Coach Mathewson and the program.”

The Saints finished their championship season with an overall record of 17-3. In

the previous three years, the Saints won 16 games but fell just short of a title. That made this victory all the sweeter for Todd, who proclaimed: “We finally have a baseball championship banner in Pigott!”

That winning feeling!

SAINTS SHINE IN STELLAR WINTER POSTSEASON

In the wake of a remarkable winter season, a number of Saints teams and athletes found success in the winter postseason, showcasing resilience, teamwork, and spirit.

PICTURED:

Girls’ Squash showing off their championship banner.

Boys’ Varsity Basketball earned an exciting home win in the postseason.

Francesca Masi '26 took first place in the pool.

Sara Anderson '27 qualified for wrestling nationals.

Coach Oddo and her girls were honored for sportsmanship.

• The Girls’ Varsity Squash team delivered a standout performance to capture the NEPSAC Class E championship. In winning their second title in three years, the Saints earned thrilling 4-3 victories in each of their tournament matches, culminating in a down-to-the-wire championship game victory over Williston Northampton School.

• Boys’ Varsity Basketball rewarded an enthusiastic home crowd with a 60-50 Class B quarterfinal win over St. Mark’s School before dropping a 79-77 heartbreaker to Brooks School in the semis.

• In the New England Prep School Swimming & Diving tournament at Wheaton College in Norton, Massachusetts, Henry Saunders '27 took first place in Boys’ 1m Diving, and Francesca Masi '26 won the Girls’ 100m Freestyle.

• Soren Rief '25 and Sara Anderson '27 qualified for the National Prep Wrestling Championships with impressive performances in the New England Prep School Wrestling tournament at Phillips Exeter Academy in New Hampshire. Congrats to all of our Saints athletes for heating up the winter season. You deserve a standing ovation!

CANTERBURY-FGS CUP RETURNS TO THE HILLTOP!

Maguire Auditorium erupted in cheers at the Spring Athletic Awards Assembly when then Interim Director of Athletics Padraic McCarthy '94, P '29 announced that the CanterburyFGS Cup was back where it belonged—on the Canterbury campus.

Sixth Form student-athlete Connor Wohlfahrt '25 presented the Cup to Dean of Students Pape Seye after sharing how the Saints regained the coveted trophy in convincing fashion against rival The Frederick Gunn School.

THE FINAL TALLY:

Canterbury School 29

The Frederick Gunn School 13 Ties 1

The Canterbury-FGS Cup is awarded annually to the school that wins the most athletic contests throughout the year. This spirited Cup tradition began in the 2017-2018 academic year, but the two schools have been athletic rivals for more than a century.

‘HOCKEY FIGHTS CANCER’ A WINNING EVENT

For one extraordinary weekend in February, our Saints Hockey teams not only came to play—they came to raise dollars and awareness for Hockey Fights Cancer.

Members of both varsity squads, along with parents and coaches, held a number of fundraising events to support the cause, including a bake sale, raffles for items such as New York Rangers game tickets, a “Chuck-a-Puck” contest for prizes, and multiple opportunities to make donations. By the time both games concluded and the gifts were tallied, Canterbury raised more than $3,000 for Hockey Fights Cancer’s mission to support and inspire hope for cancer patients and their families.

Before the Boys’ game, a Ceremonial Puck Drop was held in memory of Mary Rief P '25, the mother of current student Soren Rief '25 Mary passed away last November after a 2½-year battle with stage IV metastatic breast cancer.

“We were excited to continue Hockey Fights Cancer this year and surpass last year’s dollar total,” said Connor Wohlfahrt '25 after his team won 7-3 over Kent School. “The team was thrilled as well to include Soren in pregame activities. We did not just want to win the game for ourselves, the playoffs, and the fans. We wanted to win for Soren and his family. And we did.”

The Girls’ Varsity Hockey team then put a bow on the fundraiser with a 4-3 victory over The Hotchkiss School a few nights later. Kudos to the players, coaches, and entire Canterbury family for stepping up in a big way to fight cancer.

SAINTS ATHLETES TAKE THEIR TALENTS TO THE COLLEGIATE STAGE

Special college athletic commitment ceremonies throughout the year drew family and friends to campus to celebrate the accomplishments of our standout Sixth Form Saints. It was an inspiring way to acknowledge their athletic excellence, recognize their discipline and drive, and show our pride as they prepare for their next exciting journey. Congratulations to these exceptional student-athletes from the Class of 2025, who will continue their athletic and academic careers at the Division I, II, and III levels:

BASEBALL

Tyler Harmony—Northeastern University

Jack Jensen—Bentley University

Tyler Kisling—University of Massachusetts, Lowell

Otto McLaughlin—Clark University

Aaron Morice—Ithaca College

Slade Palmer—Hobart & William Smith Colleges

Jacob Petrin—University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth

Gavin Winters—University of New Haven

BASKETBALL

Andreo Ash—Canisius University

David Dix—Pace University

Jackson O’Brien—Babson College

CREW

Juliana Loesche—Bates College

Grace Morris—Smith College

CROSS COUNTRY

Bradley Bozzuto—Middlebury College

FIELD HOCKEY

Ellen Barto—Endicott College FOOTBALL

John Paul Dyer—Wesleyan University

Lucien Griffin—Mercyhurst University

Matthew Mullins—Wagner College

Soren Rief—University of Connecticut

Seth Schullery—Worcester Polytechnic Institute

GOLF

Paul Michael Parash—Hampden-Sydney College

ICE HOCKEY

Ellen Barto—Endicott College

Parker Caldara—Wesleyan University

Maya Lileika—Connecticut College

Ryan Lucarelli—Sacred Heart University

LACROSSE

Elizabeth Carlson—Northwestern University

Sofia Collins—Middlebury College

Kylee Henderson—The United States Naval Academy

Sean McGahren—Mercer University

Gracen Shea—Stevens Institute of Technology SOCCER

Aleksander Swider—Quinnipiac University

SOFTBALL

Sophia Faruol—Haverford College SQUASH

Albertine Gingrass—Bates College TRACK & FIELD

Bradley Bozzuto—Middlebury College VOLLEYBALL

Addison Lau—Amherst College WRESTLING

Ashton Boord—SUNY Oneonta

LIVING THEIR NCAA DREAMS SAINTS ALUMNI TASTE SUCCESS

From the halls of Canterbury to the bright lights of the NCAA tournament, our recent graduates have been making waves on the national collegiate stage

Three of them can now call themselves champions:

Matthew Iasenza ’19 helped lead the Hobart College Men’s Hockey team to its third consecutive Division III national title with a 2-1 overtime win over Utica University. The Statesmen were the third men’s hockey team ever to win three straight DIII championships. Matthew was named to the All-Tournament Team and was part of a graduating class that had the most wins in program history with a 106-11-4 overall record.

Trevor McDonald ’22 and Henry Vetter ’22 each played key roles in Trinity College’s first NCAA Division III National Championship in Men’s Basketball. Trailing 60-59 in the closing seconds of the title game against New York University, Trevor grabbed a key rebound, and Henry hit the game-winning three-pointer to lead the Bantams to a 64-60 win. For his clutch play throughout Trinity’s run to the title, Henry was named the Tournament’s Most Outstanding Player.

CONTINUING TRADITIONS OF EXCELLENCE

Other Saints received awards and made trips to the NCAA Tournament as well. During a highly successful freshman year with the Colby College baseball team, Myles Gythfeldt ’24 (right) helped lead the team to the number one seed in the NESCAC conference during the regular season before a tough loss to Williams College late in the conference tournament ended their run. He was named to the D3baseball.com NCAA DIII All-Region Second Team and American Baseball Coaches Association/Rawlings NCAA DIII All-Region Third Team and earned NESCAC All-Conference First Team and Rookie of the Year honors.

Iona College’s Sean Stephenson ’23 was another success story on the diamond, becoming the first player in the baseball program’s history to be named ECAC Rookie of the Year.

Also in her first season, Gianna Pacilio ’24 joined her Wilkes College Women’s Ice Hockey teammates in posting a 22-4-2 record, winning the inaugural Middle Atlantic Conference championship, and making their first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance. Gianna assisted on a goal in the Colonels’ tournament game, a tough 4-3 loss to Colby College.

Photo credit: Colby Athletics

Trayvon Alexander ’20 was outstanding in leading Pace University to a 24-8 record and a berth in the NCAA Division II Basketball Tournament. Tray added a number of accolades along the way—Northeast-10 Conference Player of the Year, D2CCA East Region Player of the Year, and DII All-American. In addition, he joined five other Pace Men’s and Women’s Basketball players on the 2024-25 Academic All-District Basketball teams.

Last fall, Ella Caraluzzi ’24 and Colby College made it all the way to the Sweet Sixteen of the Women’s Soccer Division III Tournament, and Elsa Copeland ’24 and Bates College Field Hockey entered the DIII tournament as the nation’s 11th ranked team before losing a tough quarterfinal game to #3 Tufts University in overtime.

These and many more of our Saints continue to prove that the foundation of excellence and dedication instilled in them at Canterbury helps them shine brightly at the collegiate level and beyond.

THE THRILL OF VICTORY: SAINTS GRAD AND TEAM USA STRIKE GOLD

I t was exciting enough for Chad Walker '06 to be selected as an athletic trainer for the U.S. Men’s National Team at the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) World Championship— and then the team won gold!

Chad joined the team as one of two athletic trainers during the 2025 tournament held last spring in Herning, Denmark, and Stockholm, Sweden, and it turned out to be a historically successful trip. With its gripping 1-0 overtime win over Switzerland in the gold-medal game, Team USA won its first IIHF World Championship in nearly a century, and "Chad said it felt oh so good."

“I have never been a part of a championship team or known what a game like that feels like,” he shared. “It was so special; the most unbelievable experience of my career. We all piled onto the ice and celebrated when it was over. My hand was sore the next day from all the high-fives!”

Chad is the Head Athletic Trainer for the Anaheim Ducks of the National Hockey League, having recently completed his eighth season with the

organization. He was promoted to his current position ahead of the 2023-24 campaign. But nothing could have prepared him for his big moment on the international stage.

“When I got the call to join the team, I was mostly surprised and beyond honored,” Chad recalled.

“Any time you have a chance to represent your country, you can’t say no. We had a great group, and right from the get-go, everybody bonded

together. The opportunity to be a part of this was such a blessing.”

Back at Chad’s alma mater, friend and mentor Misi Babington, Canterbury’s Head Athletic Trainer and Associate Director of Athletics, was ecstatic for her former student. “I am beyond proud of him,” she exclaimed. “Chad has taken the profession and made it his own, and his being a part of the goldmedal-winning team is amazing. He is killing it!”

“I have never been a part of a championship team or known what a game like that feels like. It was so special; the most unbelievable experience of my career.”

CHAD WALKER '06

Where Purpose Leads

Alumni Transforming Health Care and Healing Lives

Across the world of healthcare—whether in laboratories, clinics, classrooms, or underserved villages—Canterbury alumni are shaping lives through science, compassion, and innovation. Their paths are as varied as their callings: from uncovering the mechanisms of disease and leading pioneering research, to founding organizations that expand access to care, to restoring hope for patients facing rare conditions, to building systems that prioritize the dignity of each person.

In the stories that follow, you will meet Dr. Peter Howley '64, whose groundbreaking HPV research at Harvard laid the foundation for a life-saving vaccine; Dr. Craig Czarsty '71, who extended his family practice into a humanitarian mission that brought essential care to remote communities in the Dominican Republic; Dr. Keith Choate '92, a physician-scientist at Yale revolutionizing dermatology with discoveries that are changing patients’ lives; and Dr. Crystal Holick '94, whose career as an epidemiologist and healthcare leader has been shaped by resilience, purpose, and a deep commitment to person-centered care.

Together, their work demonstrates how a Canterbury education continues to inspire a lifetime of service and leadership, reminding us that the pursuit of healing is not only a profession but a calling.

Paving the Way for Cancer Prevention

PETER HOWLEY '64 LEADS PIONEERING HPV RESEARCH

Medical information is often assessed using formulas and measurements, but Peter Howley, M.D. ’64 has made contributions to the field that are far greater than any numbers could convey. A distinguished professor at Harvard Medical School, Peter is credited with determining the mechanisms by which human papillomaviruses (HPV) contribute to cancer, which has greatly advanced understanding of the cellular mechanisms that bring about the disease. His groundbreaking research established the scientific groundwork that led to the development of HPV vaccines and advanced global efforts to prevent cervical and other cancers.

DISCOVERIES AND PATHWAYS

After spending two decades at the National Institutes of Health, Peter joined Harvard Medical School in 1993 as a Professor and Chair of the Department of Pathology.

“A major discovery of my laboratory in the 1990s was the genes the virus encodes that are leading to cancer, and the mechanisms by which they cause a normal cell to transform into a cancer cell,” Peter explained. Today, he and his team are working on better understanding one particular discovery by which one of the viral proteins directs the degradation of an important tumor suppressor protein. “So now we are working to identify a therapy that would attack this pathway that could be used to treat cancers caused by human papillomaviruses.”

Peter finds being so deeply involved in this work at this particular moment energizing. “Over the last 10 years, the biggest advance in cancer research has been the recognition that the immune system can be controlled to attack the cancers. Nobel Prizes have been awarded for these discoveries,” he said. “These new developments in the field of immunotherapy

“A major discovery of my laboratory in the 1990s was the genes the virus encodes that are leading to cancer, and the mechanisms by which they cause a normal cell to transform into a cancer cell.”

PETER HOWLEY, M.D. ’64

are curing people of types of cancers that were untreatable before.”

EARLY RESEARCH PIONEERS

Following his graduation from Canterbury— where he “had a terrific time, did well in the math and science courses, and loved my Class of ’64 friends”—Peter earned an A.B. in Chemistry from Princeton University, a Master of Medical Science from Rutgers University, and a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) from Harvard Medical School, where he became extremely interested in the mechanisms of disease.

He graduated in the early 1970s, a time when all physicians had to fulfill a military obligation due to the Vietnam War. “I joined the United States Public Health Service,” he said. “There was an opportunity for MDs interested in biomedical research to be trained

at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and I went there fully expecting only to do my two years of duty. But I got hooked by the science and ended up spending 20 years at the NIH!”

His timing could not have been better. That period introduced early stages of research in genetic engineering, and he went to work in a molecular biology laboratory that was at the forefront of developing those techniques. He eventually set up his own laboratory to focus his work on the molecular biology of human papillomaviruses and became the first scientist to clone the genomes of the papillomaviruses. He was also involved in early sequencing and identifying the genes encoded by these viruses.

“Our research established the mechanisms by which these viruses take a normal cell and convert it into a cancer cell,” he explained.

“Establishing that link made the association between human papillomaviruses and cancer real.”

That link, in turn, made it possible for other laboratories and pharmaceutical companies to create an “extraordinarily effective” vaccine to prevent infections by the papillomaviruses, chiefly cervical cancer in women, as well as head and neck cancers.

The biggest challenge, Peter noted, is extending vaccine access to areas around the globe that do not currently have it, particularly in poor countries. “The most widely used vaccine in the United States is the Merck vaccine, which is effective at preventing infection caused by nine different HPVs,” he said. “If we could do widespread vaccinations throughout the world, we could potentially eliminate the virus.”

PAVING THE WAY FOR YOUNG SCIENTISTS

Peter has certainly done his part to effect such an impact. During his career, he has trained more than 50 scientists in laboratory settings, either as PhD graduate students or as postdoctoral fellows continuing their training before branching out on their own. It is an aspect of his work he has found immensely satisfying.

“A number of these trainees have been very successful,” he shared. “One is the head of the cancer center at the University of Wisconsin. Others are professors at Cornell University, the University of Pennsylvania, Tufts University, and here at Harvard. I keep in touch with them and see them at cancer research meetings.”

He has played a major role in mentoring students and advancing the curriculum at Harvard Medical School as well. As Chair of Harvard’s Pathology Department, Peter has presided over a department of 200 faculty members and stepped into the classroom to teach the Pathology course. He also chaired a committee that reevaluated and enriched the Medical School curriculum for generations of future students.

Peter is also proud to serve as President of The Vallee Foundation, a collegial community of international scientists that supports junior faculty members just getting started in science. “We currently provide six $400,000 scholar awards each year to help young scientists establish their careers,” he said. “We also support annual symposia bringing together scientists from around the world to discuss advances in biomedical science.”

And still, his dedication to his profession has prompted even more accomplishments and acts of service. Peter is a textbook editor—most notably for Fields Virology, a four-volume collection widely considered the authoritative reference in the field— and a member of the National Academy of Sciences, the Institute of Medicine, and the American Association of Arts and Sciences. His long list of international accolades includes the Thomas J. Sheehy III Distinguished Alumni Award from Canterbury School in 2014.

EMERGING ADVANCES, GROWING OPTIMISM

A spring meeting at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory on Long Island reminded Peter why he has devoted his life to virology. The event celebrated 50 years of cancer genetics research and brought together the researchers involved in this groundbreaking work. “The onset of those 50 years was when I first started getting involved in the field, and the ensuing time period featured revolutionary discoveries,” he reflected. “The resulting advances in cancer research have been extraordinary. The development of the HPV vaccine has probably prevented millions of deaths worldwide. It is always better to prevent cancer than to have to treat it.”

Today, that prevention is more of a reality than ever, thanks to innovative and committed scientists like Peter Howley.

Healing Beyond Borders

DR. CRAIG CZARSTY '71 OPENS HIS HEART TO PEOPLE IN NEED

Craig Czarsty, M.D. ’71 has spent his life healing others, whether it was families in and around Oakville, Connecticut, or underserved communities in the Dominican Republic. He has long walked the line between healthcare and humanitarianism, and countless patients have benefited.

After earning undergraduate and medical degrees from Georgetown University and serving a residency in Family Medicine at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital in Virginia, Craig joined his father’s practice, Oakville Family Medicine, in 1983. Dr. Joseph Czarsty had long been a caring and compassionate local voice for patients, and Craig was drawn to serve in the same way.

He and his father worked in tandem until Joseph retired in 2000. Craig readily carried on the family legacy from there, eventually becoming a part of ProHealth Physicians, Connecticut’s leading community-based medical group. In 2005, he embarked on a humanitarian trip to the Dominican Republic that would expand that legacy far beyond what he and his father had imagined.

“What moved me to do something was the poverty down there,” Craig explained. “People may qualify for the Dominican government’s version of our Medicaid, but access to a physician was and remains beyond difficult. Seeing the same physician on a regular basis is almost impossible.”

He knew he needed to take action. And so, after several years of planning and setup, Craig and his colleagues launched Health Horizons International in 2009. Craig was a founding Board Chair, directed operations from the U.S., and made medical service trips to the Dominican Republic three times a year.

MUCH-NEEDED QUALITY HEALTHCARE

Health Horizons had an immediate impact, following through on its stated mission to “advance health equity in the Dominican Republic by bridging the gaps between health services and the most marginalized communities.” By empowering local populations and strengthening primary care in areas where access was severely limited, the organization was able to effect positive change.

“Many of the villages we worked in were remote. It is a mountainous region, so it was difficult and expensive for villagers to come down to the shore. Our model was to take the care to them,” Craig said. “We set up clinics in the hills, and the most rewarding part was making house calls up there. We would get to visit with some of the loveliest people in the world who would insist you join them for a cup of coffee and

“We

set up clinics in the hills, and the most rewarding part was making house calls up there. We would get to visit with some of the loveliest people in the world who would insist you join them for a cup of coffee and fruit from the trees. Just sitting and listening to them talk was such a gratifying experience. They were grateful for any little thing we could do for them.”

CRAIG CZARSTY, M.D. ’71

fruit from the trees. Just sitting and listening to them talk was such a gratifying experience. They were grateful for any little thing we could do for them.”

And Health Horizons did plenty. Nearly two million people have been reached through its combined programs. The organization’s holistic approach went beyond traditional healthcare deliveries to better meet the unique needs of the communities it served.

• The Chronic Care Program, for example, primarily focused on the prevention and management of noncommunicable diseases like diabetes and hypertension.

• Sano y Feliz (Healthy and Happy) was a peer to peer volunteer program that brought communities together for weekly exercise sessions and nutritious snacks in an effort to promote healthy lifestyle and eating habits. The program was so well-received that it became incorporated into local schools, instilling the importance of a balanced diet and exercise to children.

• A Community Garden Program, rolled out in conjunction with the Dominican government, encouraged community members to establish fruit and vegetable plots near their homes.

• And Movimiento Mujeres (Women’s Movement) brought gynecological services into the rural areas where they were not available, providing access to Pap smears, mammograms, and gynecological follow-up.

SERVICES LOST

Unfortunately, despite these successes, Health Horizons will be closing down due to increasing competition for funding and grants.

“Health Horizons has impacted a lot of lives,” Craig said. “Not only did we take care of them, but we were able to give them their medications for free throughout the year. That is the part that worries me the most about having to shut down—what are these poor people going to do now? There are no good alternatives; they will simply lose access to care.”

Heartbroken but determined, Craig says he and his colleagues are working with the Dominican Ministry of Health to teach Health Horizons’ model of taking the care to patients and not the other way around.

“They were receptive, but it is just not their model,” he observed. “They supported us when we wanted to do vaccine clinics and women’s clinics up in the hills, but we were the ones who had to do it. The ball is in their court now.”

As disappointed as he was to see his efforts of the past 16 years come to an end in the Dominican Republic, Craig had nothing but praise for the staff who had made it all possible. “When I went down there to

break the news, I shared how proud I was of them,” he said. “And the first questions they asked were about the patients, not themselves. That says a lot. They were very invested in it.”

STILL GIVING BACK

Although Health Horizons has shuttered, Craig—who retired from private practice in 2023—has continued his humanitarian efforts. He currently serves as Chair of the Woodward Fund, which seeks to “make this a better world for those who come after us.” His efforts have left an indelible mark throughout New England and New York, including one right here on the hilltop. Craig helped facilitate a grant to Canterbury for the Steers Center, which included the naming of a classroom in honor of Gilda Martin P ’78, GP ’05, ’06. A former language teacher at the School and Canterbury Medal recipient, she was the first female faculty member at the School and an important mentor to Craig.

“Gilda was my French teacher for three years and my faculty advisor,” he explained. “She would invite me over to her house a couple of times a year to have dinner with the family. I stayed in contact with her right up until she passed away in 2008.”

That sense of connection to the communities he finds himself in— and builds himself—is a commendable throughline throughout his professional life as well. In serving others, as a physician, Health Horizons founder, and philanthropist, Craig has truly exemplified Canterbury’s commitment to living a purpose-driven life.

A Dual Calling

PHYSICIAN-SCIENTIST KEITH CHOATE '92 IS REVOLUTIONIZING DERMATOLOGY IN BOTH THE LAB AND THE CLINIC.

Many physicians have moments in their professional lives that continue to affect their practice long after the patient has left the room. One such moment happened for Keith Choate, M.D. ’92, early in his career, when he and a laboratory manager were attending a biopsy for a beautiful young woman at the University of California, San Francisco genetics clinic. As her thickly applied makeup was removed and the severity of her skin disease became clearer, the patient became increasingly emotional, and the lab manager even began to cry. It left Keith wondering why terrible things happen to good people and strengthened his resolve to give patients hope in their most vulnerable moments.

A DUAL CALLING

As Professor of Dermatology, Genetics, and Pathology at Yale University School of Medicine, Keith has devoted his career to identifying new pathways for diseases and developing novel treatments to combat them.

“I have always been someone who was equally called to science and medicine,” Keith said. “I find great joy in running over to the clinic, seeing patients, and solving small mysteries. At the same time, I like returning to the laboratory and talking to a student who might have the first insight into a disease. Both are satisfying—in the lab, you see things that no one has ever seen and think about these really big questions. And on the other side, you have deep, lasting relationships with patients.”

Keith is widely recognized as a pioneering dermatologist, known for his research on rare skin disorders and the development of effective therapeutics for previously untreatable conditions. Patients come to him from across the country and around the world, desperate to find answers to the genetic disorders that have,

“To date, we have identified some 15 new genes that cause ichthyosis and are dedicated to identifying new pathways relevant to treating these diseases,”

KEITH CHOATE, M.D. ’92

so far, puzzled other practitioners. “I often tell patients, ‘I want to be the last dermatologist you see,’” he said. “It is my great privilege to give them answers to unanswerable questions and point them in the direction of new treatments or approaches.”

Keith frequently treats pediatric patients, as many genetic dermatological conditions are primarily identified early on in the lives of newborn children. “I get to hold a lot of babies. There was one young girl who had a rare skin disorder called congenital ichthyosiform erythroderma, and, for whatever reason, she just loved me,” he recalled.

He remembers looking into her deep blue eyes as her parents expressed their worries for their child’s future. Keith tried to reassure them—their daughter would be able to do great things, he told them, from sports to debate team.

“Years later, I received a note from that mom saying, ‘I wanted to tell you that the beautiful baby who was staring into your eyes many years ago just graduated from college and has done all of the things that you promised she would. We are so grateful to you,’” he shared. “That was extraordinary!”

Equally extraordinary has been Keith’s work in the lab, which has led to a number of groundbreaking discoveries and treatments. He is internationally hailed for his research on ichthyosis, a rare, potentially disfiguring disease that features red and scaly skin at birth. In some cases, it is associated with systemic abnormalities like cardiomyopathy, a disease of the heart muscle.

“There are few people who have expertise in diagnosing and managing ichthyosis, so I dedicated my life to understanding this group of disorders early on,” he said.

At Yale, Keith and his colleagues set up a national referral center to care for individuals with ichthyosis, organizing physicians across the country to support them. They also created the National Registry for ichthyosis-related skin types. Aggregating this cohort of about 1,700 patients not only helped them get genetic diagnoses, but further illuminated for Keith and his team. “To date, we have identified some 15 new genes that cause ichthyosis and are dedicated to identifying new pathways relevant to treating these diseases,” he said.

EARLY INSPIRATIONS

Keith asserts that much of what he has accomplished connects back to the classical education he received at Canterbury. Effective communication is vital to a physician-scientist, both in connecting with patients and in securing funding–something Canterbury’s emphasis on public speaking had instilled in him. But it was his rigorous coursework in biology and other sciences classes that truly illuminated his path. “I left Canterbury with a clear sense that I wanted to go into medicine,” he explained.

To that end, he earned a bachelor’s degree in Biology and Biological Sciences from Stanford University and an M.D. and Ph.D. in Cell Biology from Yale School of Medicine, where he served as a resident and intern at Yale New Haven Hospital. Ultimately, Keith decided to join Yale’s Physician-Scientist Development Program in Dermatology, which immersed him in a year of internal medicine and two years of dermatology, followed by two more years of fellowship training.

Keith went on to assume many key roles at Yale School of Medicine, including Associate Dean for Physician-Scientist Development, Director of Research for Dermatology, Co-Director of the Training in Investigative Dermatology T32 Program, and Associate Director of the M.D.-Ph.D. Program.

In 2022, Keith was appointed Chair of Yale’s Dermatology Department and Chief of Dermatology at Yale New Haven Hospital. “What is special about being a part of an academic medical center like Yale is being surrounded by colleagues who are experts in their field,” he shared. “And Yale Medicine’s approach to patient care, disease-centered research, and education gives me a unique opportunity to make a difference in patients’ lives. This is why I come to work every day.”

MAKING A DIFFERENCE ON MANY LEVELS

Keith is also having an impact as President of the Pediatric Dermatology Research Alliance (PeDRA), a mission-driven research network dedicated to improving the lives of children with skin diseases through collaboration and discovery. It has been a project near and dear to his heart.

“I was a part of a National Institute of Health roundtable on pediatric disease that was specifically centered on why we were making less progress in pediatrics than in adult disease,” he explained. “Our answer to that was forming PeDRA.”

Being among the founding members of the organization, he has seen PeDRA grow from a relatively small, minimally funded group to a robustly funded enterprise today. “As President, my main goal is to help broaden the tent of people who are engaged in answering questions for kids.”

Continuing his important work at Yale has not been without its challenges. “We are currently facing unprecedented pressures on academics that are seeking to curtail or negatively impact our capacity to care for those who need us most,” he said. “But we have a calling to be of service to patients in real time and to the larger ideal of creating a platform to discover completely new methods and cures.”

This is what continues to drive Keith forward. He recognizes that as an innovator in his field, he is in a unique position to develop treatments that can help not only his own patients, but tens of thousands more. “As long as there are donors, as long as there is some structure to fund scientific research, we are going to keep making meaningful contributions.”

Dr. Keith Choate is not only healing skin—he is restoring hope, confidence, and dignity to people’s lives.

Running Her Own Race

CRYSTAL HOLICK ’94 HAS NEVER LET PERSONAL STRUGGLES GET IN THE WAY OF SUCCESS— THEY’VE ONLY MADE HER MORE DETERMINED.

Looking back on a healthcare career spanning nearly three decades and various roles—epidemiologist, researcher, chief operating officer, vice president, professor— Crystal Holick, Sc.D., M.P.H., M.B.A. ’94 sees a steady throughline. “I see myself as someone who has really built and optimized organizations, whether it be a Fortune 500 company or a small startup,” she told PALLIUM. “What I get excited about when I reflect back is working with leaders who have a vision and executing that vision … building systems that deliver person-centered care at scale. When I can get closer to the people or person, that’s what I find most fulfilling.”

This person-centered approach has been a hallmark of Crystal’s work ethic and ethos since her time at Canterbury. Her ability to take personal challenges, study them, and turn them into motivation that ultimately benefits others has distinguished her in her field and on the world stage as a triathlete.

HEARTBREAK & MOTIVATION

As a Canterbury student, Crystal credits the late Dr. Beverly Lee P ’80, ’82, ’84, GP ’13 as being one of the people to “bring out the scientist” in her. “She probably never knew the influence she had on my future,” she mused.

But the final push toward a career in healthcare ultimately came in the form of a dual tragedy, starting with the death of her aunt. Despite never having smoked, she died of lung cancer while Crystal was still a student. Shortly thereafter, in her senior year, Crystal’s father died of a massive heart attack at just 49 years old. The deep losses left her feeling confused. “I kept wondering why these things were happening,” she recalled. “That is why I got into epidemiology, which is trying to understand the causes of disease.”

After leaving Canterbury, Crystal earned a bachelor’s in Biological Sciences from Fairfield University, an MBA in Strategic Leadership from the University of New Haven, and a Master of Public Health in Epidemiology from Yale University School of Public Health. At Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Crystal studied under renowned epidemiologist and nutrition researcher Walter Willett and earned a Doctor of Science in Nutrition Sciences.

“I just kept pushing my education thanks to some great advisors who said, ‘You cannot stop here. You need to keep going. You have much more to give to this profession,’” she said.

Crystal credits her mother—who kept everything going, including Crystal, her brother, and the family business after the tragic loss of her husband —with the resilience and work ethic necessary to excel in her education.

“If you ask, where I get that kind of ‘show up and be there’ attitude, it would be my mom,” Crystal said. “Mom was always winning at the endurance game.”

As a Canterbury student, Crystal credits the late Dr. Beverly Lee as being one of the people to “bring out the scientist” in her. “She probably never knew the influence she had on my future.”

CRYSTAL HOLICK, SC.D., M.P.H., M.B.A. ’94

BUSINESS & SCIENCE

Halfway through her post-doctorate work at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Crystal pivoted from academia. “There was something telling me this wasn’t for me,” she recalled. “It was probably that business side of me.”

After getting a start at Optum, she went on to spend 15 years at Elevance Health and its subsidiary, Carelon, a role that allowed her to utilize both her scientific and business training.

“It was exciting to me because I oversaw all the scientists,” she said. “I was managing those epidemiologists and the statisticians, and the principal scientists, and the medical writers. And that’s what I enjoyed. I liked connecting people, I liked positioning people for success.”

But it was during her time at Carelon that she would be faced with another difficult diagnosis— this time, her own.

DIAGNOSIS & DETERMINATION

Crystal began to notice troubling symptoms— extreme fatigue, unintended, dramatic weight loss— and in the summer of 2012, she was diagnosed with Graves’ disease. The autoimmune disease causes the thyroid gland to become overactive, which can cause a range of symptoms including cardiovascular issues, eye problems, anxiety, tremors, and more. And yet even as the diagnosis brought understandable shock, Crystal also felt some measure of relief.

“My first reaction was, ‘At least I have an answer for how I have been feeling.’ But after being relatively healthy throughout my life, that was the first time I was faced with something that felt out of my control.”

“It was a bit of a pause for me,” she continued. “It wasn’t that I was doing anything wrong; I just needed to reflect on what I could do differently. I went from feeling a sense of disbelief to problem-solving.”

Just as personal tragedy and challenge had prompted Crystal to a successful career in healthcare, so too did her own diagnosis become motivation to do more. She started strength training, worked on managing her stress, and became more mindful of her eating

habits. When an injury during weight training prompted her to take up swimming, her partner asked her a question that would change her life.

“He asked if I would ever consider competing as a triathlete,” she said. “I was becoming a good swimmer, I had done plenty of jogging, and owned a bike. So once he planted that seed in my head, I thought, ‘Maybe I can do this.’”

Did she ever! Starting with her first sprint triathlon in 2017, Crystal qualified for the World Triathlon Age-Group Championships in Abu Dhabi in 2022, where she finished 23rd in her age group. She ultimately worked her way to USA Triathlon’s “All-American” rank—the top 10% of competitors by age group.

Crystal’s diagnosis of Graves’ disease, which has been in remission for more than a decade, has not only made her a better athlete: it brought a renewed sense of purpose and clarity to her work. “My experience made me deeply committed to person-centered approaches to health and wellness,” she shared. “I continue to look for roles that enable me to create solutions for individuals.”

BACK TO SCHOOL

Having left her most recent position as Chief Operating Officer at Inspire, a kind of

healthcare social network for patients, Crystal is in a reflective moment in her career. After leaving academia nearly two decades ago, she had the opportunity to return to the classroom last year as an adjunct professor at the University of New Haven, where she taught a course on the principles of epidemiology.

“I love the interaction with the students,” she shared. “I told them they give much more to me than I give to them. … What they taught me I could never learn at work.”

But it’s her work experience that fuels her classroom approach. Crystal explained that she sees her classroom as a space to bridge theory and practice. She invites former colleagues to speak with her students, and uses her own experiences to guide them to better understand what’s needed for a successful career in epidemiology.

“I feel lucky and grateful they think I have something to offer, to teach them,” she said.

Certainly, Crystal’s students have plenty to learn from her. Her multifaceted approach to science, healthcare, and business has enabled her to approach even the most challenging circumstances as opportunities to learn, thrive, and help others.

The Stars Shine Bright at Athletics Hall of Fame Ceremony

A select group of standout Saints heard the cheers on the hilltop once again at Canterbury’s 2025 Athletics Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

Congratulations to our Hall of Fame Class of 2025:

BRYAN FINNIE '75 FOOTBALL, BASKETBALL, LACROSSE

Inducted by John Sargeant IV ’75, former teammate and 2017 Hall of Fame inductee

Bryan was a tremendous athlete who starred at wide receiver and defensive back for Varsity Football and earned Honorable Mention All-American recognition as a Varsity Basketball captain.

ADRIAN DOGNIN '90 CROSS COUNTRY, TRACK

Inducted by Walter Burke P ’78, ’79, ’82, ’83, former teacher and coach and 2016 Hall of Fame inductee

Adrian compiled an impressive list of accomplishments at Canterbury: New England Champion in both Cross Country and Track, first place at the Canterbury Cross Country Invitational, undefeated in dual track meets, and a school-record 3000m time of 9:15.

BRIAN FAMIGLETTI '94

HOCKEY, LACROSSE, WATER POLO

Inducted by Douglas Famigletti ’90, P ’25, brother and Canterbury Trustee

Brian was an especially dominant player on the ice, where he led the Varsity Hockey Team to a 1994 New England title and was named to the All-Tournament Team. His many honors included First Team All-New England Hockey and two-time All-Scholastic Hockey.

KARA SCHIEBEL KACMARCIK '95 SOCCER, TENNIS, VOLLEYBALL

Inducted by Nicole D’Amour Schneider ’93, P ’20, ’22, ’23, former teammate and Canterbury Trustee

A versatile athlete and natural leader, Kara was a captain in all three sports and an All-State selection in soccer. She received the Edward F. Mack Award for outstanding contribution to the Canterbury League and the Charles R. Huntington Scholar-Athlete Trophy for academic achievement.

1995 VARSITY FOOTBALL TEAM

Inducted by Padraic McCarthy '94, Interim Director of Athletics and Co-Curriculars

Head Coach Kevin McCarthy and Co-Captain Michael Athanasakis '96 accepted the honor on behalf of the '95 squad, which finished with an 8-1 record and won the New England Class B Championship. Current Mathematics Teacher Fran Foley, Jr. '64, P '91, '93, '95, '99, GP '27 was an Assistant Coach for the team.

Mike, who served as an Officer in the U.S. Army and now owns and operates a successful Chick-fil-A franchise, could have been speaking for any of his fellow Hall of Famers when he stood at the podium. “I know I am not alone in saying this: I would not be who I am today without the Canterbury experience,” he shared. “This place has all the qualities of an elite institution—without the pretense. And more importantly, it took a chance on kids like me.”

Victoria Bundonis Rovin ’81; Thomas J. Sheehy III P ’92, ’98, ’04; Barron Collier ’75; Christina Milano-Damaskos ’09; and Sue Roberts P ’24, ’27

ALUMNI

HONOREES INSPIRE SIXTH FORM STUDENTS

Students at the Sixth Form Awards Assembly received an added bonus during the ceremony on the eve of their graduation—heartfelt advice and encouragement for their journey ahead from Canterbury’s 2025 Alumni Award recipients.

When the standout Saints—Thomas J. Sheehy III Distinguished Alumni Award honoree Barron Collier ’75 and Outstanding Young Alumni Award recipient Christina Milano-Damaskos ’09—gratefully took the stage to accept their awards, they were just as pleased to share their thoughts and support with the soon-to-be graduates.

Society of Alumni Vice President Victoria Bundonis Rovin ’81 took a moment to congratulate the Class of 2025 before introducing Barry and Christina. “Tomorrow, you become a lifelong member of the Society of Alumni, which is dedicated to connection, mentorship, and support of our graduates,” she said. “You are now part of more than 5,000 Saints who have taken their experiences at Canterbury to go make their mark on the world.”

Victoria was joined on stage by Canterbury’s fifth Headmaster, Thomas J. Sheehy III P ’92, ’98, ’04, to present his eponymous award to Barry, a noted entrepreneur, philanthropist, and Partner in The Barron Collier Companies. During his acceptance remarks, Barry encouraged the Sixth Formers to always be mindful of what they learned at Canterbury. “Remember the moral compass that was instilled in you and the importance of making good decisions,” he said. “Embrace each new day as an

“Remember

the moral compass that was instilled in you and the importance of making good decisions. Embrace each new day as an opportunity. There are so many wonderful things to learn out there.”

THOMAS J. SHEEHY III P ’92, ’98, ’04

opportunity. There are so many wonderful things to learn out there.”

Christina is the Co-Founder and CEO of Athlon, a company dedicated to helping kids build healthy habits. After accepting her award, she urged students to embrace the future. “Now you get to start your life and figure out what your career calling is,” she told them. “I cannot wait to watch all of you grow further and learn what you are meant to be doing after Canterbury.”

Barry and Christina have each found their calling and accomplished amazing things, and we are proud to honor them with two of our most prestigious alumni awards.

View the awards ceremony: cbury.org/alumniawards

CANTERBURY SCHOOL

BRINGING ALUMNI TOGETHER TO NETWORK AND SHARE CAREER CONNECTIONS

Earlier this year, Canterbury launched Career Connections, a unique networking opportunity that unites alumni in specific professional fields and fosters a dynamic community of mentorship, collaboration, and growth.

The first virtual session featured alumni panelists from Compass—Margaret Smith ’06, Senior Vice President and Head of Human Resources; Cory Perkins ’06, Senior Vice President and Head of Integrated Services; and Christopher Coleman ’92, the firm’s top-producing Real Estate Agent in Montauk, New York. Compass is the country’s largest independent real estate brokerage, with agents serving communities across the United States.

Attendees gained valuable insights from this trio’s journeys in real estate, tech, venture capital, and beyond. Cory, who was close friends with Margaret at Canterbury, shared this advice: “When you can dig your heels in and commit to working hard on some big problems, it is amazing what you will learn. If you truly want to impress people and get ahead, show them you are willing to put in the time. Always follow up and be true to your word.”

For the second Career Connections, the conversation was all about marketing. Three successful alumni— Christopher Jeyes ’06, Digital Communications Manager for Ferrari North America; Christina Milano-Damaskos ’09, Co-Founder and CEO of Athlon; and Raymond Zulauf ’06, Vice President, Olympics & Paralympics Ad Sales Marketing for NBCUniversal—offered intriguing glimpses into their professional paths and personal experiences. Subjects ranged from recent shifts in the marketing

landscape to balancing data and creativity to the use of storytelling and AI in marketing.

One thing all three have in common is a strong belief in what they are marketing. Whether it is Christina’s joy of supporting kids’ health through her mobile app, Rallee; Ray’s desire to be a part of something as big and impactful as the Olympics; or Chris eagerly serving as a “custodian for brands that are meaningful,” these Saints have found both success and fulfillment in promoting the benefits of great products and services to people.

Director of Alumni Relations Kate Heslin ’96, P ’24, ’25, ’27, ’28, who moderated both virtual events, was gratified to see Saints continuing to show up for Saints. “I am thrilled to partner with such outstanding panelists to bring these sessions to alumni,” she said.

The networking series is ideal for any Canterbury graduates navigating early career choices or seeking fresh perspectives. Stay tuned to the Alumni Events page on our website for future Career Connections sessions.

If you are interested in joining one of our alumni panels, please contact Kate at 860-210-3954 or kheslin@cbury.org

PICTURED: Margaret Smith ’06, Cory Perkins ’06, Christopher Coleman ’92, Christopher Jeyes ’06, Christina Milano-Damaskos ’09, Raymond Zulauf ’06

Gatherings & Celebration

The Canterbury Saints alumni network has been buzzing in 2025, bringing graduates together for vibrant gatherings on campus and in several major cities. Enjoy these highlights…

PALM BEACH, FL

Florida alumni converged on Florie’s at The Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach in February to share stories and look ahead with Board of Trustees President Nick Ragland '88, P '21 (second from left), and then future Head of School, Caroline Blatti (center).

NAPLES, FL

Nick and Caroline (fourth and fifth from the left) joined alumni once again at the Bay Colony Beach Club in Naples, Florida, last March to celebrate Canterbury’s past, present, and future at this lively reception.

WASHINGTON, D.C.

CHEF SHAWN RETURNS TO CAMPUS TO INSPIRE STUDENTS— AND FEED THEM!

Current Saints recently got a literal taste of alumni success when Shawn Osbey ’99 “Chef Shawn”—came to campus to present a cooking demonstration and spend the day with students. Along the way, he shared his journey from a Canterbury student to a business major in college, to an accomplished chef and owner of a catering company.

He started the day by preparing his signature chicken lo mein on the grill just outside the dining hall under a bright sunlit sky. The Sixth Form students in attendance enjoyed watching their classmates Sofia Collins ’25 and AbdulQayyuum Olasewere ’25 assist Shawn with the demo as Robert Savaglio ’25 interacted with audience members and shared their questions with the guest chef.

Known as the “traveling chef,” Shawn runs an Atlanta, Georgia-based catering company that lends his culinary expertise to clients for any

occasion worldwide. Originally a postgraduate student at Canterbury for basketball, he ended up studying business at Hartwick College in Oneonta, New York, but ultimately decided to follow his passion. “I always loved cooking and entertaining,” he said. “I was super-excited about people coming to our house. That excitement led me to enroll at the Connecticut Culinary Institute. The day I walked in, I knew it was right for me. I had found my tribe.”

Following graduation and stints as a chef in Connecticut and Las Vegas, Shawn developed a love of catering while working for the Georgia Tech Hotel & Conference Center in Atlanta. There, he helped prepare huge banquets for clients such as the Atlanta Falcons football organization and Georgia Tech’s athletic programs. The experience inspired him to start his own business offering a full slate of culinary services, from event catering to

cooking classes to private chef support. “I consider myself a boutique caterer,” he said. “I pick up clients from around the world who call me to come and do an event for them. It is a pretty cool niche.”

After Shawn’s demo, students enjoyed a tasting of his lo mein dish and expressed their appreciation both for the delicious cuisine and the time he spent with them. “Cooking with Chef Shawn was so interesting,” Abdul shared.

“It was great to hear that, while his journey led him on different paths, he ended up doing what he loved.”

Shawn spent the rest of the day taking a student-led campus tour, chatting with students in the Canterbury Business Association, having lunch with the Boys’ Varsity Basketball team, and speaking to a Personal Finance class.

CANTERBURY GRAD SHARES EXPERIENCES AS A PHARMA CONSULTANT

Richard Ritacco ’06 stood before Canterbury’s AP Chemistry and AP Biology students as living proof of the wide range of intriguing and difference-making science careers. The Head of Growth and Innovation for IDEA Pharma, Rick leads a global consultancy team that helps pharmaceutical and biotech companies maximize the potential of their products and, even more importantly, improve the lives of patients.

“There is a broad spectrum of roles in this field,” he told the students during a late-semester return to his alma mater. “You will find many areas to apply your interest and creativity, including the pharma health care space.”

After graduating from Canterbury, Rick earned a bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience and Business from Muhlenberg College in Allentown, Pennsylvania, where he met a man who asked him to come and work in a neuroscience lab at the Institute of Chemical Defense near Baltimore. That ultimately led to his current position at IDEA Pharma. “We work with companies that have molecules in early development, help them explore the possibilities, and determine how best to bring a product to market,” he said. “Our team of commercial, clinical regulatory specialists knows how to think broadly about what a drug could be. Where can it potentially bring value to patients and help change their lives for the better?”

Rick’s presentation included a review of IDEA Pharma’s process for working with molecules—pre-discovery, discovery and preclinical studies, clinical trials, and review and approval—as well as the myriad career options in the biotech industry, from services to R&D to operations.

Science Teacher Manna Ohmoto-Whitfield received nothing but positive feedback from her students about

“Rick’s

style resonated with them, and they were glad he spent so much time answering their questions. The students also appreciated how Rick presented a science-related career path that went beyond the usual ‘doctor/nurse/engineer’ side and even included the business aspect of it.”

Rick’s visit. “His style resonated with them, and they were glad he spent so much time answering their questions,” Manna shared. “The students also appreciated how Rick presented a science-related career path that went beyond the usual ‘doctor/nurse/engineer’ side and even included the business aspect of it.”

It was clear from his enthusiasm that Rick’s work is deeply meaningful to him. “All of this pharma innovation, pushing the envelope, getting new drugs out there, and changing the way we treat patients is spectacular,” he said. “That helps everyone.”

ALUMNI SHARE REAL-WORLD WISDOM WITH STUDENTS

Canterbury alumni are reconnecting with their alma mater in many meaningful ways— including Zooming into classrooms to share their real-world experiences and career insights with current students.

Bridging the gap between past and present with stories, advice, and inspiration, these graduates are adding a new dimension to the learning experience for our Saints…

John Beckwith '17, Actor Class: Public Speaking

As an experienced actor, John is no stranger to speaking and performing, so he was happy to share his experiences with students. The class was particularly interested to hear that he landed a role in Song Sung Blue, a movie coming out later this year starring Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson. In the music-themed film, John plays Eddie Vedder, lead singer of the rock band Pearl Jam. “I had to perform on stage in front of a live audience for the movie,” he told them. “And I could not have done that without first knowing how to have a good conversation.”

John stressed to the students that preparation was among the most important factors in successful public speaking. “Preparation is always going to make you more confident. It is crucial to helping you deliver a good speech,” he told them. “In Song Sung Blue, I was on that stage in front of 300 people with the cameras on me, and I had to get the shot right because Hugh was scheduled to fly to Los Angeles shortly afterward to promote his latest Wolverine movie. But I knew I was going to be fine, because I prepared.”

Meaghan Conway '95, Fish and Wildlife Biologist Class: Environmental Science

Meg has seen firsthand how biodiversity is vital for both animals and humans and shared important insights on the subject with students during her presentation, “Protecting Biodiversity.” With a Ph.D. in Ecology and Environmental Science from the University of Maine and extensive experience as an avian ecologist and conservation biologist, she brought a wide range of knowledge to her talk. In her current role, Meg collaborates with partners across the western U.S. and Mexico to develop strategies for the conservation and recovery of endangered species and their habitats. As such, she has seen the effects climate can have on biodiversity and ecosystems.

“Climate change is complicated because different species are impacted so differently. On the East Coast, the problem is too much water with flooding and the sea level rising,” Meg explained. “Out here in Arizona, we have drought. Most of the species live along the Colorado River, and temperature and precipitation have a considerable impact on the environment.” Much of Meg’s work centers around ways to preserve and protect these species going forward.

Madeline Finnen '16, Legal Assistant, Azul Paradise Corporation

Class: Spanish

4

During her Zoom session, Maddie reflected on how a love for Spanish led her to educate and empower youth in Panama. She highlighted the importance of cultural exchange and adapting to different ways of life, and emphasized how understanding the language and culture opened doors for meaningful connections and opportunities to make a difference.

“At Canterbury, I started to develop an interest in Spanish,” said Maddie. “I always wanted to go into law, but continued to learn Spanish and partnered with an organization called Lacrosse the Nations. I decided it was what I wanted to do for a living, and that eventually led me to Panama.” The non-profit Lacrosse the Nations improves the lives of children around the world by using the lacrosse field to teach them valuable life skills and bring them joy. Her next move? Open an independent college counseling agency in Panama City, delve into the city’s academic and legal worlds, and ultimately pursue immigration law

Scott Frost '03, Head of Marketing, Sun Day Red Class: Principles and Contemporary Issues in Sport Management (Syracuse University Project Advance)

Scott offered Canterbury students a compelling glimpse into his professional world—one that includes golf superstar Tiger Woods! He discussed his key role in starting up Sun Day Red, Tiger’s new apparel and footwear company. After more than 11 years leading global marketing efforts at TaylorMade Golf, Scott has been part of Sun Day Red since the initial pitch phase of the business. As the company’s Head of Marketing, he is focused on helping scale the brand in North America and globally.

How did they launch the business? “We went off-site as a small team to see Tiger’s childhood home, and we played a round of golf at the Navy course where he famously played in his youth,” Scott said. “We looked for inspiration everywhere to find out who he is and how he grew up, so we would represent the brand in the right light.” After seven months of creating an apparel line, Sun Day Red was launched to top lifestyle outlets worldwide and “every single sports journalist and company, golf company, and golf media outlet you could imagine.”

Maaike Middleton '97, Documentary Filmmaker Class: Digital Media and Videography

Maaike told some wild stories—literally—when she connected virtually with students to reflect on her adventurous career as a wildlife filmmaker. Hailing from the Netherlands and raised in Montana, she has filmed animals in their natural habitats around the world, from pumas in Patagonia to the elusive Amur tiger in the Russian Far East to grizzlies in her own backyard. Her impressive filmography includes documentaries such as the award-winning The Beast of Our Time: Climate Change & Grizzly Bears and Return of the Grizzly, both narrated by actor Jeff Bridges.

Maaike’s career took off after she earned a master’s in Documentary Filmmaking at Royal Holloway, University of London. “I have had some amazing opportunities and experiences as an independent filmmaker in Montana,” she shared. “I love my snow, elk, deer, and all the stories I can tell here with Yellowstone Park just 30 minutes away.” She concluded with a simple message for students: “Have fun with art, and don’t give up! If this is something you want to do, it is so worth it.”

By bringing their stories directly into today’s classrooms, these Saints alumni served as powerful reminders that the Canterbury spirit endures—and continues to inspire—long after graduation.

ALUMNI REPORT BACK FROM COLLEGE

Canterbury students got a dose of real-world advice from recent alumni who offered personal perspectives on adjusting to college life. Thank you, collegiate Saints, for giving our students a taste of life after Canterbury!

First, a virtual panel from the Class of 2024 spoke with Fifth Form students via Zoom to share college prep tips, personal stories, and what they wish they had known before heading off to school: Anne Celestino, Bucknell University; Nicholas Ciampi, Boston College; Elsa Copeland, Bates College; and Jake Towey, St. Lawrence University.

Then, during Senior Week, Sixth Formers got a taste of college life from young alumni presenting on various subjects, both in person and virtually…

ACADEMICS: John Bagg '23 (Southern Methodist University), Richard Gosman '23 (Southern Methodist University), Olivia Lynn '23 (University of Notre Dame), Hannah Nash '23 (Skidmore College), Ashley Regina '22 (Clemson University)

ATHLETICS (BOYS): Christian Jeffers '24 (Bentley University), John McCain '23 (Amherst College), Shaun McKenna '24 (University of Notre Dame), Tyrese Taylor '23 (Hobart College)

ATHLETICS (GIRLS): Camryn Beauvais '24 (Anna Maria College), Elsa Copeland '24 (Bates College), Erin Flaherty '23 (Manhattanville University), Virginia Zapletal '24 (Stanford University)

BIGGEST SURPRISES: Phoebe Booth '24 (The University of Texas at Austin), Nicholas Ciampi '24 (Boston College), Gabriella Dellacroce '23 (Albertus Magnus College), Madeline Diglio '24 (William Smith College), Morgan Lau '24 (University of Miami), Lily LaVigne '23 (Hamilton College), Cole Silvia '24 (Iona College), Catherine Steers '24 (College of the Holy Cross), Jake Towey '24 (St. Lawrence University), Caroline Thompson '24 (Clemson University)

SOCIAL/FRATERNITY/SORORITY: John Bagg '23 (Southern Methodist University), Richard Gosman '23 (Southern Methodist University), Jack Greenberg '24 (Northeastern University), Olivia Lynn '23 (University of Notre Dame), Shaun McKenna '24 (University of Notre Dame), Hannah Nash '23 (Skidmore College), Ashley Regina '22 (Clemson University)

SAINTS OFF THE HILL

ALUMNI SHARE PERSONAL STORIES WITH STUDENTS

When Saints graduates return to campus for the Saints Off the Hill program, they are not only alumni—they’re mentors and role models. They share insights and reveal things about themselves that their Canterbury family might not have known. Here are the stories of two such grads who opened up to the campus community earlier this year…

INSPIRING THE NEXT GENERATION OF DREAMERS

Nicholas Cabrera ’09 stood in front of the Maguire Auditorium stage and couldn’t help but be joyful. Nick was back in his old stomping grounds—the place that planted the seeds of his passion for music—and it almost felt like he had never left.

“Canterbury is the reason I do what I do today,” Nick said. “When I graduated, Mr. Overthrow (Director of Music David Overthrow) said, ‘You need to check out Berklee College of Music.’ So, I did and thought, ‘That thing I am obsessed with, that I cannot get enough of? That is definitely what I should be doing!’”

Indeed it was. Nick went on to become a highly respected and recognized voice in the New York City music scene and beyond. A skilled guitar player and singer-songwriter, he has traveled the country, sharing his talent with audiences from intimate venues to festival stages. His four-song EP, Fool’s Gold, was met with critical acclaim.

Students were treated to an added surprise during Nick’s talk— he was joined by fellow Saints graduate and musician William Tully ’06, the drummer for Des Rocs, who has toured with the likes of The Rolling Stones, Muse, and The Struts. Nick and Will shared stories, answered questions from their rapt audience, and even belted out a few lines of a song upon request. Later that night, they joined other alumni and current music students onstage for Canterbury’s Echoes of Time: Past & Present Concert.

CANDID TALK ABOUT LIVING WITH DYSLEXIA

When Isabella Papov ’18 returned to Canterbury recently to speak with students, she shared more than memories—she shared her journey living with dyslexia, offering a highly personal message of courage and resilience.

During her presentation, Bella was struck by the irony that the last time she had to speak at Canterbury— as valedictorian at her graduation—she did everything in her power to get out of it. “My dilemma was that I could not read,” Bella shared. “It had been my biggest secret all my life: I struggled with learning to read.”

Despite her secret, Bella ended up making that valedictory speech after accomplishing amazing things on the hilltop. “I was determined to hide it and found ways to work around my learning differences,” she explained. When she finally summoned the courage to ask for help, Bella felt relieved to hear an official diagnosis for her learning challenges. “I will never forget the validation I felt when I was finally diagnosed with dyslexia.” That discovery opened up access to resources for dyslexic students and allowed her to better adapt her study habits accordingly.

It also set Bella, currently Chief Medical Scribe at ScribeAmerica in Connecticut, on her career path. “I will soon be attending medical school at Temple University,” she told the students. “My goal is to help patients uncover and legitimize symptoms they have normalized so that they can live healthier and happier lives.”

Saints Off the Hill is an extension of Canterbury’s extraordinary Saints on the Hill program, which gives members of the Canterbury community a safe, supportive forum to tell their stories, share their experiences, and express their feelings. The audience comes away feeling like we all know each other just a little bit better.

Another Successful Annual Fund Campaign—

The Canterbury community’s generosity was on full display in 2024-2025! As a result of the tremendous support from Canterbury alumni, parents, and friends, the Canterbury Annual Fund was able to exceed last year’s giving total.

The ongoing commitment of our Saints family led to $1.5 million being raised for the Annual Fund. These contributions, regardless of size, ensure that our School continues to be a place where students can truly thrive. Every day, our students are positively affected by the people, places, and incredible programs that make the Canterbury experience so special, and none of it would be possible without your support. Once again, we would like to say thank you!

MATT IVINS JOINS ADVANCEMENT TEAM

We are pleased to welcome Matt Ivins to Canterbury as Director of Annual Giving. In his role, Matt will manage the Annual Fund and build relationships with alumni and current parents.

He began his career in higher education student affairs and has been working in annual giving since 2018. Most recently, he spent two years as the Associate Director of The 1850 Fund at The Frederick Gunn School, where he played a key role on the Annual Giving team, contributing to a recordsetting $2 million in unrestricted support for the school.

Previously, Matt worked at Marist College in Poughkeepsie, New York, as Assistant Director of the Marist Fund, where he engaged and raised support from young alumni. He also spent time as Coordinator of Student Leadership at The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. Matt earned both his bachelor’s degree in English and master’s degree in Higher Education Administration from Stony Brook University on Long Island.

CLASS NOTES

1965

Willard “Lee” Beaulac

Lee reports that, while retired from a 50-year career in community economic development, he continues to serve on the Executive Committee of the National Rural Housing Coalition and the board of Rural LISC. He also remains active in the Vietnam Veterans of America and Vote Vets. Lee and his wife, Margaret, have filled their days with travel, including recent trips to Vietnam, Thailand, and Mexico. Lee’s family— including daughters Elizabeth, Emily, and Shaun and six grandchildren—is spread out around the country and requires constant pleasurable visits!

Read McNamara

Reed caught up with Robert Lutringer ’65 during Bob’s recent stop in Savannah, Georgia. Like several other Canterbury snowbirds, Bob and his lovely wife, Christine, have made it a practice to visit the McNamara oasis on their return north after the winter in Florida. Bob and Daniel LaChance ’65 have done a fantastic job of getting commitments from 20 members of the class of 1965 for their 60th Canterbury Reunion in September, and all are looking forward to their time in New Milford.

1966

Andrew “Kevin” Callahan

Kevin reports he has run into a multiplicity of medical problems since retirement in 2013, but he is making a slow and steady recovery. He shares that he is blessed to have married his wife 33 years ago (and remains happily so) as she has been amazing and taken care of him throughout, especially since his retirement. He adds that his five children and five grandchildren are all doing well.

Ralph Cousins

Life is good for Ralph on this side of employment. As he and his wife, Harriet, approach their 50th wedding anniversary, the answers to “What is your job?” and “Did you take the company public?” have been replaced by “How did your children turn out?” and “Which of your grandchildren looks like you?” All three of his sons are teachers, and he jokes that it is fortunate none of his five grandchildren favor him. Ralph and Harriet have taken some incredible trips, including two to Africa that were life-changing. Watching the stars from the Amazon in Peru was humbling, as was the deadly virus that caused them to miss Machu Picchu. New Zealand and Australia are next on their itinerary this fall. Ralph also takes graduate history classes at the University of Texas at Dallas, where his younger classmates—who see the world through a very different lens—have a great deal to teach him. He especially enjoys research and writing. Two of his class papers have been accepted and published in peer-reviewed journals. Ralph’s three cancer episodes seem to be in the past; he and Harriet are grateful to have had outstanding healthcare.

1966

James Davis

Jim (aka, Boomer) is enjoying retirement on Skidaway Island in Savannah, Georgia. Besides shooting sporting clays, he has taken up writing books, which are published on Amazon and TikTok. Two of the books are about Autism Spectrum Disorder, which were inspired by his oldest grandson, who has Asperger’s, just completed Naval OTC, and is now in Naval Intelligence. The last two books are about dementia, and Jim is increasingly convinced that they are quickly becoming autobiographies.

1970

Gregory Ahern

Greg and his wife, Robin, joined Stephen Cunningham ’70 and his wife, Wendell Fleming, for lunch in Newport with Peter Kiernan ’71 in late June. Peter had very entertaining stories about doing business with James Lee ’71 back in the day when Peter, Jimmy, and Greg were all “masters of the universe.” After that, Greg shared stories of cruising on the Rhine from Basel to Amsterdam with Nicholas de Alejo ’70 and his wife, Susan.

Edward “Cal” Calhoun

Cal and his wife, Linda, visited Maureen and Peter O’Donnell ’70 in Woodgate, New York, in late July. The Adirondack Park is the largest state park in the country, so Cal was just able to squeeze the three-family home that drags behind his truck into an open spot. Cal was officially voted into the exclusive Men of the Adirondacks Club. Cal and Linda are halfway through an RV tour of Canada and will be returning through the Northeast from Maine to North Carolina.

1970 CONTINUED

Robert Brown and Kevin Johnson

Bobby and Kevin make it clear that they are both fishing and having good times with family in the U.S. and elsewhere.

Stephen P. Cunningham

Steve just obtained an Irish passport after learning that his grandfather was a freedom fighter. He wishes Canterbury’s new Head of School, Caroline Blatti, all the best.

John Dunphy

Jack and Stephen Cunningham ’70 have been sharing a great discourse celebrating the memory of former Canterbury Chaplain Father Clement Thomas Greenan. They agree that it was easy to admire that man.

Mark Hanlon

Mark and his spouse both retired on June 1, 2025. They celebrated by sailing out to Nantucket in Massachusetts and then taking a Swimtrek—which they loved—to the lesser Cyclades in Greece.

Edward Hill

Ned is living the dream in Deer Isle, Maine. He is healthy, editing a journal,

gardening, doing carpentry, conducting surveys of the community where he lives, and is even writing an economic history of manufacturing in Ohio.

Leslie Kernan, Jr.

Les is taking a Rhine cruise in the winter. He has also been playing a fair amount of golf this summer (with mixed results) and is currently spending a week with family on a small lake in New York’s Catskill Mountains. He also took a trip to Ireland last year. Unfortunately, he will not be able to attend the Old Guard reunion in September, as he will be attending the Ryder Cup matches at Bethpage in Farmingdale, New York, that weekend.

Kevin McMahon

Kevin and Stephen Cunningham ’70 hung out in July at a Farmer’s Market in Oak Creek, Colorado, where Kevin’s pottery captivated market visitors. Kevin also stopped in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on his way back from Chaco Canyon National Park in June and stayed with John Lacava ’70 at his luxurious bed and breakfast. John’s music career has flourished, and Kevin saw him play at El Faro on Canyon Road for a rocking good Tulsa time.

Thomas Murray

Tom continues to work and thrive in Southampton, New York, finishing a book, a movie, and even creating a website, which he promised to share with us when it is finished.

Roger “Rory” Nugent

Rory and classmate Gregory Ahern ’70 remain in touch, as they live near each other in Rhode Island and Southern Massachusetts. They hope to get together soon with John Haire ’70, who lives in that neck of the woods as well.

Leonard Savoie P ’16

Lenny celebrated the birth of his first grandchild and namesake, Leo.

1974

George Malhame

George shared this photo, taken last April after John Sargeant ’75 helped to induct Bryan Finnie ’75 into the Canterbury Athletic Hall of Fame in the Steers Center (page 42). Several past members of the Saints basketball family were also in attendance at the ceremony, including Jack Gaudreau, Head Coach of the ’75 team, and Henry Vetter ’22 and Trevor McDonald ’22, who played significant roles in helping Trinity College win the Division III National Basketball Championship this past year (page 33).

Left to right: Trevor McDonald ’22, Jack Gaudreau, Henry Vetter ’26, George, and Malachy Cleary ’75.

1970 CONTINUED

Matthew Weir

Matt, the Canterbury “lifetime achievement award” winner at the class’s 50th Reunion, is still on the job and healthy. He went glacier hiking in Iceland this summer and is headed to Bordeaux, France, in September.

George Wolf

George and his wife, Margie, just celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on a cruise to Alaska with 23 immediate family members, including 12 grandchildren.

1971

Gary Ricozzi

Gary is happily retired and living in Orlando, Florida, with his wife, Cynthia, and their two dogs, Shaggy and Pepper.

1974

Norman Noel

Norm received the National Outstanding Eagle Scout Association Award at the Connecticut Rivers Council of Scouting America Salute to Youth dinner. He has been a member of Scouting America, formerly the Boy Scouts of America, since September 1964—more than 60 years! As a member of Troop 303 in South Hadley, Massachusetts, he earned both the Eagle Scout award and the Ad Altare Dei Catholic religious award. Norm continued his involvement with the Scouts as an Assistant Scoutmaster, a Cubmaster, and a Scoutmaster. While serving as Scoutmaster, he earned the Scouter’s Training award and Scoutmaster’s Key. He also received the Scoutmaster’s Award of Merit, District Award of Merit, the Silver Beaver, the Saint George Catholic religious award, and a James West award. Over the last 16 years, he has dedicated himself to Commissioner Service and earned the Arrowhead award, the Commissioner Key, and the Commissioner Award of Excellence in Unit Service. His current position is District Commissioner in Charter Oak District. He recently retired as a Systems Consultant in the life insurance software industry after a 44-year career in IT. He has been a member of the Knights of Columbus for 20 years and is a Past Grand Knight of Council 10651 in Rocky Hill, Connecticut.

1975

William Steers P ’04, ’09, ’24, ’27

Bill is the proud father of five children and seven grandchildren. He continues to work full-time at EPIC Insurance Company and is currently an Assistant Coach for the Division III Manhattanville University Women’s Hockey team.

Lawrence Turkheimer

Larry led Moorpark College to its first MCLA Division III lacrosse college championship in the program’s history. After finishing 11-2, Moorpark finished first in the Southwestern Lacrosse Conference and won both its playoff games convincingly on its way to ranking #1 nationally among MCLA schools. Larry also received Coach of the Year honors for the season.

1976

Jonathan Zilli

Jonathan met up with Joseph O’Connor ’76 in San Francisco, California, where they swam in the Alcatraz Shark Fest race, which starts at Alcatraz and ends at Aquatic Park in San Francisco.

Larry joined classmates David Glean ’77 and Francis Antonelli ’77, along with former U.S. Ambassador to Morocco David Fischer and his wife, Jennifer, for a summer boating excursion in Harbor Springs, Michigan.

1987

Susan Burke-O’Neal

After finishing graduate school at Northwestern, Susan spent a few years working in Chicago at a venture capital incubator and launched BurkeBags, a decorative tennis racquet cover business. She then started what she thought would be a temporary gig as Director of Alumnae Relations at Convent of the Sacred Heart (the school she attended before Canterbury) in New York City—and has been there for more than 20 years now! Susan loves the work and community, and a bonus is that her daughter, Annabelle, is a student there. This summer, Susan and her husband, Michael, worked remotely from her mom’s house in Watch Hill, Rhode Island. She has had two wonderful local classmate encounters recently: cocktails with Kathryn “Lori” (Wellman) Ellis ’87—who still has the same awesome laugh—and her sister, and breakfast with Hilary Duffy ’87 and her dad. Susan has also visited with other Saints alumni, including Peter Sinnott ’85, Sarah (Coughlin) Vorbach ’86, and Amy McKenna ’86, and hopes to see more Canterbury friends soon.

Susan and Lori at breakfast.

Miriam “Duchess” Harris P '25

Left to right: Alexa Ogno ’87, Duchess, Mary “Tricia” (Lawlor) Jorden ’87, Abra Mabasa ’87, and Kathryn “Lori” (Wellman) Ellis ’87 helped Zach move into Sheehan House in August 2022. They returned to attend his graduation last May.

Duchess and Jon V. Thomas P ’25 celebrated the graduation of their son, Zachary Thomas ’25, from Canterbury on May 23, 2025. Zach completed an approved independent project by interning with a senior financial advisor at Merrill Lynch. The Academic Committee awarded Zach an Honors Pass. He will attend his father’s alma mater, Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota, and plans to major in Economics and Math.

Deborah Hopkins

Deb continues to enjoy a career in biotechnology and global health that has spanned 30-plus years and multiple roles across industry, non-profit, and large philanthropic organizations. After leaving Canterbury, she swapped coasts multiple times between Connecticut, New Hampshire, Boston, and Seattle to follow jobs or degrees. She now lives in Edmonds, Washington, with her partner, Oliver, and her two children, Benjamin and Hailey. In her off hours, you will find her practicing dressage and caring for her two horses, Leo and Omaha.

2000

Alice McGrail

Alice married David Clayton on May 3, 2025, at the Lenox Hotel in Boston, Massachusetts. Renata (Gagnon) Kennedy ’00 served as Matron of Honor, and John Kennedy ’00, Emily Kloeblen ’00, and Rosemarie Cruz-Herrera ’00 were in attendance. After the wedding, the couple spent two weeks in Hawaii. Alice and David reside in Boston with their rescue pup, Leo.

Left to right: Rosemarie Cruz-Herrera ’00, Emily Kloeblen ’00, Alice, Renata (Gagnon) Kennedy ’00, and John Kennedy ’00.

Ye Jee “Clara” Ahn

Clara is living in South Korea and working as a freelance musician. She got married seven years ago and has a lovely young daughter.

2007

Matthew Gardner

Matt recently created JobTracker.pro, a free tool to help job seekers stay organized. Users can save job listings, upload tailored résumés, track an application status, and keep notes all in one place.

Ross Norcom

Ross and his wife, Esther, were married on December 14, 2024. He is still living in Dallas, Texas, and regularly attends Texas A&M football games. Ross recently launched Plainview Investment Management LP, an investment firm that focuses on international emerging markets.

2011

Ashley (Bonner) Kindschi

Ashley and husband, Steve, welcomed their third child, Maxwell Roger, on February 1, 2025. Big sisters Charlotte and Riley are thrilled to add Max to the family.

2012

Seth Menghi

Seth and his fiancée, Katie Hall (along with their dog, Frankie), bought a house in Arlington, Virginia. The couple is getting married in the fall. They got engaged on the Big Island of Hawaii last November.

2021

Torin Kearney

Torin graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Cyber Systems from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and was commissioned as an Ensign in the Armed Forces of the United States in May. Torin received the Microsoft Cyber Software Development Award, given to the cadet with the highest overall grade point average in the Cyber Systems major at the Academy, and was a member of the Cyber Team. He will be starting his career based in Boston on the Fast Response Cutter USCGC Maurice Jester.

Josef Najm

Josef and his wife, Taylor Garre, welcomed their first son, Sebastian Grey Najm, on January 3, 2025, in New York City. Ten minutes after Sebastian’s birth, Josef’s Canterbury Exchange Student—and, basically, his brother— Pablo Casasnovas and his wife, Blanca Alemany, welcomed their first daughter, Olimpia Casasnovas Alemany, in Palma de Mallorca. From teenage friends and exchange brothers to fathers, Josef and Pablo have stayed connected over the years and now get to bond over this rewarding chapter in their lives.

Francis T. Vincent, Jr. Former Trustee

1938-2025

Editor’s Note: In the previous issue of PALLIUM, some information on Fay Vincent’s giving history was not presented accurately. As such, we are revising and reprinting the tribute in its entirety to ensure the record is accurate and to honor both the intent and impact of Fay’s generosity. We regret the error.

Canterbury School joins the many who mourn the loss of Francis T. “Fay” Vincent, Jr., who passed away in February at the age of 86. A distinguished leader, generous benefactor, and cherished friend, Fay served on our Board of Trustees from 2002 to 2008 and was the eighth Commissioner of Major League Baseball.

Fay’s generosity to Canterbury was both profound and personal. Conversations with James Briggs ’56, GP ’12, ’15 and Christopher “Toby” Smith ’56, P ’88, ’90, inspired Fay to establish the Endowment for Faculty Enrichment in 2000 as a tribute to the enduring friendship between his family and the Richard Joyce Smith family. At the time, this was the largest single gift in Canterbury’s history—a transformative commitment that reflected Fay’s belief in the power of inspired teaching to shape young lives. The endowment was created in honor of Toby’s father Richard Joyce “Dick” Smith P ’52, ’54, ’56, ’59, ’63; GP ’88, ’90

While the connection between the two families dates back three generations in Waterbury, Connecticut—and even included the Canterbury-famous Carmody family— Dick and Fay’s father, Francis T. Vincent, Sr. became particularly close at Yale, where Fay Sr. was a celebrated athlete and Dick was a young law professor.

Dick—one of the very first recipients of the Canterbury Medal— was a devoted Canterbury trustee and friend of Walter Sheehan, the school’s second Headmaster. Fay had joined Dick’s law firm upon graduation from law school and referred to Dick as his mentor throughout his career.

Fay’s philanthropy extended well beyond this historic pledge. He made another significant gift to endow the maintenance of

Canterbury’s varsity football field and fund the purchase of a new scoreboard in memory of his father. These enhancements not only serve as a tribute to his father’s legacy as an athlete and long-time referee and umpire at Canterbury football and baseball contests, but honor the School’s athletic tradition.

Fay also endowed the Fay Vincent, Jr. Speaker Series, ensuring that Canterbury students would be inspired by leaders and thinkers of national and global influence for generations to come.

Born in Waterbury, Connecticut, Fay attended his father’s alma mater, The Hotchkiss School, and Williams College before earning his law degree from Yale. His remarkable career included service as Associate Director of the Division of Corporation Finance at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Chairman of Columbia Pictures, and Executive Vice President of Coca-Cola.

In 1988, when A. Bartlett Giamatti was President of Yale and elected Commissioner of Major League Baseball, he persuaded his friend Fay to serve as Deputy Commissioner. Following Giamatti’s sudden passing in 1989, Fay assumed the Commissioner’s role, guiding the league with integrity and resolve. After stepping down three years later, he became a private investor, President of the New England Collegiate Baseball League, and, in 2002, the author of The Last Commissioner: A Baseball Valentine.

Fay Vincent, Jr. is survived by his wife, Christina Clarke Watkins; children, Anne, William, and Edward; three stepchildren, Jake, Ned, and Nilla Watkins; sisters, Dr. Joanna Vincent and Barbara Vincent; and several grandchildren.

Canterbury is deeply grateful for the vision, generosity, and friendship Fay so freely gave to this community. His legacy— reflected in our classrooms, on our playing fields, and in the lives of our students—will endure for generations to come.

and Coach

John A. “Jack” McCabe Former Mathematics Chair, Teacher,

1935-2025

The Canterbury community was deeply saddened by the passing of beloved former faculty member John “Jack” McCabe on March 25, 2025.

Jack was born on December 5, 1935, in Machias, Maine, and grew up in Florida. When he was three years old, both his parents died, and Jack was placed in an orphanage. He left the orphanage at 15 to embark on a life that would be marked by adventure, strength, and self-reliance.

Jack served in the Air Force during the Korean War and was honorably discharged. While he was still in the military, he began taking classes part-time at the University of Miami before transferring to Florida State University. After earning his bachelor’s degree in mathematics, he earned a master’s degree in mathematics from Rutgers University through a grant from the National Science Foundation. Jack soon found his true calling: teaching. In the decades to come, he touched the lives of countless students with his energy, humor, and realistic challenges in the classroom.

Jack came to Canterbury in 1995. For nearly 20 years, he served as a Mathematics Chair and Co-Chair, Math Teacher, and Varsity Football and Tennis Coach. In 2013, the graduating class dedicated its yearbook, the Cantuarian, to Jack, describing him as “an avid traveler, enthusiast, and comedian.” His approach to life and teaching was so highly valued by the Canterbury community that in 2014, the Gladys Brooks Foundation established an endowment to support the John A. “Jack” McCabe Faculty Professional Development Award in his name.

After retiring, he returned to Florida and wrote his autobiography, Unspoken Love: An Orphan’s Journey, as well

as numerous math books, including Preparing for Calculus: The Language, Concepts, and Skills Needed for Success. An active member of the Florida Trail Association, Jack enjoyed the outdoors and spent his spare time hiking, backpacking, camping, canoeing, boating, and, in his later years, RVing and sitting around a campfire. He loved gathering with friends to play tennis, pool, cards, and Rummikub. Jack was passionate about trains and often rode the rails, including traveling across Russia. His desire to learn about other cultures took him to Australia, Cuba, and other Central American countries.

Jack is preceded in death by his wife, Margaret. He is survived by his daughter, Jaclyn Marsh, and husband Donnie; granddaughter, Jennifer Gufreda, and husband Serin; great-granddaughter Olive Maxine; niece Carol Davis; and stepchildren Steve, John, and Elizabeth Edgar. He is truly missed by his Canterbury family, who will always remember him as a caring mentor who encouraged all to continue their learning journey.

Former Trustee

Frank F. Taubner '63

1945-2024

The Canterbury community mourns the loss of Frank Taubner. A beloved member of the Class of 1963, Canterbury parent, and member of the Board of Trustees from 1991 to 2003, Frank passed away on October 24, 2024. His generosity and unwavering support of the School are a testament to a life lived in the spirit of service.

Frank was born and raised in Pelham Manor, New York, five houses away from where he would go on to raise his own children. His senior yearbook paints a picture of a young man who can only be described as “a character.” He was the proud owner of Canterbury’s largest collection of 45 rpm records, though, over the course of four years on the hilltop, he apparently lost 40 of them in “record fights.” In addition to serving as the “base of the basses” in the Choral Club for four years, Frank played Varsity Football and was on Varsity teams for both swimming and track. During the summers, Frank could be found boating on the Long Island Sound, a hobby he would enjoy for the rest of his life.

Frank was also known for his warm hospitality. As a student at Canterbury, his family’s annual Easter Egg Roll was considered among the social events of the season. As an alumnus, he would take fellow members of the Canterbury community aboard his yacht for a cruise of the Sound.

After graduating from Canterbury, Frank earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business from Villanova University. He went on to dedicate his career to the

family business, Ball Chain Manufacturing Company, Inc. in Mount Vernon, New York. He was a member of the New York Athletic Club, New York Yacht Club, and served on the Long Range Planning Committee for the town of Pelham Manor.

A regular contributor to the Annual Fund, Frank also established the Taubner Family Fund—another vital source of unrestricted funds that allowed the school to address its most pressing concerns as needed.

Frank is survived by his beloved wife, Candace, daughter Julie, and grandchildren Lyla and Jack. His son, Frank F. Taubner ’92, predeceased him in 2018. Canterbury will remember Frank for his leadership and steadfast commitment to his alma mater.

REMEMBERING

John P. “Jack” Heffernan '58 Alumnus

1939-2025

Canterbury was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of John Peter “Jack” Heffernan on September 17, 2025. A member of the Class of 1958, Jack’s steadfast philanthropy continues to touch the lives of the Canterbury community today.

Born in Worcester, Massachusetts, on November 8, 1939, Jack was one of five children. He attended Canterbury for all four years of high school and boasted a full slate of honors, activities, and athletics. In addition to being Captain of the School’s Varsity Hockey team, he was on Honor Council, Senior Council, and served as a proctor in both his dormitory and the dining room.

From Canterbury, Jack graduated from Boston College in 1962, where he continued to play hockey. He would go on to found JPH Management, Inc., through which he owned and managed properties in Manhattan. He settled in Rye, New York, with his wife June, and the pair had seven children.

Jack was a passionate supporter of Catholic education, and his life was marked by acts of generosity and thoughtful service. In 2014, his philanthropic leadership singlehandedly established the Jules G. Viau Chair in Foreign Language—Canterbury’s first such endowment—to support the tradition of excellent teaching at the School embodied by the Canterbury Medal winner and Jack’s former teacher, who taught at the School from 1954 to 1994. The following year, he served as Canterbury’s Commencement speaker. Jack also dedicated the Sacristy of the Chapel of Our Lady to his friend and former President of the Board of Trustees, William B. O’Connor ’57, and was a loyal donor to the

School’s Annual Fund, which supports day-to-day life on the hilltop.

Jack also served on the boards of Sacred Heart Greenwich, Catholic Academy of Bridgeport, and Iona Prep. In addition to all he did for Canterbury, his generosity buoyed more than a dozen other institutions, including the New York Catholic Foundation, Boston College, Thomas Aquinas College, Sacred Heart Greenwich, The Montfort Academy, St. Joseph’s College, St. Catherine’s, Cornelia Connelly Center, and Resurrection School and Church, among others.

Jack is survived by his wife, six of his children, and twenty grandchildren. His beloved son, Matthew, predeceased him in 1989. We remain grateful not only to Jack’s generosity over the years, but for his enduring and faithful friendship.

REMEMBERING

William B. Blakey, Jr. '44 1926–2025

George J. Donnelly '56 1938–2025

Edward J. Duffy III '49, P '59, '63, '90 1931–2025

Robert C. Harris, Jr. '64 1946–2025

Margaret H. Burke '76 1958–2025

James R. Cherry, Jr. '55 1938–2025

Robert S. Messing '71 1952–2025

Luke M. Scanlon '80 1962–2025

Pete Cotier '86, P '19, '20 Named Director of Planned Giving

Canterbury is proud to share that Pete Cotier ’86, P’ 19, ’20 has been appointed Director of Planned Giving—an inspired step in a career that has already left a profound mark on our School.

For Pete, Canterbury has always been more than just a school—it has been a lifelong community. A proud member of the Class of 1986 and parent of two Canterbury graduates, Pete experienced firsthand the friendships, values, and opportunities that define a Canterbury education.

Since returning in 2009, Pete has taught history, coached on the fields and ice, and lived alongside students as a dorm parent. He has led as Dean of Faculty, overseen operations as Associate Head of School, and helped drive major campus projects including the Steers Center, Hamilton Stadium, and the Academic Hub. At every step, he has invested deeply in Canterbury’s mission— mentoring colleagues, supporting families, and guiding students with the steady care of someone who knows the difference a Canterbury education makes.

“I’ve been fortunate to see how deeply Canterbury shapes lives. Planned giving is about ensuring that legacy continues for the students of tomorrow.”

To learn more, contact Pete Cotier at 860-210-3895 or pcotier@cbury.org.

Now, as Director of Planned Giving, Pete turns his focus to ensuring that the transformative experience he has lived continues for generations of Saints. At the center of this work is the Carillon Society, which honors those who have included Canterbury in their estate plans or made other planned gifts. With more than 200 members, the Carillon Society reflects the shared commitment of alumni, parents, and

The Carillon Society recognizes alumni, parents, and friends who have included Canterbury in their estate plans or made other planned gifts.

• 200+ members already part of this tradition of generosity

• Ensures Canterbury’s future for the next 100 years

• Honors your legacy by sustaining the transformative experience of a Canterbury education

When you make a planned gift, you join a community of donors committed to ensuring that future generations of Saints experience the same values, opportunities, and lifelong connections that have shaped your life. To learn more, visit cbury.giftplans.org

friends to secure Canterbury’s future for the next 100 years.

Pete looks forward to partnering with alumni, parents, and friends to align their philanthropic goals with Canterbury’s mission. By including Canterbury in your plans, you help secure the School’s future and ensure its values continue to shape generations to come.

Ways to Make A Planned Gift

Planned gifts come in many forms and can be tailored to your goals. Some of the most common include:

• Bequests: Include Canterbury in your will or living trust.

• Retirement Assets: Name Canterbury as a beneficiary of an IRA, 401(k), or pension plan.

• Life Insurance:

Designate Canterbury as a policy beneficiary.

• Charitable Trusts:

Create a trust that provides income to you or your loved ones while supporting Canterbury’s future.

Every planned gift, no matter the size, makes a lasting difference. By planning today, you ensure that the values and opportunities that shaped your Canterbury experience will thrive for generations.

DECEMBER 4

5:30–8:00 PM

Hampshire House 84 Beacon Street

Boston, Massachusetts

ALUMNI SOCIETY OF

DECEMBER 9

6:00–9:00 PM Fiola Mare

3050 K St. NW Washington, DC

DECEMBER 11

6:00–9:00 PM

The Harvard Club 35 West 44th Street

New York City