Moses BrownCupola

Spring 2012

What’s Ahead?

Frohman C. Anderson ’80 P ’10 ’12John T. Barrett, Jr. ’63 P ’01Neil S. Beranbaum ’86 P ’22 ’24 Emily Low Boenning ’81Russell Carpenter ’59David Costantino P ’12 Clerk, Buildings & Grounds Committee

Marc A. Crisafulli P ’12 ’14 ’17Dana Falk P ’11 ’14 ’14 Clerk, Parents’ Association

Ted Fischer ’83 P ’12 ’14 ’17 Clerk, Development Committee

Katharine Hazard Flynn P ’12 ’15 Treasurer

Clerk, Budget & Finance Committee

Gary Goldberg ’87 P ’17 ’19 ’20 Brian Goldner P ’14 Habib Y. Gorgi ’74 P ’08 ’10 ’12 ’17 Clerk of the Board

Clerk, Executive Committee

Melissa Crouchley Hem ’85David HoldtLee Jaspers P ’11 ’14Mary Jo Kaplan P ’08 ’11Kathleen Levesque P’ 12 ’14 ’17 Frederick MartinM. Willis Monroe ’04Elizabeth Morse Neal Pandozzi ’91Jaymin Patel P ’16 ’17Dieter Pohl P ’14Stephanie Ogidan Preston ’97 Clerk, Alumni Association

James Reavis P ’11 ’13 ’16 Clerk, Trustees Committee

Cynthia West ReikLisa Rocchio ’85 P ’14 ’15 ’21Martha Schwope Friends Coordinator

Carol Smith Recording Clerk

E. Paul Sorensen P ’02Blair D. StambaughSheri Sweitzer P ’05 Assistant Clerk of the Board

Clerk, Strategic Planning Committee

Reza Taleghani ’90Catherine Terry Taylor P ’15 Clerk, Nominating Committee

Steven Tripp P ’19 ’24Carl Weinberg P ’90 ’94 ’16 ’24 Elizabeth R. B. Zimmerman P ’94 Clerk, Nurturing Friends Education

Matt Glendinning Head of School

Jackie Stillwell Clerk of NEYM

Moses Brown School Board of Trustees 2011-2012

Moses Brown, a Friends school, exists to inspire the inner promise of each student and instill the utmost care for learning, people, and place. — Moses Brown School mission statement

This issue of Cupola examines the topic of “the future” and where we’re headed, both at MB and beyond. Inside, we share forward-looking perspectives and experiences from Frank Sulloway ’65, Scott Wolf ’71, Michael Voccola ’76, Parker Ramspott ’78, Cheryl Schadone Cohen ’81, David Everett ’81, Albie Dahlberg ’87, Irving Fain ’98, Wiley Cerilli ’98, Albert Huang ’99, Drew Harry ’01, Dan Winston ’05, and Reva Street ’05. Thanks to Hardi Parker ’78, our guest editor for this issue. Alumni Relations Director Karin Morse ’79 and Managing Editor Kristen Curry captured our cover image this fall while meeting with profilee Michael Voccola, a downtown developer (see page 12). Karin

Remember when “media of the future” looked like this?(Circa 1959-60, Mr. Jordan’s classroom)

Don’t wait for “rabbit ears” to arrive to stay current. Visit MB on Facebook or www.mosesbrown.org for videos of MB classrooms, activities and events today.

About Our Cover

Looking forward … Reunion 2012: May 12

MB Commencement 2012: June 14

and Kristen met Michael on top of The Residences Providence, one of the many properties he oversees for the Procaccianti Group. The unique vantage point from Providence’s highest residential point let MB staff get some great pictures of Michael as well of Moses Brown, downtown Providence, and Narragansett Bay. Send comments on this issue or ideas for future editions of Cupola to Karin and Kristen at kmorse@mosesbrown.org / kcurry@mosesbrown.org. Field trip invitations welcome! Catch up with Cupola and MB staff at MB Reunion

weekend this May.

Randy Street will be recognized as Faculty Member of the Year at spring Reunion.

David Morsilli ’87 and Peter Kilborn ’57 will receive 25th Reunion Achievement and

Distinguished Alumnus awards from the Moses Brown Alumni Association.

Know of someone who’s forward-looking for Moses Brown or within their field?

Send nominations for future awards to alumni@mosesbrown.org.

Heather Tow-Yick ’94, executive director of Teach for America Rhode Island, will

deliver this year’s commencement address. Alumni and community members are

always invited to come back to MB for Commencement.

{ Moses Brown School

CupolaA bi-annual magazine for Moses Brown School alumni

EditorSandi Seltzer P ’09 ’13

Managing EditorKristen A. Curry

Class Notes EditorSusan Cordina P ’14 ’16

Director of Alumni RelationsKarin Morse ’79

Director of Development and Alumni RelationsRonald Dalgliesh P ’19 ’21

PhotographyPeter GoldbergDavid O’ConnorProvidence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau

DesignerBridget Snow Design

PrinterColonial Printing,Warwick, certified by the Forest Stewardship Council

The Cupola is produced by the Office of Alumni Relations for alumni and friends of Moses Brown. Your feedback is welcome. Please send comments to: Cupola, Moses Brown School, 250 Lloyd Avenue, Providence, RI 02906. Send suggestions, class notes, and address updates to MB Alumni Relations via mosesbrown.org or alumni@mosesbrown.org; 401-831-7350 x114. Moses Brown School is a nonprofit institution.

www.mosesbrown.org

CupolaSpring 2012

8 Frank Sulloway ’65: a life of the mind

10 Scott Wolf ’71: helping Rhode Island grow smart

12 Michael Voccola ’76: Providence perspective

14 Albie Dahlberg ’87: sparking change

15 Albert Huang ’99: a path to robotics

16 Reva Street ’05: engineering a career in biomedicine

17 What Will Our Graduates Face? The MB 2030 Forum

18 New Faculty Snapshot

20 Coming this April: TEDx MosesBrownSchool

43 Endowment Fuels the Future!

“Creativity Matters” from Head of School Matt Glendinning 4

Hope & Lloyd: School News 5

Alumni Events & Awards 21

Homecoming 2011 22

Class Notes 24

The Moses Brown Fund 37

MyMB: Molly Sullivan ’11 39

In Memoriam 40

Former Faculty & Staff 42

The Future Issue

Departments

Guest editor: Richard “Hardi” Parker ’78, page 7

14

Please see Class Notes, starting on page 24, for special profiles on Parker

Ramspott ’78, Cheryl Schadone Cohen ’81, David Everett ’81, Barrett Bready

’95, Irving Fain ’98, Wiley Cerilli ’98, Drew Harry ’01, and Dan Winston ’05

17 23

15 29

18 21

4

THIS ISSUE OF CUPOLA

FOCUSES on the future,

and some of the Moses

Brown alumni who are

helping to shape it.

From robotics to

electric and driverless

cars, from urban

renewal to nerve

regeneration in the

spinal cord, this edition of the MB alumni

magazine presents the stories of some

remarkable people making a real difference

in the world.

No less remarkable is the fact that such

stories are far from unique among MB

alums. Indeed, so often do our graduates

seem to find themselves at the leading edge

of human intellectual, scientific, cultural

and artistic achievement, one might well

wonder: what’s in the water at this 228-year-

old Quaker school in Providence?

One possible clue comes from a survey

conducted by IBM in 2010, in which 1,500

CEOs world-wide identified creativity as the

attribute most needed for success in the

future. Judging by the myriad books,

conferences and articles written on the

subject since then, it seems that many in the

world of both business and academia agree.

Writing in the December 14, 2011 edition

of Education Week, author Sarah Sparks says,

“Teaching creativity has been a hot-button

topic this fall, from the National Academy of

Education’s annual meeting in Washington

to a Learning and the Brain conference in

Boston. Yet researchers are just beginning to

determine what makes some students more

creative than their peers, and how the

classroom environment can nurture or

smother that ability.”

What exactly is creativity? Clearly it

involves originality and imagination. But

more, it means the ability to problem-solve

by applying the known to the unknown, and

to innovate by transcending conventional

wisdom.

While research suggests that teaching

creativity is challenging, I believe that

MB’s Quaker heritage provides a distinct

advantage. By encouraging students to be

intellectually curious and self-reflective, to

nurture their inner passion, and to take

appropriate risks and learn from challenge

(even failure), MB provides students with a

foundation in creativity, and hence the

intellectual agility to shape the future.

In the pages that follow, I hope that you

will recognize some of these traits in the

stories of scholar Frank Sulloway ’65,

environmental activist Albie Dahlberg ’87,

computer scientist Albert Huang ’99, and

biomedical researcher Reva Street ’05,

among others.

I also hope that you will find interest

in some of MB’s most recent initiatives,

e.g., a biannual education summit called

the MB 2030 Forum (see page 17), and our

inaugural TEDx conference entitled Lives

that Speak, scheduled for April 19 (see page

20). By hosting and leading conversations

at the forefront of educational practice,

Moses Brown both honors its core values

and time-tested philosophy and embraces

a changing future.

I’d like to thank guest editor Richard

“Hardi” Parker ’78 for helping us collect and

shape these inspiring stories. As always, I

invite you to keep the conversation going.

Please email me at mglendinning@

mosesbrown.org if you would like to

respond to anything you see in these pages.

A letter from Matt Glendinning, Head of School

Creativity Matters

5

News from Moses Brown Today

Hope&

LloydCreativity Matters

Congratulations

Four MB seniors have been selected as R.I. Presidential Scholar candidates. Yixin Sun, Noah Jennis, Jacob Sim, and Marena Richardson were named as 2012 candidates for Rhode Island.

Junior Emma Rantanen won an Honorable Mention Silver Award in Cornell University’s Design contest for fashion. Emma’s work considered “Our Dichotomous World,” combining urban street fashion with natural elements by incorporating feathers into high-fashion design. Emma’s entry was selected as a finalist from more than 150 submissions.

Four MB wrestlers qualified for Rhode Island State Championships this year, with freshman Andrew Howard taking first place.

Seniors Gracie Gilbert and Ian Killgore advanced to finalist standing in the National Achievement

Scholarship Program. The academic competition was established in 1964 to provide recognition

for outstanding black American high school students. It was recently announced that Gracie won the award.

The Rhode Island Arts Education Association named eight MB students as recipients of its 2012 Scholastic Arts Awards: Charlie Simmons, Paige Davidson, Ariana Gomez, Jessica Litwin, Virginia Kain, Aisha Kuforiji, Ashton Penney, and Lauren Doberstein.

The Rhode Island Interscholastic League honored the boys’ varsity soccer team with the league’s statewide Sportsmanship Award for the second consecutive year. The league also named Coach Eric Aaronian Coach of the Year.

Seventeen Moses Brown students earned placement in the All-State Music Festival. Two students, Lydia Parr and Matthew Papa, placed first in the state on bassoon and timpani, respectively.

Hope Street connectionThis year, 33 MB upper school students were involved in the annual student exchange with peers from nearby Hope High School. This is the third annual partnership, with this year’s events coordinated by MB alumna Melissa Francois ’97, assistant program director for the H20 After School Program at Hope High, along with MB’s interim dean of students, Kevin Matson, and student leaders at both schools. The exchange program allows students to gain an understanding of differences and commonalities between the schools and was featured in a Providence Journal article. Students also enjoyed a presentation by psychologist and performer Dr. Michael Fowlin (a.k.a. Mykee), who gave a compelling talk on identity, difference, and tolerance.

Salt marsh science and serviceAn upper school AP Biology class has begun work on a salt marsh restoration project, which also doubles as a service learning opportunity. “The kids collected data on plant and animal species richness and abundance (part of our ecology unit) of the salt marsh from the high marsh to low marsh,” says instructor Amy Newbold. “We used seine nets to sample diver-sity of vertebrates and invertebrate animals in the tidal water in the marsh. These two sets of data were used to assess the health of this salt marsh. This is especially important given the general importance of estuary habitats.”

6

Dumplings & differences: Chinese exchange and experiences at MBWhat are the differences between Chinese and American classrooms? Twenty-three Chinese secondary-level educators visited campus this year to find out as part of an eight-week program at Brown University’s Shenzhen Institute for Teachers. According to the visiting teachers, instructors in the U.S. are often more skilled at developing relationships with students and teaching creativity, problem-solving, and analysis. In contrast, Chinese instructors specialize at imparting high volumes of information to very large classes.

MB’s lower school also had a Chinese exchange of its own. As part of its unit on China, fifth grade invited visitors with Chinese origins to offer students a firsthand account of what life is like there. This year, students heard an upper school family member, Jing Song, describe life growing up in China, as well as upper school Chinese language teacher Hui Gao. Hui and her students also recently invited the MB community to celebrate Chinese New Year with a dumpling party in the Meetinghouse.

New roles

Erik Wilker has been appointed director of administrative and strategic affairs at Moses Brown. Erik is responsible for the smooth operation of the school’s day-to-day governance and management, as well as coordination of the school’s long-term strategic plans.

Tammie Worthington-Witczak has taken a new role at MB as associate director of development for annual programs and advancement services. Tammie has served MB in many important capacities, most recently as a member of the Global Stewardship Task Force.

Middle school science in action:(sometimes) wet and (occasionally) balloon-powered!Seventh grade students recently engaged in a water-carrying lab for their water use, sources, and pollution unit. In small groups, they simulated the carrying of five gallons of water from a “town well” back to their “home” a mile away. The project was featured in Scholastic Instructor magazine. Eighth grade also studied Newton’s law of motion in about the most fun way possible: by creating balloon-powered race cars and then competing against each other in the Sinclair Room.

Follow alongIf you are in the world of Twitter or Facebook, then please find us there as well; we’ll keep you up-to-date on everything from academic, sports and arts news, to Homecoming or Reunion reminders, and of course Doc Odell’s presiden-tial run! Where? Twitter.com/mosesbrown, Twitter.com/mbalumni and www.facebook.com/MosesBrownschool

What do Derek Jeter, Barack Obama, and Lower School Head Abby Guinn have in common? This was a topic considered at this winter’s round of diversity workshops in lower school. Other topics included “Multicultural Manners,” “Through Different Eyes,” “I Know I Don’t NEED It, but I really WANT It!,” “Our Many Colors,” and “Viewing the World Through Different Lenses of Faith.”

New MB websiteIf you haven’t visited the MB website recently, have a look at our new design and see what’s going on with the school, as well as keep up with recent alumni news (www.mosesbrown.org/alumni) and events (www.mosesbrown.org/events).

7

A LARGE PART OF WHAT DEFINES OUR

LIVES is our professions and careers. Over

the past several decades, and especially

during the last 20 years, traditional

professions have been augmented and,

at times, upstaged by careers that did not

exist prior. While professions in fields like

information technology are still considered

new, prior “new” careers, like those in

plastics (as professed in the movie The

Graduate), have not only become mature, but

are now leaving North America, dominated

by emerging economies.

As we look at the past, the future,

professions, Quakerism, and ethics, it

is important to see consistency through

the ages. Hard work, vision, and even

hardship, not simply the expectation of

receiving success without effort, create a

deeply rewarding condition from which

stewardship and fiduciary responsibility can

blossom.

Long before the concepts of reuse and

green space were visible in the public eye,

Henry Ford was already pursuing these

concepts. Ford required that suppliers

of batteries for his early cars ship the

batteries to his plant in wooden boxes,

built to exact specifications. These boxes,

once received with the batteries, were not

simply discarded, but disassembled, and the

materials used as floorboards for these early

automobiles. At the same time, while green

space around metropolitan Detroit was

rapidly giving way to factories and housing,

Ford maintained extensive open land with

functional farming in Dearborn, directly

adjacent to his company’s future world

headquarters.

Like Henry Ford, we, too, have not

only an opportunity, but a responsibility,

to work responsibly and nurture the next

generation. We need to work toward

influencing our future leaders educationally

so that they will consider both their

personal needs and those of others and the

environment, as they pursue their careers.

It will be important for them to consider

essential personal needs, such as providing

for their families, while at the same time

providing stable growth opportunities for

their employees and conservation of our

environment and planet.

Elsewhere in this issue, you will note

the passing of Andrew Arkway ’78, my

very closest friend throughout our entire

lives. When speaking at Andy’s Celebration

of Life this past July, I chose to address,

“What Would Andy Do?” Throughout his

life, Andy was both an environmentalist and

an advocate of social welfare causes. Most

recently, Andy had worked as a stewardship

director for the Aquidneck Land Trust,

working to preserve the ever-threatened

green spaces on Newport, Portsmouth, and

Middletown.

Andy drove a Toyota Prius, not because

it made economic sense (yet!), but because

he believed in supporting transitional

technologies that will ultimately benefit our

environment.

As we look at the Moses Brown alumni

who are profiled in this issue of Cupola,

consider the positive impact each is making

in their own way. As you go forward in your

own endeavors, perhaps you too might

consider how you can challenge yourself

to embrace the concept of stewardship,

nurture the next generation, work towards

improving our world, and ask this simple

question, “What would Andy do?”

By Guest Editor Richard “Hardi” Parker ’78

What Would Andy Do?“Hard work, vision, and even hardship, not simply the expectation of receiving success without effort, create a deeply rewarding condition from which stewardship and fiduciary responsibility can blossom.”

Richard “Hardi” Parker attended Providence College and Siena Heights University after MB and is now vice president and direc-

tor of business development for a reusable packaging manufacturer in Michigan. Creative Techniques, Inc. provides reusable

transport packaging solutions and products to customers around the world. The company helps eliminate waste related to

expendable packaging. The company serves a range of industries, from automotive, aerospace, and food & beverage to pharma-

ceutical and alternative energy. Hardi is pleased to report some “rust belt recovery” with an influx of work from existing and

new clients. They are operating on a 24/6 schedule, on both traditional automotive work and projects for new clients. Hardi cites

faculty members Jim Maland, Wayne Curtis, Robert Clough, Beth Taylor, and Dave McNab as significant influences during his

time at MB. While at MB, Hardi ran track & field for Doc Odell and rowed crew. Contact Hardi at parker-rick@hotmail.com.

Photo: Nicholas Millard

8

Birth Order and Family Dynamics

A PRINCIPAL FOCUS OF FRANK’S BOOK

BORN TO REBEL was to understand what

influence, if any, birth order exerts on

personality and radical thinking. “The book

was also an effort to test a broader,

Darwinian perspective on how family

dynamics relates to individual development,”

Frank says. Many birth order effects, Frank

argued, represent sibling strategies for

surviving childhood and increasing fitness,

sometimes at the expense of siblings. He

maintained that siblings are much like

Darwin’s famous finches in that they tend

to diversify within the family by occupying

and exploiting different family niches in

order to garner familial resources,

particularly parental investment. Publication

of the book led to Frank’s selection as a

recipient of the Golden Plate Award of the

American Academy of Achievement (1997)

by three prior recipients, Francis Crick,

Stephen Jay Gould, and Edward O. Wilson.

For his research on Darwin as well as on

Freud (about whom Frank wrote a prize-

winning book, Freud, Biologist of the Mind,

1979), Frank received a MacArthur Award in

1984, which gave him five years of

no-strings-attached funding to do whatever

he wanted — a serendipitous event that

helped him to transition from the history of

science to psychology, and to complete his

research for Born to Rebel. Over the last

decade Frank has increasingly collaborated

with behavioral ecologists and evolutionary

biologists. Much of this research (which has

required him to do some significant

retooling) has focused on evolutionary

processes in the Galápagos Islands: “Among

other findings, my colleagues and I have

shown that Darwin’s finches exhibit

morphological differences over modest

geographic distances within the same island,

highlighting the power of natural selection to

fine-tune adaptations to local resources.”

This and other research projects have taken

Frank back to the Galápagos Islands 12 times

since his first visit there in 1968.

“Looking back, I can identify two aspects

of my education at Moses Brown that have

exerted a lasting impact on my life and

career,” Frank says. “Both of these

influences were associated with Doc Odell,

who taught me French as well as Russian.

When I was conducting research for my

book Born to Rebel, I had to consult

biographies of famous scientists and other

historical figures written in more than half a

dozen languages. Doc’s tutelage helped me

to take what I had learned at Moses Brown

and to apply this linguistic foundation to the

learning of other languages.”

Perhaps the most unusual feature of

Frank’s academic career is the fact that he

has been an independent scholar for the last

40 years, supporting himself almost entirely

through grants, fellowships, occasional Th

e F

ut

ure

Frank Sulloway’s career has included research in the history of science, psychology,

and evolutionary biology. His earliest passion, however, was for astronomy — an

interest he pursued during his five years at MB. Frank’s first publication, which

appeared in Sky & Telescope when he was 14, was a photograph he took of a

spectacular aurora borealis as it shimmered above one of the school’s athletic fields.

His interest in photography has provided a useful adjunct to his research. Today, he

is engaged in a long-term project in the Galápagos Islands, begun three years after

his graduation from Moses Brown in 1965, that makes use of “repeat photography”

to document ecological changes caused by invasive species.

Frank Sulloway ’65

Born to Rebel: A Life of the Mind

While an undergraduate at Harvard, Frank Sulloway organized an expedition to South America, retracing Darwin’s Beagle voyage. This fostered Frank’s lifelong interest in evolutionary theory, which continues to take him to the Galápagos.

9

awards, and by royalties from his various

publications. Although he has always been

affiliated with a university and was recently

made adjunct professor in the Department

of Psychology at U.C. Berkeley, he has never

held a full-time job and says, “I have never

wanted one. I have tried to live the life of

the mind and to follow my research

interests wherever they might lead. Looking

back, it seems that I enjoyed being a student

so much, both at Moses Brown and later at

Harvard, that I decided to make a career of it.”

Frank Sulloway is an adjunct professor in the

Department of Psychology at the University of

California – Berkeley. Frank received his A.B.

from Harvard College and his master’s and Ph.D.

from Harvard University, focusing on the history

of science. In 1984 Frank received a five-year

MacArthur Award for his work on Darwin and

Freud. See more on his work at sulloway.org or

contact Frank at sulloway@berkeley.edu.

“Although my training, research, and theoretical work are very diverse, these activities are united by my deep and sustained interest in all things ‘Darwinian.’ Darwin himself has served as an inspiring role model for me — in his tenacity, his focus on detail, his remarkable openness to experience, and, finally, his search for overarching theories to explain seemingly disparate facts.”

photos: Eric Rorer

Darwin Redo

AT HARVARD, FRANK BEGAN TO FORGE the path as the independent scholar he is today.

Frank’s interests and independent research led him to challenge one of the most widespread

legends in the history of science, that of Charles Darwin and his theory of evolution. Not

content to rely solely on library sources or the research of others, Frank organized an expedition

during the summer of his junior year. He organized an eight-person film crew that traveled to

South America, retracing Darwin’s route during his voyage on the H.M.S. Beagle (1831-1836). In

the course of this three-month trip, Frank made several discoveries about how the voyage

influenced Darwin’s conversion to the theory of evolution. In contrast to the established legend

that Darwin first converted to evolution in the Galápagos Islands — as a result of his discovery

of “Darwin’s finches” — Frank was able to demonstrate from manuscript sources that Darwin

initially misunderstood this famous evidence. Frank cites the finches’ “diverse beak morphology”

which he says led Darwin to misclassify the birds, overlooking their evolutionary implications.

In a series of publications about Darwin’s intellectual development, Frank showed that Darwin’s

conversion to evolution did not occur during the Beagle voyage, as previously believed, but

rather took place six months after his return to England. Frank made this discovery by

conducting a detailed investigation of Darwin’s voyage and post-voyage notebooks as well as

the specimens he collected during the Beagle voyage.

“What was perhaps most consequential about my revision of prior accounts of Darwin’s

intellectual development,” says Frank, “was my realization that Darwin’s conversion to the theory

of evolution was an extended process, and that his personality played a major role in this

transformation. Darwin’s revolutionary insights arose from evidence that became widely known

to his scientific peers two decades before the Origin of Species (1859) was published. Yet his peers

— often more knowledgeable than Darwin about the proper classification of his specimens —

generally failed to see the full implications of this evidence; and even when they did suspect its

importance, they shied away from breaking with conventional wisdom and interpreting the new

data in the revolutionary manner that Darwin did. Although young Darwin actually knew less

science, he was the one who had the conceptual breakthroughs that initiated a scientific revolution.”

Later, as a graduate student at Harvard, Frank’s conclusions about Darwin stimulated him to

begin studying the psychology of creative achievement, examining individual life histories.

Frank began to direct his work toward the psychology of scientific creativity and the causes of

radical achievement in science. This led to his book Born to Rebel: Birth Order, Family Dynamics,

and Creative Lives (1996). Using statistical methods and a database of more than 6,000 eminent

scientists and other historical figures, Frank showed that birth order and family dynamics are

surprisingly good predictors of radical thinking and revolutionary achievements, as well as

other aspects of human behavior. His book presented a Darwinian framework for understanding

personality development in terms of sibling competition for parental resources.

Looking for invasive wasps (Polistes versicolor) inside the caldera of Volcan Alcedo in the Galapagos Islands in 2008. In the background are several steaming fumaroles.

Measuring the beaks of Darwin’s finches at the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco (2009). This study involves documentation of morphological changes in beak size among three tree finches over the last century.

10

WHEN I SPEAK ACROSS RHODE ISLAND, I

deliver a message of optimism about our

state because I think that we have

tremendous untapped potential. I want to

help my fellow Rhode Islanders build for a

better future here.

I’ve learned that in Rhode Island, it’s

almost revolutionary to be publicly positive

about our state’s future given the negative

group think and “Chicken Littleism”

pervasive here. Expressing optimism about

Rhode Island’s future places you at risk of

being embarrassed, even having your sanity

questioned. By envisioning a better Rhode

Island, you put yourself in a position to

propose action vs. capitulation, engagement

vs. withdrawal, accountability vs.

scapegoating.

Unfortunately, many Rhode Islanders

tend to revel in our real and perceived

weaknesses while remaining oblivious to

our impressive strengths. George Wein,

noted impresario of the Newport Jazz and

Folk festivals and a native New Yorker, once

observed, “Rhode Island thinks it’s a

depressed area, they think it’s a permanent

way of life.”

In order to avoid having our state

continue to sell itself short and under-

perform, we need to better understand

Rhode Island’s current reality and better

imagine its potential future. Only a dramatic

failure of leadership and vision could deny a

bright future for a state with the following

assets:

• more historic buildings per square mile

than any other

• more college students per capita than

virtually any other

• well-positioned deep water ports and

harbors

• some of the most energy-efficient

development patterns and public

policies in the nation at a time when the

era of cheap oil is ending

• an outstanding urban-rural balance as

the second most urbanized and 15th

most forested state in the country

We need to build on such assets.

Rhode Island should focus on the

growing number of knowledge economy

companies and entrepreneurs that want the

kind of funky, historic, highly walkable,

mixed-use neighborhood settings that we

have in abundance. Fortunately, state

leaders are finally beginning to market these

appealing neighborhoods beyond Rhode

Island’s borders.

As we focus on our challenges, it is

critical that we view them through the

prism of our strengths and focus on real

problems like a decaying transportation

infrastructure and an underfunded pension

system, but not on the manufactured

problems embodied in false and misguided

Rhode Island “urban legends” (all untrue)

that have gained too much currency: our

sales tax burden is high, we are a welfare

magnet within the Northeast, and we are

seeing a mass exodus of wealthy people

from Rhode Island.

As leaders, we must push back against

lazy thinking and gratuitous pessimism. One

of the biggest problems with a pessimistic

mindset is that it can make us too easily

satisfied with our state’s performance, and

not demanding enough of our leaders.

To ensure economic vitality and stronger

neighborhoods, what we need most urgently

is a paradigm shift toward a broad

prosperity initiative that plays to our

numerous strengths.

For our cities, we need a conscious and

aggressive urban revitalization policy so we

don’t have more Central Falls-style

bankruptcy debacles, which can have

serious statewide implications in a footprint

as small as ours. Grow Smart advocates for

a targeted state historic tax credit, more

effective marketing by the State’s Economic

Development Corporation of historic

buildings that have already been rehabbed,

and incentives for infrastructure and

business investment in our urban, town and

village centers. We’re heartened that Th

e F

ut

ure

Scott Wolf ’71Executive Director, Grow Smart Rhode Island

Realistic Optimism about Rhode Island’s FuturePhotos courtesy of PWCVB Photo: Marianne Lee

Governor Chafee and the EDC are calling for

a restoration of the State’s Main Street

program along with other revitalization

initiatives.

Let’s make it a priority to raise the

consciousness of all our residents about the

vast untapped potential of our special state.

We can and must grow smart, but this will

only happen if we become smarter about

the numerous assets we have to build on for

a better future.

Class stats: While at MB, Scott was editor-

in-chief of The Quaker. He attended MB

for 11 years, arriving at Moses Brown in

second grade.

After MB, Scott Wolf headed to Brown to

study political science. While volunteering for

Senator Pell’s 1972 reelection campaign in his

sophomore year, he discovered a love for public

service and working in politics. After Brown, he

worked for the Democratic National Committee

and was research director for the Carter-

Mondale reelection campaign. He has worked on

political and public policy campaigns in most of

the 50 states. In Rhode Island, Scott has served

as director of the Governor’s Office of Housing

Energy and Intergovernmental Relations for

Governor Sundlun. Contact Scott at swolf@

growsmartri.org.

11

Scott highlights a number of promising trends and developments that Rhode Island can leverage

for a brighter future:

Studio 38 and Hasbro coming to downtown Providence, bringing more than 500 new knowledge

economy jobs. | Two major ports recently awarded major federal grants to purchase state-of-the-

art cranes, better positioning Rhode Island to compete in the emerging short sea shipping market. | Full implementation of the I-Way project, which has reduced highway bottlenecks in Providence. | More than 20 acres of valuable I-195 land opening up, offering significant economic development

opportunity. | According to some political observers, for the first time in more than 30 years,

Rhode Island has a state governor and Providence mayor who actually like each other and who are

working together closely and productively. | The new Interlink Commuter Rail facility at Green

Airport is operational, offering service to Providence and Boston (and soon to Wickford Junction). | The long debated/studied runway extension at the airport is moving forward. | The highly creative

Beta Spring operation in Providence, coaching young entrepreneurs to translate their creative ideas

and concepts into marketable businesses. | Impressive new “knowledge economy” companies

emerging in Rhode Island, led by Rhode Islanders who see R.I.’s potential and assets. | The new

energy of our agricultural sector, which has experienced major increases recently in the number

of local farms, farm income, and farmers’ markets. | Newport was recently named one of the ten

most beautiful places in America and the site of the upcoming World Series of Sailing

[Excerpted from Scott’s recent speech to Leadership Rhode Island]

Scott recently gave the graduation address, on Rhode Island’s future, to the most recent graduating class of Leadership Rhode Island, which included Heather Tow-Yick ’94. Scott is a 1987 LRI graduate.

“I think retaining a commitment to a core liberal arts curriculum is critical because the acceleration of technological advancement and globalization in our world today puts a premium on intellectual versatility and nimbleness. If Moses Brown is committed to training society’s future leaders, not just our future workers, there is no practical option for Moses Brown other than a core liberal arts curriculum.”

Grow Smart Rhode Island advocates sustainable economic growth in our state. See growsmartri.org to access resources or learn more. This May, Grow Smart will hold its 4th biennial Power of Place Summit at the R.I. Convention Center.

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IN MAY, PROVIDENCE MAYOR ANGEL

TAVERAS appointed Michael to one of the

advisory committees that will lay out the

rules for developing the land uncovered by

the recent Route 195 realignment. The

removal of the historic 195 highway

structure at the base of Wickenden Street

last summer opened up a 19-acre parcel of

land that is a significant part of the city

grid, awaiting development. Formerly the

core of the city’s manufacturing industry,

the site connects Fox Point, the East Side,

Jewelry District, downtown and hospitals.

Development of the land has been identified

by city and state leaders as a top economic

priority. The advisory committee also includes

Arnold “Buff” Chace ’65, Peter Hayes P ’10’12,

Robert Gilbane ’67, Barbara Bennett P ’09, and

Edward Sanderson P’94.

“I grew up in Cranston and attended MB

for nine years,” Michael says. “My daily

commute was through Providence, and it

was a dismal and dark city back then.

When I would return home from Boston

College in the mid-1970s, I distinctly

remember driving through Providence and

noticing how undeveloped and stagnant the

city was and realized that it could not

possibly remain like this and that at some

point it would blossom.”

After 33 years in Rhode Island real

estate, Michael has been involved in every

aspect of commercial real estate in and

around Providence — from acquisitions to

financing to legal and management. At the

Procaccianti Group, he oversees notable

properties throughout the country, operating

Hyatts and Hiltons from Boston to Santa

Monica. The company’s major local property

is The Westin Providence, acquired from the

State of Rhode Island in 2005. They operate

a number of properties in Rhode Island from

the Sheraton Airport Hotel in Warwick to

the Ocean Rose Inn in Narragansett.

“My involvement with the Providence

Knowledge Committee allows me to put a

fingerprint on the future of the recently-

liberated portions of the city in terms of use,

zoning, timing and value,” Michael says. He

hopes that the committee’s work will result

in a faster, more efficient, effective way to

develop this land, resulting in “greater

employment, greater investment and an

overall greater city for everyone.”

“For the longest time, Providence was a

dying city — low employment, low

investment, low technology and low self-

esteem,” he comments. “Over the past two

decades, Providence has made tremendous

strides — from the relocation of the railroad

tracks and the rivers, new train station,

development of Capital Center, skating rink,

Providence Place Mall, WaterFire, PPAC and

Trinity. Those engines drove other engines

of investment. We have arrived at a critical

juncture and now have a multitude of assets

which, properly assembled and maintained,

will continue to foster investment and

development in Providence. The expansion

of our hospitals and colleges and

universities will provide further growth

upon which supporting investments and

ideas can flourish. We need to keep going.”

The committee is looking at new ways to

define the cityscape — elements of the new

development may include European-style

crosswalks (at road midpoints) that ensure

pedestrian safety and smoother traffic flow, Th

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Michael Voccola ’76Rhode Island Real Estate Developer

The Future of Providence: a Smarter City

Michael started his real estate career working for his father after school while a student at MB. The summer before his senior year at Boston College,

he landed an entry-level position at a firm known as Downing Corporation (now Churchill & Banks) as the self-described “assistant to the copy machine.”

By the end of Michael’s tenure there six years later, he was directly involved in the development of 2,000 residential condominium units in Providence

and thousands of square feet of commercial space. After starting his own firm and working for a decade as a commercial broker, today Michael is vice

president of the Procaccianti Group in Cranston (helmed by classmate Jim Procaccianti ’76). TPG is the third largest hotel owner/operator in the U.S.,

with 60 hotels in 23 states and 7,500 employees nationally.

promoting pedestrian activity, ecological

commitments, ‘green’ technology and other

ideas. “These ideas were too futuristic a few

years ago,” he says, “but now these kind of

concepts are no longer the way of the

future, they are the way of the present.”

“The first rule of business is ‘Don’t

ignore the obvious,’” Michael says. “Right in

our midst, we have world-class hospitals —

Rhode Island, Hasbro, Miriam — and

universities — Brown, RISD, and Johnson &

Wales. Joining together with these venerable

institutions and creating and fostering the

natural synergy among them is the basis for

city growth. In turn, ancillary growth will

come in the form of residences, restaurants,

retailers, right down to coffeeshops, tailors

and dry cleaners. All of this is needed to

transform a conventional city into a

cohesive community.”

Smarter Cities: A challenging aspect of

Michael’s work involves permitting and

approvals, which differ among municipalities.

For this reason, he became involved with the

IBM Smarter Cities Challenge awarded to

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Providence last summer. Michael was one

invited to meet with top IBM executives to

discuss the varied processes of permits and

approvals — from zoning relief to building

permits — and to work to incorporate

technology into the system to increase

effectiveness and efficiency. Providence was

one of only 24 cities worldwide to receive an

IBM Smarter Cities grant last summer. IBM

consultants and specialists are studying how

intelligent technology might unite and

advance different aspects of life in Providence,

looking at ways to make the city healthier, safer,

smarter, more prosperous and attractive to

current and prospective residents and businesses.

Michael Voccola ’76 is corporate vice president at

the Procaccianti Group. After MB, he headed to

Boston College. Michael worked full-time for the

final three years of his undergraduate program,

graduating with a degree in marketing from the

School of Management. He received his law degree

from Roger Williams University School of Law and

is a past recipient of a Providence Preservation

Award for Reuse of Historically Significant

Property (Vineyard Court, Providence).

“A liberal arts curriculum is of geometrically growing importance. Middle and upper school students need to be exposed to a variety of arts so that as intelligent and thoughtful a selection can be made when a life course is determined. Historically, one ‘follows in one’s parents’ footsteps,’ but the world now offers a tremendous variety of opportunities in myriad areas, and these are literally changing by the day the planet over. Having solid exposure through a well-designed and executed liberal arts curriculum provides excellent guidance and an invaluable platform to learn, know and select one’s life choices.”

“Visitors to Providence in 20-30 years will see a

pedestrian-oriented city tied together with walking

and bike paths, maybe trolleys. Residents will see

billions of dollars in new investment by our

hospitals and universities. We will see extensive

residential in downtown, citizens availing

themselves of the cultural fabric of our performing

arts, and world-class businesses of all types coming

in to take advantage of the new population. All

this will lead to greater, more stable employment

for all. I look forward to seeing a new Providence

as our forefathers saw when they first started to

create our financial district by filling the basin in

the early 1800s.”

Photo: Marianne Lee

14

Many in the MB community know Albie Dahlberg

’87 for his service to the school as a member of

the Alumni Association Board and a member

of MB Forum 2030 (see page 17). Albie continues

to help Rhode Island look forward and recently

launched an effort to help make our state a leader

in the move toward electric vehicles:

How did you get involved with Project Get Ready?

I started Project Get Ready Rhode Island

(PGR RI) to address what I believe is one of

the greatest threats facing this nation — our

tremendous reliance on imported oil. We

use 20 million barrels of oil each day in the

U.S., half of which is imported. More than

70% of our oil goes towards transportation,

mostly gasoline for cars. I realized that the

only way to address our addiction to oil is to

replace gasoline miles with electricity miles.

PGR RI is a broad coalition of stakeholders:

small businesses, large companies, electricity

providers, auto dealers, environmental

advocates, electricians, engineers, professors,

students and others, working to promote

plug-in electric vehicles and the charging

infrastructure in Rhode Island. Our goal is to

establish Rhode Island as a leader in green

transportation, decrease transportation

costs, and reduce emissions by getting

10,000 plug-in electric vehicles by 2015.

PGR RI is part of a network of PGR sites

across North America, sharing best

practices, lessons learned, and policy

development, while developing industry

partnerships with auto manufacturers and

electricity providers. Rhode Island was the

sixth PGR site nationally and first

community in the Northeast.

Are there other ways that you personally are trying to be more energy independent?

I have solar thermal panels on my roof to

produce hot water. It replaced using our oil

burner for hot water. We also use a wood

pellet stove for heat, so together, those two

changes reduced our oil consumption

significantly.

You think that electric vehicles stand a good chance of adoption in Rhode Island, given our state’s small size … are there other benefits or challenges to be faced here?

Given Rhode Island’s small size, it is

relatively easy to convene a broad and

representative coalition of stakeholders and

build the social capital behind an effort like

this. However, Rhode Island is generally not

a first adopter state, so that is a challenge.

The theme for this issue is “the Future” — how is Rhode Island faring in its quest to get 10,000 plug-in vehicles registered by 2015?

Plug-in electric vehicles like the Chevy Volt

and Nissan Leaf are just arriving in showrooms

now so we’re a little behind our planned

schedule, but this is really a 20-year project,

and that is just phase one. This transition to

a new fuel source for transportation will

take decades; it is really our only choice.

The era of cheap oil is over (as witnessed by

the extreme depths to which we’ll drill in

the Gulf of Mexico when the Deepwater Rig

exploded). I think it is a pretty safe bet that

oil prices will continue to increase and

battery technology will continue to improve.

Those two trends make vehicle electrification

more appealing every day.

Have you encountered any surprising sources of support for this initiative?

I am surprised by the boldness of the U.S.

Navy’s goals for petroleum reduction and

new renewable energy sources, but it makes

perfect sense. The Newport Naval base is

the leader in plug-in electric vehicles in

Rhode Island right now, with about 20

smaller vehicles used only on the base.

A decade ago, you were working for the Senate Environmental & Public Works committee in Washington, then returned to Rhode Island to work in state government. What are the benefits, or challenges, of trying to effect change at the local level?

Working for Senator John Chafee on the

Senate Environment and Public Works

Committee was a transformative experience.

As a young attorney, it opened my eyes to

the complexity of public policy development

and the challenges we face to meet

increasing energy demands. Working at the

U.S. EPA, and then in state government,

gave me a firsthand view of the challenges

of policy implementation. It is important to

get these different perspectives: legislative

and executive, state and federal.

Albie Dahlberg ’87 is director of state and

community relations at Brown University.

After MB, Albie attended George Washington

University and Boston College Law School. He

was named one of seven “energy innovators” by

Planet Forward, on a nationally-televised PBS

special last April. Albie is a member of MB’s

2030 Forum (see page 17) and the Moses Brown

Alumni Association board. Albie and his wife

Hilary live in Providence with their three children.

Contact Albie at albert_a_dahlberg@brown.edu.

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Albie Dahlberg ’87

“With seven billion people on this planet, most of whom want to live like Americans, our resources are under tremendous stress. I think, for most people, it will be impossible not to be aware of the environmental costs of our lifestyle. As we deplete the cheap resources, there will be more conflicts and rising prices, so there will be economic impacts as well.”

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Sparking Change

15

MY PATH TO ROBOTICS started with

computers — I’d been interested in using

them to alternately have fun and solve

problems since I was a kid, including my

days at MB. Back then, there weren’t really

any computer science classes (hopefully

there are more options now!), but in my

junior year, I took a class at Brown. Every

Tuesday and Thursday afternoon, I’d

rollerblade down Thayer Street to make it in

time for class.

I didn’t actually get started in robotics

until midway through graduate school.

Looking back, I think I’d always been

intimidated by all the math involved, but

finally decided to take the plunge because it

seemed so interesting. The idea of building

something that could perform complex

tasks and help solve real problems was so

alluring to me that I completely switched

research topics several years into my Ph.D.

to study robotics.

One project I was fortunate enough to

work on in graduate school was the DARPA

Urban Challenge, a robotic car race where

we modified a Land Rover LR3 to drive itself

60 miles through an urban road network

while safely interacting with other cars

(both human and robot-driven) and obeying

California state traffic laws. There’s

something incredible about being in a car

while it’s driving itself around using the

software that you’ve written — when

nobody’s sitting in the driver’s seat. We

spent the month leading up to the final race

testing at an abandoned military air base in

Southern California during wildfire season,

and at some points it had this weird post-

apocalyptic future feel because we were

driving around deserted barracks in a robot

car while we could see (and smell) the hills

of California burning in the distance. Some

people I met in that project have since gone

on to lead the Google self-driving car project

that’s been in the news lately; I’m hoping

that they’ll take those techniques and

eventually build a car that can take me

somewhere with the push of a button.

In general, robotics is exciting right now

because we’re able to leverage all of these

great technologies coming out of other

sectors and use them to build robots. This

includes not only computer chips, but also

lightweight materials, and even developments

from entertainment industries. For example,

a recent project I worked on at MIT involved

outfitting a small robotic quadrotor helicopter

with a Microsoft Kinect to autonomously

navigate confined indoor spaces while

building high-resolution 3D maps.

Eventually, we could use robots like this to

give a detailed view of areas inaccessible to

people, such as an unstable building after

an earthquake, or inside a nuclear reactor

with dangerously high radiation levels.

I transitioned from academia to industry

in part because we’re at a point where a

great deal of robotics research is ready to be

developed for widespread use. At Heartland,

we’re building affordable robots to help

revitalize manufacturing in the U.S. by

making small-business operations more

productive.

Albert Huang graduated from Brown and

went on to receive his Ph.D. in computer science

at MIT. While a student at MB, Albert ran

cross-country and played handbells. At MIT,

he focused on machine vision for mobile robots

and even saw his work mentioned in Popular

Science and on CNN. He also co-wrote a

book on Bluetooth, Bluetooth Essentials for

Programmers. Albert can be reached at

ashuang@gmail.com.

Albert Huang ’99

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Sparking Change

Robots!

At the heart of it: Albert’s new employer,

Heartland Robotics, predicts that, “Robots will

change the way we work.” The company is located

in Boston’s Innovation District, where Albert works

for founder Rodney Brooks, former director of the

MIT Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence

Laboratory (and inventor of the Roomba).

Heartland’s goal is to introduce robots into places

that have not been automated before, making

manufacturers more efficient, workers more

productive and keeping jobs from migrating to

low-cost regions. Thomson Reuters’ Venture Capital

Journal recently ranked Heartland number seven on

its Top 20 Most Promising Startups list.

Autonomous forklifts, vehicles and more: Albert Huang, shown “working” on a robot, parlayed

an interest in computers into a career.

16

I WAS DRAWN TO BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING

because of my interest in the behind-the-

scenes aspects of medicine. A surprising

amount of research has to go into even the

seemingly simplest devices and treatments.

Essential implements, like surgical or

implantable devices, have even more

stringent requirements involved.

Biomed also allows me to explore a wide

range of interests, combining them into one

field. Biomedical engineering is dependent

upon collaborations, and covers a wide

range of disciplines: biology, chemistry,

mechanical engineering, electrical

engineering and materials engineering.

My research at Carnegie Mellon focused

on finding new ways to regenerate bone in

craniofacial areas. The impetus for this

research was the needs of soldiers wounded

on the battlefield who sustained serious

head traumas. In some of these cases,

enough skull bone is destroyed that the

body’s healing mechanisms cannot

adequately close the area. I worked on

biomaterials that could be injected into the

site and help the body fill those areas in

with new bone formation.

At Drexel, I am extending my research

with a similar material combination, but

now looking at applying this to guided nerve

regeneration in the spinal cord. Again, the

impetus is derived from the struggles of our

country’s service members who face

paralysis due to battlefield wounds. These

treatments also apply to the thousands of

people across the U.S. who struggle with

spinal cord injuries.

Veterans of current wars are definitely a

personal motivator for me in doing this work,

as well as the many other patients who can

benefit from these new advances in technology.

One of the really difficult things about spinal

cord injuries is that they tend to occur in

people under 30, who then have a lifetime of

dealing with full or partial paralysis.

One of the most challenging aspects of

my work is that the work I do is so far up

the medical device research pipeline. That

was especially hard in the thick of my

undergraduate coursework, where it was a

lot harder to tie what I was learning in the

classroom back to my goals of helping

patients. Now I have a better perspective on

how my education and research fits into the

grand scheme of biomedical research, and I

can better appreciate how basic science is

the support forming the foundation of the

entire medical industry. Working with

materials manufacturers and contacts in the

tissue bank industry has helped reinforce

this perspective.

Reva Street came by her propensity for both

building and art from her parents. Reva is the

daughter of Randy and Kristin Street, longtime

MB faculty (woodshop and art, respectively).

Reva attended MB for 15 years and can be

reached at revastreet@gmail.com.

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Reva Street ’05Our youngest featured alumnus in this future issue, Reva Street ’05 has distinguished herself in both art and science. After MB, she headed to Carnegie

Mellon for her undergraduate degree, then her master’s in biomedical engineering. Now Reva is in a Ph.D program at Drexel University in Philadelphia,

pursuing advancements in the field of spinal cord regeneration.

Future possibilities: Reva says the science still has

ways to go, but potential exists for spinal cord

regeneration to become reality in the future.

Treatments are being approached from many

angles: pharmaceuticals, physical therapies/

devices and surgical solutions. “There is definitely

hope,” she says, “but it remains one of the body’s

most challenging medical issues.” Working with

biomaterials that are early in development, it will

be at least a decade before Reva’s work will see

clinical trials, if ever, given the nature of work-

ing within FDA constraints. However, these same

regulatory mechanisms keep patients safe, she

says, terming them a “worthwhile hassle.”

An MB “lifer,” Reva Street was noted at MB for her hard work and willingness to step off the beaten track to explore interesting ideas. She received the MB Faculty Award and held a range of interests, from music to sports, French to the GBSA. A three-season athlete, she also competed in crew, swim, and lacrosse.

Engineering a Career

17

While ultimately unknowable, the future will be characterized by

increasing complexity, the rapid pace of change, information

overflow, and exponential advances in technology.

The world is shrinking, as new forms of communication,

transportation, financial practices, and political policies bring

global economies and cultures into close contact or conflict.

The value of traditional education is being questioned. Mastery of

concrete or technical knowledge, while important, must make way

for an emphasis on “softer” skills such as critical thinking (e.g.,

synthesis, judgment, evaluation of risk, problem solving); creativity

and adaptability; global savvy; collaboration; communication; and

character (e.g., humility, integrity, resilience, accountability,

empathy).

What Will Graduates Face in 2030?

Persistent economic instability will challenge both public and private

educational models. To ensure the continuing excellence of its

programs and student body, MB must enhance access, affordability,

and long-term financial sustainability, e.g., off-setting rising costs

with new sources of revenue and dramatic growth in the endowment.

In a changing future, MB will be well served by its historic strengths:

a core, liberal arts curriculum; a whole child approach (fostering

intellect and character; mind, body and spirit); a strong emphasis on

communication, listening and research; promotion of ethical

citizenship; and an expansive campus.

New pedagogies, directions, or initiatives that show promise

for a changing future include: project-based learning and case

studies; design thinking methodology; online learning; social

entrepreneurship; travel and immersion experiences; internships;

service and civic engagement.

MB Discernment Dialogues

The conversations held at the 2030 Forum proved so effective that the school will expand this model over the

next 12 months. A series of MB Discernment Dialogues with multiple groups will foster rich conversation and

personal story telling. The goal is to design a collective vision for the future of a Moses Brown education.

In December, Matt Glendinning introduced the MB 2030 Forum. Taking its name from our three-year-olds’

college graduation year, the 2030 Forum is a bi-annual summit. The first session included 20 community

members, leaders from a variety of fields. The challenge presented was deceptively simple:

What conditions will our graduates face in the year 2030,

and how should Moses Brown evolve in order to prepare students for that future?

To answer that question, participants were led through a series of events by Matt, along with Seth Goldenberg and Charlie Cannon. Seth is a former

VP of Bruce Mau Design in Chicago, and is founder and CEO of the innovation agency IP.21 Studio in Providence. Charlie is professor of industrial design

and co-founder of the Innovation Studio at RISD.

A ‘think tank’ by design, the MB 2030 Forum generated wide-ranging conversation and insight about numerous trends — past, present and future.

For example:

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Art by nursery students, MB ’26

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Rebecca Biggs is MB’s lower school math specialist, a newly created

position. Becky previously taught in Moses Brown’s third grade

classroom and is in her second year at MB. Becky has ten years of

teaching experience, with her B.A. from Colby and her master’s from

Lesley. She has taught students in nursery through fifth grade. An avid

swimmer, she’s also coached at the high school and college levels.

Brooke Coleman joined the upper school math department this year after

teaching at Westtown School since 2003. A graduate of Mount Holyoke,

where she captained the varsity soccer team, Brooke also completed the

M.A. in education leadership at the Klingenstein Center of Columbia

University. At Westtown, she ran a dormitory, trained and supported

the residential dorm faculty, and served on the upper school steering

committee — while also coaching soccer, basketball, and tennis. At MB,

Brooke is coaching girls’ JV soccer and advising MB’s GSA group.

Jim Dickson ’05, upper school math, says, “Learning mathematics requires

creativity, logic, and intense study, precisely what Moses Brown students

excel at. MB’s small class sizes are crucial to mathematics education.” Jim

graduated from Davidson, where he earned recognition for his work in

math and community service. Jim began doctoral studies at Virginia Tech,

but a change in advisor led to his coming to MB this year. Jim served as a

teaching assistant at Virginia Tech and also taught courses for their math

department. He also is a nationally-ranked chess player.

New generation MB: new faculty snapshot

Lance Evans, fifth grade, has taught at independent schools across the

country — in New York, L.A., Boston, Providence and Maui. “I feel most

rewarded when I am teaching and learning with pre-teen and middle

grade students,” says Lance. “The energy and exuberance fifth graders

bring to school with them each day amazes me. I am excited to embrace

the thoughtful model of Quaker education at MB.” Lance has 14 years of

teaching experience and previously taught at Wheeler and the MET

School. Lance has his B.S. in business from UNH and a master’s from

Emerson. He is a member of the lower school diversity committee.

Katie (Evans) Goldman ’06, middle school science, embraced the chance to

return to MB this year: “It is through my advisor and teachers at Moses

Brown that I learned the power of giving others enough confidence to be

the people they want to be. They empowered me through learning, and I

am fortunate to have the opportunity to now do the same.” Katie

graduated from Brown with a degree in neuroscience and anthropology

and previously taught at Boston Trinity Academy. She also co-authored

the Go Ask Your Teenager cards, which received the iParenting Media

Award. Katie oversees middle school robotics and coaches track.

Katherine Hawkins, first grade, has her master’s in early childhood

education from Bank Street College in New York. She has taught fifth

grade and served as an early childhood teacher at Tuxedo Park School.

“One thing that drew me to MB was the school’s dedication to

What are new faculty at MB like? Do they resemble faculty from decades past in any way? Take a look at this sampling of some of the teachers

who are just beginning their Moses Brown careers. See mosesbrown.org and future issues of Cupola for more on our faculty.

Rebecca Biggs Brooke Coleman Jim Dickson ’05 Lance Evans Katie (Evans) Goldman ’06

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Responsive Classroom, Writing and Reading Workshop, as well as

small-group guided reading,” Katy says. “Moses Brown supports life-

long learning, and encourages teachers to better themselves and

their teaching by attending professional development. I also love

working at a nursery-12 school; seeing all the ages walking around

campus makes me smile.” Katy is assistant coach for the varsity girls’

soccer team.

Allison Weitberg Jones ’96, preprimary, has spent 12 years working in

schools, including Northern Virginia Friends School and Sidwell

Friends. She has her bachelor’s degree from James Madison University.

Allie previously worked at Gordon School for several years as director

of after-school programs and nursery teacher. Spending summers

working at RISE camp led her to work with children: “It is a very special

experience to join children at the beginning of their educational

journey. It gives me great joy to meet young learners where they are

and open the door to discovery and rediscovery as the world around

them becomes their classroom!”

ReAnna Laney is MB’s new lower school librarian. Recently graduating

with a master’s degree in information and library science from Pratt

Institute in New York City, ReAnna previously worked as a library

assistant at the Berkeley Carroll School in Brooklyn. She also interned

at the Collegiate School and at LaGuardia High School for the Arts and

Performing Arts (the “Fame” school) in New York City. ReAnna has her

B.A. in English from Lee University in Tennessee. With time spent

studying abroad in England and living in Paris, ReAnna brings with her

a love of travel, reading, and learning.

Beth Lantz joined the upper school humanities department. After

graduating from Holy Cross, Beth pursued her M.A. in teaching at

Simmons. She joined Berkeley Carroll in 2005. There, Beth served as a

class dean and chaired the assessment committee. “I believe that

history is more than just a collection of dates and facts,” says Beth, “but

rather a discipline that provides us with countless stories to examine in

order to understand our world as it is today. My approach to teaching

matches MB’s mission to guide students to becoming knowledgeable,

caring and active global citizens.”

Justin Peters joined the performing arts department this year, teaching

in the upper and middle schools. He earned his bachelor’s in music

composition from Wittenberg University. Most recently, Justin served as

choral director and music teacher at Lincoln School. At MB, he is

directing the middle school musical, serving as vocal director for the

upper school musical, advising the Versatones, and teaching Music

Theory and Music & Computers.

Katherine Hawkins Allison Weitberg Jones ’96 ReAnna Laney Beth Lantz Justin Peters

“It is through my advisor and teachers at Moses Brown that I learned the power of giving others enough confidence to be the people they want to be. They empowered me through learning, and I am fortunate to have the opportunity to now do the same.” — Katie (Evans) Goldman ’06

20

Th

e F

ut

ure

SpeakersAfternoon Session, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.

Jeff Cruzan

Former Harvard research scientist, EMT, mountaineer, and current high school math teacher at Moses Brown School

Louise Lamphere

Anthropologist, gender scholar, advocate, professor at University of New Mexico, author

Uday Kumar ‘90

Founder, iRhythm Technologies Inc.; cardiologist; inventor; fellowship director, Global Biodesign Programs at Stanford University

Melissa Maxwell ’81

Television, film, and stage actress, director, dramaturge; guest artist/director of dramatic writing at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts

Don Sweitzer P ‘05

Chairman of GTECH, authority on global politics, business, and public affairs

Sam Tsemberis

Friend, founder and CEO of Pathways to Housing, mental health advocate

Evening Session, 6:30 – 9:00 p.m.

Joan Countryman

Friend, former head of school, Lincoln School; founding head of school, the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa; interim head, Atlanta Girl’s School

Maria DeCarvalho P ’02 ‘05

Episcopal priest, performance consultant for courageous executives

Carlos Andrés Gómez

Pushcart Prize-nominated poet; actor, Inside Man; author, Man Up.

Bill Harley P ’02 05

Friend, storyteller, author, songwriter, teaching artist; two-time Grammy winning artist in the spoken word category

Debbie Humphries

Friend, international health, public health expert, Yale professor — microbial diseases

Donald McNemar

Friend, former President of Guilford College, former Headmaster of Phillips Academy (Andover), senior lecturer at Bentley University, expert in global studies/stewardship

Meenakshi Narain

Brown University professor, physicist, co-discoverer of the top quark particle

Jenny Peek

Artist, entrepreneur, advocate, founder of the Manton Avenue Project

Paul Sorensen P ‘02

Engineer and entrepreneur, philanthropist, co-founder, Hibbitt, Karlsson & Sorensen, Inc.

PlaceMosesBrownSchool

IN THE SPIRIT OF IDEAS worth spreading, TED has created a program

called TEDx.

TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people

together to share a TED-like experience. Our event is

TEDxMosesBrownSchool, where x=independently organized TED event.

At TEDxMosesBrownSchool, TED Talks video and live speakers will

combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. The

TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but

individual TEDx events, including the one at MB, are self-organized.

This independent TEDx event is operated under license from TED.

TEDxMosesBrownSchool is shaped by the theme Lives that Speak, a

reference to George Fox, the founder of Quakerism, and his call to live

daringly and with a bold sense of purpose. Speakers share their stories

and thoughts on listening to the voice within and on ways that our

lives reflect our passions and values.

TEDxMosesBrownSchool is offered free and open to the public, with a

capacity for 1,000 in attendance. For registration information, please

visit www.tedxmosesbrown.com

Register early!

Lives That Speak

Thursday April 19, 2012

Melissa Maxwell ’81Uday Kumar ’90

Carlos Andrés Gómez ’00

21

Alumni Connections Coast to Coast

Alumni & Friends Receptions in New York, Boston and Washington, D.C.

The MBAA and Moses Brown School brought together local alumni in New York, Boston and D.C.

for area receptions. Look online for photos of our March events in California and Florida.

In January, 42 alumni across the generations and numerous faculty,

staff and coaches gathered at the Old State House for hors d’oeuvres and

winter solstice cocktails and heard about Matt Glendinning’s priorities

and the campus master plan.

With MBAA Board members Rich White ’84 and Adrian Hendricks ’58, D.C. alumni

gathered at the city’s newest hotspot, The Hamilton, for an MB Happy Hour. In April,

MB holds its D.C. Alumni & Friends Reception with Matt Glendinning.

The World Bar was this year’s location for

our NYC Reception with Matt Glendinning.

Alumni from the metro area enjoyed the

event, as did others like Jorge Tobon ’08

who had travelled from L.A. for an intern-

ship across the street at the UN.

Top: In what has now become a tradi-

tion, young alumni walked together to

The Campbell Apartment to continue the

night’s festivities.

The MB Alumni Association and Moses Brown School partner to provide opportunities

for alumni to engage with each other and MB, near and far. To host an alumni event

in your area or get involved with the MB Alumni Association, contact Alumni Relations

Director Karin Morse at 831-7350 x191 or kmorse@mosesbrown.org.

Washington D.C.

Boston

New York City

Moses Brown Alumni Association

22

Alumni Connections Coast to Coast

Congratulations to the MBAA’s fall 2011 award

recipients, recognized at Homecoming.

Darrell Ross ’65, Service to Alma Mater Award

Darrell Ross has served MB in many capacities over

the years, including 13 years as a member of the Board

and as Chair of the Board for seven years. Darrell has

been generous with his time and resources, always

thoughtfully considering Moses Brown’s future. He

has led his class reunion committees and was

instrumental in the success of the Campaign for

Moses Brown School.

Darrell is a graduate of Yale University and also

attended Harvard Law School. He was president of

Ross-Simons, which began in 1952 as a retail store in

Providence and became a nationally-recognized

retailer of fine jewelry and luxury items. Today, Ross-

Simons is a thriving multi-channel retailer of which

Darrell is president and CEO. As he recently tweeted,

“When I am not in the office, I travel the globe to find

the distinctive jewelry Ross-Simons’ customers love.”

Darrell and his wife Susan are proud parents of Leslie

’97, Meredith ’00, and Dan ’03 and in 2006 honored their

family and Moses Brown with the establishment of

Ross House, the newest building on MB’s campus.

Marie Ewens Brown ’95, Outstanding Young

Alumnus Award

Marie Ewens Brown works in the U.S. Executive

Director’s Office at the World Bank where she studies

economic development issues in Africa as an advisor

to the U.S. representative on the World Bank Executive

Board. The World Bank’s primary focus is to provide

financial and technical expertise to help reduce

poverty around the world. The Bank is currently

involved in more than 1,800 projects worldwide.

Marie joined the U.S. Treasury Dept. in 2004 and

worked on the Multilateral Debt Relief Initiative, which

financed $60 billion in debt relief for the poorest

countries to the IMF and the World Bank. Thereafter,

Marie moved to the White House to work as a director

for African Affairs for the National Security Council

during both the Bush and Obama administrations.

Marie attended Columbia University and received

her master’s degree in international relations from

Johns Hopkins.

Moses Brown Alumni Association

Homecoming

The day was filled with alumni soccer, great games, a multicultural parents group and alumni

panel, Johnny Rockets, and kids’ activities.

Homecoming Reception at The Squantum Club

Alumni, faculty, staff and coaches gathered in the historic bakehouse overlooking the head of

Narragansett Bay.

23

The Quaker Classic

On a gorgeous October day, the MBAA brought together

alumni from near and far, including Michael Patterson ’65

and his son Andrew ’02 from South Carolina as well as Brad

Engle ’05 from D.C.

The tournament raised $8,338 for the Bliss Scholarship and

$3,338 in support of local programming and events. Special

thanks to the Golf Committee: Dave Keyser ’89, John Baldwin

’94, Phil Zexter ’81, George Panichas ’83 and Jason Engle ’98.

Tournament sponsors who made the event possible were

Foundry Orthopedics, stretch-tite, Lincoln Appraisal, Turfer

Athletic and M.H. Stallman Company. Other alumni and

friends supported the event through tee sponsorships.

Alumni Baseball & Hockey Games

18th Annual Skating Party at Meehan Auditorium

Moses Brown Alumni Association

MB on the Move: Watch for future 2012 MBAA events including: May 23 Harpoon Brewery, Boston

Providence

24

1947 Reunion 2012

Charles Staples continues to

stay active through walking,

stair climbing, and hiking.

Last summer, he and his wife

Joan spent a week in the Colo-

rado Rockies. They also trav-

eled to Rhode Island and New

Hampshire where they hiked

in the White Mountains and

attended several classical

music festivals. In September,

they went on an Elbe River

cruise in Germany and trav-

eled to Poland. Charles still

volunteers at the Landmark

Cultural Center in Chicago and

is looking forward to his 65th

reunion in May.

Charles Watts and his wife

Beverly live in North Carolina.

They celebrated their 63rd

wedding anniversary in

August. “I was a day student at

MB and a returning WWII

paratrooper,” Charles says. “I

had very little in common with

my classmates other than a

couple of other veterans. They

might remember me if they

are still alive. I will be 86 in

May.” Charles and his wife

Beverly have five children. He

worked as an R&D physicist for

38 years at Dupont, GE, and

IBM before retiring in 1990.

“Occasionally I shoot my age

in golf,” he says. “I hope the

reunion is a great success.”

1948Class Correspondent

Marshall Cannell

25 Sheridan Rd

Wellesley Hills, MA 02481-5418

781-237-0055

mca4nnell@aol.com

1949Ed Desrochers writes from

Melbourne Beach, Florida,

where he and his wife Shirley

reside: “I retired from USAFR

as a Lt. Colonel and a Deputy

Commander of the 482 Tacti-

cal Fighter Wing, Homestead

Air Force Base, Florida in 1983.

I owned and operated a con-

struction company that had

mostly government contracts.

I live in Sugar Mountain, North

Carolina in the summer time. I

recently talked to Bill Considine

and we talked about Billy

O’Connor, who we haven’t

heard from in years. We both

lived on Shirley Boulevard in

Cranston.” Ed can be reached

at ed.desrochers@earthlink.net

and says, “Help us find lost

classmates!”

Stephanie Ogidan Preston ’97, Clerk

Keith Monchik ’90, Assistant Clerk

Timothy Rhodes ’80, Treasurer

Adrian Hendricks ’58, Recording Clerk

Taylor Rotondi Anderson ’02

John Baldwin ’94

Angelo Bianco ’86

Joyce Chang ’94

Pamela Fishman Cianci ’91

Albie Dahlberg ’87

Jason Engle ’98

Gina Guiducci ’97

Hugh Hysell ’83

David Keyser ’89

Todd Machtley ’00

George Panichas ’83

Brian Panoff ’94

John Pariseault ’97

Joss Poulton ’07

Brad Shipp ’83

Ahvi Spindell ’72

Dawn West ’79

Richard White ’84

Thomas Wynn ’87

Philip Zexter ’81

The mission of the Moses Brown Alumni Association is to foster lifelong relationships with the school and fellow alumni.

The Moses Brown Alumni Association Board 2011-12

Bill Myers ’48 assumed command of Flotilla

82, USCG Auxiliary last January, 2011. In

2010, they came in third out of nine flotillas.

He hopes they will place second or first this

year. For their exemplary work, the Flotilla

crew was invited to a personal tour of the

USCG Cutter Resolute, berthed in St. Peters-

burg, Florida. Bill is pictured with host Ensign

Slater and Staff Officer Joseph Young.

The class of ’48 enjoyed their annual gathering for luncheon at the Rue De L’Espoir on

Hope Street in Providence, joined by Matt Glendinning.

After 55 years, Charles “Alex” Robinson has retired

from refereeing basketball at the high school, college,

and professional levels. At his retirement party last

December, he was made an honorary life member of

referee associations. In addition to refereeing, Alex

has organized more than 150 basketball camps nation-

wide. He moved to Freeport, Maine in July with Pat,

his wife of 61 years.

1947

1946

1948

1948

Thanks to Dean Woodman ’46 for donating several GoPro

Hero mini-cameras to MB. Dean’s company produces

best-selling wearable sports cams that capture footage by

athletes skiing down mountains, riding motocross, skate-

boarding, and more. GoPro is the world’s leading activity

image capture company. Knowing Head of School Matt

Glendinning’s interest in sports, Dean sent some cameras to

MB, and now students and alumni can gain a unique look

at life on the MB campus. Visit gopro.com for more about

the image-capture products that Dean’s company produces.

Dean lives in Sausalito, California.

25

1955Class Correspondent

Jack Houriet

2525 Turner Rd.

Willow Grove, PA 19090-1625

215-657-3786

jwhour@jwhour.cnc.net

Class Correspondent Jack

Houriet and his wife Alice

celebrated their 50th wedding

anniversary with sons Jack and

Andy and their families in

Puerto Rico last December.

Jack writes, “We toured the

island and old San Juan, where

I was able to show them where

I grew up during my years at

MB.”

Jack currently lives in Wil-

low Grove, Pennsylvania and is

on the board of the Boileau

Farmstead. He adds, “Our

grandkids continue to be a

major part of our lives.” John

graduated from Geneva Col-

lege and Drew attends Drexel

University. Nick completed his

Eagle Scout project and will at-

tend Drexel this fall. Mason’s

objective is to get his Eagle

Scout award by the age of 15.

Alex completed his school year

with straight As.

Thomas Benjamin still works at

Harvard Medical School doing

needed cancer research. He

and his wife Mary Jo live in

Brookline, Massachusetts.

They have two sons, Ari and

Noah. Ari is a sophomore at

Oberlin College while Noah is a

junior at Brookline High

School.

Donald Dwares and his wife

Bonnie became grandparents

for the first time in June with

the birth of their granddaugh-

ter, Maya Lenore Dwares, born

to their son David Dwares ’92

and his wife Catherine. Donald

writes, “What a thrill! The

only problem is that they are

living in San Francisco, so

fortunately for them, and un-

fortunately for us, we cannot

just stop in and visit for a few

minutes.”

Jeremy Leon and wife Dottie

are enjoying winter in Naples,

Florida with plenty of tennis

and inviting warm weather. He

reports that a tradition has de-

veloped in nearby Punta Gorda

where Houghty Wetherald,

Marc Williams ’56, and Jerry

meet at a local restaurant for

some reminiscing each winter:

“It’s great to see one another.”

In summer, the Leons return

to Newtown, Pennsylvania

where classmate Jack Houriet

lives nearby. Last year, the

Leons and Houriets got to-

gether to view an exhibition of

the President’s Marine Silent

Drill Team with the Marine

Band: “A truly inspiring event

that these two Marines en-

joyed immensely,” Jerry writes.

Jeremy and Dottie also stay

busy with their six grandchil-

dren and recently visited Penn-

sylvania’s Westtown School,

where beloved Headmaster L.

Ralston Thomas served before

coming to MB. Jerry says, “If

one ever gets a chance to roam

this campus after having lived

the MB life, you will be re-

warded with absolute hospital-

ity from the school faculty as

well as the student body. It’s a

must stop when passing

through Philadelphia.”

In May, Charlie Wilson moved

to Cape Cod to join his partner

Irene. He says that this next

phase of retirement “calls for

less work, less aggravation,

and also less money.” Charlie

has also started a small but

fun business called The Tool

Doctor which caters to the

Cape’s gardening community.

1956This past summer, Marc

Williams and his wife Sara

went on a Presidential library

tour of the eastern half of the

United States in their motor

home. Highlights of the trip

included a visit to Westminster

College, site of Churchill’s Iron

Curtain speech, and Galena,

Illinois for the national Pack-

ard show. Marc adds, “We have

enjoyed visiting many dear

friends while on this journey.

Please extend my best wishes

for excellent health to all of

my former class members.”

Continuing his work as

concert artist manager, Joel

Altman shares that his client,

pianist Roberto Plano, will be

playing at this summer’s

Newport Music Festival. The

program will include the U.S.

premiere of works by the

Italian composer Andrea

Luchesi.

In May, Francis “Bud” Brooks (far

right), former MB baseball captain

and pitcher, attended a baseball

game at the University of Texas

against Brown University with his

grandson Grant (second from left).

Graham Tyler ’08 (far left) played

for Brown, and Bud reports that he

made some nice plays at shortstop.

Global Alumni: Martin Cassidy ’51

Martin Cassidy graduated from MB in 1951 after spending

eight years here as a boarding student. “The school greatly

shaped my life and I value continued contact with MB,” he

says. After graduation he attended Harvard College and

pursued a career in international oil exploration.

Martin lived with his family for four years in Libya,

during the time when Gaddafi came to power in the

September revolution. As a technical expert and manager

of Pan American exploration effort, he worked daily with

Libyans, both Western-educated and desert dwellers. “One

cannot know a culture by visiting for a few weeks,” he says.

He recalls the “culture shock” that his family and coworkers

encountered when working and living in that part of the

world, experiencing daily life in Arab culture.

“There are certain basic truths which many leaders of

the U.S. ignore,” says Martin. “All countries have their own

culture. People are not the same all over the world. The

system of society in a country is theirs. Living in a foreign

country, one cannot say they cannot do something just

because it is not our way.

“How many lives and money could have been saved by

not inserting ourselves forcibly in other countries. As I

learned on the MB playgrounds, you do not get long-term

cooperation by hitting someone on the head.

“So here is the point: at Moses Brown, one has a culture of

acceptance, thoughtful examination of other persons’ views,

non-violence when possible, leadership through example,

and service to others. Treasure these, for they lead to success

in international affairs and life in general.”

Class Notes

Jack Houriet ’55 and family.

1951

1955

1957 Reunion 2012

Class Correspondent

Jerry Knowles

60 Blackstone Blvd.

Providence, RI 02906

401-421-9788

bigthundur1@yahoo.com

Frank Dougherty shares an

update after almost 55 years:

“I received my B.A. in psychol-

ogy and completed a graduate

degree in clinical psychology at

Antioch College. I also got my

Ph.D. in clinical psychology at

the University of Southern

California. I was an avionics

officer and captain in the U.S.

Air Force. I am married with

children and have my civilian

pilot license. I am a DIYer,

boater and published writer.

My nickname at MB was ‘Doc.’

Who would have thought I’d

become one!”

26

Global Advocate: Marshall Meyers ’57

Marshall Meyers ’57 spent his career as a lawyer in

Washington, D.C., but you won’t find him behind a desk

often. Working on aviation issues led him to travel the

globe, advocating for regulation in the pet industry and

pursuing other projects around the globe.

After Haverford, Marshall attended Penn Law and

joined his father’s law firm in Washington, D.C.,

specializing in aviation work. Marshall also moved into

environmental and animal law and has represented the pet

industry and biomedical research communities for 40

years. “We deal with cutting-edge legal issues — animal

welfare, endangered species, research ethics, invasive

species, wildlife, animal diseases, and socioeconomic-legal

issues.” For the past decade, Marshall also has been

working on a project to bridge rifts in the Middle East.

When going full swing for the pet industry and his

overseas projects, Marshall traveled upwards of 200,000

miles a year in the air. His work has taken him to more

than 115 countries. He still hopes to visit the only continent

he’s missed — Antarctica.

MB memories: “My post-MB journey has been a great trip,”

Marshall comments, “that I would never have dreamt of

when sitting in study halls or having Basil Meserve chart

my future by steering me to Haverford. Looking back, I

realize more and more the great influence MB had on me.”

Paul Hodge is chair of the Global Generations Policy Institute

(www.genpolicy.com) and director of the Harvard Genera-

tions Policy Project. Paul recently returned from a daunting

three-week around-the-world adventure/research initiative.

He says the trip was fantastic and included a Kate Winslet

walk-on, a CNBC Michelle Caruso-Cabrera report, Athens

riots, Madrid protests, being teargassed by Athens police,

having his Athens digs set on fire by rioters, riding one of

the world’s fastest trains, experiencing a Tokyo/Fukushima

nuclear leak alert, and having his China videos appear on in-

ternational TV. See Paul’s adventure video trailer at youtube.

com and research blog at http://genpolicy.com/blog.

Rick Turner’s classmate Joe Lovett submitted a photo

of Rick’s Pretzel Guitar (1969), which was in the

“Crafting Modernism” exhibit at the Museum of Art

and Design in New York City. Rick lives in Santa Cruz,

California. To see more of Rick’s work or see clips of

John Mayer and Van Morrison playing Rick’s guitars,

visit www.renaissanceguitars.com. Joe wrote, “Pretty

cool, Rick!” We agree!

Congratulations to Darrell Ross ’65, honored

this fall with the MBAA’s Service to Alma Mater

Award. Darrell has served MB in many capacities

over the years, including 13 years as a member

of the Board and as chair of the Board for seven

years. Darrell has always looked to MB’s future

in his work on behalf of the school.

1961

1971

1971

1962 Reunion 2012

1962 Reunion 2012

Peter Dwares married Leilani Pilar at the Fairmont

Orchid in Hawaii, Big Island last November. Their

three-and-a-half-year-old daughter, Chloe, attends

Marin Day preschool. Pathways For Kids, which

Peter founded in 1998, is in its 13th year. Peter

also started a real estate investment/development

company in 1974 which he says has been holding its

own despite the challenging economy. Of his fellow

classmates, he writes, “I continue to feel sad about

the loss of David Leach and Jodi Wells, but was very, very happy to have dinner with

Rick Turner, Rob MacColl, and Peter Winslow in San Francisco this year. It was a lot of

fun. I was also happy to host a joyous evening with many local alumni for our guests

Matt and Katherine Glendinning and Ron Dalgliesh.”

Led by Steve Bienenfeld, local members of the class of 1971 came out in force

to donate blood for a classmate in need. The group met on a Saturday morning

at the Rhode Island Blood Center (left to right): Peter Gross, Scott Wolf, Steve

Bienenfeld, Jess Eschenheimer, and Perry Buroker (from MB’s alumni office).

MyMB:

“The curriculum at MB stands out the most for me, as well

as the teachers and the camaraderie with all my classmates,

many of whom I’ve been friends with for more than 50 years.

If I had to characterize a Moses Brown education, I’d call it

effective, secure, quiet and exciting. MB is a tremendous part

of your life. Once you’re here for even a short time, you

remember it forever.”

— Stanley Milton Wick III ’71, interviewed at Reunion 2011.

A 12-year veteran of MB, Stan was interviewed at Reunion

last year. He lives in East Greenwich. He is shown with

students Erik Matson, Tom Rice, and Ben Sack.

1967 Reunion 2012

Herbert “Chip” Tucker is unable

to make his 45th reunion this

May because he will be out of

the country on a Fulbright.

He is taking a sabbatical year

from teaching English at the

University of Virginia. He

writes, “This trip is not

business as usual, so let’s see

each other at the amazing

50th instead.”

Peter Lacaillade is president

and CEO of Certified Oil

Company, an independent

gasoline and convenience store

with locations in Ohio,

Kentucky and West Virginia.

He and his wife Connie re-

cently celebrated their 35th

wedding anniversary. They

have two sons, Peter, 30, and

Nicholas, 28. Peter and Connie

live in Boston.

27

Class Notes

Frank Sulloway ’65 ran track and cross country at MB. At one point, to spur him on, Coach King

“Doc” Odell offered to give Frank a very expensive chronographic watch he owned, which Frank

often used to time himself during interval training — but the offer was good only if Frank broke

the long-standing school record in the half mile. Although the half-mile record eluded Frank,

under Doc’s coaching, Frank became the New England indoor mile champion and broke the

school record in the mile, running 4:28 in his last meet. Running continued to be an important

part of his life at Harvard, where he competed on the varsity team. “Running became engrained

in my psyche,” says Frank, “as I transferred what I learned from endurance training to

scholarship. I spent 26 years researching and writing Born to Rebel and have sometimes felt that

each year I spent on this book was like each mile of a marathon. My predilection for endurance

sports also has come in handy during my expeditions, as we pack 70 pounds of equipment up

and down 5,000-foot volcanoes on the Galápagos’ uninhabited islands.”

See page 8 for more about Frank’s work and post-MB path.

Conservative commentary: Carl Bogus ’66

Congratulations to Carl Bogus ’66 on his newest book Buckley:

William F. Buckley Jr. and the Rise of American Conservatism. Carl

says the book focuses on how Buckley changed the modern

conservative movement.

“I am a liberal,” says Carl, “but I have maintained a strong

interest in the intellectual history of the political right ever

since an MB English teacher, Alvah Sulloway, assigned me a

research paper titled ‘The John Birch Society: Threat to

Freedom or Defender of the Republic?’” This was considered

a plum topic, as the John Birch Society was then a somewhat

mysterious and controversial group. Sulloway often assigned

the same topic year to year so students were, in a sense,

competing against those who had preceded them.

“Mr. Sulloway was an unusual teacher,” comments Carl.

“He was a graduate of Harvard Law School who had practiced

law, and he taught his students not only how to write well,

but how to write persuasively. His students learned a great

deal about critical reasoning. Mr. Sulloway also stressed the

importance of rigorous research, both primary and

secondary.”

Because the John Birch Society was then headquartered

in Massachusetts, Sulloway insisted that as part of his

research on the ‘radical right,’ that Carl travel to Belmont and

interview one of the Society’s officials. “It was the highlight

of my MB career,” says Carl, “when Mr. Sulloway informed

me that I had done such a good job on the paper — no one,

he said, could ever do better — that he was retiring the topic.

It is no coincidence that my book contains a long section

about how William F. Buckley Jr. excommunicated the John

Birch Society from the conservative movement.”

Carl Bogus is a law professor at Roger Williams University in

Bristol. He also is the author of Why Lawsuits Are Good for

America and editor of The Second Amendment in Law and

History. He was recognized by Common Cause for his work on

separation of powers in Rhode Island.

Scott Wolf (front, middle) enjoyed returning to Reunion

this past spring. See page 10 for more on Scott’s work

leading Grow Smart Rhode Island.

Herbert “Chip” Tucker

1967

1971

Sulloway Spurred On

1965

Frank Sulloway shown winning the 1000-

yard race against Governor Dummer in

1965, helping the team go undefeated for

the season.

1972 Reunion 2012

Jon Bell is president of Simply

Sight & Sound (simplysas.

com), a custom installation

and home theater business in

Providence. He enjoys skiing as

often as possible.

1975Richardson Kovar is currently

living in Prague. Rick decided

to go back into teaching and

spent 2009-10 in the Balkans

teaching American history

and political science at the

American School of Kosovo

in Pristina. “I did a special

project on critical thinking

and democracy for juniors and

seniors, since Kosovo is the

world’s newest democracy and

they still live in a world where

political parties are essentially

tribal,” he says. “Now I’m back

in Prague, one semester shy of

getting a master’s degree in

geopolitics at Charles Univer-

sity (1348), the oldest in central

Europe. Should be able to get

an instructor’s job at Charles

or a U.S. extension university

once I’m finished, or another

job at an international school.”

1977 Reunion 2012

Class Correspondent

Gordon Ondis

43 Duncan Ave.

Providence, RI 02906

401-831-5636

gordonondis@gmail.com

1978Richard “Hardi” Parker served

as guest editor for this issue

of Cupola and interviewed

classmate Parker Ramspott

(see page opposite).

Several ’78 classmates

gathered this past July to

celebrate the life of Andy

Arkway ’78. Honoring Andy’s

lifelong work for environmental

and social welfare causes, the

group gathered at a spot dear

to Andy, the Aquidneck Land

Trust.

28

Bob Riesman (second from left) enjoyed seeing classmates

Howell Smith, Mike Gordon, and John Blacher at his book-

signing at Books on the Square. Bob published a biography

on blues musician Bill Broonzy, I Feel So Good: The Life

and Times of Big Bill Broonzy. This is Bob’s first biography.

He attributes his interest in blues and folk music to

Providence’s late ’60s scene and coffeehouses.

P. H. Liotta ’74 is now the

Thomas Hawkins Johnson

Visiting Scholar at the United

States Military Academy

in West Point, New York.

The author of 18 books and

numerous articles, Peter’s latest

work is The Real Population

Bomb: Megacities, Global

Security & The Map of the

Future.

Tony Aponte ’75, director of educational services

for the Boys’ Club of New York, visited MB while

in Rhode Island where he was working to place

students in independent schools. Tony came to

Moses Brown in 1971 through this program and

was a dedicated athlete and actor at MB. Tony

visited Barry Marshall’s drama class to speak

with students about his experience in Broadway

productions and how this experience shaped

who he is today.

Michael Voccola ’76 recalls that as senior class president of MB’s last

all-boy class, he looked into developing an on-campus parking area

for students to alleviate on-street parking and enhance security. “I

did a complete budget and sought proposals from contractors,” says

Michael. “The school didn’t embrace the idea; in retrospect, that was

my first taste of seeking a development approval!” See page 12 for

more on Michael’s career in real estate development in Providence.

“The beauty of real estate development is that one realizes tangible

results of one’s efforts,” Michael says.

1976

1972

1972

1972

1974

1975

Joe Dziczek and Mark Hallett got

together at Joe’s place on Cape Cod

last summer. Mark writes, “Leslie, our

younger son Alex, and I visited with

Missy and Joe during a vacation that

took us through NYC, Rhode Island,

Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania, visit-

ing family and friends before heading

back home to Lynchburg, Virginia. Joe

and I are both looking forward to our

(OMG!) 40-year reunion this spring.”

Ahvi Spindell writes, “For one of my

clients, United Spinal Association,

I have been at the forefront secur-

ing media coverage regarding their

lawsuit against New York City. This

will mandate wheelchair-accessible

taxis under the Americans With

Disabilities Act when new taxis are

purchased in the future.”

Class of 1976 — May 2011 Reunion

1976

29

Class Notes

Parker Ramspott came to Moses Brown in the ninth grade from Dighton-

Rehoboth. Known affectionately as “Spott” by his friends, Parker was one of his

class’s more colorful characters. Often seen on a skateboard, and wearing a

swordfish-billed cap, Parker was known for his diverse musical interests and

related opinions on the subject.

After MB, Parker went on to the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

Graduating in 1983 with a B.A. in English, Parker took an unusual turn and

almost immediately became a small business owner. Now, more than 25 years

later, Parker, with his wife Ann and daughter Helen, remains in the “Happy

Valley” where he owns and operates Laughing Dog Bicycles.

Please tell us how you entered your profession. I really didn’t want to take my

GREs or go to graduate school, and an opportunity presented itself at Bicycle

World Too, the predecessor to my current business. I started there as a “wrench,”

working as a mechanic on bicycles in 1984, and bought into the business later

that same year.

What are your primary likes and dislikes with your profession? I really enjoy the

variety of tasks, the independence, and doing it all. As for dislikes, taxes are right

up there, along with whiny, self-involved customers.

Bicycles are “in” and definitely part of the green movement. How do you see bicycle

use in the U.S. and the future? Bicycle manufacturing is an off-shore industry,

with only a few niche domestic producers. Virtually all frames and components

are manufactured elsewhere. As a result, while we feel good about riding bikes

and polluting less, we have essentially exported our pollution by manufacturing

in countries with fewer regulations.

That said, bicycles are an integral part of our future transportation model, as

long as the U.S. invests in mass transit and required infrastructure. This means

parking for bikes and the ability to bring a bike onto a train or subway, so

bicyclists can connect to transit.

Beyond that, bicycle sharing systems, like “Yellow Bike” and the ones in

Portland, Oregon and Paris, France, require public/private investment, but offer

“grab and go” convenience for bike use, which could open it up to a whole new

segment of the population.

Does your store focus on any particular market segment? In line with our college

town environment, Laughing Dog’s primary focus is on transportation and utility,

not on the rarified and high end, “all about me” bikes. Our customers ride their

bikes to get to class and get their groceries. They get used.

The “How to” link on your website is really good! I take it you believe in an educated

customer. Yes, or at least a customer who is willing to be educated, rather than a

customer who is simply responding to a trend.

So what about the dog, Max? You really need to read the page on our website.

Max is the logo, and in his day, he was a town fixture. He was brilliant; he was a

good dog.

Some of your friends consider you a Luddite. Why? I guess I am simply mistrustful

of modern communication. However, I do have an email, which I occasionally

even read. You can contact me at parker@laughingdogbicycles.com, but don’t

expect a response.

Are you still in contact with any fellow MB alumni? I’m still in touch with a few:

Dave Woronov ’78, Hardi Parker ’78, and, until this past summer, Andy Arkway ’78.

Do you still play the guitar, and what music are you into these days? Oh yes, I am

still playing the guitar. As for music, it’s probably safer to ask me what I’m not

into!

Any sage advice from a small business owner? Laughing Dog Bicycles started in

1998 when the Bicycle World Too name was retired, to address a change in

ownership. Real advice in today’s economic climate: maintain your independence

and limit your economic exposure.

Art Time Elapsed: Hr.

Date: 7/20/07

DESIGN APPROVAL SHEET version4 Raglan Jersey

DESIGN NAME: 2007

CLIENT: Laughing Dog

ZIPPER: Full

Black

PMS 282

PMS 137

Colors *

Spelling

Logos:

CUSTOMER CHECK LIST (please initial in bubble)

Placement

Size

Parker Ramspott ’78, Owner, Laughing Dog Bicycles, Amherst, Mass.Interview conducted by Richard “Hardi” Parker ’78

1979Peter Kilmarx and his wife

Nicha moved to Harare, Zim-

babwe from Dulles, Virginia;

Peter is the director of the U.S.

Centers for Disease Control

and Prevention Office, focusing

on HIV prevention, care, and

treatment. Peter writes,

“Among other things, Zimba-

bwe is a tourist destination

with fabulous weather, game

parks, and Victoria Falls. Y’all

come visit any time. See you

on Facebook!”

1981Kristen Curtis Marcks writes,

“My mother Ginny Nelson

Curtis is the most courageous

woman in Rhode Island and

this year’s ALS Association of

Rhode Island Brian Dickinson

Courage Award Recipient.”

Ginny was honored at the 15th

Annual Evening of Hope in

May. She was featured in a

video for the event, which can

be found on YouTube. Also

interviewed in the video is

Kristen’s dad, Wayne Curtis,

former MB faculty member

and beloved lacrosse coach.

1982 Reunion 2012

Class Correspondent

Ashley Haffenreffer Wagstaff

136 Highland Ave.

Rowayton, CT 06853

917-941-9412

ahwagstaff@mac.com

Class Correspondent Ashley

Haffenreffer Wagstaff writes

“Reunion is coming up in May.

30

Most MB alumni don’t go on tour with World Wide Wrestling.

As marketing director for Providence’s Dunkin’ Donuts

Center (affectionately known as “the Dunk”), Cheryl Cohen has

enjoyed a varied and interesting career and is now a key part

of the Providence entertainment landscape.

Over the past ten years, Cheryl has worked with artists

ranging from Andrea Bocelli to Led Zeppelin (and everyone in

between), major touring family shows, NCAA National

Championships, worldwide pay-per-view specials and a host

of national sporting events. Cheryl says, “2012 will be another

outstanding year at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center. I will be

working with several top-named artists, the Harlem

Globetrotters, Disney on Ice, World Wrestling Entertainment,

and more.” Cheryl also will be involved in the local marketing

launch of two new national tours: “How to Train Your

Dragon” and Cirque du Soleil’s “Michael Jackson: The

Immortal World Tour.”

“I am sure that everyone has their favorite story from

here and many of them saw their very first concert at the

Civic Center/Dunk!” says Cheryl.

Cheryl’s career spans more than 25 years in the

entertainment industry. Cheryl started her career in at the

Warwick Musical Theatre, where she was responsible for all

marketing and public relations for the theater. After

graduating from Wheaton, Cheryl spent summers in Rhode

Island working at the theatre and winters working for a

concert entertainment production company located in

Arizona.

Prior to joining the Dunk, Cheryl was a senior marketing

representative for World Wrestling Entertainment. Her

responsibilities included marketing and promoting

nationally-televised events and worldwide pay-per-view

specials throughout the U.S., Canada, and Australia.

Cheryl joined the management team of the Dunkin’

Donuts Center in 2002 and was recently appointed as a

regional director of marketing for SMG, the management

company for the Dunk. Cheryl oversees the marketing efforts

in more than 15 SMG arenas along the Eastern seaboard and

in Puerto Rico.

“My days at MB were the most valuable in leading me to

where I am today,” says Cheryl. “The teachers, staff, and

coaches at MB taught me to take on challenges and persevere.

The skills I acquired at MB have been the key to my success.”

Kristen Murray Porcaro ’82 and Vinnie Porcaro ’83

gather with new MB graduate Sonny Porcaro ’11

and his younger brother, Luke ’24, a member of

MB’s kindergarten class.

Skip Davis is living in the Ukraine and writes, “My previous contract to help prevent the proliferation of

weapons of mass destruction has ended. However, you can usually count on me for doing something

unusual anyway.”

This past fall, Skip was on his way to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, leading an effort to build an integrated

management “dashboard” to help the Saudi Arabian government monitor the design and construction of

800,000 homes for its people. Skip says King Abdullah’s new initiative resulted from the Arab Spring, last

year’s series of revolutions that took place throughout North Africa and the Middle East. “It is a massive

outreach program designed also to introduce some reforms into their country,” Skip wrote. “Another

initiative, you may have noticed recently, is the granting of voting rights to women.”

Skip also continues to visit Peru frequently (shown) and says his first trip there was a direct result of his

time at MB. The upper school sponsored an informational session about study abroad during Skip’s senior

year, with Peru one of the opportunities presented. He went to Peru in 1985 for a semester and returns

frequently to visit his godson and family and to help do cultural preservation. While there, Skip learned the

ancient art of Andean sling braiding: “The art is now mostly lost and I’m trying to reintroduce it into the

region. I go down to give classes each year,” he says. Skip is shown in Ollantaytambo, Peru, along with a

photo of one of his sling recreations.

Cheryl Schadone Cohen ‘81: At the Dunk

1982

1985

1985

Congratulations to Jamie Worrell – Jamie won the 2011

PlanSponsor “Retirement Plan Adviser of the Year”

award by PLANSPONSOR Magazine. Jamie works at

GPS Investments in Providence.

Let’s see if we can all give

(large and small gifts are ac-

cepted) and show up. 30 years

is something to celebrate!”

Kristen Porcaro’s son Sonny

Porcaro ’11 graduated from

Moses Brown in June. Kristen

says it was an emotional day

under ‘The Shadow of the

Elms’: “Another generation of

MB graduates!”

1987 Reunion 2012

Stephanie Morrison is a teacher

at E Cubed Academy in Provi-

dence; she has taught there for

seven years and in Providence

for 18 years. E3 is a Providence

public school, located on

Branch Avenue. She is the

English Language Arts teacher

leader and also serves on the

district’s curriculum writing

team.

Rachel Littman writes, “Life is

still busy and going well for me

and my family in New York.

Our son, Adam, was recently

accepted to the School of

American Ballet, which is the

ballet school for the New York

City Ballet company. Our

daughter Amanda is a growing,

independent, force of nature.

They continue to amaze us.

My husband Doug is continu-

ing to do his senior partner

thing at Paul Weiss and I am

enjoying the challenges, free-

doms and creativity of working

in higher education adminis-

tration at Pace Law School in

White Plains, New York. I hope

everyone is well. We are look-

ing forward to reunion in May!”

31

Class Notes

When people ask “What do you do?”, it usually implies “How

do you make a living?” When that question is posed to David

Everett ’81, he usually makes a point of mentioning his

painting (and sometimes writing) in addition to his job as a

city planner in Providence: “I like to think it’s all related,” he

says.

David’s interest in urban studies and planning stems from

an aesthetic sensibility and love of nature that started as a

young child. As a child he drew and painted, and took art

classes with Gino Conti in Providence and also at MB,

particularly in middle school. “My talents were writing and

drawing,” David says, “as well as most team sports, and I

managed to finesse the rest. My upbringing on the East Side of

Providence and my MB education in grades 6 through 10 gave

me a solid foundation and helped me to nurture my creativity

— especially in writing (hats off to Beth Taylor and Richard

Nutt) and my career and avocation flowed from that and

continue to evolve.”

To David, love of nature went hand in hand with painting

and drawing — about beauty and how things connect. He

spent time in northwestern Connecticut, read Rachel Carson

and John Muir; eventually, environmental advocacy seemed a

logical extension of his interests — and let him continue to

draw and write.

In college, he was initially an English and art major,

switched to urban design studies at NYU to be more

“practical,” took time off and worked at Save the Bay on land

use issues, and eventually got a master’s in city planning from

MIT with a concentration in environmental design and

development. Since then, he has worked primarily as a land

use planner, mainly in New York, Connecticut, and Rhode

Island, but has spent considerable time on artistic projects as

well (“perhaps to the occasional detriment of professional

advancement”).

“While I cover a wide range of projects and issues in my

current job as a planner for the city of Providence, much of my

work is concerned with what can broadly be termed

‘environmental,” David says. “This includes promoting

sustainable development, supporting urban agriculture,

drafting flood zone regulations, and harbor management

planning. Meanwhile, my artwork has come to be dominated

by nature, usually far from any city, almost to the exclusion of

the imprint of humankind.”

David has two daughters, Annabelle (18) and Viola (7), and lives in

Warren. He can be reached at deverett2663@gmail.com and has a

Facebook page: David Everett, Painting and Drawing. He is currently

planning a probable show at the Audubon Center in Pomfret, Conn.

Dr. Lisa Rocchio ’85 P ’14 ’15 ’21 has joined the MB board of trustees.

Lisa has a doctorate degree in psychology and is a clinical and forensic

psychologist with a practice in Johnston. Married to Vincent Giordano

‘83, Lisa has three children at MB. She has been an active parent and

alumni volunteer, and lives with her family in East Greenwich. Lisa’s

professional expertise lies in the areas of interpersonal violence,

traumatic stress and ethics. Lisa is a founding member of the American

Psychological Society’s Division 56, an organization focused on

research and policy development in the field of psychological trauma.

She is current president-elect of the Rhode Island Psychological

Association.

Neil Beranbaum ‘86 P’22’24 is a frequent presence on the

MB campus and one of MB’s newest board members. Neil

and his wife Randi have three daughters, two in lower

school. They live on the East Side. Neil has been buying

and building companies for more than 20 years and is

co-founder and partner of United Waste Management, a

regional waste and recycling company with operations in

Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Neil received his B.A.

from Emory University and his law degree from the George

Washington University Law Center. Neil has been an active

reunion volunteer and alumni event attendee.

Meri Bleeker Goette lives in St. Louis, Missouri with

her two children, Davia, 8, and Trystan, 10. In

January, she took a position as an account director

at Paradowski Creative, a St. Louis-based marketing

agency. A few years ago, she joined a women’s

soccer team. She writes, “Our only goals are to

have fun, avoid injury, and beat the other team.”

David Everett ’81:Principal Planner / Environmental Coordinator for the City of Providence

1985

1986

1987

1987

Albie Dahlberg ‘87 accompanied his son Eric to

school one day this winter. Eric is now a student in

sixth grade at MB. See page 14 for more on Albie’s

work as founder of Project Get Ready Rhode Island.

1990Class Correspondent

Julie Reitzas

1688 Drift Rd.

P.O. Box 302

Westport Point, MA

02791-0302

508-636-6928

tnbjr@msn.com

Jeffrey Geller ’90 and his wife

Gabrielle welcomed their first

child in July. They are city

planners for New York City.

1991Class Correspondent

Hillary Monahan Ramos

289 Main St.

Hampton, CT 06247

401-952-4552

hillaryramos@gmail.com

John Knowles ’91 and wife

Noel live in East Providence

with their four cats and puppy.

John writes, “I’m coming up on

five years with Fidelity Invest-

ments (longest I’ve ever been

employed at one company),

working at their Smithfield,

Rhode Island site. Last January,

I started an MBA program at

Southern New Hampshire Uni-

versity with a tentative gradu-

ation in mid-2015. In the last

few years, I’ve gotten back into

playing live music, switching

from drums to guitar and vocals.”

Kristin Santopietro Pugliese is

living in Atlanta, Georgia with

her husband. She created

Note Knacks Music in 2009 to

provide music educators with

the tools needed to make

music more accessible for

young children. Kristin recently

visited Karin Morse and Steve

Toro on the MB campus.

1992 Reunion 2012

Class Correspondent

Kelley Ciampi Wigren

8 Juniper Rd.

Wellesley, MA 02482

781-235-4512

kelleywigren11@yahoo.com

1993Jason Weiss received his M.F.A.

degree from the University of

Florida. Over the past two

years, he has been a member

of the resident acting company

32

photo: Stephanie Alvarez Ewens

Jake Bliss traveled from California to

New York City to support and compete

in Ethan Ruby’s charity poker tourna-

ment. Jake also represented the charity

this year at the World Poker Tour

Celebrity Invitational in Commerce,

California. In its seventh year, Poker4Life

has raised more than $1,000,000. The

charity of choice has been The Buoni-

conti Fund to Cure Paralysis, which

maintains an unprecedented 86 cents of

every dollar going directly to research.

The Mobray brothers gathered

with Tia and Dan Gareau’95 at

MB’s NYC gathering this past fall.

MB Innovator: Barrett Bready ’95

Congratulations to Barrett Bready ’95, M.D., named Rhode

Island’s Innovator of the Year this past fall. Barrett is CEO of

Nabsys, Inc. in Providence. The Rhode Island Innovation

Awards were presented by Providence Business News in

partnership with the Rhode Island Economic Development

Corporation, honoring Rhode Island companies,

organizations and individuals that replace existing methods,

models and products with better ones.

Nabsys is a life sciences company working at the

intersection of physics, biology and computer science to

develop an electronic solid-state DNA sequencing platform.

NABsys’ vision is to power DNA sequencing and analysis by

using solid-state systems coupled with innovations in

chemistry and algorithms to achieve increased accuracy,

speed and cost. These systems are being designed to address

a broad range of applications, from analysis of DNA

structural variation, to sequencing of targeted genes, to

whole-genome sequencing. The levels of performance being

targeted will dramatically impact biological research in

many fields. NABsys was the first company to receive a

“$1000 Genome” award from the National Human Genome

Research Institute of the National Institutes of Health for an

electronic approach to sequencing.

Barrett has been named one of the top “30 under 30” in

New England by Mass High Tech: The Journal of New England

Technology and one of “25 movers and shakers” in the state

by Rhode Island Monthly. Barrett co-chairs BioGroup, Rhode

Island’s biotechnology industry organization, and serves on

boards for the Brown Medical Alumni Association,

Providence Preservation Society and WaterFire. Nabsys is

located in Providence’s Jewelry/Innovation District.

1993

1995

1995

Marie Ewens Brown, shown with her husband Charlie and

daughter Anna, was honored this fall with the Outstanding

Young Alumna award.

John Knowles ‘91 and his wife

Noel, shown here on the Cape,

live in East Providence.

1991

at the Hippodrome Theatre

which is the state theatre

of Florida. There he has

performed in such plays as

The 39 Steps, Boeing Boeing, and

Dracula, among others. He

moved to West Hollywood,

California in August and would

enjoy catching up with any

alumni who might be out west.

Contact him at jason.weiss@

mac.com.

In October, Rebecca and Mark

Silverman welcomed Zachary

Leo to their family. Zach joins

his older sibling Alex, now 4.

They live in Washington, D.C.,

where Mark works for the

International Committee of

the Red Cross.

1994Daniel Gilbert writes, “Just

wanted to let my old MB

friends know that I released

my first album this summer.

It’s called The Great Recession

Goodbye, and you can check

it out at your favorite online

music store or at www.dangil-

bertmusic.com.”

1995Dan Gareau, recently married,

is now teaching at Rockefeller

University. Dan attended the

NYC event in November with

Tia Gareau and shared details

of his latest research.

1997 Reunion 2012

Class Correspondent

Cara Camacho

401 13th St. NE, Apt. 105

Washington, DC 20002-6316

401-742-4658

cara.camacho@gmail.com

Another MB alum sighting:

Last year, MB staff perusing

Rhode Island Monthly saw that

Hyun Kim ’97 and his mother,

Sook, had opened a new Korean

food truck in downtown

Providence. They operate

Rhode Island’s first Korean

BBQ truck. It was cited in RIM’s

annual “Best of” issue and is a

completely local operation. See

www.mamakims.us for more.

Gina Guiducci lives on the

East Side, not too far from

the beautiful MB campus: “I

especially love the vegetable

garden.” Gina works as a

dietitian for Brown University

and is a columnist for The

Providence Journal’s Monday

wellness section, “Thrive.” “I

am passionate about health,

wellness and nutrition and

love the work that I do,” she

says. Gina also is a new

member of the Moses Brown

Alumni Association board.

[Note: Friends Garden was

created at MB as an environ-

mental education center on

campus. The garden also has a

service mission with student-

grown vegetables donated to

Camp Street Ministries.]

33

Class Notes

Allison Weitberg Jones has joined Kathy Ryan in MB’s pre-primary

classroom this year. Allie has spent the past 12 years working in

schools, including Northern Virginia Friends School and Sidwell

Friends. Allie previously worked at Gordon School for several years

as director of after-school programs and nursery teacher. She is

thrilled to rejoin the MB community. Her daughters also joined the

MB community this year – Lyla in nursery and Ava in first grade.Baby Henry Cabot Earle is pictured with

grandmother and former staff member

Anne Earle. Henry was born last June to

proud parents Christina and Cabot Earle,

who live in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Most recent MB Reunion: come back!

This issue of Cupola looks to the future and includes a profile on several alumni

who attended MB when it was still officially a boys’ school. In future issues,

Cupola hopes to expand coverage of female graduates. MB alumnae: do we

have your most recent info in our database? Do you know of a female class-

mate with an interesting story worth featuring in Cupola? Let us know. Email

alumni@mosesbrown.org or our managing editor at kcurry@mosesbrown.org.

19961997

1997

This December, Gina Guiducci ‘97 married

Stephen McKinnon ‘97 in New Bedford,

Massachusetts. The ceremony was held at

St. James Church, followed by a reception

at the New Bedford Whaling Museum with

all-local menu and libations: “Truly, a very

special day spent having A Whale of a Time!”

Where are the women?

1998Class Correspondent

Jason Engle

12 Marsden Court

Seekonk, MA 02771

401-475-4342

jasonengle@littlekidsinc.com

1999Class Correspondent

Kirstin McCarthy

1751 New Hampshire Ave., NW,

Apt. A

Washington, DC 20009

401-447-5770

kirstinmccarthy@yahoo.com

Karissa Bollengier Thrall and

her husband Steven welcomed

their first child, Charlie

Thomas, in May. They live in

Warwick.

2001In response to the last Cupola,

Kyla Rudnick writes, “Hi, I just

saw the listing of MB alumni

who served in the Peace Corps

and a call for who else has

served. I served in the Peace

Corps in Ghana from 2006-

2008. I did a master’s interna-

tional program with Peace

Corps and Washington State

University and did research for

my master’s in environmental

anthropology while serving. I

know it’s far in the future for

MB students, but master’s in-

ternational degrees are inter-

esting programs that combine

course work with Peace Corps

service for the completion of

an M.A. or M.S. degree.” Kyla

lives in Seattle and can be

reached at kylarudnick@

yahoo.com.

2002 Reunion 2012

Class Correspondent

Liz Donat

957 NW 63rd St.

Seattle, WA 98107-2215

401-864-9600

emdonat@gmail.com

Emily Glinick continues to work

as a freelance stage manager

in New York City, primarily for

Lincoln Center Theater. She

spends most of her summers

working with the Chautauqua

Theater Company. She is close

with fellow classmates Zara Se-

rabian-Arthur and Edith Palm-

ieri, who also reside in New

York City.

Jake Hays has been on the road

and out of the country. He just

finished an M.A. in philosophy

(with a focus on environmen-

34

Albert Huang ’99 is work-

ing in robotics in Boston.

See page 15 for an update

on Albert’s work today.

Former library staff members Judith Lewis and Ricky Brightman as well as

current staff Paula Lopes and Melanie Lindell are pictured with the newly

married Kimberly Lewis LeBlanc. Kim and Barry LeBlanc were married at

Bittersweet Farm in Westport, Massachusetts last May. Kim is a massage

therapist at the Beach Plum Spa in Plymouth, Massachusetts. She and

Barry reside in New Bedford.

Irving Fain is CEO and co-founder of CrowdTwist, a company

that helps brands create customer loyalty with a platform

that allows users to earn points for activities online.

“CrowdTwist is the only multi-channel brand loyalty platform

that is fundamentally changing the way marketers build

rewarding relationships between brands and people,” Irving

says. Customers include Pepsi, The Miami Dolphins, and

JCPenney.

Before founding CrowdTwist, Irving ran digital marketing

and social platforms for Clear Channel Radio Digital,

developing and implementing strategy for 1,000+ radio

stations nationwide.

Before becoming a media entrepreneur, Irving worked in

the world of finance. He spent time as a venture investor and

an investment banker, specializing in raising capital for early

stage companies.

2000In October, Jacob Brier and

his wife Dani welcomed a

son, Soren Jon Brier. Pictured

the day before Soren’s bris

is great-grandfather Milton

Brier ’46, father Jacob Brier,

Soren (2030?) and grandfather

Jeffrey Brier ’71. Also in at-

tendance at the bris were Jim

Engle ’71, Scott Wolf ’71, John

Blacher ’72, and Soren’s great

uncle Neil Brier ’70.1998

Manish Naik ’92, Kirstin McCarthy

’99 and her fiancée Eric, and Cara

Vileno ’97 gathered at the Hamilton

for the February D.C. Happy Hour.

Solving the Data Dilemma: Irving Fain ’98

Using social media as a business tool: Wiley Cerilli ’98

Wiley Cerilli ’98 of SinglePlatform is another alumnus at the

forefront of new technology and business models. Wiley was

highlighted in Business Insider in an article on the Top 25

Startups in NYC in 2011. Two of the highlighted companies

were founded by Moses Brown alums from the class of ‘98

including Wiley’s startup (SinglePlatform) and Irving Fain’s

(CrowdTwist).

Wiley’s company, SinglePlatform, works with restaurants

to bring their menus and businesses online and recently

partnered with Foursquare. Wiley’s start-up has also attracted

interest from Google. Wiley was previously the executive vice

president of SeamlessWeb.

1999

tal ethics) at the University of

Montana and arrived in NYC

in June. Jake is working as a

program director for an organi-

zation called PSE (Physicians,

Scientists, & Engineers for

Sustainable Healthy Energy).

Aside from a recent trip to

Banff, Alberta, and a spring

trip to Moab, Utah, his

adventures have been centered

mostly around western

Montana for the past two

years. Jake graduated from

Connecticut College in 2006

and has several stories to re-

port. Before Montana, he lived

in Hawaii working as a bee-

keeper and in Alaska working

as a dog musher/handler.

Jenny Moniz is happy to have

finally settled into her new

apartment on Beacon Hill in

Boston. She is eager to catch

up with any alumni in the area

when she is not busy working

on her business, Ivy Sit.

2003Aaron Tracy finished his mas-

ter’s in healthcare manage-

ment at Duquesne University

in June. In August, he started

medical school at Sackler

School of Medicine in Tel Aviv,

Israel. One of his classmates is

Aaron Abrams ’05.

35

Class Notes

Congratulations to Becca Rotelli ’01 and Matt Mignanelli ’01 on their wedding! In attendance were

several MB alumni: Seamus Deegan, Amanda Gannaway, Adam Pennacchio, Adam Mignanelli ’03,

Hayden Jones, Ashley Silvestri ’05, Matt Holland, Veronica Rotelli Vacca ’97, Michael Vacca ’96, Kate

Brier ’02, Kyle Rotelli ’04, Michael Jacober, Chris Rotelli ’99, and Kate Sullivan ’96. Becca and Matt live

in New York City.

A quick scan of the alumni list at the Leadership Rhode Island website indicates several LRI

graduates with MB connections: Alan Axelrod ’72, Paul Boghossian ’72, and Neal Pandozzi ’91.

Several other MB community members join them, including current parents Paul Adler,

Lori Basilico and MJ Kaplan; past parent Carolyn Benedict-Drew; and MB Communications

Director Sandi Seltzer. Are you a Leadership Rhode Island alumnus, too, or doing work here

in our state worthy of mention in Cupola? Updates welcome: send a photo/note to alumni@

mosesbrown.org for our next issue.

Tech Sociality: Drew Harry ’01

Drew Harry is a Ph.D. student in the Media Lab at MIT,

working specifically in the Speech + Mobility group. He

worked in the Sociable Media Group from 2006-2008. Drew is

interested in designing, building, and studying systems for

technology-mediated sociality.

“My work focuses on designing communication systems

that can be used to complement some other social

situation,” Drew says, “like a lecture, business meeting, class

discussion, or large-scale live events. I joke sometimes that

all my work is secretly about helping introverts manage

introversion by creating new communication channels

where it’s easier to participate and feel like part of a group.”

Learn more or see videos on Drew’s website at http://

web.media.mit.edu/~dharry/.

Matthew Fishbein writes, “Hello to all my classmates and friends!

I married my love, Jackie Asadorian Fishbein, in September! Vark

Markarian, Jimmy Falcon, and Derek Freeman all stood by my side.

Sara Farley and Peter and Kathy Shank were also on hand to celebrate

this momentous occasion. Hope all is well and I look forward to seeing

everyone at our 10th Reunion this May!” Matt works in annual giving/

alumni affairs at Thayer Academy in Braintree and also coaches Thayer’s

football team.

Three MB alumni

joined the Moses

Brown Alumni

Association board

this year:

Gina Guiducci ’97

Ahvi Spindell ’72

Taylor Rotondi

Anderson ’02

2002

2001

250 Lloyd: fertile ground for future Rhode Island leaders?

Sergeant Will MacLeod ’02 came home in September for two

weeks of leave after seven months of daily combat southwest

of Kandahar, Afghanistan. His girlfriend Maura Strickland is the

assistant varsity field hockey coach at Moses Brown. Will is a

Cavalry Scout with the 4th Squadron, 4th Cavalry, 1HBCT, 1st

Infantry. While on leave, Will got together with Julia Shaw, Kara

Foley, Andrew Patterson, Vark Markarian and many other friends.

Will returned to Afghanistan and safely completed his deployment

in December. He had a grand visit with Christian Sorensen at

Christmas and hopes to attend his 10th reunion at MB in 2012.

36

2004Class Correspondent

Kori Burnham

1872 Commonwealth Ave.,

Apartment 10

Brighton, MA 02135

508-954-3981

kori.burnham@gmail.com

2005Class Correspondent

Nick Artenstein

538 East Ave.

Pawtucket, RI 02860

401-413-1265

nick.artenstein@gmail.com

Hannah Schofield is back at

MB, as a long-term substitute

in the middle school, through

June. Hannah is teaching

English for Maureen Nagle,

now on maternity leave.

Hannah earned her B.A. from

Bryn Mawr College in English

and her M.A.T. from Brown

University. Last spring, while

completing her final course-

work at Brown, Hannah was

hired to teach English and

advise at Wheeler. She has a

passion for Shakespeare, serv-

ing as a coordinator for the

Brown University and Gamm

Theatre Shakespeare Institute

and as an actor, assistant

director and dramaturge of

the Bryn Mawr Shakespeare

Performance Troupe.

Hannah’s drama background

will certainly help as MB

middle schoolers study A

Raisin in the Sun and Romeo

and Juliet this year.

A few MB alumni are presenting at the TEDx event taking

place at Moses Brown on April 19. “Lives That Speak” will

feature Melissa Maxwell ’81, Uday Kumar ’90, and Carlos

Andrés Gómez ’00. Some MB parents are also featured: Bill

Harley P’02 ’05, Don Sweitzer P’05, Paul Sorensen P’02, and

Maria DeCarvalho P ’02 ’05. See more on page 20.

Moving Ahead: Dan Winston ’05

After two years in management consulting, Dan Winston ’05

has moved into transportation, hoping to focus on making

urban communities great places to live and work. “Public

transportation is a big part of that,” he says. Dan works for

Veolia Transportation, a Paris-based company that manages

public transit networks in cities and towns across the world:

“We run commuter rail in Boston, streetcars in New Orleans,

and also taxis and airport shuttles.”

Dan is transition manager for the start-up of Veolia’s

public-private partnership to operate the bus system in

Nassau County, New York. “This is an amazing chance to

play a role in a project that could completely change the

public transit industry,” he says. “Nassau is a cash-strapped

suburb of a big city, like so many others across the country.

We’re trying to make the best use of limited funds for such

important goals: transporting 100,000 people every day to

jobs, schools, or hospitals; keeping our drivers and other

workers well-compensated members of the middle class;

and minimizing the burden on Nassau County’s taxpayers.

Our project will have tremendous impact on the residents of

Nassau County — and could also transform the way cities,

counties and states across the U.S. think about their transit

systems.”

Ted Parker married Heather Harken last August. He met his wife at freshman orientation at

Middlebury College and they were married at Mead Memorial Chapel on the Middlebury

campus. John Campopiano was best man and Ted’s brother Matt ’00 and classmate Dan

Ostroff were his groomsmen. Pam Priestley also attended. Heather is a teacher at the Mary

McDowell Center for Learning in Brooklyn and received her master’s in special education at

the Bank Street College in New York. Ted is presently teaching high school English at the

King School in Stamford, Connecticut.

Reva Street ’05 can now be found in Philadelphia, pursuing a doctoral program at

Drexel. “Drexel is a great place to be doing innovative research!” Reva says. “The

school has a major focus on engineering co-ops, emphasizing the importance of

collaboration between academia and industry. The city of Philadelphia is also full

of hospitals, schools and companies that offer opportunities to make contacts. I

love the city; once my work is done for the day, there is a wealth of history, arts,

theater, restaurants and museums to explore.” See page 16 for more from Reva.

2004

2004

Willis Monroe married Hayley Lacis this past October at the Great Friends Meeting House, a beautiful building

dating from 1699 in Newport. In attendance were Bill Domineau ’07, Dylan Block-Harley ’05, Mike Blackman

’04, Lanny Fox ’05, Dan Gardiner ’03, Jon Smalletz ’04 and Zac Brenner ’04. Willis and Hayley have a blog, about

their wedding and about their summer working in Turkey. Enjoy! http://hayleyandwillis.com.

2005

PlaceMosesBrownSchool

photos: Veolia

37

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CM

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CMY

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Brochure Inside FINAL.pdf 1 11/22/2011 9:40:51 AM

38

2006Class Correspondent

Nate Silver

2046 W Cortez #2

Chicago, IL 60622

Home 401-272-3319

silver.nate@gmail.com

Evan Ruppell is a first-year

medical student at Lake

Erie College of Medicine in

Greensburg, Pennsylvania. He

participated in his white coat

ceremony in October.

2007 Reunion 2012

Class Correspondent

Lindy Nash

1312 Narragansett Blvd.

Cranston, RI 02905

401-527-0896

linden.nash@conncoll.edu

Last summer, Alexandra Bicki

worked at Clinica Esperanza in

Olneyville developing clinical

research projects to improve

Hispanics’ access to health-

care. She credits Señora Baez

and Señor Flaxman for her

ability to communicate well

with patients. Alexandra will

be graduating from the Univer-

sity of Miami in December and

hopes to begin studying for her

master’s of public health soon.

Kelly Pearson works for

Cannon Design, an architec-

ture and engineering firm in

Boston, Massachusetts.

2008Class Correspondent

Natalie Triedman

283 Wayland Ave.

Providence, RI 02906

401-575-3142

nkt387@aol.com

Sam Sager, currently a senior

at Tufts University, signed

on to play with the Harwich

Mariners of the Cape Cod

League this past summer. Sam

started all 37 games at third

base for Tufts in 2011. The

team finished their season

with a 27-9-1 record and won

their second straight New

England Small College Athletic

Conference title.

2009Class Correspondent

Betsy Tammaro

69 Londonderry Way

Uxbridge, MA 01569

401-477-6545

betsy.tammaro@gmail.com

2010Class Correspondent

Jamie Gilson

100 Prospect St.

Providence, RI 02906

401-421-1640

jmgilson425@gmail.com

After a semester studying in

Paris last fall, class correspon-

dent Jamie Gilson had another

“fantastic and significantly

warmer” second semester at

the University of Southern

California in the spring.

Three generations: Bob Oresman ’80, his dad Dick ’53, and son David ’11

gathered for a photo at graduation this past May. David is now is in his

freshman year at Syracuse.

Jack Ryan ’10, now in his second year at MIT, had an interesting summer.

He landed a job writing code for the MIT nuclear lab. Jack is a nuclear

science and engineering major, interested in clean energy. He also

competes on the varsity rowing team and is the fourth fastest freshman

in MIT’s history.

Sarah Engle graduated magna cum laude

from Brown with a B.A. in psychology.

She works as an assistant buyer at

Bloomingdale’s in New York City and also

teaches SAT classes for Kaplan.

Anne Goldberg is working on her

master’s of classical composition

at the Manhattan School of

Music in New York City. She is

the founder and artistic director

of her own dance company and

music collective, the Synthesis

Aesthetics Project. Featuring

original music and choreography

by Anne, the company is a non-

profit organization that focuses on

bringing the arts into schools and

communities around New York and

New England.

2007

1953, 1980, 2011

2010

2006

photo: Annie Potash

39

Class Notes

MyMB: Molly Sullivan ’112011 Alumni Office Summer Intern Interviewed at Reunion 2011

When you think of Moses Brown, what are the first words that come to mind?

One word is community. There is a huge sense of community at MB, especially when you have lower, middle, and upper schoolers all

together. We’re not isolated from one another, there’s a lot of interaction.

When did you come to MB? What did you think at the time?

I came to MB in fourth grade. In terms of my overall Moses Brown experience, I don’t really think my little ten-year-old brain would

have ever predicted half the things that I’ve done and what I’m going to do.

How would you describe a Moses Brown student?

Everyone at Moses Brown is really open to learning about other people. Everyone has different interests but there’s kind of this mutual

sense of respect, and openness and understanding of each other that I don’t think is as present in other schools.

Was there any particular teacher or experience at MB that really helped shape you?

The science and English departments: both departments are just fabulous in terms of teaching, and being really helpful and inspiring.

While at MB, Molly was a member of the debate team, Student Alumni Association, Media Club, and Environmental Club. Molly is now a freshman

at the University of Southern California.

Share your own comments on this issue at our online survey page

visit www.mosesbrown.org • email alumni@mosesbrown.org

comment at facebook.com/MosesBrownSchool

Send news/notes/photos/feedback for the next issue to:

Susan Cordina, Class Notes Editor

Alumni Relations

Moses Brown School

alumni@mosesbrown.org

Become a FAN of Moses Brown at facebook.com/mosesbrownschool

Log in to CAMPUSLINK, MB’s online directory, at www.mosesbrown.org

SEE photos and videos from the past year at MB

Follow MB on TWITTER | Be sure we have your personal email address

to send E-NEWS with info on special events and regional gatherings

near you.

At their eighth grade graduation last June, Class of 2015 alumni children smile with their parents from left to right: George Panichas, III, George Panichas, Jr. ’83, Mindy

Fischer Penney ’84, Bobby Penney, Heather Handrigan Ross ’85, Hayden Ross, Gregory Schadone ’85, Danielle Schadone, Vin Giordano ’83, Gabby Rocchio-Giordano, and

Lisa Rocchio ’85. There are a total of 12 alumni families in this year’s MB freshman class including Bernie Buonanno III ’84 and his daughter Meghan, Stephen DeLeo ’79

and his son Stephen, Jr., Marc Janigian ’82 and his son Leo, Tim McCahan ’80 and his daughter Olivia, Charles Milot ’76 and his son Bret, Matt Slepkow ’88 and his son Cal,

and Phil Zexter ’81 and his daughter Lily.

1980s

At Reunion 2011, several alumni and fami-

lies gathered: Hugh Madden ’84’s family,

Todd Grant ’84 and his son Tyler, Rich Bache

’06, Allison Weitberg Jones ’96 and daugh-

ters, and Tom Andrew.

40

Everett White, Class of 1938, attended Brown

University and was employed by the Providence

Journal Company for 38 years. He was a fighter pilot

in the U.S. Army Air Corps in World War II serving in

China with the Flying Tigers of the 14th Air Force,

23rd Group, 75th Squadron. Everett was a member of

First Baptist Church in America, St. Johns Lodge #1

F&AM and the Roger Williams Family Association. He

served the town of Barrington as chairman of the

board of tax assessors, was past president and

director of the Advertising Media Credit Executives

Association and a director of the National Newspaper

Purchasing Association. (9/26/11)

Robert Allen, Class of 1939, the first student to

represent Moses Brown in a sailing regatta, graduated

from Brown University where he was on the sailing

and tennis teams. Bob joined the U.S. Coast Guard,

serving on the Cutter Calypso, and was executive

officer on the tanker Michigamme. He worked for G.P.

Metcalf, Franklin Processing Co. and owned

Barrington Yarns until retiring. A member of the

Barrington Yacht Club, Bob also delivered for Meals

on Wheels and St. John’s Church Meals and enjoyed

flying kites at Colt State Park and Bailey’s Beach.

(10/20/11)

Tristram Coffin, Class of 1939, attended Haverford,

then spent three years in the Army Air Corps and

Signal Corps during WWII. He received his M.A. and

Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania. Tris taught

at Denison University for nine years, then returned to

Penn where he taught until his retirement. He co-

founded the university’s department of folklore and

was an internationally known folklorist. His books

include The British Traditional Ballad in North America

and The Book of Christmas Folklore (a Book-of-the-Month

Club selection). Dr. Coffin hosted the national PBS

show Lyrics and Legends and edited the “American

Folklore” series for Voice of America. Tris also loved

sports. He served as tennis pro at Point Judith Country

Club for 23 years; coached the Denison tennis team to

five titles; and authored two books on the sport. He

also coached soccer at Denison and refereed soccer

for 15 years in the Philadelphia area. Tris always felt

the most satisfactory accomplishment of his life was,

without ever having played soccer, taking over the

Denison University varsity team which had gone 0-10

in 1955 and, with the same squad, winning the Ohio

Conference league in 1956 with a 6-2-2 record.

(1/31/12)

In Memoriam

Moses Brown publishes memorial notes based on published obituaries. Please forward to Office of Alumni Relations,

Moses Brown School, 250 Lloyd Avenue, Providence, RI 02906; fax (401) 455-0084; email alumni@mosesbrown.org.

Samuel Parsons, Class of 1940, graduated from

Harvard and Boston University Law School. In World

War II, he served in the Navy as a Quartermaster First

Class on the WWI Battleship Nevada at Normandy and

in the Mediterranean, was on the new destroyer

Hawkins, and was in Tokyo when the war ended. Sam

worked for 35 years at the Old Colony Trust Company,

where he became a vice president in the trust

division, working as a portfolio manager

concentrating in pension trusts. He was a sailing

enthusiast with a particular interest in classic wooden

sailboats. (11/5/11)

James Elder, Class of 1942, was a graduate of Brown

and had a long and distinguished career as a financial

analyst, most recently with Janney, Montgomery &

Scott. A WWII Navy veteran, he was a member of the

Providence Art Club, the University Club, Barrington

Yacht Club and Barrington Congregational Church.

James and his wife Helen had four children and

several grandchildren. (1/2/12)

John Cady, Class of 1945, an avid sailor, graduated

from the U.S. Naval Academy where he crewed on the

yawl, Royono, for the renowned Bermuda Race. He

served in Korea aboard the USS St. Paul, and later

aboard a number of nuclear submarines. Pete

commanded the USS Seawolf and the FBM nuclear

submarine USS George Bancroft. After retiring from

service as captain, Pete brought his nuclear

engineering expertise to several companies in the

New York tri-state area. He volunteered at the

Strawbery Banke carpentry shop and was active with

the Strawbery Banke croquet group. (3/24/11)

Ormston Aldred, Class of 1946, a Korean War U.S.

army veteran, attended Brown University. Following

his father and grandfather, he was an executive at

Gladdings Department Store in Providence. Orm

retired to Utica, New York and worked for his friends

at Express Systems Integration and later became a

private consultant. While in Rhode Island, he was a

member of the Barrington Yacht Club. (5/13/11)

Charles Edwards, Class of 1947, a graduate of Brown

University and Harvard Law School, served in the U.S.

Navy as a lieutenant on the USS Fletcher, DDE 445. He

practiced law at Edwards & Angell with a brief

interval as Assistant Attorney General of Rhode Island

in charge of the civil division, and later had a private

practice in Little Compton. He was proud of his pro

bono work with the American Civil Liberties Union,

defending such rights as pro-choice, Indian land

rights, fair housing, and free speech. He served on the

boards of Hospice Care of R.I., Providence Players, the

Charitable Fuel Society, Little Compton Historical

Society and the Sakonnet Preservation Association.

(8/20/11)

Richard O’Neil, Class of 1949, a U.S. veteran, was

executive director of American Standard, Inc. He

lived in Placentia, California. Dick and his wife

Jacquelyn had six children and were longtime regular

supporters of Moses Brown via annual gifts. Dick was

a day student, commuting from Edgewood. He spent

only one year at MB, post-grad, but said, “It was the

best year of my school days. I cherish the people I

met, the memories and education I got at Moses

Brown.” Dick competed on MB’s football and wrestling

teams. (6/3/11)

Malcolm Chace, Class of 1952, a Yale University

graduate, began his career as a private investor at

Chase Manhattan Bank and returned to Providence to

participate in the family businesses. He founded Bank

RI and remained as chairman of the board and

succeeded his father on the board of Berkshire

Hathaway, Inc. One of Kim’s proudest moments in

support of the arts in Providence was the opening of

the Rhode Island School of Design Chace Center. In

recognition of his dedication to Rhode Island

education, he received honorary degrees from Brown

University, Bryant University and Johnson & Wales

University. (6/23/11)

Robert Mirando, Class of 1952, graduated from the

Babson Institute of Business Administration, then

worked at his family’s company, Imperial Knife

Associated Companies, Inc. He established R.P.M.

Metals, working as a metallurgic consultant to several

manufacturing companies throughout New England

and New York. Bobby’s avid interest in automobiles

drew him to participate in some SCCA races; he was

owner of Mirando Toyota and Mirando Motors, Inc.

Bobby was an avid Notre Dame football fan and, in

retirement, published a vacation magazine about

Cape Cod and the Islands. (7/10/11)

41

G. Phillips Kelly, Class of 1954, a graduate of

Amherst College and Columbia School of Business,

began a 17-year career at Bloomingdale’s in New York

while a graduate student. He became chairman of

Marshall Field’s Chicago Division, president and CEO

of J.W. Robinson’s, in California, and president and

CEO of Garfinckel’s, Washington, D.C. When Marshall

Field’s became the target of a hostile takeover, Phil and

business partner opened up Mallard’s, a popular chain

of men’s clothing stores, around the corner from

Marshall Field’s flagship store. Phil was president and

actively planned the successful expansion of privately-

held Almacenes De Prati in Guayaquil and Quito,

Ecuador. He served on the board of the Museum of

Contemporary Art in Chicago. (4/5/11)

Edwin Howell, Class of 1956, studied civil

engineering at the University of Pennsylvania on a

Navy ROTC scholarship, then served with the Seabees

in San Diego and on Christmas Island, taking part in

the final above-ground nuclear tests in the South

Pacific. Following his naval service, Ted worked for

the Peter Kiewit Construction Company before

starting Howell Estimating Systems. He volunteered

with the town of Seekonk, Edgewood Yacht Club, and

the First Unitarian Church of Providence. An avid

sailor, Ted sailed in the Newport to Bermuda Race as

well as the regular Tuesday evening series at

Edgewood Yacht Club on Narragansett Bay. (6/22/11)

Donald Troppoli, Class of 1958, served in the U.S.

Army. He was employed by Laserfare, Imperial Knife

and most recently as a purchasing manager for

GTECH. Donald lived in Rehoboth for the past 30

years. (6/30/11)

James Pearson, Class of 1962, a Florida Atlantic

University graduate, taught in Broward County and

served as a field representative for the Florida

Education Association. He graduated in the charter

class of Nova University Law School and practiced law

in Broward County for 35 years. James served in

several civic organizations and was a founding

member of the Broward County Prologue Society.

(6/30/11)

Roger Davis, Class of 1964, served in the U.S. Air

Force National Guard as a technical sergeant. He

worked as a technician for the Hawaiian Telephone

Company and as a maintenance supervisor for

Certified Management, Inc. Roger lived in Hawaii and

had 23 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

(11/5/09)

Louis Jackvony, Class of 1965, a graduate of

Villanova and Suffolk University Law, practiced law at

his father’s firm, Jackvony and Jackvony Attorneys at

Law, and was North Smithfield town solicitor. He was

the founder of RI Title Services, Ltd., was licensed as a

real estate broker and president of Olde Towne Realty,

Inc., as well as a Florida licensed title agent and

founder of Eastern Title and Closing Services Inc of

Merritt Island. Recently Louis attended Providence

College, pursuing a master’s degree in American

history. (7/28/11)

Paul Warburton, Class of 1971, attended Dartmouth

and graduated from Providence College, majoring in

history and playing hockey for both schools. He

worked in the claims department of Metropolitan Life

Home & Auto and was a sports writer for several local

papers. He enjoyed tennis, ping-pong, traveling and

swimming at the beach. In 2010, Paul accomplished a

lifelong dream by publishing a book on his beloved

sport of baseball entitled Signature Seasons: Fifteen

Baseball Legends at Their Most Memorable 1908-1949.

(10/2/11)

Seabury Waring, Class of 1973, a graduate of Ohio

State, was a self-employed welding engineer and

certified welding inspector. He was a member of the

American Welding Society and the American Society

of Nondestructive Testing. Seabury was a parishioner

of Sacred Heart Church in East Providence and a

member of People of God’s Love prayer community.

(6/26/11)

Andrew Arkway, Class of 1978, a longtime Rhode

Island resident, worked at the Roger Williams Park

Zoo and then as stewardship director of the

Aquidneck Land Trust. His premier project while at

the ALT was the five-mile-long Sakonnet Greenway

Trail. Andy was a great outdoorsman, who loved

mountaineering and skiing. He learned to climb in the

MB Field House with Dave McNab. Andy was a

member of the Narragansett Bay Wheelmen and lived

in Newport. (7/8/11)

Sarah Crane, Class of 1991, graduated from Lake

Forest College and received her M.A. in higher

education administration from Suffolk University.

She was associate director of admissions at the

Wentworth Institute of Technology and a board

member for the New England Transfer Association.

One of Sarah’s greatest joys was spending summers

with family in Glen Arbor, Michigan. (8/25/11

Michael Bono, Class of 1998, lived in Georgia with his

family: wife Heather and twin children, Aiden and

Emma. Michael served in the U.S. Army with the

501th Airborne in Iraq and was stationed at Camp

Merrill in Dahlonega, Ga. He previously had been

stationed in Alaska. After Moses Brown, he attended

Alfred University. Mike was a devoted father. While

an MB student, he competed in lacrosse and track for

the Quakers. (3/17/12))

Evan Spirito, Class of 2006, loved team sports and

played football, hockey and lacrosse at MB and, more

recently, was a dedicated MB coach for the latter. He

was a recent graduate of Colorado College where he

majored in economics and played football and

lacrosse. After graduation, Evan remained in

Colorado, working as a ski instructor and enjoying the

powder at Vail. He particularly enjoyed spending

summers with his cousins at his grandmother’s home

in Mattapoisett, Massachusetts. (11/2/11)

Former Faculty/Staff

Jane Rotch Boissevain taught French, coached, and

was a member of MB’s Residential Community from

1981–1985. She graduated from Williams College and

lived for two years in Switzerland where she attended

the Valmont School in Lausanne. After MB, she

volunteered at Youth for Understanding and worked

for Amideast in Washington, D.C., the Weldon-Cooper

Center for Public Service and then the Center for the

Study of Mind and Human Interaction. Joy then

served as associate director of the Center for Global

Health. Recently, she was awarded her master’s in

public health from the University of Virginia where

she was also recognized for her years of service with

the Leonard Sandridge Award for Outstanding

Contribution to the University. (10/5/11)

42

Former Faculty & Staff

Upper school math teacher Bill Whitmore writes from

Maine: “Teaching at Moses Brown … to this day I still tell

people it was the best job I have ever had. I remember

clearly the June day in 1986 that I drove off the Moses

Brown campus for the last time, not sure if I was doing the

right thing. I felt the pull to return home to Maine but I

knew that I was leaving something special. MB had, and

still has, it all: a motivated student body, dedicated

faculty, strong administrative leadership, and an amazing

commitment from its alumni. Teaching at MB as my first

job after college was tremendous preparation and training for my future. In

many ways I feel like I have a degree from MB as well.”

Bill taught for three years in Portland, then took a job as an actuary for Blue

Cross and Blue Shield. He still works for Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in

Maine as vice president of underwriting. “Health insurance has been a

particularly dynamic industry to work in over the past few years,” Bill says,

“given the current administration’s focus on health care.” He spends his non-

work time running, cycling, and relaxing with family. Bill lives in Falmouth with

his wife Kay and teenage children, Abigail and Alex. “Abigail inherited her

mother’s beautiful soprano voice and plays clarinet, piano, and tuba,” he says.

“Alex followed more in my footsteps and competes at basketball, baseball, and

golf. Life is busy, but great.”

Bill still calls many of his MB colleagues good friends and even ran a half-

marathon in Providence with Ted Fischer ’83 last year. “Thank you, MB, for all you

did for me,” he writes. Say hello to Bill at william.whitmore@anthem.com.

An ’89 alumnus recently wrote in

looking for news on former faculty

member John Baird (1981-1989). John

is now head of school at Westtown

School in West Chester, Pennsylvania.

Read more about John today at

www.westtown.edu.

Alumni still recall the works Robert Clough (upper school English, 1968-77) assigned in class. Robert left MB to

chair his own English department at Hamden Hall CDS in 1976. From there, he switched to alumni relations at

Cranbrook School where he became point person for two capital campaigns. Robert assumed his first director of

development position at Cheshire Academy, then transferred to Vermont Academy to complete two more

campaigns. Robert spent a year at Viewpoint School in California before taking his first higher-ed, home-satellite

position with Norwich University.

“I’ve since been with the URI College of Engineering for 15 years,” he writes. “I’m certainly eligible to retire, but

my dean and I have an ambitious pact to facilitate new College of Engineering facilities, so I currently have some

job security. Though I find less time to read for pleasure, I always enjoy John Irving and occasionally revisit a

classic. Having been involved with Project Discovery at MB, I continue as a faithful Trinity Rep subscriber. Finally,

for those who might remember a couple of my personal interests, yes, I still drive a Porsche and downhill ski.”

Contact Robert at rclough@foundation.uri.edu.

MB faculty member Marga Jones circa 1971.

Storytime at MB, another time.

EndowmEnt fuEls thE futurE

To learn more and to forever be associated with Moses Brown as a member of the Obadiah Brown Society, contact Ron Dalgliesh, director of development and alumni relations, at 401-831-7350 x111 or

rdalgliesh@mosesbrown.org or visit www.mosesbrown.org/plannedgiving

Imagine if you never had to buy gas for your car!That’s what a strong endowment and your legacy gift can do for MB.

Like a smooth running machine, Moses Brown’s fiscal engine is powered by in-come received through tuition, charitable donations and annual distributions from endowed funds. A legacy gift to MB is an investment in the future that fuels the school’s ability to build long-term financial sustainability on a

foundation of increasing endowment income. The school uses the annual income distributions from the endow-ment to help ensure that we are providing the best education possible; from funds that support great teaching to particular program areas and scholarship. You can set up a named, endowed scholarship

or faculty chair, or provide endowed support for your favorite program (athletic team, theater, music, service, etc.) via a bequest or life income giving strategy. In many cases, a life income gift can provide you with tax benefits and income TODAY, while MB gets a significant gift TOMORROW.

School

Founded 2011-12Enrollment

Endowmentvalue*

Endowment per student

peer comparisons: financial strength & sustainability As Moses Brown looks to the future, plans are emerging to raise significant funds to increase endowment and bolster long-term financial sustainability.

2011-12Tuition**

BB&NGermaNtowN FrieNds

miltoN academy

Moses Brown

NoBle & GreeNouGh sidwell FrieNds

st. GeorGe’s

1889184517981784186618831896

9651,120

990779555

1,100345

$50M37M

190M21m42M37M95M

$51,81333,036

191,91926,95875,67633,636

275,362

$36,60027,50037,530

28,38537,30032,96032,600

* Endowment figures are the market value as of June 30, 2011. ** Represents upper school day tuition.

Bigelow steam boilers installed in MB’s power plant in 1940.

Moses Brown School250 Lloyd Avenue, Providence, RI 02906www.mosesbrown.org401-831-7350

Non-Profit OrganizationU.S. Postage

PaidProvidence, RI

Permit No. 3264

For the Honor of Truth

Alumni parents: If this Cupola is addressed to a graduate no longer residing at your home, please contact alumni@mosesbrown.org or call x114 to update his or her address.

What’s Ahead! MB Reunion 2012 May 11-12

See how things look at MB today and see old friends and

new. Something to look forward to! MB Reunion 2012

Refresh your Moses Brown view anew this May.

Register for Reunion at mosesbrown.org/alumni and

connect with other folks in the MB community

anytime at www.facebook.com/mosesbrownschool.

Reunion 2012 will offer special events for classes

ending in 2 and 7, though all alumni are welcome

to attend, from any year, former faculty, too!

To register, see who is coming, or get the latest

MB updates, visit mosesbrown.org/alumni, contact

alumni@mosesbrown.org, or call 401-831-7350 x288.

For the Classes of ‘37 ‘42 ‘47 ‘52 ‘57 ‘62 ‘67 ‘72 ‘77 ‘82 ‘87 ‘92 ‘97 ‘02 ‘07