HomeCominG/reunion 2014 The boys soccer team lost a heartbreaker to the Horace Mann Lions, going down 2-1 in overtime. A few weeks later, the boys would erase that painful loss from their collective memory by winning the NYSAIS championship against HM. | PAGe 24.
mary ludemann, Director of Communications
lila locksley, Director of External Communications
Karly Kolaja, Social Media Assistant
Georgia tucker, Communications Associate
robin Gottlieb, Director of Alumni Affairs
Recognizing that the wellness and health of the Riverdale community are a core function of our broad educational program, the School aims to address these topics regularly and proactively by keeping up with trends, educating our faculty and staff, and creating spaces for discussions within the student body and during parenting evenings.
Our Health and Wellness program is not easily defined since it attempts to reach students through a variety of means, but there are several themes that keep us oriented and aligned across the school, from Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12:
Our character strengths work has shown us that academic success is connected to one’s mental health and well-being.
Helping students better navigate social situations and understand their own personal health as they develop in age -appropriate ways is important.
Our physical education, athletics, and food service departments work together to ensure all students are healthy, with a wellness/education-based athletics program that focuses on lifetime fitness, nutrition, sport-specific training and conditioning, and concussion-tracking in an education-based way.
A new full-time outdoor program director (see page 20) allows us to organize more outdoor trips, developing student skills in leadership, community building, environmental awareness, and stewardship. It is our goal that all students have multiple meaningful outdoor experiences during their Middle and Upper School careers.
We are providing more faculty professional development offerings focused on health and wellness in ourselves so that we can model good, healthy habits for our students.
On this and the following 11 pages you will gain more insight into just some of the work we are doing in the area of health and wellness here at Riverdale.
Riverdale sets forth an ambitious education program for its students. Expectations are high for them “to develop independence, seize opportunity, and become agents of change in their communities,” says Head of School Dominic A.A. Randolph.
Providing sufficient support so students may reach their full potential is important. In addition to a gifted teaching staff and thoughtful administrators, Riverdale deploys a team of learning research specialists known as the Learning Research Team (LRT) to enhance learning on both the River and Hill campuses. Their mission is to collaborate with faculty to teach skills and strategies that help all students increase self-awareness, independence, and active learning. The support offered takes many forms; students meet one-on-one with learning specialists to identify specific challenges and hone skills, and also meet in groups with their peers for dynamic experiences in thinking and learning.
Don Ostrow is the Director of the Lower School LRT. He describes his program “as a modern and enlightened approach of what used to be known as support services. The support services model was designed to serve the needs of students with particular learning issues to support their performance within the Riverdale program. The current LRT incorporates this model under a broader umbrella.”
He continues, “As the name implies, the LRT strives to apply time-tested wisdom and current research about thinking and learning in our teaching practices—not just for those students with particular learning needs, but for all students.”
Ostrow is joined by three full-time learning specialists—Brooke McCaffrey, Pia Awal, and Naomi Schimmel—and one part-time psychologist, Dr. Tammy Kaminer. All are exceptional professionals dedicated to student success.
At the Lower School, direct instruction by the LRT includes teaching students for both support and enrichment, in small pullout groups and within homebase classrooms. Essential to the success of these activities is good assessment. Having a well-rounded understanding of the range of personalities, interests, skills, and knowledge allows teachers to be thoughtful, responsive, and flexible when tailoring instruction. Every fall the LRT works closely with homebase teachers on administering tests and designing and implementing activities that provide a very current picture of students’ learning profiles as they enter school following the long summer break.
As Ostrow explains, “Formative assessments can take many forms. They usually include student participation, offer nuanced feedback about performance, and rather than closing the door on past performance, they are used to guide students in their learning and teachers in their instructional practices as they go forward together. The LRT is involved in this kind of thinking about assessment with the instructional teams all year long.”
Lower School Learning Specialist Pia awal works with students in small groups for both support and enrichment.
Just as the aims of the skills, strategies, and course content change with each grade, the aims of small group instruction by the learning specialists change over the course of the elementary years to match student needs. For example, in first grade, many children are still “cracking the code.” Because the emergence of reading skills is so connected to child development, all three learning specialists work with students in small groups, which can change several times during the year.
In addition, Ostrow notes that the LRT actively responds to very specific needs of individual students and families as well as acting strategically and collaboratively within the school to design innovative ways of bringing research into the dynamic teaching and learning environment of our classrooms.
Jed Silverstein coordinates the LRT on the Hill Campus, which serves Middle and Upper School students. He took over the post in 2013, when veteran educator Rose Kagle retired from the department she created after many years of dedicated service. Jed heads a team of outstanding learning specialists, including Annie Anderson, Tiffani Lynch, Candy Anderson, and Christina Young.
“We work together to maintain all the good work the LRT has accomplished over the years, as well as to implement new programs and projects that we believe will enrich learning and teaching at Riverdale,” says Jed.
A crucial part of MS Design is showing students how to prioritize their school and family obligations.
The LRT has introduced a new course for all entering sixth graders called MS Design. The course helps students tackle the challenges of middle school with energy, knowledge, and optimism. In addition to ensuring that sixth graders understand the nuts and bolts of being a middle school student, the course introduces them to foundational study skills that will help them do their best in class.
The course has met with great enthusiasm by the Class of 2021. Annie Anderson—who leads the program—notes that 80 percent of students surveyed report that the program has helped them with their coursework and study skills.
A crucial part of MS Design is showing students how to prioritize their school and family obligations. “Many of these students have never really thought about how to set priorities in their lives,” says Anderson. “We show them strategies to balance their school, family, and social lives that is both satisfying and productive for them. We also cover basic but essential skills for success, such as test-taking strategies, active listening, and time management. Nightly homework is a new
experience for many sixth graders and if they are to keep up, learning these skills is crucial.”
The Studio Program is one more way the LRT engages with students in a relaxed but productive environment. All MS and US students have the opportunity to meet after school twice a week with a learning specialist who will help them with homework and assignments. Studio staffer Tiffani Lynch describes the program: “We offer the students drinks and snacks, and enjoy working with students in a more casual and fun environment. We’ve found that children new to Riverdale find Studio a big help.”
In addition to working with the students over an extended time in one sitting (Studio runs for two hours), the learning specialist offers crucial follow up with classroom teachers, coordinating resources that students need to make the most out of the Studio experience.
“One-on-one sessions in Studio are the ideal place to uncover barriers to success and we use what we learn in those sessions to synchronize our efforts with the classroom teachers. This approach really works for our students,” Lynch explains.
Peer Teacher Groups is another dynamic offering. Teachers from all three divisions gather once a month for a structured conversation in small groups about teaching practice. One teacher presents student work, a lesson plan, or a unit plan and the other teachers provide thoughtful, constructive feedback. Studies show that when colleagues provide concrete, precise feedback to teachers about their practice in the classroom it is a powerful way for teachers to get better and better at what they do.
Christina Young says, “Peer Teacher Groups is a great example of our commitment to collaborate with teachers. Working closely with teachers and deans extends our student support services in multiple ways: we are inspired by the innovation of our peers; we learn from each other what strategies work best for individual students; we hold students accountable to their goals across the school day; and we provide consistent reinforcement of those goals and the resources or strategies in place to help students accomplish them.”
Do you remember how tough it was to navigate middle school? KC Cohen does. So, in her roles as the Middle School/ Upper School Counselor and Middle School Coordinator of the Health Department, KC wants to make sure students make it out of Riverdale’s Middle School not only unscathed, but as better students and people.
In this high-tech world, KC has found that students need to learn how to better communicate with one another and with the adults around them. “A few years ago we decided to revamp the entire seventhgrade health class, making the curriculum one entirely centered on communication,” she explains. “Seventh grade is a very social year at RCS. Whether students are having them or not, our seventh graders are being invited to upwards of three bar/bat mitzvahs a weekend. All of a sudden they are being thrown into what can be a fun—but very social— time, without much adult supervision. This brings up many social challenges, even for our most socially adept students. The curriculum now addresses some very difficult topics for middle schoolers to navigate, such as the pros and cons of face-to-face versus online or text communication. We talk about how to approach and have tough or awkward conversations with friends, teachers, and family members, and what it means to be ‘honest’ or a ‘good friend’ in various social dilemmas. We then move into looking at various aspects of social media. Students begin to look critically at how others present themselves online, and what kinds of reputations they want to create for themselves in person and virtually. We talk about what it means to bully and be bullied, and how to comment on social media appropriately. We even discuss things like etiquette and protecting your reputation, both in person and online,” Cohen adds.
KC and the rest of the Middle School teachers try to address health and issues of stress in other, less obvious ways, too. “In the sixth/eighth grade PAL mentoring program we focus on the sixth graders’ adjustment and transition to Riverdale’s Hill Campus, and middle school in general,” Cohen explains. “There can be a lot of stress in sixth grade, as being new in middle school is not often easy. The eighthgrade mentors attempt to ease the sixth graders’ transition by being role models, having ‘been there, done that’ quite recently. Mentors are there to have fun with their younger group members, but also to give the message that sixth graders will make it through, and that the eighth graders can be resources to help make that happen more easily.”
There is also the homebase program, where teachers “do a lot of explicit work around the character strengths. In those discussions we address everything from students’ roles in, and responsibilities to, their community—the RCS community, their friends and family, in the world at large, etc.—to goal-setting around their social and academic endeavors.”
Many of the Middle School wellness initiatives are tied into Stanford University psychologist Carol Dweck’s idea of a growth mindset—that one’s basic abilities can flourish through dedication, openmindedness, and hard work, and are not fixed traits.
“We do a lot of work with our students to help them better understand how the brain can grow and change, that abilities and intelligence are not fixed, and about how staying open and persevering is critical to success in many venues,” Cohen says. This year many homebase teachers are trying to make this point clearer to students by having them engage in various low-stakes activities. For example, one group is taking on learning to hula-hoop.
“By the end of the year they will see how much better they get at hulahooping just by doing a little bit of practice each day. We want to show the students that in the same way they can get better at sports or in their musical abilities with practice, they can improve in their academics, too,” Cohen notes. “We need to teach students, especially in Middle School, that they can and should try various things—see where their interests and passions are—and not fear making mistakes. Too many of our Middle School students already feel that everything they do ‘matters’ for college. We need to take some of that high-stakes stress and pressure away, and make learning and living a little bit more about play, selfdiscovery, and—dare we say it—fun.”
AnnuAl
This was not your usual Upper School assembly.
One by one, administrators, teachers, and students told of difficult and painful experiences: anxiety disorders requiring medical treatment, childhood trauma brought on by political repression and dislocation, mental illness suffered by close family members.
The accounts were brave and intimate; they were also instructive and hopeful, offered as examples of how people inevitability face struggles and how we can find a way forward.
As the day unfolded, faculty and students shared their experiences with finding balance in their lives.
The annual One World Day this year focused on mental health and wellness. Dr. Kelley NicholsonFlynn, Head of Upper School, said the purpose of the day was two-fold: to engage in conversation to reduce the stigma around mental illness and to learn strategies to promote psychological and emotional well-being.
“We are going to think about what it means to be well,” she said.
As the day unfolded, faculty and students shared their experiences with finding balance in their lives. There were opportunities for philosophical thinking, creativity, contemplation, dancing, singing, laughing, performing, and connecting with nature.
Led by faculty members, students, and guest speakers, dozens of workshops offered ways to cope with stress, manage anger and frustration, understand how the mind and body are connected through physiology, and to explore outlets for selfexpression, friendship, and joy.
One session showed the effect of caffeine and nicotine on crickets (devastating). Another, “Tech for Daily Zen,” provided suggestions about apps and games for relaxation. “Games don't have to be competitive or about fighting or winning. They can encourage you to just take five minutes to escape, relax, and be quiet,” said Andrew Abate, an Upper School computer science/math teacher.
In the art department, Josh Merrow and Miles Cameron led a workshop on creating “water sculptures that soothe the senses” out of fish-tank pumps, tubing, rocks, and assorted junk.
The students in Projects In Contemporary Art (PICA) posted flyers around the school that read, ”What emotion do you feel most at school? (Ask yourself.)” PICA made stress relief balls and distributed them randomly throughout the day. In the Linda M. Lindenbaum Center for the Arts, they displayed a punching bag they had decorated with sources of school stress (including SAT and ACT prep notes).
Several sessions discussed the value of meditation. As part of the Class of 1957 Alumni Speaker Series, James Gordon ’58, a psychiatrist and founder more
an upper School computer science/math teacher, introduced students to some apps and games that are meant to be relaxing, not competitive or violent.
One World Day keynote speaker Dan Harris, an aBC News correspondent and anchor, explained how meditation helped him through a bout of depression.
Drama teacher emily Schorr Lesnick led students in theatrical exercises meant to delve into personal exploration and raise consciousness around issues of identity and social justice.
Is there a better way to de-stress than to dance to a Beyoncé song? these students don't think so!
of the Center for Mind-Body Wellness in Washington, DC, talked about the physical benefits that come from mental relaxation. Dan Harris, an ABC News correspondent and anchor, told his own story about how meditation helped him through a bout of depression.
The day concluded on a high note. John Cicco, a junior, provided comic relief, as did Jen Keefe, a guest performer; Gaspar Epstein, a language teacher and athletics coach, sang a duet with senior Claire Hawkins; the Faculty Jug Band performed, and the dance club led a flash mob of students and teachers to a Beyoncé song. It was a light-hearted, personal, and collaborative ending to a remarkable day.
“Perhaps the best part of the day … was the day after,” said Nicholson-Flynn. “Dozens of students came to my office to share their thoughts and experiences. To a person, the refrain was ‘we need to keep this going.’ They offered good suggestions about how to incorporate mindfulness and stress relief into their daily routine at Riverdale. Equally as important, they recognized that they want to share with and listen to their peers in a deeper way.”
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A self-described “travelling evangelist for meditation,” Dan Harris, a correspondent and anchor for ABC News, spoke to the students about how he came to write his book: 10% Happier: How I Tamed the Voice in My Head, Reduced Stress Without Losing My Edge, and Found Self-Help That Actually Works—A True Story.
After spending several years doing war reporting in the Middle East, he returned to New York and became depressed. He had trouble getting out of bed and felt as though he had a low-grade fever all the time. He began to “self-medicate” in his off-hours with cocaine and Ecstasy, and ultimately had a panic attack while on air during Good Morning America.
Realizing that he needed help, he sought professional therapy and read self-help books to quiet the voice in his head that was causing him so much internal conflict. An ABC producer gave him book about “mindfulness” by
Eckhard Tolle, and suggested that Harris interview him. When Harris asked Tolle, “What do you do about the voice in the head?” Tolle responded, “Take one conscious breath.”
That thought led Harris to meditation. He became intrigued by the scientific research showing that meditation reduces stress hormones, lowers blood pressure, boosts the immune system, and alleviates depression, anxiety, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, and age-related cognitive decline, among other conditions.
He learned that professional sports teams, Silicon valley startups, Fortune 500 companies, and military trainers are encouraging meditation as a way for employees to develop focus, calm, and resilience. “I believe that meditation is the next big public health revolution,” he said.
Through meditation, 10 minutes or so a day, he has become calmer, more focused, and “easier to be around,” he said. “If it can work for a fidgety, skeptical newsman,” he told the students, “it can work for you.” more
Several students created their own sketchbooks/ journals to use for their own personal reflections.
The natural beauty of the Riverdale campus is calming but sometimes overlooked in the press of daily business. So Ricky Lapidus and Shelby Stokes, both in the English department, took students to Endor Park to create a “sensory journal,” text and images that connect ideas to observations, sounds, smells, textures, and perceptions.
The students gathered three objects at the park, then came back to the classroom to create journals: text about the items accompanied by drawings or watercolor illustrations. The point of the exercise
was not the art but the process—the patient and disciplined observation that leads to a deeper experience, a quiet place within one’s self.
“We're attempting immediacy within a given experience,” Stokes said. “It's similar to meditation in that you inhabit the moment.”
Jenny Eskin, a Middle and Upper School history teacher, led a discussion about “immersive attention” using an essay by Jennifer L. Roberts, an art historian at Harvard University. Writing about A Boy With A Flying Squirrel by John Singleton Copley, an 18th Century American artist, Roberts discussed how the idea of patience was a part of the painting’s story.
Copley lived in a time when “nothing moved faster than a horse,” Eskin said. Copley sought feedback from masters in England, and had to wait a very long time to hear from them. But there was value in the waiting, she said. If you seek advice or a professional opinion, you want it to be thoughtful. If you are applying to college, you want to give the college time to think about you. If you are sick, you want the doctor to think carefully about what to do. “Someone is giving you thought,” she said. “You want them to have time to think about you.”
Conversely, she said, when we are asked to give our reading or opinion of something, we need to be patient with our understanding of the work. When we are patient, our judgments shift and clarify and deepen. Patience, she said, “is an act of self-control.”
teachers and students alike enjoyed playing “Dance, Dance Revolution” as a way to de-stress and relax.
High school athletics do not always teach fitness for life.
Director of Athletics John Pizzi had that realization eight years ago when one of his standout athletes, a freshman in college, came to visit him during Thanksgiving break. She had been a three-sport athlete in high school. In college, she was not playing a sport, she had gained 10 pounds in a short time, and she was discouraged.
She said she didn’t know how to work out on her own because she had always worked out with a team.
Pizzi said this is a common experience: most students train hard in season, then slow down or stop altogether when their season ends. So he is expanding the scope of the Athletics Department to not only train athletes to perform their best on the fields and courts, but to help them develop the knowledge and internal motivation to make fitness a part of their daily lives.
In the past two years, Riverdale has taken a number of steps to promote a more safety-conscious and health-oriented attitude to athletics and physical
education. Pizzi and the athletics staff are using activity-tracking technology and the data that it generates to show students how exercise and lifestyle choices affect personal health.
This year, the athletics department is employing heart-rate monitors in boys soccer, girls squash, and boys and girls lacrosse. Students in physical education classes are using the monitors as well. more
Physical education students are using heart-rate monitors to learn more about how their bodies respond to exercise.
The devices show students how their bodies respond to exercise, the relationship between exercise and calories burned, and how lifestyle choices (sleep, diet, hydration, etc.) affect performance.
Other new initiatives to promote health and wellness in athletics include:
Setting up hydration stations at practices and games and encouraging athletes to drink adequate amounts of water during exercise
Teaching athletes about post-practice nutrition and the benefits of chocolate milk , yogurt, and other snacks that combine protein and carbohydrates
Incorporating stretching and mindfulness exercises in the winter strength and conditioning program and other athletic practices to improve flexibility and concentration
Using helmet sensors in football and lacrosse to detect and track hits to the head. Riverdale has a comprehensive concussion management system in place to evaluate athletes who are injured, and recently adopted a “no header” policy for Middle School soccer players to protect them from injury.
Looking to the future, Pizzi would like to assess the physical fitness of every student when he or she arrives on the Hill Campus, assign them a baseline fitness score, and then track their fitness on a regular basis using fitness monitors and apps. “I would like to see all of the students at Riverdale be as active as possible. The hope is that there is a trend towards improving (or maintaining) one’s fitness score,” he said.
Pizzi said athletics help students build the character strengths that Riverdale fosters (such as grit, optimism, and self-control); offer social, emotional, and cognitive benefits; and encourage efficient time management. By teaching students about wellness, Riverdale is helping students take these benefits into their adult lives.
“It is shown that an active lifestyle leads to more cognition but also better quality of life,” Pizzi said.
It’s a Friday afternoon, the last class period of the day. Roberta MacIvor is in what was once the wrestling room, playing meditative music, dimming lights, and scenting the room with lavender mist. Yoga is about to begin.
As part of Riverdale’s increased attention to safety, health, and wellness, MacIvor is teaching five sections of yoga this term as a physical education elective.
In this class, more than 20 students—boys and girls— are following a sequence of stretching, strengthening, and breathing exercises that release tension and focus attention on inner strength and gratitude.
“We are letting our troubles melt off of our heads, and letting go of all that doesn’t serve us,” she says as the students relax their shoulders, necks, and jaws. As she leads them into a tree pose, she says, “Everything is gentle. If the pose works, we don’t celebrate it, we appreciate it.”
Yoga may not be a traditional sport, but it’s an example of how Riverdale is encouraging students to think about movement in the context of lifelong wellness.
Throughout the physical education and athletics departments, coaches and physical education teachers are connecting fitness to personal health, lifestyle choices, and self-awareness. The goal, said Director of Athletics John Pizzi, is to teach students “how to take care of themselves and live a healthy lifestyle beyond Riverdale.”
Doug McDonald, Director of Physical Education for the Middle and Upper Schools, said these changes are part of a shift that Riverdale has made from a sports-based physical education program to one that is more fitness based.
The physical education department offers three other fitness options in addition to yoga: wellness, group sports, and dance. The options encourage students to develop strength, agility, flexibility, and endurance. They also help students to see that fitness does not have a season; it is something they can incorporate into their daily lives for health and pleasure.
MacIvor, with a certification in yoga as well as nutrition, has been part of this effort, and other coaches have expressed interest in becoming certified in yoga and other
nontraditional fitness activities, as well as in incorporating mindfulness techniques into their classes and practices to help students reset and focus.
Although MacIvor does not specifically teach nutrition, she advises students about foods that offer complex carbohydrates and vitamins (such as berries and certain vegetables) and ones that are good sources of protein (such as beans, grains, eggs, and dairy products). She credits the Riverdale cafeteria with offering a range of nutritious fruits and vegetables, as well as high-protein foods such as quinoa.
In her work with the students, MacIvor thinks of herself as a guide rather than a coach or a teacher, allowing students “to make their own discoveries.” Growing up is hard. Her job, she said, is to help students “become comfortable in their own skins.”
Athe redesigned course focuses on two central questions: “What are human beings?” and “How should we live?”
t the time of its conception, Integrated Liberal Studies—better known as ILS—was groundbreaking. It was the first interdisciplinary course offered at Riverdale and, Chair of Interdisciplinary Studies Ron Murison wagers, probably one of the few offered at private schools throughout the country. Designed as a survey course in Western thought, the class focused on worldviews and how they change over time.
For nearly 30 years, that was the ILS Riverdale seniors knew—and for which they spent weeks preparing for a final oral examination where they would defend a thesis covering the second semester's work before a panel of three ILS faculty members. But even the most innovative courses can become predictable.
“The rigidity of the course began to disturb both students and faculty, and we began to think about ways in which we might change it,” says Murison. So, in early 2010, ILS faculty devoted a professional development day to course reform.
In its new incarnation, ILS stepped away from compartmentalization. Students stayed with the same teacher for four days in a row and learned each discipline throughout. But the continued discussion faculty had hoped for didn’t quite happen.
“We decided that it would be best to be radical and rethink the course from the ground up,” says Murison. “It would still be interdisciplinary; it would still, in some way, be connected with intellectual history. But it would be a different kind of course.”
The redesigned course focuses on two central questions: “What are human beings?” and “How should we live?” Self and virtue, as the two questions came to be known, make up the first two units of the course. Both run for about 10 weeks and are taught by one instructor for each group of students. At the end of the first unit, the students switch.
“Each one of us teaching Self is paired with someone who teaches virtue,” explains Murison. “Kent Kildahl is my partner. His virtue kids will come to me to be taught the Self unit, and mine will go to him for a virtue unit. It is the same for the rest of the ILS faculty.”
Self and Virtue are followed by two five-week units regarding human beings and the environment, as well as human beings and society. Students focus on contemporary issues such as global warming and mass incarceration, and they stay with their instructor from unit two, only going back to their first teacher for the last five weeks of the course. Afterwards, ILS students enroll in a three-week elective.
While the fundamental goals of the new ILS (such as introducing students to interdisciplinary thinking) remain the same, there are some additional expectations.
“The format of the essays is not that rigid structure from the past,” says Murison. “For example, some of us in the Self unit had students write essays in the style of Montaigne, whom they studied. And of course they find it exciting—they’ve never done anything like it before.”
So, what sort of feedback have the changes received?
“The feedback we’ve had is almost universally favorable,” says Murison. “Most of our students just love it.”
FOLLOWING THE LAUNCH OF THE PUBLIC PHASE OF THE R+ CAMPAIGN EARLIER THIS YEAR , WE SAT DOWn WITH RIVERDALE ’S HEAD OF SCHOOL DOMInIC A.A. RANDOLPH AND CHIEF DEvELOPMENT OFFICER BOBBI MARK TO DISCUSS THE PARTICULARS OF THE CAMPAIGN, HOW IT WILL BENEFIT THE SCHOOL AND OUR STUDENTS, AND WAYS FOR THE COMMUNITY TO GET INvOLvED.
Q. WHAt iS tHe r+ CAmPAiGn? WHAt iS itS Size And SCoPe?
dAAr: The R+ Campaign is the most aspirational fundraising effort in Riverdale’s history. It will provide transformative funding that will allow Riverdale to be the finest version of itself, staying true to the ideals of founder Frank Hackett, while adapting to the changing technologies and global needs of today’s students.
Bm: This comprehensive campaign has a goal of $100 million—an unprecedented level for the school, but an attainable one, and one that will provide necessary funding for programmatic enhancement and innovation, increased financial aid, and improved facilities, including a renovated gym and new aquatic center on the Hill Campus and a Perkins replacement building on the River Campus. A successful campaign will allow needed investments in areas that will propel Riverdale’s existing excellence to the next level.
Q. HoW Will tHiS CAmPAiGn BeneFit todAY ’S StudentS And tHe riVerdAle CommunitY?
dAAr: Since its inception in 1907, Riverdale has paved the way as a leading educational institution, while remaining loyal to its core values: innovation, educational excellence, and a commitment to the individuality of our students. Each member of the Riverdale community has experienced this dedication firsthand, whether as students, teachers, parents, grandparents, staff, or friends of the school. The R+ Campaign will allow Riverdale to grow its capacities through an even stronger commitment to financial aid, enriched curricular and co-curricular offerings, and enhanced facilities.
$100,000,000 r+ Campaign Goal
Q. HoW CAn riVerdAle CommunitY memBerS Get inVolVed?
Bm: Let me return to the idea of a comprehensive campaign, which is one in which every gift during our seven-year period—July 1, 2012 through June 30, 2019—“counts.” This allows us to include gifts to the Annual Fund in our totals and enables every member of the Riverdale community to participate in a way that can be appropriate and meaningful for them. For a very recent graduate, this might mean an unrestricted gift of $10 or $20 per year to the Annual Fund. For someone with more substantial assets, it could mean a restricted, six- or sevenfigure commitment to a Riverdale priority that has great personal resonance for them, such as financial aid, an arts endowment, or an athletic facility. For someone else, it might mean a gift of retirement assets. There is a way for everyone to make a difference. Gifts of every size count and matter. The most important thing is to get involved. Members of our development office are available to discuss your interests and work with you to help you determine what makes the most sense for you.
Q. Could You Be more SPeCiFiC ABout HoW tHe AnnuAl Fund relAteS to tHe GreAter GoAl oF tHe r+ CAmPAiGn?
Bm: It is important that the Annual Fund be a pillar of the campaign for several reasons. First, we do not want the recent strong performance of our Annual Fund to be cannibalized by the campaign. We want our campaign donors to understand that the Annual Fund remains an important priority throughout the life of the campaign—and beyond. Second, we want all members of our community to feel that they can make a campaign gift and make a difference. For some people, an increased Annual Fund donation is the right gift—it will allow them to participate in a way that is comfortable and meaningful for them. As a result, the Annual Fund comprises approximately one-third of the overall $100 million goal for the campaign, at increasing levels each year. By 2019, we hope to have grown our Annual Fund totals from $4 million at the start of the campaign to more than $5 million.
dAAr: Since arriving at Riverdale in 2007 I have seen how this school invests in and transforms the lives of its students. As a community, we are dedicated to encouraging our students to become independent thinkers and thoughtful citizens.
We urge them to pursue their passions and execute their ideas. To facilitate this, we, as a community of educators, continuously work at evolving the best possible educational program. It is critical that our facilities are equal to our educational content. This is why we must offer the finest facilities for our students to grow and learn in, the richest possible co-curriculum to broaden our students’ experiences, and the fullest and most intellectually diverse student body to ensure that our young people continually learn from one another in meaningful ways. The R+ Campaign can make this so, allowing Riverdale to be the very best school it can be— shaping our students’ minds, building their character, and helping them create a robust community.
Quiet Phase: July 1, 2012— June 30, 2014
Public Phase: July 1, 2014— June 30, 2019
Collectively, the retirements of Chef Paul albanese, Judy Kenny, Bill Pahlka, and Roberto Rojas represent nearly 100 years of service to Riverdale. In June we said farewell to these dedicated professionals who made such outstanding contributions to the life of the school.
Chef Paul Albanese’s legendary egg-and-cheese sandwiches are just part of his legacy at Riverdale. In addition to whipping up this favorite for hungry students, faculty, and alumni alike, Paul was also known for the special care and concern he had for all of us. He served the school well with his considerable expertise culled from decades working in the catering business in New York and New Jersey. We thank him for his tireless work on behalf of RCS, a great career that spanned more than 25 years. He has been a friend, a confidante, and a mentor to students, staff, faculty, and alumni. He has also provided us with the right joke at the right time. Pictured: Chef Paul Albanese at Homecoming 2013.
At the yearbook dedication this past May, Assistant Head of School Milton Sipp mentioned that he first met Judy Kenny when his oldest child was in nursery school at the Riverdale Neighborhood House. “Judy was the one who shepherded many young parents through the world of parenthood and she always did it with grace, confidence, assurance, and a smile. When she joined RCS, she continued to do that for all of us. Her guidance and her strength are inspirational and her love of kids and her work exemplary. She has been such an important part of the good work that takes place in our PE and athletic offices and it is hard to imagine life without her.” The great news is that Judy will work part time this school year. Pictured: Judy Kenny in her latest yearbook photo.
roberto rojas, better known as Rojas, is extremely well liked and respected on the Lower School campus. Every student, every parent, every colleague knows and likes him. Roberto greets each person who comes into contact with him with a smile. He is always in a great mood. He has been a multi-dimensional worker for many years as a reliable and dependable team member for both Environmental Services and Security. Roberto is a gentleman and a class act, and, after 14 years, we will miss his presence on the River. Roberto manifests that which makes us special; he is a community member par excellence. Pictured: Roberto Rojas with some Lower School students.
After 13 years of working at Riverdale in a variety of capacities and most recently as a member of the English department, Assistant Head of Upper School, and Dean of the Class of 2014, Jane moore left Riverdale in June to become the Director of the Upper School at Berkeley Carroll in Brooklyn, effective July 2014. Riverdale thanks Jane for her exceptional service to the School and wishes her all the best in this exciting phase of her life and this wonderful opportunity. For more exciting news from Jane, see page 55
Pictured: Jane Moore, Dean of the Class of 2014, at Commencement 2014.
Bill Pahlka contributed his intelligence and wisdom for 36 years to make this school what it is today. We see this in innumerable ways every day, and in much less visible ways, too. His work and influence are everywhere: In ILS, a course he and his colleagues created that remains unique in American secondary education; in a culture of teaching writing by working individually with students; and in a tradition of great scholars who enjoy teenagers and offer their expertise and caring to secondary school students.
Less visible is a compendium of intangible and ineffable work that Bill has undertaken over the years, including a multitude of curriculum planning sessions and other meetings held on both campuses, always led by Bill, with supreme attention to the voices of faculty in changing and improving what we teach, and the hundreds of students he has advised on the process of applying to college. Finally, there is the quiet work of great teaching and the classroom, where Bill is happiest. That work has been indeed quiet but has the very strongest effect on legions of men and women who have come to Riverdale expecting a school and finding something much more than that—an intellectual adventure. Pictured: Bill Pahlka and wife Rosalyn Schloss ’66 at a retirement party in his honor.
MaRSHaLL NICOLOFF joins Riverdale in a newly created position, Director of Outdoor Education. He comes to RCS from the Lawrenceville School, where he spent the past five years as Director of Outdoor Programs. Marshall has an extensive background in outdoor education, including positions at SOLO Wilderness Medical School, the Appalachian Mountain Club, and the YMCAs of Greater Westfield and the Redwoods. He holds a BS in recreation management from Appalachian State
University and a number of recreational and outdoor education professional certifications.
Along with Upper School history teacher Beth Pillsbury, Marshall has already led several successful Upper School Outdoor Club trips, including rock climbing in the ’Gunks, backpacking in the Catskills, and hiking Harriman State Park. He is currently planning an outdoor leadership expedition to Patagonia, Chile, over Spring Break for Upper School students.
Marshall and new faculty members Morgan Duffield (Middle School Technology Integrator) and Jeff Shamp (Upper School math teacher) have also instituted a Middle School Outdoors Club, taking several students on a hike along Breakneck Ridge in the Hudson valley
KeLLY tRaCY joins Riverdale as the chair of the science department. She comes from the Collegiate School in Richmond, vA , where she served as a member of the upper school science faculty. She was also a co-lead science teacher for the Early Career Teachers Summer Institute at Columbia University and an adjunct biology professor at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College in Richmond. Kelly earned her BS at the University of Georgia, her MS at Indiana University, and her PhD at virginia Commonwealth University.
Riverdale also named John Wellington the new chair of the English department, and Missi Decker-alifanz and Kevin Bailey co-chairs of the mathematics department.
aLexaNDeR SHeRIDaN is the new Co-Director of Upper School Admission, along with tracy Dansker ’06 (who was previously Associate Director of Middle and Upper School Admission). Prior to coming to Riverdale, Alexander served as associate director of admissions for the Masters School and in various admissions, coaching, and teaching capacities at the Browning School.
Alexander received his BA at the University of Wisconsin and expects to receive his MS in organizational leadership from Quinnipiac University in 2015.
The admission department across both campuses has been reorganized. Jenna King is now the Director of Admission and Enrollment. Tracy and Alexander are the Co-Directors of Upper School Admission. Sheila Hicks-Rotella is the Director of Middle School Admission (in addition to continuing in her role as Director of Financial Aid). alexandra Scott is the Assistant Director of Middle School Admission. tim Sacks is Acting Director of Lower School Admission during Sarah Lafferty’s sabbatical. Latoya allen remains Assistant Director of Lower School Admission, while Siu Lung joins Nicole Shahida as Lower School Admission Officers. Katie Corwin ’08 has joined the Lower School admission team as Lower School Admission Coordinator.
In other appointment news, Ricky Lapidus has taken on the additional role of Assistant Head of Upper School; he will work with Head of Upper School Kelley Nicholson-Flynn on faculty evaluations, curriculum, community responsibilities, and the planning of large Upper School events. Cat Crocker has been named Assistant Dean of the Class of 2016. Cat has been a member of the mathematics department since 2001 and is also Director of the Advising Program. Brian Carver, the Dean of the Class of 2016, has taken on the additional role of Director of Aquatics. In addition to coaching the swim team and consulting with the architects during construction of the new swimming pool, Brian will coordinate relationships with outside organizations that will use the new aquatic center. Finally, Upper School teachers Jenny eskin and Valerie Keller will share the responsibility of running the Senior Project Program, as Senior Project Coordinators.
In addition to welcoming a fresh crop of teachers this year, Riverdale has engaged new professionals in some key leadership roles.
As we welcome five new members to the boArd of trustees, riverdAle would like to thAnk outgoing boArd members Jill cornet, theodore P. JAnulis ’77, brAd s kArP, christine kronish, And roger shermAn ’74 for their yeArs of dedicAted service.
Ellen received her BA from Wesleyan University and her JD from the University of Southern California Gould School of Law. She is currently an adjunct professor at New York University School of Law, where she teaches government ethics. Ellen was appointed as the first Executive Director of the new York State Joint Commission on Public Ethics in February 2012 and served until May 2013. Prior to this role, she served as New York State Inspector General upon appointment by Governor Cuomo. From 2007 through 2010, Ellen was the Special Deputy Attorney General for Public Integrity in the new York State Attorney General’s Office. She has also worked as a lawyer in private practice.
Ellen was the Upper School Commencement speaker in 2010 and was one of the organizers of her 30th Riverdale Class Reunion in 2013. Ellen and her husband, Matthew Biben, have three children, including a son, August, who is in the 8th grade at Riverdale.
Tory is Chairman, CEO, and Designer of Tory Burch LLC, which she founded in 2004. Prior to this, Tory worked in public relations and marketing for Ralph Lauren, vera Wang, and Narciso Rodriguez at Loewe. Tory is a board member of the Council of Fashion Designers of America, YPO – Intercontinental Chapter, the Society of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, the Barnes Foundation, the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, the Startup America Partnership, and a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. In 2009, she launched the Tory Burch Foundation, which supports the economic empowerment of women entrepreneurs and their families in the U.S. through access to capital, entrepreneurial education, mentoring support, and networking programs. She is also an inaugural member of the Presidential Ambassadors for Global Entrepreneurship.
Tory holds a BA in art history from the University of Pennsylvania. Her sons Henry and Nick are juniors at Riverdale, and her son Sawyer is in eighth grade at Allen-Stevenson.
Kass is a serial entrepreneur whose last company, Buddy Media, sold to Salesforce.com in August 2012. Buddy Media, started with her husband Michael, provided the world’s largest brands with a software platform to manage social media marketing efforts. At the time of the sale, Buddy Media’s acquisition was new York City’s largest software exit in the last decade. As COO of Buddy Media, Kass managed day-to-day operations, as well as marketing, finance, recruiting, public relations and human resources.
Before Buddy Media, Kass was the founder and president of GOLF. com, the leading Internet golf portal, which was bought by Time Inc.’s Sports Illustrated Golf Group in 2006. Kass is also among new York’s most active startup investors with husband Michael. Lazerow ventures has invested in about 50 startup technology companies, including Facebook, Tumblr, Buzzfeed, Mashable, Dash Radio, Rebel Mouse, Whipclip, Nourish Snacks, and Scopely. She also sits on the board of Cycle for Survival.
Kass earned a BA from Dartmouth College in economics. She and Michael have two children at Riverdale: son Cole is in the fifth grade, and daughter vivian is the second grade. Their son, Myles, attends Stephen Gaynor.
Lara joins the board as the Alumni Association Executive Committee (AAEC) liaison. Lara has been on the AAEC for 12 years. She currently is President of the AAEC; previous AAEC appointments include vice President as well as President of the Nominating Committee. Lara is also an Alumni Class Correspondent and was an Annual Fund volunteer until 2013.
Lara holds a bachelor’s of general science from the University of Michigan and a master’s of science in clinical nutrition from new York University. She is a registered dietitian at Keri Glassman, nutritious Life, joining the company as the first full-time dietitian. She has been with the company for 10 years.
She is married to Corey Metz, a portfolio manager at Everpoint Asset Management. They have two daughters: Macy, age 4, and Avery, who is in the first grade at Riverdale.
Wendy joins the board as the Parents Association (PA) liaison. She is in her first year as the PA president; she previously served as the Lower School PA Secretary.
Wendy is an attorney who has worked as an associate at Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson. She was also a vice president at BET Investments, Inc. Wendy holds undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Pennsylvania.
She is married to Douglas Topkis, CEO of Lehigh Anthracite, LP. They have three daughters who attend Riverdale: Emily in third grade; Jessica in fifth grade; and Alison in seventh grade.
after a school-wide
to
the Lower School float parade is an annual Homecoming tradition.
Hundreds of alumni, students, faculty, and parents enjoyed the crisp fall weather, exciting athletic contests, and fun activities at this year’s Homecoming/Reunion.
Saturday, October 18, 2014, was a perfect fall day, as well as the perfect day for Riverdale’s annual Homecoming/Reunion festivities. With the sun shining and spirits soaring, everyone enjoyed cheering on the Falcons against hilltop rival Horace Mann in girls and boys soccer, volleyball, field hockey, and girls tennis, as well as league rival Pennington School in football.
It was a nail-biter, but the Falcons came out on top in the annual Frank J. Bertino Memorial Football Game, holding off a late Pennington surge for a 34-26 victory. The girls soccer team defeated Horace Mann 2-1, clinching the Ivy League title. (They would later finish the season as the runner-up in the nYSAIS championship game against Rye Country Day School.)
(Top) Despite
(Bottom) Children of all ages enjoyed games and activities on
The girls field hockey team also defeated Horace Mann, taking second place in the Ivy League with their 1-0 win. The boys soccer team lost a heartbreaker to the HM Lions, going down 2-1 in overtime. (A few weeks later, the boys would erase that painful loss from their collective memory by winning the NYSAIS championship against HM.) The girls volleyball and tennis teams both took tough losses to HM.
Longtime (nearly 60 years!) fencing coach Martin Schneider was honored for his induction into the U.S. Fencing Hall of Fame. Among those who celebrated this achievement with Marty were 2008 Olympic medalist Tim Morehouse ’96 and former fencing rival (and friend) Steve Sobel ’50. In addition to recognizing Marty with a unique award (a fencing saber mounted on a plaque), Riverdale unveiled a new scholarship, the Martin Schneider Scholarship Fund, that was launched with support from his former fencers. Beginning in 2016, the endowed fund will provide financial aid to qualified Riverdale students, with preference given to students possessing athletic ability and interest, specifically in fencing (whenever possible). more
Celebrating Coach Martin Schneider’s induction into the u.S. Fencing Hall of Fame were (from left) Steve Sobel ’50, Director of athletics John Pizzi, Jr., Head of School Dominic a a . Randolph, Marty, and Olympian tim Morehouse ’96.
the RCS arts Night alumni, Parents & Friends Band was back by popular demand.
Other Homecoming activities in the new Lipschultz Plaza included the annual Lower School Field Day and float competition, as well as performances by the RCS Arts Night Parents, Alumni & Friends Band and the newly formed Upper School dance team. Lipschultz Plaza was named for Jennifer Smith Lipschultz ’89 and her husband Marc, a member of Riverdale’s Board of Trustees, in honor of the family’s longstanding support of Riverdale.
Photo and video booths allowed attendees to share their favorite Riverdale memories and take fun souvenir photos, while discussions with current faculty members about admission, independent school finances, and Riverdale’s co-curricular programs were informative for all.
The Class of 1989, celebrating its 25th reunion, held a panel discussion on Saturday, after nine members of the class also participated in career panels with current juniors and seniors on Friday afternoon, the day before Homecoming. The panels—“A Creative Career,” “Business as Unusual and Unusual,” and “Grappling with Big Issues in Education and Government”— showed that paths out of Riverdale can take many directions.
In addition to meeting their classmates at the annual barbecue luncheon, the Classes of ’64,’69, ’74, and ’84 all had a wonderful
cocktail reception and dinner on campus on Saturday night. One of the highlights of the evening was hearing the Riverdale Jazz Ensemble perform. Two alumni—Kevin Ellman’69 and Eli Sands ’14—even joined the jazz band for one of the numbers.
Off-campus Reunion events included a 30th-Reunion get-together for the Class of 1984 on Thursday evening, Oct. 16, as well as Friday evening events for the Classes of 1954, 1964 (both the Boys and the Girls Schools), 1974, 1979, and 2009, and Saturday night parties for the Classes of 1959, 1989, 1994, 1999, and 2004. For more on specific Reunion events, see Class Notes, beginning on page 32.
We hope these photos will provide a sense of what a wonderful day this year’s Homecoming/Reunion really was, and entice you to join us for the 2015 event on Saturday, September 26.
(Far left): Jed Furst (left) and David Weinberger represented the Class of 1974 at the BBQ.
(Left): the Class of 1974 at the BBQ lunch (from left): Lisa Birnbach, Paul Wachter, Donnamarie Barnes, Roger Sherman, and Phil Birsh ’76, standing in for his brother, andrew Birsh ’74.
(Far left): Riverdale seniors (from left) alexander Stillman, eliza Hayes, Lia Bradley, Diana Stettner, Josh Rothstein, David Lamis, and Gaby Brown sold Riverdale gear to get the crowd into the Falcon spirit, with all proceeds going toward their senior prom.
(Left): Rebecca Greller, Director of early Learning at the Lower School, enjoyed Lower School Field Day with (from left) second-grader anthony and third-graders Milena and emily.
(Far left): Former RCS parent ellen Bakst with grandson Benjamin and sons Dr. Richard Bakst ’99 and Harrie Bakst ’03.
(Left): Riverdale’s new upper School dance team performed at Friday’s upper School Homecoming pep rally, as well as at Homecoming 2014.
(Far left): The field hockey team took second place in the Ivy League after defeating Horace Mann 1-0 at Homecoming.
(Left): Head of School Dominic a . a . Randolph (right) thanked Marc and Jennifer Smith Lipschultz ’89 for their longtime support of the school. the plaza between William C.W. Mow Hall and the Jones Lawn has been renamed Lipschultz Plaza.
(Far right): Dan abrams ’84, co-anchor of Nightline and chief legal affairs anchor for ABC News, was presented with the alumni achievement award by Head of School Dominic a a . Randolph.
(Right): the Class of 2004 celebrated its 10th Reunion, as well as the Class Reunion award for its successful fundraising efforts on behalf of the school.
(Far right): Members of the Class of 1969 at the BBQ lunch.
(Right): the Class of 1989 before their 25th Reunion luncheon.
(Far right): the girls varsity soccer team celebrated their 2-1 win over Horace Mann, which helped them clinch the Ivy League title.
(Right): Head of School Dominic a a . Randolph presented Danielle J. englebardt ’94 with the ernest Mcaneny 1925 alumni Spirit award for her work on the alumni association executive Committee and Riverdale Community action Day, among other things.
(Right): Members of the Class of 1994 celebrated their 20th
(Far left): the girls tennis team prior to taking on the Horace Mann Lions at Homecoming.
(Left): Some members of the 30th Reunion class, the Class of 1984, at the BBQ lunch.
(Far left): the Class of 1984 at the Reunion Dinner in the John R. Johnson Student Center.
(Left): Several alumnae from the Class of 2005 caught up with each other at Homecoming 2014.
(Far left): Riverdalians cheer for a Falcon score during the Frank J. Bertino Memorial Football Game vs. Pennington.
(Left): Riverdale clashed with Pennington School in the Frank J.Bertino Memorial Football Game, winning 34-26.
the Class of 1969 came out in force to celebrate their 45th Reunion, with three tables at the Reunion dinner Saturday night.
Classes ending in 0's and 5's will have their reunion in the 2015-2016 school year!
Aditi Vital Ahuja
University of Pennsylvania
michael Alexander Anagnos
Columbia University
Samuel Storrs Arcara
University of Colorado
Vera Armus-laski
Claremont McKenna College
Andrew Ayala
Davidson College
Abigail rose Bacharach
Emory University
david Yee rei Bai
Colorado College
eric James Baker
Cornell University
noam ziv Barnhard
Hamilton College
Ana olivia moore Barrett
Yale University
Ariel leonora Ben-ezra
Wesleyan University
Caroline maisie Benson
Bowdoin College
travis renoir Brady
Yale University
Jordan marcus Brail
Cornell University
david l . Branch ii
Parsons The New School for Design
Sarah Jane Brandow Colgate University
emma nicole Brick
Northwestern University
Justin Pierce Brock-Smith
Lehigh University
maria teresa Carrasco
Duke University
Solon Carter
McGill University
Anne lenoir
dougherty Chachas, Barnard College
Savannah reid Chauvet
Duke University
Jack Sebastian Chemtob
Emory University
dean marcel Choix
The George Washington University
nicholas Scott Connolly
Hamilton College
Sydney Advocate Connolly
Duke University
olivia erin Cornet
University of Michigan
Henry malcolm dana
Johns Hopkins University
Jason Gunther Van dyke darell
Amherst College
Katherine morgan diaz
Duke University
James Peter dietz
Wesleyan University
Sarah louise doyle
Dickinson College
Samantha may dunat
Oxford College of Emory University
Amanda elizabeth engel
University of Pennsylvania
marisa Jacqueline Feld University of Southern California
matthew eric Fine
University of Pennsylvania
laura maclean Geary
Swarthmore College
Chaya r . Gelfond
University of Virginia
Sabrina Stone Getrajdman
Washington University
olivia Ann Goldring
Cornell University
Jennifer Chapman Goodell Davidson College
matthew Archer Gracer Union College
Corina Jayne Graves
University of Colorado
emma lauren Green Bowdoin College
Riley Ray Griffin
Duke University
Allison leigh Gross Wesleyan University
Kimberly tang Ha Colby College
zachery maxwell Halem
Princeton University
matthew ian Hans
Johns Hopkins University
Julia Allegra Holzman
Colby College
madeline lee Hopper
Colgate University
olivia m. irby
Skidmore College
Helena Victoria Janulis
Duke University
Walter d.W. Johnsen
Cornell University
Cole A . Jorissen
Rhode Island School of Design
Chloe elizabeth Kalish
Washington University
zachary P. Kalish
Tulane University
William Harris Kaye
Colgate University
James ridley Watson Keefe
Dartmouth College
Benjamin eric Kesslen
Tufts University
Christopher matthew King
Colgate University
Benjamin eli Konigsberg University of
Southern California
Andrew Henry Kutscher
Brown University
zachary Abraham landow University of Pennsylvania
tristan ledwidge
Vassar College
michael Jared lesser
Cornell University
daniel S. levin
Bucknell University
liza Grace levison
Bates College
Samantha ryan light University of Michigan
rachel emma lipsitz
Syracuse University
Sydney Gabrielle lipsitz University of Michigan
Angelika Chanel lopez
Brooklyn College
Alexander mahedy
Colgate University
Jake louis margolis
Miami University
Charlotte Ginger marratta
Colby College
Stella Claire marren
Washington University
Aaron B. mcintyre
Bucknell University
Alessandra l . mistri
Wheaton College
Andrew meyer morgenstern University of North Carolina
eva Claire moskowitz Wesleyan University
Gabriel Clark murray
Kenyon College
max Phillip nelson
Northwestern University
isabella Faith newmark University of Michigan
Patrick d. orenstein
Brown University
isabella nicole oropeza College of the Holy Cross
Gabriella Julia Papper Bowdoin College
William raphael Papper
Washington University
lucy ryan Pash
Georgetown University
matthew Yves Pasquarelli
New York University
Sebastian timothy
Skelton Peskind
Vanderbilt University
luca Antonio Pinelli
Johns Hopkins University
matthew Jay Povich University of
New Hampshire
James Alexander Prisk
Bucknell University
monique lee reichenstein
Wesleyan University
Hannah elizabeth rodbell
Tulane University
Scott Alan rodeo
Cornell University
Matthew Henry Roffe
Washington University
Jonathan e. rolfe
Yale University
dustin Jeremy ross University of Michigan
thomas Patrick ryan
Yale University
eli Philip Sands
Wesleyan University
Julia Virginia Sesler
Yale University
Vanessa Beverley Sewell
Boston College
Jill tushar Shah
Columbia University
Charles ludwig Shaviro
Pomona College
Katherine elisabeth Shifke
Princeton University
eliane morgan Shinder
Duke University
mia rebecca Shlovsky
New York University
Alec Paul Silverman
Miami University
Julia Lee Sokoloff
University of Pennsylvania
Kayla marie Somar
Arcadia University
zachary moss Stimler
University of Pennsylvania
margaret emily Hellmold Stone
The College of Wooster
Alexander Kliot Straus
Hamilton College
Borun Sun
Amherst College
Brian Patrick Swift
Parsons The New School for Design
Julia Claudine trencher
Middlebury College
Saranya Vijayakumar
Harvard University
John Alexander Vingoe
Johns Hopkins University
John Alexander Wallbrink
Colgate University
robert thomas Webster
Wesleyan University
noa Ace Weinstein
Wellesley College
Jaime dorren Weisfelner
Lehigh University
max Benson Wellington
Kenyon College
Please send yOuR news TO yOuR Class CORResPOndenT(s) befORe May 1, 2015.
1935, 1936, 1937, 1938, 1939
Be a QUAD Class Correspondent*
1940
Mary L. Wang
One McKnight Place, Apt. 259 St. Louis, MO 63124
1941, 1942, 1943
Dick Korf ’42 info@mycotaxon.com
1944
Richard D. Rosenblatt rrosey2@aol.com
1945
Thomas D. Goodrich ottomantom@comcast.net
1946 Elizabeth Eidlitz eidlitz@gmail.com
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1948 victor S. Noerdlinger Box 385 East Orleans, MA 02643
1949 C. Edward Lange 3939 Rain Roper Drive Bozeman, MT 59715
Barbara Neebe Thompson 26 Dorchester Avenue Hastings-on-Hudson, NY 10706
QUAD was saddened to learn that elizabeth A. Aubry passed away on February 16, 2014.
QUAD is saddened to report that Class Correspondent Virginia “Gina” donchian murray passed away on November 25, 2014 at her home in Maine. She was 92. Gina was a dedicated Riverdalian, serving the school as a faculty member as well as a trustee (1971 to 1976). She was also the
grandparent of Anika murray ’08. She will be sorely missed.
Meredeth Wayart, daughter of Virgina Willon Clark, let Riverdale know that virginia passed away on January 23, 2014 in Pensacola, FL. “She often spoke very fondly of her school days at Riverdale, and I am glad to see her alma mater thriving!” Meredeth noted.
Class Correspondent ruth Joseph Weinstein is “happy to report that Chardy raup Cremin is enjoying life on the West Coast (despite the usual health issues), living near her son and daughter-in-law and their two daughters. Chardy is still enjoying doing puzzles and visiting with Arline Chambers. Also happy to hear from Ellie Greenfield, whose husband of 53 years died in 2009. Ellie is still living in Bronxville, NY, and is still active in real estate. She has one son who lives with his family in Syosset, NY, and one who is an attorney in Rochester, NY, with whom she visits in the summer at his vacation home on Lake Ontario. Anne minton Brimberg, with whom I am in touch (we have known each other for 75 years!) is still living in NYC and still active. She enjoys her sons and grandchildren. One sad item to report: Anny lapeyre reynier's husband, Gilles, died a few months ago of pancreatic cancer. The class sends her its condolences. I see the word ‘still’ has crept in here a number of times...so here is one more: I STILL would love to hear from the rest of you! Marvin and I are enjoying our three children, their families, and our seven grandchildren and two granddogs. We are getting set to travel again. Meanwhile, a little golf, a little bridge, visits to all our doctors…”
John lankester writes, “I am travelling to the States in early October and will include a Caribbean cruise with my kids and sister as a way to celebrate my 80th. I have just finished an autobiography with an introductory video to pass on to them. I have long recognized that my parents and grandparents probably had a great many interesting life stories to tell future generations, but they never got around to putting pen to paper and, as a result, I have only a few photos and vignettes to remember them by. Now, in a
digital age, it is possible to load up a memory stick with one’s life story and polish and amend it as time goes by...I hope that someone in a future generation will find it of interest, particularly the images of my first car, a Model A Ford with rumble seat; my first TV: a 13-button Hallicrafter; my beach buddy, Charles Atlas, for whom I was a role model of the 98-pound weakling; the atomic bomb drills under the library table at Riverdale under the supervision of “Jittery Joe” Carney. (I wonder if today’s teachers also have nicknames, or is that now politically incorrect?) And who will forget ‘Always cough into your handkerchief?’ net, my message to classmates is to ‘give it a go’ and do an autobiography.”
In April major General Felix Santoni was the banquet speaker at the U.S. Military Academy to honor cadets inducted into the Phi Sigma Iota International Foreign Language Honor Society. Then in June, Felix’s daughter accompanied him to Fort Lee, vA , for his induction into the Quartermaster Corps Hall of Fame (see photo lower right). Another honor: A new U.S. Army reserve center at Fort Buchanan, PR, was dedicated on november 14 and bears Felix’s name.
Jack mcGinty wrote, “Thanks for the note. Fortunately, all the news is good here but very unimportant.” Good news is always important, Jack!
From John Johnson’s wife Anne:
“This year John and I celebrated our tenth wedding anniversary. We gave each other a pup, a Shih Tzu which we named Spike (see photo above right). He sure acts like a spike—into everything, chewing up our shoes. One day John got lost here in the neighborhood. I said to myself, ‘Oh dear, I’ll have to find John.’ Spike took off like a shot, around the corner. I was just in time to see Spike stop in front of John, who immediately turned around and came home. I think he’s going to be a valuable
addition to our family.” Thanks, Anne; our best to you both.
And from Class Correspondent Karl Heiser: “In late August I enjoyed the warm hospitality of Patricia and Charles Walther at their new home in Suffern, nY. We hope to use Suffern as our launch pad for the 65th reunion in 2016.”
Class Correspondent Barbara Schuler sent in the following New York Times obituary for Barbara Hurley: “The family and friends of Barbara Hurley melville sadly announce her passing on July 15, 2014 at the age of 79. She was predeceased by her mother Jeanne Piccirilli Hurley, father Edward J. Hurley, and brother Edward H. Hurley. Barbara was the granddaughter of Horatio Piccirilli, one of the acclaimed Piccirilli Brothers, well-known sculptors whose work is found throughout NYC, most notably the Maine Monument at Columbus Circle. They also sculpted the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC. Barbara was a graduate of Skidmore
Please send yOuR news TO yOuR Class CORResPOndenT befORe May 1, 2015.
1950
Ruth Joseph Weinstein
rjwein@sbcglobal.net
1951
Karl R. Heiser
krheiser@verizon.net
1952
Barbara Schuler 17 Bronxville Road Bronxville, nY 10708
Please send yOuR news TO yOuR Class CORResPOndenT(s) befORe May 1, 2015.
1953
Gail Fletcher Edwards blueheronlake@msn.com
William H. Gardner whginc@mindspring.com
1954
Nancy Bomeisler Nightingale nbnight@optimum.net
College and worked professionally for many years as a prominent designer in the textile industry. She enjoyed a full, interesting, and accomplished life. Barbara played tennis and was at one point ranked 16th as an amateur. She rode horses, played the piano, and prided herself in having a pilot’s license. She traveled widely and enjoyed the friendship of many prominent figures in the arts and fashion world. She was an avid reader of the NY Times. Barbara had great affection for her pet dogs. Most recently, her shih tzu, China, had been her dearest companion. Following a private service, interment took place at the family plot in Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx.”
Barbara Schuler also reported the sad news that classmate naomi timmerman passed away in the beginning of August.
From dick Kaeyer: “I took up kayaking since retiring (see photo below), and, using my architectural
background, have actually built four seaworthy boats solely of wood. Each took about 300 hours. I recently won a Best New Maker award for my latest effort. Best wishes to the Class of 1953.”
Class Correspondent Bill Gardner writes, “Was able to get together for lunch with Jim reynolds and his wife in Florida in July while visiting our son (see photo below) Great walking down memory lane. Unfortunately, a planned visit to Taos, NM, including time with Peter rose, fell through due to unexpected back problems and a need to return to Tucson.”
Sandy (Frank) rose writes for us all in memory of lou Padula, “Both Gail Fletcher edwards and I grew up in the same neighborhood as Lou. We all went to the Nipnitchen Club, a local socializing center for that area, for dancing lessons and many other events that took place there. Lou’s father loved to target practice at his gun club, where we learned to safely handle and fire a variety of weapons.
“Lou started Riverdale in 1950 in the ninth grade and wanted to play football, which his father refused to allow him to do because Lou had osteoporosis in his calves. He finally relented in Lou’s senior year, as long as his son only played on the offense. I replaced him on the defense as a linebacker. Frank Bertino’s 1951 team started an undefeated streak, which we extended in 1952. The streak lasted for 53 games (including three ties),
if my memory is correct. (At 79, it’s questionable.)
“Lou died on Monday, March 24, in Washington, DC. He was born in Newark, NJ, grew up in the Riverdale section of the Bronx, graduated from Riverdale Country School in 1953, and went to NYU. He lived in Silver Springs, MD, before moving to Laurel, MD. He was employed at the U.S. Department of Justice as a Special Agent (FBI). He was a U.S. Army veteran and received a doctorate degree from villanova University.
“As an additional note, my beloved wife Anne Bleakley Rose, 78, died on September 21 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease, surrounded by her loving family. She worked at the Music School as a practice teacher until we started our family in 1958.”
QUAD extends condolences to Sandy and the Class of 1953 on their losses.
From John Birch: “My year at Riverdale was one of the best of my life, and I remember it with enormous appreciation and affection. I keep busy with some teaching and writing, but mostly it’s tennis and walking the dog. We live in London, with four children and 13 grandchildren nearby. Best wishes to the Class of 1954.”
The Class of ’54 and their spouses enjoyed cocktails and dinner at Sarabeth’s on Friday, October 17, to celebrate their 60th Reunion. Head of School Dominic A.A. Randolph dropped in to congratulate the class. Everyone had a lovely time and hopes to reconnect before the next reunion.
Classmates in the photos (right) are dick Corbin, Philip eidelberg, Guy Fein, Gil Fuld, ed midgley, Bruce Perlo, Peter Philipps, tom Sitrin, and mike Spero. For more on Homecoming/Reunion 2014, see pages 24-30.
ron rubin wrote to Class Correspondent Jane Samet rogers: “Hoping this note finds you well. I miss dick Whitney and minor Keilhauer; what great friends they were. I have fond memories of RCS, especially the dorm for three years. Now in Plantation, FL, with my dear Julie, together now for 17 years, but we met in 1964. Painting still, writing and designing jewelry of sterling silver and 24-kt gold with sapphires from Ceylon and rubies from Burma. Also, paintings and antiques for the Lincoln Road Shows in Miami Beach. My hometown of Deal, NJ, has changed, I am told, but I still have friends in Key West, Nantucket, Kennebunkport, and Portland, Maine, my former homes. Two summers ago were spent in Paris, St. Germain Du Pres, about a block from the Seine and the Louvre. Had a fine time. now, at age 78, so few friends left, sadly, but I would be pleased to hear from any Riverdalians. My fond regards.”
Bettyann Holtzmann Kevles also wrote to Jane: “After having spent 35 splendid years in Pasadena, CA, and another 14 in New Haven, CT, Dan and I have moved to our apartment in the City and have made ourselves officially new Yorkers by serving on a New York City jury. I retired from Yale and am still writing and giving talks; the last took me to Berlin in April to an exciting conference on imaging— all sorts and for all purposes. In May, we visited Israel, where
Dan spoke, and we spent time with our grandson Michael, who was spending a gap year in the Middle East—the fall in Jordan and the spring in Tel Aviv—all in the interest of improving the Arabic he’d been studying at his home in Washington. We continued from Israel to Turkey, mainly but not entirely in Istanbul, and have since listened to The Iliad and The Odyssey with a fresh sense of the terrain and the sea where it all takes place. We have time to listen while coming and going to our house on Cape Cod. After so much travel, my husband wanted to know how many miles we needed to stay home. Not sure, but I think we can manage. My best to all of ’55, and thank you for your efforts keeping us informed.”
And margo Krasne had this to say: “Jane, I sold my loft of 36 years, had an interim move, found a permanent home on E. 65th, and am back writing again. I don’t know if you knew I had written a book of fiction (available in paperback and Kindle at Amazon) called Appearances and Other Stories. Still working with clients on presentation and communication. Loving life!”
Brian “Bud” Knecht writes, “Not much to report except for enjoying a busy and happy family life. Judy and I moved back to Albuquerque from Florida in late 2011 to be closer to our four kids, seven grandkids, and three greatgrandkids. Hard to believe we have a great-granddaughter who’s a freshman in high school! My best
to all fellow ’55 Riverdalians.”
Allan Chasanoff still lives in Manhattan and would be happy to hear from his classmates. His e-mail address is Allan@chasanoff.com.
Ginevra Padula is still living in the same house on Arlington Avenue where she was has lived since she was 10 years old. She has retired as a school librarian. Her brother, fellow Riverdalian lou Padula ’53, passed away in March.
Stephanie ratner laFarge writes, “I am now living on Bainbridge Island, WA. I am still employed as a psychologist working for the ASPCA. My main duties are a national pet loss hotline and assisting first responders to animalrelated disasters. I have three grandchildren on this island. Another grandson, Oliver, is working as a researcher at Harvard, and my granddaughter Lucy is at Middlebury.”
tobé Barbara Greene Saskor has kept in touch with English classmate and good friend Angela luker, and had a wonderful reunion in London many years ago. Tobé (she changed her name in college) and her husband, Ludwig, brought up three children in Wilton, CT, and moved to Pinehurst, NC, 12 years ago. Daughter Giselle lives in Connecticut with her two children, and both Michael and Krina live in Seattle. Tobé’s husband passed away two years ago. She continues to pursue her photography career.
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1955
Jane Samet Rogers jazzpiano@sc.rr.com
Please send yOuR news TO yOuR Class CORResPOndenT(s) befORe May 1, 2015.
1956
Barbara Rearden Farnham bf66@columbia.edu
1957
Judy Austin judyaustin40@yahoo.com
Rick Bates rick.bates27@gmail.com
Sue Jacobs Schaffzin craftyme33@hotmail.com
Marty Zelnik panzel1@aol.com
Ed and Jane Samet Rogers ’55 with his three daughters and their husbands.
Class Correspondent Jane Samet rogers notes that “it is so exciting to hear from people you haven’t seen since 1955,” as was the case with Sue merrill doyle, who writes, “We had always wanted to live overseas, and got the opportunity in 1977 to come here to England for two years with Lockheed. We kept extending and eventually considered it home. My husband died in 2002, but I definitely considered Harrogate my home, so I had no desire to get back to Silicon valley. You will have to make your way north next time you come to the U.K.; Yorkshire is a really pretty part of the country. It would be fun to meet.”
Sue had three sons; one passed away three years ago, and the other two live in California. Sue has a granddaughter, Jasmine, in her last year at University of California, Berkeley. Sue belongs to a wine tasting group that meets twice a month, as well as a book club and a French group.
And from Jane herself: “We are still going back and forth between Pawleys Island, SC, and Annapolis, MD. We will eventually sell the PI home and settle here in Annapolis full time. I like being close to my kids here in MD, and I am also studying jazz piano with a great teacher in Maryland, and I hate to leave! However, we have lived on Pawleys Island for 19 years (since retiring), and it’s hard to give it up.
“My husband Ed turned 80 in July but is still very physically fit... fast walking and active. We just went on a cruise to Bermuda with his three
girls and their husbands to celebrate his birthday (see photo below).
“We haven’t done any other traveling for a few years... I think driving back and forth has been enough traveling, but we hope to start again in the spring. I am blessed to be able to keep playing tennis, which I love to do... doubles, that is.
“As long as I can keep on learning and improving my tennis and piano, I am a happy camper. Thank you, RCS, for giving me a love for learning.”
QUAD is saddened to learn that John Chang died September 16, 2014. John was a dorm student from sixth grade through his graduation. A prize-winning history student and standout athlete in baseball, soccer, and track and field, John was captain of the soccer team and was named to the All-NYC team. After Riverdale, John attended Princeton University, obtaining a degree in mechanical engineering. He took a master's degree in applied physics from Harvard, then returned to Princeton to pursue his doctorate in mechanical engineering. John's career ranged from the aerospace industry to consumer electronics to higher education. He is survived by his four children—Andrew, Derek, Leslie, and Lauren—and his five grandchildren—Cecilia and Josie Chang, Maxwell and Isabel Chang, and Hannah Bahn—as well as his former wife, Katherine "Kitty" Shen.
Class Correspondent Sue Jacobs Schaffzin welcomed a new grandson on July 10. Sean Elijah Diamond weighed in at 7 lbs., 13 oz. Sue’s son, John, and his wife, Tukkie, live in Boca Raton, FL. They also have a daughter.
Class Correspondent rick Bates and his wife Barbara visited Jane
and Warren Golde in Lewes, DE. Warren heads up a group of 40 volunteers who have made
Lewes a prizewinner in America in Bloom. The flowers in the town are magnificent.
Marilyn and Bob Johnson made their third trip to Australia to visit their daughter, Hilary, and her family. Bob and Marilyn climbed to the top of the Harbor Bridge in Sydney. In addition, they snorkeled at the Great Barrier Reef.
On September 8, Lassa and marty zelnik and and Marilyn and Bob Johnson celebrated their 52nd wedding anniversaries.
George liebmann’s latest book is The Last American Diplomat: John D. Negroponte and the Changing Face of U.S. Diplomacy. George has had a distinguished career. He practices law in Baltimore with the firm of Liebmann and Snively, P.A.
tony Capraro located our longlost classmate, roger Kinsman, on LinkedIn. Roger has retired and is living in Sapphire, NC, with his wife. Roger owned an irrigation and drainage company for 32 years in Houston. He now plays golf and does a lot of volunteering.
ros Fraad Baxandall, Yvonne Payne daniel, and Susan Szekely edmiston had a mini reunion in San Francisco in June. All three are very committed to different projects.
The Class Correspondents publish a newsletter for the class three times a year. The latest edition featured stories and pictures of the first cars we owned. The reliability of those first cars was rather dismal. Our history teacher, dick Garten, reported that his first vehicle was a 2-1/2 ton U.S. Army truck.
Steve Goldstein, a renowned expert on China, has just completed the manuscript for his next book, which is about Taiwan.
Three 1957 classmates shared a lunch at Katz’s Delicatessen in Manhattan in the spring (see photo below right)
Since January 2014, several alumni have come to Riverdale to address students, faculty, and fellow alumni as part of the Class of 1957 Alumni Speaker Series, a dedicated program funded by members of the Class of 1957 to bring Riverdale alumni speakers to campus to share their experiences with the community through broad lectures, as well as more specific engagements with individual classes. For more, see Class notes in the 1961 (ed rendell), 1965 (Calvin Hill), 1987 (Jennifer Pahlka), 2001 (Carly mensch) and 2003 (Harrie Bakst) sections.
Bennett (Jeff) Galef wrote to Class Correspondent david lahm: “Mertice and I are still traveling. Our latest trip to Antarctica, South Georgia, and the Falklands with National Geographic was fantastic (pictures at www.sociallearning.info) We are off on a small-boat cruise through some of the less-visited islands of Indonesia (Asmat, Komodo, Flores, etc.) next month.
“On the professional front, I continue to be moderately active (when invited), publishing a paper or two a year and giving a couple of talks. Last month I received the Animal Behavior Society Distinguished Contribution Award, an honor I share with such previous winners as Richard Dawkins, E.O. Wilson, John Maynard Smith, Peter Marler, and a dozen less well-known biologists. I was the first psychologist and first Canadian academic to receive the award in its 22-year history.
“Off tomorrow to look at some retirement communities in North Carolina.”
From david Frankel: “The Frankels are closing the circle by
purchasing a home on Star Island in Miami Beach after an absence of 22 years. Our younger son, Greg, and his wife Alexandra and two grandsons live there.
“We are in the throes of a major renovation so are splitting our time between New York, where we still operate our realty company, and Florida. We write from Paris, where we live two to three months per year.
“We have recently seen Ken Burrows and his wife Erica, and Jim Gordon, who brought us up to date on his activities in his Center for Mind Body Medicine. I am planning a lunch with dan Silver and Steve Kaplan next month.”
Martha and richard moloy welcomed a new grandson in March, and have enjoyed the summer weekends at their lake house with family and friends. They are heartened to hear from/ about Riverdale and look forward to a “reunion” one of these days.
Alex Garvin continues to teach three courses at Yale, as well as to give speeches (Aalto University in Helsinki and the biannual conference of The International Planning History in St. Augustine, FL). He traveled to several European capitals and, in September, visited Atlanta, Charleston, and London. He is president of The Forum for Urban Design. “I am finishing my next book, What Makes a Great City, with 250 of my own color illustrations. I hope it will be released by next fall.”
Frank Clarke writes from Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica: “I continue as a communications consultant, primarily with the toy industry. vera and I remain in Weston, CT, but have a home in a golf community in Stuart, FL. We have 11 grandchildren, six years to college age, upstate NY to Caracas.”
Ann and dan Silver now have a
second home on Lake Washington, across from Seattle. “Children and grandkids are all on the West Coast and we want to be a little closer than Scarsdale. Our home in the White Mountains of NH—spectacular views—is on the market. Practicality has decided.”
The Class of ’58 has logged a lot of miles, but the winner is... Phil Proctor for his three-month trip to Italy “staying with friends, B&Bs and, thanks to our Starwood program, in some fancy hotels.” Then on to England “to see our colleague Michael McShane in Assassins before visiting classmate George White and his wife, Sue.
“Meanwhile, I’ve been reprising villains for Assassin’s Creed and the next Batman game, doing some good roles at Antaeus and an audio version of Shaw’s Heartbreak House. And there’s a flood of Firesign Theatre coming before year’s end.
“Finally, I’ll be editing my autobiography, Where’s My Fortune Cookie?, due in 2015.”
But the good life isn’t totally dependent on travel; from Joan diamond Steinberg:
“It thrills me that three grandchildren are now at RCS: Jack Yamin ’16, milena manocchia ’24, and tony manocchia ’25. There is a wonderful spirit at the school, and I’m privileged that my three children and now three of the grandchildren have been given this unique opportunity.
“After 28 years, my husband David retired as president of Long Island University. We live happily in a carriage house in Glen Cove and in the city. We are very lucky that our health is holding up despite plenty of aches and pains, like everyone else.”
Jim Gordon was on the Hill Campus this fall, speaking at One World Day. For more, see page 8.
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1958
David F. Lahm dflahm@gmail.com
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1959 Micki Seligson 139 Cushing Street, Apt. 1 Cambridge, MA 02138
Geoff Howard howards@warwick.net
From Class Correspondent Geoff Howard: “Two sparkling achievements top the list this time around.
“Fellow Class Correspondent micki Seligson was awarded a diploma as a Jungian psychoanalyst by the C.G. Jung Institute of Boston and the IAAP (the International Association of Analytical Psychology). To make the occasion even more memorable—if that’s possible—her son Jon spoke for her and played music and sang for the occasion. Lovely and remarkable to be having a commencement 55 years after RCS. Way to go, Micki!
“And then there’s John lahr, whose new biography of
Tennessee Williams, Mad Pilgrimage of the Flesh, has been nominated for a National Book Award. Unfortunately the rules won’t allow us to vote for it, but I think we can certainly buy it!
“So, here’s to Mick and John: still pushing the envelope after all these years! Brava! Bravo!
“The other big news is the minireunion, our 55th, which happened on October 18. Actually, it was not so mini, as we were somewhere around 20 people. Many thanks to ron Winston for hosting and arranging.”
On Saturday, October 18, members of the class reconnected over cocktails at the home of Ron Winston. They then continued
the celebration with dinner at Swifty’s. It was a fabulous evening that included a lot of laughter and reminiscing.
Some of the classmates who attended the celebration were: John Angelo, Sue Stevenson Brown, ned Chase, Peter densen, Caddie zagat eland, Carolyn Payne Fairley, robert Feuer, tom Garvey, Christopher Hobson, Jeffrey Holzman, Geoff Howard, Motoharu Imai, russ Jelinek , Barry Kulick (who arrived from Tel-Aviv), Harriet Alper otto, tim ratner, Sue rosenfeld, donald Shea, michael Spring, Christopher Schwabacher, and ron Winston. For more on Homecoming/Reunion 2014, see pages 24-30.
From richard eric Spatz, Jd: “My time is limited to my practice, the society of my wife (we have no children), and my activities involving the computer, audio, etc.
“However, allow me a bit of nostalgia while I relate the highlights of my six years as a student at Riverdale Country School, which for some reason I value greatly.
“I graduated in 1961 having attended RCS from seventh grade to twelfth grade. In my senior year I was elected co-captain with John zwerling of RCS’s first swimming team before the new gym and pool were constructed. I designed the cover for our 1961 yearbook. I enjoyed the informal performances of Carly Simon at the Boys School long before she attained her status as a star performer and Academy Award winner for the title song for the film, Working Girl. I managed to cut nearly every Monday’s attendance in my senior year, apparently without consequence, except for regrettably missing the photo shoot for the swim team photograph for the yearbook. (Serves me right.) I still recall the concerts Billy taylor, jazz pianist, gave annually in the Chapel, and the ovation—to my utter surprise— that I received at morning Chapel after giving my senior speech on the need for nuclear disarmament. I tried everything to avoid standing in front of the School and giving that speech, but Mr. Luke, who taught English, would not yield and the alternative (not graduating) was not acceptable. Mr. Jones was the Headmaster. Seniors parked their Ford convertibles on the school grounds. I got to enter through the front door in my senior year. I took my turn waiting tables during lunch in the dining room. I think Gus was the name of one of the kitchen staff who saw to it that we sprayed the dishes when assigned to that duty. I did manage to show up for the annual dinner at RCS and give (another) speech—as co-captain
of the swimming team. And I succeeded in locking the keys in the trunk of my mother’s 1961 white Chevrolet Impala convertible with red upholstery during the night of my senior prom, to the amusement of my lovely girlfriend I so wanted to impress. I could go on, but those are some of the highlights.
“The last time I attended a function at RCS was the occasion of the 25th (I think) Reunion. I wore my letter sweater; I was the only alumnus wearing one. I still have it, along with my Riverdale reversible lumber jacket. My classmate, ed rendell, former mayor of Philadelphia and governor of Pennsylvania, was the keynote speaker. Another classmate, Peter Glazier, invited the attending classmates to his restaurant, The Monkey Bar in NYC, for a lovely luncheon. That was the last time I attended any event in person at RCS. And I stopped sneaking onto the tennis courts during the summer months long before that, when a rude teacher I had never met would not favor us with court time as alumni.
“My affection for RCS and the fond memories I have as a student motivate me each year to make the small token donation I have contributed for however many years. I am now in my seventieth year so should I miss a year, consider an alternative possibility for my absence.”
Former Pennsylvania governor ed rendell discussed some of the points he made in his recent book, A Nation of Wusses, at an
Upper School assembly on April 8, 2014 (see photo below). Ed’s presentation was part of the Class of 1957 Alumni Speaker Series, funded by members of the Class of 1957 to bring alumni to campus to address students, faculty, and fellow alumni. (The Series is a dedicated program committed to bringing Riverdale alumni speakers to campus to share their experiences with the community through broad lectures, as well as more specific engagements with individual classes.)
From Class Correspondent Joe Pickard: “No weddings or births to announce, but I did get a note from Margaret and martyn lewis, who report from Tuscany, ‘We are just finishing up another excellent season here in Tuscany although our weather has not been good this year. We are both well and still enjoying life here and the occasional visits to and from children and grandchildren. We had a very long and enjoyable trip to Australia and New Zealand last winter (see photo below)—we love the
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1960
E. Harvey Meer ehmeer@aol.com
1961
Lawrence Rosenbluth rosenbluth342@yahoo.com
1962
Joseph Pickard jpickard@oristanocapital.com
Margaret and Martyn Lewis ’62 during a recent trip to Australia and New Zealand.
Ed Rendell ’61, former governor of Pennsylvania and former mayor of Philadelphia, addressed an Upper School assembly on April 8, 2014.
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1963
Stephen R. Blank stephen.blank@att.net
Peter W. Philip petersells@aol.com
Paul K. Safer pksmd@msn.com
1964
John H. Jiler johnjiler@earthlink.net
Henry H. Korn hkorn@lepatner.com
life down under and wish we could spend some more time there.’ Marty likes my suggestion of another reunion and offers the idea of having it in Tuscany. (I’m in.)
“I also heard from don Graves, who just returned from a wonderful trip to Wales with his wife Margot and friends. Don is seen below giving the high sign after their walk (I would say hike) of 72 miles in six days, ending in Borth, Wales. Congratulations, Don and Margot.
“As for your humble correspondent, Sarah and I continue to enjoy living in the tranquil and beautiful state of Vermont. I’m still working at my investment advisory firm in Boston but, thanks to modern technology, I’m rarely in the physical office. As always, I extend an invitation to anyone who would like to visit and do some trout fishing in my pond or bass fishing in Lake Champlain (after ice out, of course). Have a wonderful winter.”
Class Correspondent Peter W. Philip let QUAD know that his son, Dr. Peter A. Philip, has authored a textbook, Pelvic Pain and Dysfunction: A Differential Diagnosis Manual, which was scheduled to be published in December 2014. Peter’s office is located in new Canaan, CT. He also shared a photo (bottom left) of himself from 50 years ago. “I was working as an ironworker on the verrazanoNarrows Bridge. In this photo, I am at the top of the Staten Island tower. We were wrapping the main cables with stainless steel wire after they had been coated with red lead paint.”
There was a terrific turnout for the kick-off 50th Reunion celebration on Friday, October 17, for the Riverdale Country School Class of ’64 men. They all met at Lattanzi in midtown Manhattan for an evening a good food and cheer.
Also joining the class that night were former faculty members Alvin Puryear, david Schwartz ’52, and Bill Williams. The next day, many members of the class returned to campus for all the activities and reunion cocktail reception and dinner. The weekend ended with a brunch hosted at the home of John Jiler.
Members of the Boys School class who attended the reunion weekend included: Peter Barnes, david Becker, Frank Brown, James Bruenn, Jeffrey Carroad, Frederick Connell, John engel, Gary Ferman, Alfred Gingold, michael Halpern, Peter Harris, George igel, Abdul Jamaludeen, John Jiler, Arthur Kern, eric Kingson, richard Koplik, Henry Korn, Steven leader, massimo maglione, don marcus, edward mcGovern, Andre nasser, John Pastore, Joseph Perta, William rapf, michael rosenfeld, Jack russell, michel Sauers, Kenneth Schulman, James Stark,
donald Strasser, James Wetzler, Jerry Williams, and david Woodsfellow. For more on Homecoming/Reunion 2014, see pages 24-30.
Members of the Class of ’64 Girls School met at Brasserie Les Halles restaurant in Manhattan to celebrate their 50th Reunion. Among those attending were lynn Frackman, nina Kirshen Fixler, Gail Grisetti, thea lurie,
Barbara manners, Harriet Sheinman, mary Wagner, Pam reiche Betz, Sue Werner Kaufman, and Cherry Young Vitale. It was a happy occasion, with welcoming remarks from Sue and Cherry’s 20-question quiz on life at the Girls School to spark fond memories.
On Saturday, Mary, Sue, Cherry, and their husbands toured the former Girls School campus, which
is now the RCS Lower School, and even got to see what had been the Senior Lounge. Following a side tour of Wave Hill, they attended the cocktail party and dinner at what used to be the Boys School, now the Upper School. It was fun seeing some of the members of the Boys School Class of ’64, too. For more on Homecoming/Reunion 2014, see pages 24-30.
Please send yOuR news TO yOuR Class CORResPOndenT(s) befORe May 1, 2015.
1965 Gail Hart York86@aol.com
Melissa Gordon melmelg48@aol.com
1966
Be a QUAD Class Correspondent*
1967
Mary Lou Scott marylou.scott@gmail.com
1968
John M. Davis johnmdavis3@gmail.com
1969
nancy Duff Boehm nduff611@aol.com
Susan Tembeck Riccardi Plookie51@gmail.com
From richard Aronson: “We had a great mini-reunion phone call last year with robert Krulwich, Javier Sanjines, John mcdowell, John Siffert, John Brendler, Hank Allen, and Calvin Hill. We hope to have another one in 2015, so please let me know if you’d like to join; e-mail raaronson69@amherst. edu.”
This fall, Calvin Hill addressed Upper School students at an assembly as part of the Class of 1957 Alumni Speaker Series, funded by members of the Class of 1957 to bring alumni to campus to address students, faculty, and fellow alumni. (The Series is a dedicated program committed to bringing Riverdale alumni speakers to campus to share their experiences with the community through broad lectures as well as more specific engagements with individual classes.) Calvin also spent time with Riverdale’s coaches and captains while he was here.
Class Correspondent mary lou Scott notes that classmate “Hillary Brown has just published a fascinating book, which I think the school at large will be interested in.” Called Next Generation Infrastructure: Principles for Post-Industrial Public Works, the book offers innovative but little-known examples from around the world of highly effective infrastructure initiatives that do
more with less and promise to provide effective service long into the future, even in the face of climate change, according to book publisher Island Press. You may order the book online at www. islandpress.com.
Mary Lou headed down to the Bitter End Yacht Club at the end of October for the fourth year to participate in the Pro-Am Sailing Regatta. Guest skippers included Dave Ullman (Rolex Yachtsman of the Year) and Dave Perry, the sailing rules authority who is also on the Board of Directors at Oakcliff Sailing in Oyster Bay, NY.
From Class Correspondent John m. davis: “My childhood friend (whom I met at Riverdale when we were 10 years old), Dr. Jeffrey D. rosenbaum, and his wife Nancy became proud grandparents to a baby girl in early August. The parents are their daughter Emily and her husband Aaron Miller (whose wedding I attended in Cleveland).”
From Peter Kazaras: “Unfortunately, I will be working in DC (directing a new production of La Bohème for Washington National Opera) and won’t be able to attend the reunion. I’m busy in LA as head of the opera studies program at UCLA, with occasional jobs as a stage director across the country, both for professional companies and for music school programs. I’m still with my husband Armin Baier (going on 38 years) and life is fine in LA.”
Alexander Vrachnos writes from Athens, Greece: “I have had a diverse, mainly engineering career, as I hold a B.S. in chemical engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute and a M.Sc. in metallurgy from MIT. I am married and have a daughter (24) who is a
lawyer and a son (14) in high school.
“For the past few years, I have been a partner in Tropical S.A., a small, innovative company producing hydrogen (H2) technology products (mainly power generators), and designing systems for production of H2, storage of H2, and the power generators that use H2 for production of electricity. We are at the forefront of this complete zerocarbon electricity and hot water production system technology. This is sustainable development in full force. We are always looking for companies or other entities (universities, research centers) with interests in applications of such systems or involved in H2 technology development and products.”
Alexander can be reached at vral@ tee.gr.
From Class Correspondent nancy Duff Boehm: “The Class of 1969 had an extraordinary reunion this year. Turnout was powerfully enhanced by the advance virtual reunion suggested by our Class Correspondent, erstwhile Class President tom elkind, and kicked off by doug Booth with his amazingly rich and humble brief autobiographical summary of the past 45 years. Kevin ellman responded in kind, and we were off and running, boys and girls alike. In the end, 31 of us posted sketches of our lives, each becoming a facet in this complex, diverse, and moving story of the progress of our class through time. When we did convene on Saturday, we already knew so much about each other that the catching up process was shorter, the connections were quicker, and conversations more personally meaningful than time would have allowed otherwise.
“The following Monday, October 20, many of us reconvened. Classmate Cathy lind Hayes was scheduled to perform her
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1975
Jonathan J. Beitler jjbeitl@emory.edu
Lisa Turgell Friedland lisa.friedland09@gmail.com
Jeffrey J. Russell jjrussell@clearbridgeadvisors.com
1976
Daniel Easton mashfly007@aol.com
1977
Be a QUAD Class Correspondent*
1978
William McGowan bill@claritymediagroup.com
From Celia mcGerr regan: “This is Thomas Richard Wiggin (aka Tommy and many other love names), born July 4th to my daughter Maggie Regan Wiggin and my son-in-law David Wiggin (see photo below). Everyone is flourishing! Tommy is an ardent Mets fan at the tender age of 12 weeks.”
Several 1974 classmates—along with one from the Class of 1972— got together for a summer BBQ at ralph Petrillo’s place in South Hampton, NY (see photo below).
Class Correspndent Jonathan Beitler sent congratulations to psychologist John Gross. “His son Robert is a wonderful relief pitcher and helped Emory to win the runner-up spot for the national title in Division III baseball.”
From Class Correspondent Bill mcGowan: “eileen Price is now pursuing a dream that began taking shape while she was at Riverdale: She is attending graduate school to get her master’s degree in social work. While she has dedicated herself to the issue of battered women for 20 years as a service provider, philanthropist, and board member, she feels her impact can be even more significant with an MSW degree.
“Lisa Kraus Goldfinger is up to something truly scrumptious— she’s a food blogger. Her site, Panning the Globe (http://www. panningtheglobe.com), shows followers how to enjoy global cuisine at home. Lisa discovers great recipes from every country in the world and shares them on the blog (and her Pinterest boards are out of this world, too). I dare you to look at her amazing photos and not grow famished!
“lester Sills is proving that any time is a good time to flash entrepreneurial spirit. After years of building a reputation as one of the finest veterinarians in the metropolitan area, Les recently launched his own animal hospital in Eastchester, NY, called Petchester. One visit to the website (http://www. petchesterveterinary.com) shows that he is every bit as passionate about animal health today as he was when we were his classmates at RCS.
“In the performing arts world, lisa Goldstein Kaminir, who has been thriving in her Tv acting for years, guest starred this year on Criminal Minds, Rizzoli & Isles, Revenge, and The Mentalist.
“Keith levenson will be conducting the new national tour of Annie, which launched September 26 in Detroit. For more information on the 37-city tour, visit http://www.anniethemusical.com.
“During the past 22 years, Gene Ferriter has composed, played, and recorded extensively with The Conundrum, an LA-based, multigenre jam band. Finding time for music may be more challenging now that Gene’s just been recruited by i95dev, an e-commerce/ERP software integration company, to be the U.S. sales manager. He currently lives in Santa Monica, CA, with his wife, third-grade daughter, and Boston terrier.
“now officially an empty nester, theodore Casparian is steering off ‘the Daddy Track’ to turn his attention to inspiring individuals to affect what he calls ’positive environmental and social change through the sustainable allocation of capital resources.’ His goal is to have his website, www. sustainableinvesting4all.com, become a primary source for information in these areas.
“Wayne Salazar spent five weeks traveling across 25 states to shoot a portrait of the way we live now. He is making a book and exhibiting it with framed photos. Called Pictures from America, it’s his MFA thesis project at Hunter. At press time the show was slated to open December 11, 2014.
“During his MvP football season senior year, russell Jackson was known to his teammates as the Man of Steel. Not only did he seem
to have superhuman powers on the gridiron, but he never got hurt. So it was with some level of disbelief that his classmates learned he was battling cancer this year. But for Russell, it was merely another opportunity to prove his mettle. He recently finished his chemo and radiation treatments in fine shape, demonstrating once again how great he is in the clutch. We’re all cheering you on from the sidelines, Russ… A feeling we know you’re quite familiar with.”
Thank you to mark Colman for hosting a 35th reunion celebration on Friday, October 17. A wonderful evening was spent reminiscing and reconnecting with old friends and classmates.
Those who attended included: Jeffrey Amram, Andrew Ball, Jane Bohner, mark Colman, Andrew Corwin, Joshua deutsch, leigh Giroux, terence lam, Audrey levine, mark lichtenstein, robin Yuder, Jessica neuwirth, Jamie Peretz,
Gregg Somerville, dawn Spiera, Waddell Stillman, diane Wachtell, david Weinberger, and elizabeth West.
For more on Homecoming/Reunion 2014, see pages 24-30.
From Class Correspondent dana Swinsky Cantelmo:
Hi again, ’80 classmates. I had the great fortune of seeing Steven Bram’s new movie, Kabbalah Me, here in LA and loved it. Steven was there to answer questions from the audience, who all were excited and moved by his journey. Check out the Kabbalah Me Facebook page for photos and DvD sales! Ken Fisher wrote in that he had the opportunity to see Steven’s movie in NY as well.
Patience moore is currently in another chapter of her professional life, working as a social worker in a middle school in New Jersey and liking it quite a lot. “I work with kids having trouble with bullying,
anxiety, and the like. I also do a lot of work with special education kids. It’s a dedicated district and I am enjoying being back in middle school! I passed my clinical exam this summer, which, after a little more paperwork, will allow me to start a much-anticipated private practice. I have also begun leading mindfulness-based stress reduction workshops for youth, educators, and adults, particularly parents. I also saw and loved Steven Bram’s movie. It is quite an impressive accomplishment! And it was fun to know and go out to dinner afterwards with the director and star! Steven told me that Jeff markelson and Andy Kramer were at opening night but they can report on that! I do a lot of biking and swimming. I biked my first relay triathlon this summer. It was fun, and I am hoping to do all three sections next year. I am living with my 13- and 10-year-old sons in Montclair, NJ, where I see a lot of Penny Paul! I just had a fantastic visit with my 10-year-old to dana Swinsky’s beach shack in California. What a life! Let’s have another reunion!”
Suzy Jurist wrote, “Had a great summer, mostly through my kids. John o’Shea ’18 went to hockey camp and sleepaway camp and had a blast. Alex o’Shea ’15 had an amazing summer—Botswana with Mr. Crosby in June/July and Scotland’s Fringe Festival with Ms. Eastman in August I was just happy to go to and from the airport each time! Now it is hockey tournaments and college visits. No complaints.”
Please send yOuR news TO yOuR Class CORResPOndenT befORe May 1, 2015.
1979
Lori Tarnopol Moore dlmoore4@aol.com
1980
Dana Swinsky Cantelmo danaswinsky@me.com
Please send yOuR news TO yOuR Class CORResPOndenT(s) befORe May 1, 2015.
1981
Elizabeth A. Holoubek-Sebok eholoubek@aol.com
Lisa Burge Swotes lswotes@gmail.com
1982
Meryl Poster meryl.poster@ superbentertainment.net
1983 Eric Yamin eric.yamin@ubs.com
1984
Eve Reppen Rogers evejewels@earthlink.net
niki Vorhaus and I just returned from Burning Man, where we had another week of fun like we had as 10-year-olds riding bikes and climbing on things. I hear from Amy Pierce Brand that she was there, too!
My e-mail list is up to 57. If you haven’t heard from me, please contact me!
QUAD is saddened to learn that rachel Smaltz died on Saturday, July 19. We extend condolences to Rachel’s family and friends.
Class Correspondent meryl Poster got together with several classmates at a party this summer (see photo below).
Hilary rice Armstrong and her sister, Sascha rice ’88, are proud to announce the European premiere of their documentary film, California State of Mind: The Legacy of Pat Brown, at University of Paris Diderot in Paris, on November 7, 2014. For more about the film, visit www. patbrowndocumentary.com.
James Colgate reports that, after a long career in city government, he left that job in September, took a two-month trip to Scandinavia, Bali, and Bangkok with his husband, and just started a new job as counsel at Bryan Cave LP, in the land use group.
From Gillian Caldwell: “I’m one of those RCS grads who doesn’t make it to reunions, although I am going to try this year because I attended my Harvard 25th after never having attended a single one, and it was remarkable. It was great to reconnect with old friends, but equally wonderful to meet new people or to witness the growth and transformation of people I knew at a distance. And having never contributed to Class Notes before, it's hard to know where to begin. But here’s a quick summary of the last 30 years: The headline is that my demonstrated passion at RCS for sports, social justice, and play continue. I have lived and worked all over the world, using my law degree (Georgetown) and my passion for film and storytelling as ways to try to move the needle on big problems. I ran a global undercover investigation into the Russian mafia’s involvement
in trafficking women for forced prostitution, which led to a film and successful campaign; ran WITnESS, which was co-founded by musician Peter Gabriel to help human rights advocates to use video to create change, for ten years; and led a national grassroots organizing campaign to push for federal action to tackle the climate crisis. In the past four years, I have been doing executive coaching and consulting with nGOs, foundations, and films on strategy and organizational development. In the meantime, over the years I have been having fun playing rugby, soccer, ultimate Frisbee, tennis, and running (these days really just tennis and running when injuries don’t intervene). And I have a wonderful family: my partner Louis Spitzer; our two children, Tess (12) and Finley (10); and our two dogs, Marley and Trixie. We just returned from a year overseas in Chiang Mai, Thailand, and are living in the DC area in Takoma Park, MD, in a gorgeous old victorian home. We have a fully equipped ‘jam shack’ for playing music and a guest room for visitors passing through. Hope to see you soon!”
The class celebrated their 30th reunion in style with a kick-off reception on Thursday, October 16
Hilary Rice Armstrong ’83 and Sascha Rice ’88 at the Mill Valley Film Festival Premiere of their documentary, California State of mind: the Legacy of Pat Brown.
at The Skylark on West 39th St. Thank you to Allyson and tod Waterman for hosting this fun evening. The festivities continued on Saturday, October 18, with everyone returning to campus for the day and evening celebrations.
Classmates who attended one or all of the reunion events included: dan Abrams, Anthony Barkan,
Jonathan Bender, tony Berkman, evan Brownstein, Gillian Caldwell, Paul daitz, deirdre davis, Anne Bevis detwiler, Jennifer teiman edmonds, Steven Fuld, Yehuda Haber, Christopher Harrington, russell Hernandez, mami Hidaka, Carol morse Holtby, Alexander Hornig, Kristin marting, Christopher mcCarthy, John
mcGann, Karen rivera Pancorvo, Christopher Purdy, eve reppen rogers, eric rothstein, marla Shelton-lenhof, Amanda Smith, Yukio Sonoda, Camilla Catlin Sorenson, and tod Waterman.
For more on Homecoming/Reunion 2014, see pages 24-30.
Please send yOuR news TO yOuR Class CORResPOndenT befORe May 1, 2015.
1985
Allison Unger Brody a.brody@elsevier.com
1986
Sanford E. Cannold Sandy.cannold@gmail.com
1987
Karyn Boosin Leit karynleit@mac.com
1988
Stacy J. Grossman S144man@yahoo.com
1989
Allison R. Rouse allison.rouse@gmail.com
Jennifer Pahlka, the founder and executive director of Code for America who recently served as the United States Deputy Chief Technology Officer for government innovation, addressed the Riverdale community at this year’s commencement exercises on June 10 (see photo below). Jennifer’s speech was part of the Class of 1957 Alumni Speaker Series, funded by members of the Class of 1957 to bring alumni to campus to address students, faculty, and fellow alumni. (The Series is a dedicated program committed to bringing Riverdale alumni speakers to campus to share their experiences with the community through broad lectures as well as more specific engagements with individual classes.)
rachel laikind Justus and Cassie Avirom co-direct AWARE (Assisting Women through Action, Resources & Education), a grassroots organization dedicated to promoting awareness and generating funds in order to make meaningful improvements in the lives of females in the New York City community and worldwide. In October 2014, they held their annual fundraiser at Harding’s Kitchen & Bar featuring delicious sweets donated by Treat House founder Chris russell (see photo bottom). AWARE supporters include Adrianne Feldman Kirszner, Ariela Sommer Beare, Jennifer Fisherman-Ruff, Joanna Minikes Sirulnick, Julie Schulweis Hadley, and Karen Hirshkorn Walker. Rachel and Cassie welcome Riverdale alumni and friends who want to get involved in a special charity and help
deserving women and girls! visit www.awarenyc.org for information.
Sascha rice and her sister, Hilary rice Armstrong ’83, are proud to announce the European premiere of their documentary film, California State of Mind: The Legacy of Pat Brown (see photo on page 42), at University of Paris Diderot in Paris, on November 7, 2014. For more about the film, visit www. patbrowndocumentary.com.
Members of the class came to campus on Friday, October 17, to graciously participate in a career panel discussion for Riverdale students. Panelists included topher Cox, robb Hirsch, Bill Konigsberg, Aron levine, Sara meltzer, rhonda ross, Allison rouse, Alain Silverio, and Hilary Seiden Smith.
The next day, the class returned to Riverdale for a special 25th reunion lunch (see photo on page 24) and a memorable class discussion. That evening, more than 60 members from the class gathered downtown for a big reunion party in the Electric Room at the Dream Hotel.
Classmates who were on campus included: Jebeze Alexander, david Bard, topher Cox, mitchell davis, Vagnes de la rosa , richard Geller, Sari Goodfriend, robb Hirsch, William Konigsberg, Paige roeser lawrence, Jennifer Smith lipschultz, Shary moalemzadeh, danielle reid Officer, Alex Parisien, Jacob Park, dov Pollack, rhonda ross, Allison rouse, Alicia Sands, david Schulhof, Alain Silverio, Chris Standish, Adam Strassberg, thomas Weiser, and Anthony Wright. (See photos opposite.)
For more on Homecoming/Reunion 2014, see pages 24-30.
Alayne O’Reilly, the mother of Alexandra Brown, let Riverdale know that Alexandra died peacefully in hospice in Seattle on April 3, 2014, after a 42-year, off-and-on struggle with congenital heart disease. She is survived by her sister Gwendolyn Brown ’92 and her parents. Her mother and sister were by her side for the last month of her courageous life, and at her passing.
Alayne noted, “Alex thrived at Riverdale. Among her favorite teachers were Larry Colan (English), Mrs. Dolgins (biology) and Ms. McCurdy (Latin). She loved learning, and her strong work ethic led her to the unique distinction of being the only student in her class who had never missed a single class in all her four years at Riverdale. Her ILS preparation pointed her toward majoring in anthropology at Smith College. She was especially grateful to Mrs.
Cooper in the Placement Office for introducing her to Smith, which over the next four years, became her spiritual home. She became an avid defender of women’s rights and dignity. She is dearly missed.”
QUAD sends condolences to Alayne, Gwendolyn, and all of Alexandra’s family and friends.
Please send yOuR news TO yOuR Class CORResPOndenT(s) befORe May 1, 2015.
1990
Jeffrey L. Korenman jkorenman@hotmail.com
Achikam Yogev achikamyogev@gmail.com
The Class of 1989 celebrated their 25th with a big reunion party in the Electric Room at the Dream Hotel.
Please send yOuR news TO yOuR Class CORResPOndenT(s) befORe May 1, 2015.
1991
Stefanie Firtell Donath stefanie.donath@yahoo.com
1992
Laura J. Kleinman kleinmanlaura@yahoo.com
1993
George D. Creppy gcreppy75@gmail.com
Alexis Higgins alexis.higgins@gmail.com
1994
Danielle J. Englebardt denglebardt@gmail.com
From Abby russell: “2014 was a big year for me. Thrilled to announce that I had a baby girl on April 11, 2014. Like the palindrome of her birthdate, Aria Isabella Russell is full of magic and makes me smile and laugh every day. I’m so honored Aria picked me to be her mom. It’s already clear that Aria will be my greatest teacher, notwithstanding all those wonderful teachers I had at Riverdale!
“This year also saw the world premiere of my first feature film, Eat Drink Laugh: The Story of The Comic Strip, at the Just For Laughs Comedy Festival in Montreal. I co-directed the movie, which was executive produced by Chris Rock.” Congrats on both achievements, Abby!
From daniel davis: “My daughter, Estrea Stella, was born May 1, 2013, and my son, Theodore Nicolas, was born July 3, 2014. We are living in New York City.”
Commander Peter Kim, U.S. Navy, writes: “I recently had the honor of taking command of the navy’s newest warship, USS Coronado (LCS 4) and Littoral Combat Ship Crew 204 in San Diego, CA, on August 8. There were several classmates in attendance, including William Ching, Jenny Finkelstein, laurence lederer, and Ahmed Yearwood (see photo below).
QUAD extends condolences to Gwendolyn Brown and her mother, Alayne O’Reilly, on the death of Gwendolyn’s sister, Alexandra Brown ’90. For more, see Class Notes 1990 on page 49.
Congratulations to Josh Alper and his wife Dawn David on the birth of their daughter, Logan Maya Alper (see photo below). She was born June 4 at 8:35 a.m., “weighing in at 6 lbs. on the dot, and was 20.5 inches of lovableness,” according to the proud dad.
Congratulations as well to rolf Heitmeyer and his wife Kaia Peterka Heitmeyer on the birth of their daughter, Anja Elisabeth Heitmeyer, on December 13, 2013 (see photo below right). Anja (pronounced Anya) weighed 8 lbs., 13 oz., was 21 inches long, and “is healthy and extremely cute,” according to Rolf.
More than 40 classmates participated in their 20-year Reunion on October 18. Many flew in from out of town, including: Ben Wolf from Chile; Shelley Faierman Shalev from Las Vegas; Alexandra Ostrow Bruskoff from Houston; Karim Sabet from Miami; Andrew marcus, Alex Yarosh, and John maysles from Los Angeles; and Joseph Best from Bermuda.
Congratulations to Class Correspondent danielle englebardt, who was awarded the Ernest McAneny 1925 Alumni Spirit Award during the Homecoming/Reunion luncheon (for a photo, see page 28).
For more on Homecoming/Reunion 2014, see pages 24-30.
Members of the Class of 1994 at the Homecoming/Reunion barbecue lunch.
Members of the Class of 1994 at their 20-year Reunion dinner.
Class Correspondent tim morehouse was at Homecoming/ Reunion 2014 to celebrate longtime Riverdale fencing coach martin Schneider’s election into the U.S. Fencing’s Hall of Fame (see photo on page 25). For more on Homecoming/Reunion 2014, see pages 24-30.
Andrew novo, Assistant Professor of Strategic Studies at the national Defense University’s College of International Security Affairs, addressed the nY national Arts Club in June, lecturing on “Constantinople: City of Imperial Power from a Greek Settlement to a Roman Capital.” Andrew also signed copies of his novel, Queen of Cities, which was published by Coffeetown Press in January 2010. The novel is set in Constantinople in 1453. For details on the lecture, visit http://www.cornucopia.net/ events/ny-national-arts-club-lecture/.
Several classmates attended the 15th Reunion, including maggie Heller Greebel, Hayley Korn Kaye, laura Cohen rapaport, matt Balaban, Jackie Sechler Klein, richie Bakst, tim Sacks, and Abby Spiegel Sroka, who enjoyed a fun-filled day on campus watching the sporting events and reconnecting with other RCS alumni. In the evening, a larger group got together at Session 73 for drinks and a good time. david Shorenstein recently had a baby
Please send yOuR news TO yOuR Class CORResPOndenT(s) befORe May 1, 2015.
1995
Brittany Podell Levin bpodellco@gmail.com
1996
Lara Englebardt Metz larametz@gmail.com
Tim Morehouse tim.morehouse08@gmail.com
1997 John C. Kirkham jckirkham@gmail.com
1998
Jessica Endelson Baum jessbaum@live.com
Catherine Silver Smith catherinesilversmith@gmail.com
1999 Matt Balaban MattBalaban1@gmail.com
Please send yOuR news TO yOuR Class CORResPOndenT(s) befORe May 1, 2015.
2000
LanaJacobsEdelman lanarose@gmail.com
2001
SamanthaA.Acunto ac.samantha@gmail.com
AlexP.Horn alexp.horn@gmail.com
2002
SamaraJ.Fetto samara.fetto@gmail.com
Benjamin Z. Koblentz bkoblentz@gmail.com
2003 AdamR.Heller adamheller1@gmail.com
ArielC.Schneider schneider.ariel@gmail.com
Members of the Class of 1999 celebrated their 15th reunion duringHomecomingonSaturday,
18.
boy, Brody, and was joined by his wife Melanie. elisabeth White and her husband Greg Hersch were also there to join in the mix.Others present at the event were John Goodman, danielle Avedon (who recently had a baby boy, Theo), Antonio Bolfo, michael Kaye, lizzie Hayward, Paul-Andre leBlanc, and more!
Congrats to fellow classmate dana Fuchs Schwartzapfel, who had a brand-new baby girl, Sadie, around the time of Reunion.
For more on Homecoming/Reunion 2014, see pages 24-30.
Congratulations to dana Gresko, who recently welcomed daughter Sylvia Catherine. The baby, who is going by Sylvie, weighed 7 lbs., 6 oz. (see photo below).
Carly mensch, a playwright who has also written for Tv, most recently for season 6 of Nurse Jackie, was the first speaker in the new Class of 1957 Alumni Speaker Series. Carly addressed the Middle School in late January 2014 (see photo below) and also met informally with Upper School students in acting and film classes. The Class of 1957 Alumni Speaker Series, funded by members of the Class of 1957 to bring alumni to campus to address students, faculty, and fellow alumni, is a
dedicated program committed to bringing Riverdale alumni speakers to campus to share their experiences with the community through broad lectures as well as more specific engagements with individual classes.
laura rosenbaum and her brother Jared have successfully completed a Kickstarter campaign to help them publish a children’s book about native plants and wildlife called The Puddle Garden. Jared, a botanist, educator, and native plant grower, wrote the book, and Laura designed and illustrated it. The book was scheduled to be out in February 2015. For more, visit http://www. thepuddlegarden.com/.
From Class Correspondent Ariel Schneider: “erica twomey and Billy Bingman were married in Litchfield, CT, on June 14, and it was absolutely beautiful.” Riverdalians in attendance included classmates david Seid, Ariel, Becca Skolnick, and Erica’s sister Jenny twomey, as well as brother John twomey ’98, matthew ramon ’98, and Jayson mercado ’98.
From Abby leber: “Still live in NYC. Still a brand strategist at Anomaly, a boutique branding and communications firm in Soho. Still love life. Getting married in December 2014!” Congratulations, Abby!
Harrie Bakst, co-founder of the Weinstein Carnegie Philanthropic Group, told Upper School students on September 30 that companies are supporting philanthropy in new ways (see photos below). Harrie addressed the students at an assembly sponsored by the student-run microfinance organization Zawadi by Youth. His presentation also was part of the Class of 1957 Alumni Speaker Series, funded by members of the Class of 1957 to bring Riverdale alumni speakers to campus to share their experiences with the community through broad lectures as well as more specific engagements with individual classes.
From ian Group: “My girlfriend, Stefanie Mackler, and I got engaged on August 1. The wedding will be next October on a farm in Baltimore, MD. (We’re calling it ‘rustic chic’.) We can’t wait to celebrate with our Riverdale friends!” Ian also made a career change recently; he is now an
associate at Hunton & Williams LLP in their real estate group.
The Class of 2004 had a great time during the Homecoming festivities on Saturday, October 18, which included being honored with the Reunion Class Award (see photo on page 28). That evening, they continued their celebration downtown, where they served three RCS-themed specialty cocktails: “A Strong Sipp,” “The Wellington,” and the “Willies Paredes Alamo.”
Those who attended the weekend events were: Geoff Abbott, Jennifer Balaban, matt Barad, marisa Bass, Brooke Bayer, Ben Blackwood, Phil Braddock, matt Brenner, Porsche Brooks, Ali Cardia, matt Chaiken, Sam Chapin, Stephanie Charpentier munoz, Brandon Cohen, John Cooper, Chris dolan, lisa dolan, Cole drotman, Stephen Fowler, Jillian Getter, Joe Goldschmid, Ariel Greene, Gabriel Heywood, Jackie iger, Caxton Kaback, Philip Kim, liz Kolleeny, Jeremy lucas, max malitzky, morgan miller, tara moncure, Jon monk, leah okin, Willie orbison, Kristina ramnarine, Adam rigel, rachel Schragis, Jason Schulweis, matt Sculnick, Karina Segal, elissa Szalkiewicz, derek tarnow, eJ trundle, Galen Vaisman, Jackie Wachter, Sam Wollner, and Ben zinder.
For more on Homecoming/Reunion 2014, see pages 24-30.
Assistant Head of School and Head of Middle School Milton J. Sipp shared the following sad news with the Riverdale community: “dan Arnstein passed away in Germany in September. This is really devastating news. Dan was a great young man with a wonderful love of life, a great smile, a huge heart, and a passion for his studies, particularly for science. He loved Riverdale, and he could be found participating in many things (such as the science symposiums) and being such a big part of the fencing program here. Many of us remember him with such fondness. I had the privilege
Members of the Class of 2004 enjoyed celebrating their 10th Reunion downtown.
Please send yOuR news TO yOuR Class CORResPOndenT(s) befORe May 1, 2015.
2004
Philip W. Braddock PWBraddock@gmail.com
Cristina E. Haley
crissy.haley@gmail.com
2005
Daniel A. Perelstein dperelstein@gmail.com
Amy R. Schneiderman amy.r.schneiderman@gmail.com
Please send yOuR news TO yOuR Class CORResPOndenT(s) befORe May 1, 2015.
2006
Tracy Dansker tdansker@gmail.com
Eric B. Nusbaum nusbaume@wustl.edu
Sandra Thomas SandyT@princeton.edu
2007
Kate Lehrhaupt kate.lehrhaupt@gmail.com
2008
Michael Roberts michael.roberts@law.nyu.edu
Andrew J. Taub andrew.james.taub@gmail.com
Zoe Zetlin-Fishbein zzetlin@gmail.com
2009
Josh A. Howard rujoshingme@me.com
Joshua S. Pearl josh.pearl@verizon.net
Gracie Phillips egphilli@gmail.com
Ashley M. Rainford arainford@wesleyan.edu
Alyssa J. Smith alyssajaclyn@gmail.com
Danielle Suchman dsuchman@skidmore.edu
of being his dean throughout high school. After graduating from Haverford in 2009, Dan went to Germany, where he was a PhD candidate in neuroscience at the Max Planck Institute in Tuebigen.
“Our community mourns with his parents, Marjorie and Ellis, as well as with the rest of his family and friends, and I ask that you keep all of them in your hearts and prayers.”
Cheryl Weinheim, Jill metzger, and Sakura Yagi recently got together with Pam Asen (see photo below) to celebrate Pam’s M.S. in social work from Columbia University. Pam is moving to Chicago and will focus on nonprofit management and contemporary social issues.
QUAD extends condolences to Anika murray, whose grandmother, Virginia "Gina" donchian murrary '39, died on November 25, 2014 at her home in Maine. For more, see the 1939 Class Notes on page 32.
Everyone had a wonderful time celebrating their five-year reunion in a downtown club on Friday, October 17 (see photos at right). Though it was a late night for some, the class returned to campus the next afternoon to take part in the Homecoming festivities and Reunion lunch.
Among those who attended the 5th Reunion event were John Geary, Fahmina Ahmed, ian Brown, Jason marin, Alex Chouraqui, Josh Howard, Jesse Horwitz, eli Bunzel, Stephen Kolman, rachel Bigio, Gracie Phillips, John Popkowski, Julian musikant , max Weinstein, michael Benson, Zoe Greenfield, Ali Margolis, Andrew Wynne, Clio massey, Ben etkin, ed Wasserman, michelle Goodman, Carla diaz, isabel eckstein, daisy Hackett, Ben resnick , nina Boyd, Claire eden, Katie zinman, Peter Glennon, Jonathan rosenberg, Alyssa Smith, erik Goyenechea, isabel Borish, dan Weiss, Julia dworkin, and Hannah Campbell.
For more on Homecoming/Reunion 2014, see pages 24-30.
nate irving, currently a senior at the University of virginia, played in the 2014 College World Series this past June. Although UvA lost in the championship game to
vanderbilt , Nate had an amazing series, doubling to lead off the bottom of the 15th inning of the game UvA won 3-2 over Texas. The UvA starting catcher also was drafted in the 34th round of the 2014 Major League Baseball draft by the Arizona Diamondbacks. Congratulations, Nate!
Alumni
elizabeth A. Aubry ’39
Virgina Willon Clark ’47
Barbara Hurley melville ’52 naomi timmerman ’52 lou Padula ’53
rachel Smaltz ’82
Alexandra Brown ’90
dan Arnstein ’05
The Class of 2009 enjoyed their five-year reunion. Among those who returned to celebrate was their former dean, Stephen Kolman.
Former English/ILS teacher and Director of Studies Bill Pahlka spent his spring sabbatical (before retirement) putting together Extracurricular Activity, a collection of essays he wrote in connection with the teaching he did over the years at Riverdale. It can be ordered online from only one place, McNally-Jackson bookstore in Soho: http://www.mcnallyjackson. com/bookmachine/extracurricularactivity-bill-pahlka.
Congratulations to Director of Academic Technology Sean dagony-Clark and his wife Hilli. Their second daughter, Anya, was born October 14 at 1:58 p.m.
According to Sean, “At birth she weighed 9 lbs., 10 oz., (really!) and was 20.5 inches long. Since then, she has spent most of her time nursing to fill up those very chubby cheeks.”
Congratulations to mathematics teacher and football coach lance ramer and his family, who welcomed Grant Walter Ramer at 4:28 a.m. on his mother’s birthday, June 3. Grant weighed in at 6 lbs., 14 oz. As you might expect, “Big brother Landon is pumped to see him,” according to Lance.
Jane moore, former Assistant Head of Upper School and Dean of the Classes of ’10 and ’14, is now a mother. Jack Xavier Moore was born July 12, 2014, weighing in at 8 lbs., 13 oz. Jane and Jack are both doing well and at press time were looking forward to the adoption becoming finalized sometime in November.
Congratulations to Mathematics Department Co-Chair Kevin Bailey, his wife Mary, and big
brother James on the birth of Daniel Philip Bailey, who was born September 4, 2014 at 7:05 p.m. at a healthy 7 lbs., 2 oz.
We are pleased to share the news that Director of Development Services Vanessa Corba and her husband Josh Hogarth welcomed Nolan Christopher Hogarth and Sloane Marie Hogarth on February 6, 2014, at 8:22 p.m. and 8:23 p.m., respectively. Nolan weighed 5 lbs., 12 oz., and Sloane weighed 6 lbs., 1 oz.
Congratulations to t. J. Barnett, Assistant Director of Athletics, and his wife Sarah on the birth of their son, Michael Patrick, on November 19, 2014, at 10:48 a.m.
Please send yOuR news TO yOuR Class CORResPOndenT(s) befORe May 1, 2015.
2010
Ethan Gracer edg1@williams.edu
Ali Kokot alikokot@gmail.com
Michael Shelton michael.shelton@williams.edu
2011 Laura Berman Leb2@williams.edu
2012
Jay Dessy jdessy@princeton.edu
Chloe Getrajdman cgetrajdman@gmail.com
Jane Moore, former Assistant Head of Upper School and Dean of the Classes of ’10 and ’14,
2013 Khari Dawkins 4120 Wickham Avenue Bronx, NY 10466
George Niedermayer 1165 Fifth Avenue, Apt. 14A New York, NY 10029
2014
Travis Brady travis.brady@yale.edu
Saranya vijayakumar svijayakumar@college.harvard.edu
* TO beCOMe a Class CORResPOndenT, COnTaCT
ROBIN GOttLIeB Director of Alumni Affairs (718) 519-2703 alumni@riverdale.edu
Terri D. Austin, Secretary
Ellen nachtigall Biben ’83
David Blitzer
Charles M. Blow
Tory Burch
John Castle ’91
Kenneth Eberts
Sandra Kim Hoffen ’83
Mark D. Hostetter ’77
John Kao ’68
Michael A. Karsch
Roger H. Kimmel, Treasurer
Betsy Kenny Lack Kass Lazerow
Gary A. Lieberman
Marc Lipschultz
Daniel C. Lubin
Lara Englebardt Metz ’96, AAEC President
Thomas K. Montag
John A. Neuwirth
Jeffrey Pash
Kathleen M. Pike
Dominic A.A. Randolph, Head of School
David n. Roberts ’80, Chair
Allan v. Rose
Daniel J. Rosen ’92 Vice Chair
Dr. Susan Drossman Sokoloff
Deborah Sonnenberg
Jamie Alexander Tisch
Wendy Topkis, PA President
Phillip “Tod” Waterman III ’84
Stacey Weinstein
David Westin, Vice Chair
Samantha Acunto ’01
George Anagnos ’76
Rebecca Anikstein ’99
Harrie Bakst ’03
Donnamarie Barnes ’74
Jessica Baum ’98
Liz Clyman ’97, Vice President
Tony Coles ’73
Stefanie A. Donath ’91
Edem Dzubey ’07
Tara S. Englander ’93
Danielle J. Englebardt ’94
Joseph Goldschmid ’04
Paul Goldschmid ’96
Betsy Hayes ’86
Michelle Jacobs ’81
Robert Kahn ’70
David F. Lahm ’58
Laurence B. Lederer ’91
Brittany C. Levin ’95
Tiffany Liston ’94
John Low ’90
Anthony Melchior ’73
Lara Englebardt-Metz ’96, President
Tony Meyer ’78
Philip R. Michael ’00
Shary Moalemzadeh ’89
Omari Ramarez ’05
Amelia L. Relles ’87
Carolyn D. Rosen ’92
Daniel D. Rosen ’92
tRuSteeS eMeRItI
Michele R . Cohen
Gandolfo v. DiBlasi
Thomas C. Israel
Jane Lisman Katz ’65
Peter M. Lehrer
Linda Lewis Lindenbaum ’54
Dr. William C.W. Mow ’55
Harvey Schulweis
David M. Silfen
Robert A. Staub
Thomas W. Strauss
Jeffrey n. Vinik ’77
Ada G. Zambetti
Richard S. Zinman
Peter R. Rosenblatt ’50
Andrew A. Russell ’89
Alison G. Shefter ’89
Jessica R. Shell ’95
Roger Sherman ’74
Majorie Straus ’58
Abigail H. Sroka ’99
Elizabeth Heyman Winter ’99
What was the most important aspect of your riverdale education? What do you hope to see for riverdale’s future?
One of the greatest things about Riverdale when I was a student was that it was more than just an academic experience–it was a life experience. I see this still today and hope that Riverdale continues to provide this for future generations. I hope that the school can maintain its focus on developing students beyond just academics, preparing young people for life and not just for college.
We want our children to have what we had, to have that Riverdale experience.
How did riverdale prepare you for future experiences?
Riverdale helped define who I am today. It was more than just an education or a learning experience–it was the defining point in my young life. It truly helped guide me on the path to where I am today.
Dan Abrams graduated from Riverdale in 1984, before earning degrees from Duke University and Columbia University Law School. He is currently co-anchor of Nightline and Chief Legal Affairs Anchor for ABC News. Prior to 2011, Dan was at NBC News for 15 years and held positions including reporter for NBC Nightly News, host for MSNBC, and Chief Legal Correspondent for NBC News. Dan has published articles in The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Newsweek, The Yale Law and Policy Review, The Huffington Post, and The Daily Beast, among many other publications. In 2011, he published his first book, Man Down: Proof beyond a Reasonable Doubt that Women are Better Cops, Drivers, Gamblers, Spies, World Leaders, Beer Tasters, Hedge Fund Managers, and Just About Everything Else, which made The Washington Post bestseller list. Dan was presented the Alumni Achievement Award at Homecoming/Reunion 2014, where he celebrated his 30th Reunion.
What qualities or values do you see as unique to riverdale?
Riverdale has always been focused on developing well-rounded individuals. It’s not just about any one experience, teacher, or program, but instead an overall commitment to developing great young people. One of the things that I find so impressive about Riverdale is how many of my fellow alumni are still so committed to the school. I think that says so much about all of our experiences. As parents, we often say that we want our children to have better than we had–but for many Riverdale graduates, we actually want our children to have what we had, to have that Riverdale experience. I think that is really telling about the school.
Riverdale Country School
5250 Fieldston Road
Bronx, New York 10471-2999
www.riverdale.edu
Though Riverdale may look a little different today, our mission has remained consistent: Riverdale still strives to provide academic programs of the highest caliber and a transformational educational experience on a beautiful “country” campus.
• no matter the size of your gift, everyone’s participation counts equally, and high participation remains the key to our success.
• Make it one of your goals to support the Annual Fund this fiscal year and help sustain another year of innovation and discovery for t oday ’s students!
• There is no time like the present; please make your contribution to the 2014-2015 Annual Fund today!
Please mail checks to: You can also donate online: Riverdale Country School www.riverdale.edu/donate Attn: Development Office 5250 Fieldston Road Bronx, NY 10471-2999
For more information, please e-mail annualfund@riverdale.edu or call the Development Office at 718.519.2745.