3. Departments
Letter from the Head of School .................. 3
Ringing the Bell .................................. 4
LFA Arts ......................................... 19
FerryTales........................................ 22
LFA Athletics .................................... 24
Class Notes ...................................... 47
From the Archives ............................... 60
Features
Alumni Events ................................... 16
BIG Celebration ................................. 28
FALL 2014
TABLE OF CONTENTS 1
The Magazine of Lake Forest Academy and Ferry Hall
60
47
28
4. Mission Statement
Lake Forest Academy strives to embody in its practices and to cultivate in its
students excellence of character, scholarship, citizenship, and responsibility.
2 Review Fall 2014 Click: www.lfanet.org8
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
2014–15
Mr. J. Michael Schell ’65
Chair
Ms. Gloria W. Harper
Vice Chair
Mrs. Sandra F. Boles
Secretary
Mr. Christopher E. Freeburg ’90
Treasurer
Mr. Zaid I. S. Abdul-Aleem ’90
Dr. Makola M. Abdullah ’86
Mrs. Sylvia Barros ’90
Dr. Kenny Bozorgi
Mr. Jim C. Cowart ’69
Dr. Rachel E. Goshgarian ’93
Mr. William J. Hayes
Mr. Maurice L. Holmes ’83
Mrs. Michele Marsh Ihlanfeldt ’89
Mr. Ned Jessen
Mr. Rumi Kuli ’93
Mr. Michael P. Leonard ’66
Mr. Ben Malek ’91
Mr. John S. Marlatt ’65
Ms. Katherine Gray Pollock ’70
Mrs. Anne N. Reyes
Mr. Mark S. Simonian ’77
Dr. Regina E. Spellers Sims ’85
Mr. John A. Walton
Mr. Richard L. Zhao ’04
Keep in Touch
Photo:CathyMorrison
LFA ALUMNI APP
We’ve launched a mobile alumni app!
• Connect with classmates
• Network in your industry
• Get LFA news
All on your Apple or Android smartphone.
Available free in the
App Store and Google Play
Download it today! http://bit.ly/18dNBQF
SOCIAL MEDIA follow us on:
linkd.in/10AMS8v
facebook.com/LakeForestAcademy
instagram.com/lfacademy
@LFAcad
lakeforestacademy.smugmug.com
5. LETTER FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL 3
2014 will be remembered as a year of notable accomplishments in the history of
Lake Forest Academy. It marks the successful completion of the Campaign for
LFA, by which the school raised $68.8 million to advance its mission of excel-
lence. It also saw the development and approval of the 2014 strategic plan, Edu-
cating for Tomorrow: Developing Global Citizens, which will be the blueprint
for school improvement over the next three to five years. The year also witnessed
significant and meaningful success throughout the school, ranging from the im-
pressive college placement of the senior class, to the strength of the admissions
pool and the subsequent enrollment of a highly qualified and diverse LFA student
body, to the inspiring teaching taking place in our exciting new academic spaces.
It is a great time to be a part of the Academy family.
The Campaign for LFA allowed us to add modern and impactful new buildings
as well as to renovate existing structures, thereby creating both a highly func-
tional and visually inspiring campus. It also added significantly to the endow-
ment with new faculty chairs, scholarships, professional development funds, and
support for day-to-day operations. The Campaign also fueled innovative and
meaningful changes in the way the school operates, thereby impacting each and
every member of the LFA community.
LFA’s new strategic plan takes this theme of school improvement even further.
Focusing on the four core objectives of educational experience, global awareness
and understanding, branding and alumni connections, and financial strength, the
plan leverages past successes to refine and advance LFA’s tradition of excellence.
The plan is loyal to the four pillars of our mission—character, scholarship, citi-
zenship, and responsibility—yet promises to educate our students for tomorrow
and guide them to become true global citizens.
Today’s world faces challenges requiring global solutions; these interconnected
challenges call for changes in the ways students think, and ultimately act for the
benefit of both themselves and society as a whole. Education must be increasing-
ly transformative and cultivate an active awareness of the world. High schools
have traditionally prepared students to pass exams and graduate to college and
into the workplace. Now, we seek to develop responsibility in our students for
the ways they view cultures, countries, and regions that are not their own.
John Strudwick greets
students at the traditional
All-School Handshake on
August 25, 2014
Photo: George Pfoertner
The dedication of the LFA faculty has always been
an integral part of an Academy education, as reflected
by our graduates’ lives and accomplishments.
The dedication of the LFA faculty has always been an integral part of an Acad-
emy education, as reflected by our graduates’ lives and accomplishments. LFA
has always put students at the centre of their own learning within a framework
of supportive and caring teachers, but going forward we must also continue
to evaluate and explore who we are and what we do as a school community,
thereby ensuring that we are preparing LFA graduates to be successful global
citizens and thinkers. That is our responsibility and one that I take very seriously.
LFA has an extraordinary level of institutional momentum that is advancing the
school’s mission of excellence at a considerable pace. With our long history of
personal and inspiring teaching, and the success of the Campaign for LFA, the
next five years promise to be crucial for the Academy as we take our place as one
of the premier high schools in the United States and the world.
6. 4 Review Fall 2014 Click: www.lfanet.org8
An Unlikely Jailbird
A YOUNG ALUMNA, COMPELLED TOWARD THE CENTER OF
THE CHAOS IN FERGUSON, MO. IN LATE SUMMER 2014,
FOUND A PEACEFUL PROTEST TOOK AN UNEXPECTED TURN
BY JONATHAN FREEMAN
Left: Liz Peinado ’08 and
Lusanda Mayikana engage
students in discussion in
Ms. Mayikana’s classroom.
Center: Wes Annan ’15
greets Liz following her
presentation
Right: Liz Peinado ’08
shares her story at an
All-School Meeting in The
Cressey Center for the Arts
Photos: Cathy Morrison
Liz Peinado ’08 returned to campus on
September 8 to speak to the communi-
ty about her recent experience partici-
pating in the protests in Ferguson, Mis-
souri. In her presentation, “The 4’ 11”
Jailbird,” Liz explained the path that
led her from LFA to college to Teach
for America to her current work for
The North Campus, a community or-
ganization in St. Louis—and then how
her involvement with her community
led her to Ferguson, to the midst of this
summer’s protests, and then unexpect-
edly to jail.
Liz’s talk, and her visits to several LFA
classes during her day on campus,
prompted lots of thoughtful and pro-
ductive discussion in the community
about civil rights, race, power, com-
munity, and the ways in which LFA
students, individually and collectively,
can continue to work for justice on the
local, national, and global level.
You can read more about Liz’s experi-
ence on elle.com: http://www.elle.com/
news/culture/in-ferguson-one-wom-
ans-experience n
7. RINGING THE BELL 5
THIS YEAR’S CLASS OF NEW TRUSTEES
FEATURES FIVE ALUMNI RETURNING TO THEIR
ALMA MATER WITH A MISSION TO SERVE.
Rachel E. Goshgarian ’93 is Assistant Professor of History/
Middle Eastern Studies at Lafayette College in Easton, Penn.
Previous positions have included teaching assistant in Paris,
intern in Rabat (Morocco), teaching fellow at Harvard Uni-
versity, visiting professor at Columbia University, director of
the Kridor and Clara Zohrab Information Center (NYC), and
senior fellow at Koc University (Turkey). She is multilingual,
widely published, lectures frequently, and teaches a variety of
courses in her field.
Rachel earned her BA from Wellesley College with a double
major in French and International Relations and her AM in
Middle Eastern Studies and PhD in History and Middle East-
ern Studies from Harvard University. Rachel currently lives in
the Ramer History House on the campus of Lafayette College.
Rumi Kuli ’93, P’17 is a managing director at Charles Schwab
in Chicago and president of their OptionsXpress Internation-
al unit. He is also a director of the Chicago Jazz Philharmonic
and has worked on projects for that organization aimed at
supporting music education and providing music education
to Chicago area youth. He has participated in various LFA
alumni events through the years and is an active LFA parent.
Rumi graduated from Ripon College and earned his JD from
the University of Iowa’s College of Law. While at Ripon, he at-
tended l’Universitè Paris-Sorbonne. Interested in the arts, Rumi
plays drums, violin, and piano. His wife, Julia, is a local family
physician. They have three children and live in Frankfort, Ill.
Michael P. Leonard ’66 is a filmmaker, TV journalist, and
author who is familiar to many through his 32-year affiliation
with the Today Show on NBC, an assignment from which he
retired recently. A story-teller par excellence, Mike has also
made many presentations to all segments of the LFA commu-
nity. Story-telling was also his specialty in broadcasting, not
interviewing the big names or following the breaking news
stories, but finding meaning in and sharing the experiences of
ordinary people and his own life.
Mike refers to his one year at LFA as transformational and,
although he has no previous board experience, sees this ser-
vice as an opportunity to give back to the Academy. Mike
lives in Winnetka with his wife, Cathy. They have four adult
children and seven grandchildren.
Welcome Back!
L-R: Kathy Pollock ’70, Rumi Kuli ’93, Mike Leonard ’66, Rachel Goshgarian ’93,
John Marlatt ’65. Photo: Cathy Morrison
John S. Marlatt ’65 spent over 25 years in bank management
positions, specializing in corporate finance, sales and market-
ing, and risk management. His most recent post was as Senior
Vice President and Branch Manager of Commerzbank AG in
charge of all corporate and investment banking activities re-
lated to the bank’s clients and prospects in the Midwestern
U.S. A long-time resident of Lake Forest, John has created and
maintained connections with a wide network of alumni and
local community connections.
John graduated from DePauw University in Greencastle, Ind.
He and his wife, Peggy Fox, live in Lake Forest and frequently
attend LFA events. John has spoken at the school and hopes
to do so again.
Katherine Gray Pollock ’70 has served as a volunteer on the
Founders’ Board of the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s
Hospital of Chicago (formerly Children’s Memorial Hospi-
tal). She also holds an administrative position in a family busi-
ness. Through these experiences, she has gained expertise in
advocacy, managing relationships, and property planning and
development. Her life is focused around the city of Chicago,
so she will bring an urban-centric personal view to the LFA
Board.
Katherine’s mother, Elizabeth Kerwin Twede ’48, her aunt,
Margaret Kerwin Crane ’49, and her sister, Nancy Pollock
Patterson ’72 are also Ferry Hall alumnae. Katherine recon-
nected with several classmates at her 40th reunion with whom
she stays in touch. n
8. 6 Review Fall 2014 Click: www.lfanet.org8
“LADY,” AS SHE’S CALLED BY ALUMNI OF THE
DELANEY ADVISORY, CAPTURED THE HEARTS
OF LFA STUDENTS, ALUMNI, FACULTY AND
FRIENDS DURING HER TENURE.
The Lake Forest Academy community bid farewell, Irish
style!, to Helen Delaney, who retired from her role as aca-
demic office manager at LFA after 25 years of faithful service.
Alumni, faculty, staff, and parents, along with friends and
family of Helen and her husband, Tom, gathered at Bridie
McKenna’s Irish Pub in Highwood, Ill., on Aug. 14, 2014, to
reminisce and wish Helen and Tom the best in the years to
come. The Academy is grateful to the following alumni who
delivered heartfelt toasts in Helen’s honor: Lyndy Komen
’92, Adrian MacLean Jay ’94, Carter Chapman ’94, Sheffie
Kane ’06, Brooke Wesley Chapman ’06, Elisa Gutierrez ’06,
Brandon Eason ’11, and Jenna Madeley ’11.
Good luck, Helen and Tom! n
Helen Delaney Honored
at Retirement Reception
Head of School John Strudwick presents
Helen Delaney with a celebratory cake.
Photo: Cathy Morrison
9. RINGING THE BELL 7
Clockwise from upper left:
Helen Delaney enjoyed the company of more than 100 friends,
family and co-workers at her retirement party in Highwood, Ill.
Brandon Eason ’11 delivers a toast to Helen.
Adrian MacLean Jay ’94 and Helen Delaney.
Elissa Gutierrez ’06 makes a toast in Helen’s honor.
Photo: Cathy Morrison
10. 8 Review Fall 2014 Click: www.lfanet.org8
BY BILL MURPHY
Although this may sound cliché, the difference between the
new Journalism classroom and the old is literally “night and
day”. The renovation changes have already made a major dif-
ference in the mental outlook of both the students and the
instructor (me) as we work toward another successful year.
Last year the program was in a dark, windowless room, with
old, inefficient lighting. Our furniture was a hodge-podge of
old pieces from the basement storage room. Now we have a
large window overlooking the traffic circle. Now we see sun-
light and the outside world. Additionally, we now have all new
furniture, carpeting, and lighting. The brightness and airiness
of the room have lifted our spirits, and ignited our creativity
as we rolled out both the October issue of The Spectator and
the first edition of our on-line digital newspaper.
Other improvements to the classroom include two full-wall
writing surfaces and a new, short-throw projector. The writing
surfaces have become centers for reporter brainstorming as
students fill the walls with ideas for stories, interviews, and
possible entertainment options for LFA students. The short-
throw projector has eliminated glare from the projection
surface making the material transmitted to the white wall sur-
face far easier to read.
The newly renovated room is a far better educational space
that should serve LFA students well into the foreseeable
future. n
Photos (page 8): Cathy Morrison
Transformation
THE THIRD PHASE OF
THE RENEWAL IN THE
LOWER KORHUMEL
AND UPPER CORBIN
ACADEMIC WINGS PUTS
JOURNALISM CLASS IN A
WHOLE NEW LIGHT.
Before: the journalism
classroom, pre- transformation
11. RINGING THE BELL 9
After: Bill Murphy and his students have
a new, improved classroom, with updated
equipment and enhanced technology for
their work on The Spectator.
Photos (page 9): Grace Kim
12. 10 Review Fall 2014 Click: www.lfanet.org8
“Warner
for Life!”
LIKE ATHLETES IN A HUDDLE BREAKING
ON “GO TEAM!”, EVERY DORM MEETING IN
WARNER HOUSE ENDS WITH:
13. RINGING THE BELL 11
BY CATHY MORRISON
LFA’s oldest dorm has a unique charm
that is “ramshackle in a way that I
like,” says Dorm Head Nat Small. No
two rooms are the same, much like the
“wonderfully diverse population” of
students who live there.
Maybe it’s because the original build-
ing served as the stables and carriage
house for the J. Ogden Armour estate,
but there are nooks, crannies, random
posts, and oddly sloping ceilings, plus
the different room sizes, offering a dis-
tinct ambience.
And then there are the long-standing
traditions that are the fabric of life in
Warner House.
While the TV show reference is prob-
ably lost on today’s students, the year-
longUpstairs/Downstairscompetition
includes push-up contests, spelling
bees, and wall-sits, with a permanent
running tally, and concludes at the end
of the year with “team” photos (think
blazers, ties, and shorts, or a “pig-pile”
in the hall) and a trophy (a recycled
track trophy, to be exact).
Or there’s Festivus—the students watch
the Seinfeld TV episode, followed by
times after study hours to squeeze it in
among” myriad year-end obligations.
See it for yourself: http://bit.ly/1uJSUSz
Generations of LFA alumni were
Warner House residents. In fact, dorm
parent Steve Ryder was on duty earlier
this year when Breck Keller ’18 intro-
duced Mr. Ryder to his uncle, David
Keller ’91. This wasn’t a first meeting,
however. Steve knew both David and
Breck’s father, Jeff ’87, when they lived
in Warner.
Warner House is a prime example of
how investment = impact. With the
installation of central air conditioning
in 2013, the 34 student residents and
their dorm parents now can be as com-
fortable with their living quarters as
they are with one another’s company.
The scope of the project was immense,
given the unusual layout and age of the
building, but made possible because of
support from the Academy Fund.
LFA’s operating budget affords each of
our dorms and attendant dorm parents
with funds for special events and ac-
tivities that not only build community
bonds in their home-away-from-home,
but also serve as stress-busters at key
moments throughout the school year. n
Warner residents show their
“W” sign at a dorm meeting
(left) Warner House today
Photos: Cathy Morrison
Warner House is a prime example
of how investment = impact.
the “feast,” “signing the pole,” “feats
of strength,” and the “airing of griev-
ances.” At the end of the school year,
they host the Warner Olympics, featur-
ing events such as competitive laundry
folding (winners are fast and neat),
and tug-o-war (contestants take this
seriously, they wear cleats!).
The annual Talent Show is a new tra-
dition for the “Warner Brothers.” De-
scribed by Mr. Small as “the single
most important bonding experience
for the guys,” he continues, “[Dr. Ba-
tor] and the 30+ participants work
for hours and hours, often at weird
14. 12 Review Fall 2014 Click: www.lfanet.org8
ANNUAL IMPACT REPORT 2014
$1M
$900K
$800K
$700K
$600K
$500K
$400K
$300K
$200K
$100K
Building to Success*
Contributions by Constituency
n Alumni $590,117
n Current Parents $579,312
n Trustees $359,839
n Other $182,957
AcademyFund
TOTAL$1,712,225
*Gifts from donors who belong in more than one
constituency are counted in only one group.
99
# of people in
Richards and
Tremain Society
30Number of endowed funds
Largest increase
in number of donors
from last year
TIE
+12 +12
LFA 1971 LFA 2008
It ALL matters
—and it all gets
us to our goal.
*Proceeds from the 2014 Dutch Auction are budgeted
for and spent in the 2014–15 fiscal year.
Academy Fund
$1,712,225
+
Gala Dutch Auction*
$1,723,400
+
Other Charitable Events
$57,358
=
$3,492,983
Topalumniclasses
forparticipation
} TIE
5
2014 87%
LFA 1950 53%
LFA 1952 52%
FH 1953 47%
LFA 1959 47%
LFA 1965 46%
1
2
3
4
5
4
Revenue*
FY14
n Tuition and Academic Fees $18,545,000
n Charitable Giving 3,352,000
n Rental and Other Income 3,177,000
n Endowment Draw 600,000
TOTAL $25,674,000
Expenses*
FY14
*Unaudited
n Salaries and Benefits $8,736,000
n Maintenance, Facilities and
Debt Service 6,255,000
n Financial Aid 4,429,000
n Operations 2,883,000
n Food Service and Catering 2,134,000
n Faculty Professional Development,
Supplies and Travel 1,237,000
TOTAL $25,674,000
•=100
•=10
Total # of Overall Donors
8 decades represented
in alumni giving
+52Consecutive
Giving—increased
number of
donors from
last year
LAKE FOREST ACADEMY donors directly impacted the people and programs of our
school community last year! You can read impact stories, view donor lists, and see how the LFA
community met multiple giving challenges (MacKenzie Challenge II, Gala Connect Challenge,
Leadership Challenge, and the BIG Challenge) at www.lfanet.org/AnnualReport2014.
THANK YOU for your support of Lake Forest Academy!
Quick link to the LFA
2014 Annual Report
15. RINGING THE BELL 13
Hall of Fame Goes Digital
21ST CENTURY TECHNOLOGY AND MONTHS OF BEHIND-
THE-SCENES WORK BRING OUR HALL OF FAME AND WOMEN
OF DISTINCTION HISTORY INTO INTERACTIVE DISPLAY
Running out of space to display the plaques and photos honoring each of our
159 members of the LFA Hall of Fame and Ferry Hall Women of Distinction was
a good problem to have.
Realizing the original plaques were hard to read from their near-ceiling-high
perch in the halls of Upper Corbin, and knowing that the newly transformed
space would further limit the existing display, we took the opportunity to digitize
the entire collection, bringing it to eye level and offering campus visitors an op-
portunity to truly interact with the information that can be updated regularly in
a vibrant new presentation.
Touchscreen technology allows us to include the Hall of Fame/Women of Dis-
tinction in our existing history exhibit in the Pridmore Gallery in Reid Hall. In
addition to viewing and searching the Hall of Fame, guests can view an overview
of school history, look at a current campus map, and view archival images from
both LFA and Ferry Hall. The interactive piece made its debut during the 2014
Homecoming and Reunion Weekend. We hope you’ll stop by, take a look, and
give it try on your next visit to campus. n
Campus guests check out the
display during Homecoming
and Reunion Weekend
Hall of Fame/Women of
Distinction homepage scrolls
through entire database of
awardees, allowing visitors
to search by name, school,
year, or award designation
Image of Sarah P. Gries ’63
digital plaque
The home screen with
one of its 14 rotating images
of the campus
Photos: Cathy Morrison
16. 14 Review Fall 2014 Click: www.lfanet.org8
FROM CULTURE, TO TECHNOLOGICAL PEDAGOGY, TO NURTURING
GLOBAL RELATIONSHIPS WITHIN OUR OWN COMMUNITY,
LFA FACULTY TAKE IT ALL IN OVER TEN DAYS IN SOUTH KOREA
• • •
Professional Development
in the Eastern Hemisphere
BY GRACE KIM
In July, nine LFA faculty members de-
parted for South Korea for a 10-day
global field experience centered on
classroom technology methods. The
trip was an opportunity for LFA faculty
to engage in a series of dialogues with
Korean educators and gain a new cul-
tural perspective.
The experience in Seoul began with a trip
to the Korean Demilitarized Zone, the
border barrier between the two Koreas.
After a stop at the Dora Observatory,
which allows guests to see parts of North
Korea, the faculty toured the National
Museum of Korea and an ancient palace.
Subsequent days were filled with visits
to various elementary, secondary, and
college-level schools throughout Seoul.
Korean students at elementary and sec-
ondary schools used tablets, much like
the iPad system at LFA. The Chadwick
International School featured a telecon-
ference room, which students use to
video chat with other pupils in another
country for projects and discussions.
Presentations at Seoul National Univer-
sity focused on e-learning and education-
al reform. The delegation also learned
about the video production of online
courses and visited the filming sets. Later
in the week, faculty shadowed teachers
at a local private tutoring academy, or
hagwon, and discussed the significance
of tutoring in Korean education.
Carolyn Gorowski, Dean of Admission,
states that the visits provided her with “a
better understanding of the Korean edu-
cational system” and that “it was helpful
to see the educational environment that
our Korean students grow up in.”
On the last night in Seoul, LFA’s Korean
Parents Association hosted a formal din-
ner reception for faculty, alumni, current
students, and parents. Many students
expressed delight at meeting their Amer-
ican teachers in their home country.
Dean of Pluralism and Multicultural Af-
fairs Lusanda Mayikana sums up the trip
as extremely successful and enlightening.
“John [Strudwick] is a big advocate for
global education and I appreciate that.
It’s important to have the support of
your colleagues when you want to go
on a trip like this. Susan Hoagland, the
Dean of External Relations, applied for
the Brinson Grant on our behalf and the
Brinson Foundation graciously selected
LFA. The grant enabled us to visit key
historical sites and engage in conversa-
tions with colleagues in a variety of Ko-
rean schools. I’m so grateful that we got
to go. The trip reminded me that one can-
not use a monocultural lens when teach-
ing in a multicultural context. Students
come to LFA from all over the world and
they bring so much of their history and
culture with them. When we appreciate
these perspectives, we become a greater
community.” n
Director of Performing Arts Mark Dryfoos with students
at a hagwon in South Korea. Photo: Steve Ryder
17. RINGING THE BELL 15
Native American Literature
Comes Alive for LFA Students
ENCOURAGING STUDENTS TO BELONG TO MANY TRIBES, AUTHOR
SHERMAN ALEXIE SHARED STORIES WITH LFA COMMUNITY
The English department at LFA was so proud to host cele-
brated author, Sherman Alexie, on the evening of September
25, 2014. The department, in collaboration with the Ragdale
Foundation, secured Alexie’s visit to Lake Forest after a con-
versation between LFA and Ragdale around what authors the
department and the LFA students would like to have come
visit and speak. Sherman Alexie was at the top of that list—he
speaks to adolescents with his wit, honesty, and spirit. He also
speaks to our own curricular gaps—with slim exception, we
rarely included American Indian literature in any of our Eng-
lish classes. While preparing for Alexie’s visit, English teacher
Lauren Kelly developed a Native American Literature course
for seniors, and we planned that all freshman, sophomores
and juniors would read either one of Alexie’s novels or short
stories before the end of September. As Alexie took the stage
on Thursday evening, he was speaking to a packed house, but
more importantly, a house packed with LFA students, all of
whom had read Alexie, and all of whom were about to see him
speak, meet him, and be part of a transformative experience.
Without doubt, he hit a nerve. His performance was electric
and electrifying. He modeled the oral tradition by eschewing
all notes and appeared to extemporaneously share story after
story, simultaneously funny and tragic, of growing up as a
Spokane Indian on a reservation and all the ways he struggled
to fit in, and struggled with being asked to fit in. Mr. Alexie
led our students through lesson after lesson on the social con-
struction of race and class, in and out of the classroom, and
our students gave Mr. Alexie a standing ovation not once, but
twice. This bears witness to the ways that our students need
and appreciate these lessons. It also speaks to our depart-
ment’s continued work to interrupt the silence around these
ideas and our commitment to developing curriculum for the
silenced. It also allowed us to add a new name to the list of
authors who have spoken at LFA, authors like Robert Frost
and Gwendolyn Brooks, and we are so incredibly proud to be
able to say that that list now includes Sherman Alexie. n
BY ANN FRKOVICH
Top: Students gather with
Alexie for a group photo.
Above: Sophie Hanson ’15
proudly displays her signed copy.
Right: Sherman Alexie sharing
life stories and life lessons
Below: Students appreciate
Mr. Alexie’s sense of humor
and candor
Photos: Cathy Morrison
18. 16 Review Fall 2014 Click: www.lfanet.org8
Alumni Events on the Road
Alumni gathered in the fall 2014 for a series of events designed to keep gradu-
ates connected to one another and to the Academy. First was the College Dinner
Series, which is an opportunity for our college-age alumni to team up with Direc-
tor of Alumni Relations Ruth Keyso for dinner and conversation. LFA alumni at
the University of Illinois got together for the 2nd annual College Dinner Series:
Urbana-Champaign on October 2 while alumni at Northwestern University met
up in Evanston on October 9. Students at the University of Chicago and Illinois
Institute of Technology joined together on November 6 at Medici in Hyde Park
for a celebration. The Academy also gathered with alumni in the St. Charles
area for an evening reception at the St. Charles Country Club on Oct. 30. View
upcoming events at www.lfanet.org/alumni
Left (l to r): Jae Min Shin ’13, Greg Romanchek ’13,
Kalina Gajda ’13, Charles Gallagher ’13
Above (l to r): Kenny Chavez ’11, Jae Min Shin ’13, Andy Lee ’13,
Jessica Lee ’13, Kate Lee ’12, JJ Munoz ’14 at Papa Del’s
COLLEGE DINNER SERIES
URBANA-CHAMPAIGN • EVANSTON • HYDE PARK
Above (clockwise, l to r):
Ben Shaughnessy ’14,
Tunan Chen ’12, Director
of Academy Fund Christine
Ryder P’15, P’17,
Carina Baker ’13, Jackie
Domrowski ’12, and
Director of Alumni Relations
Ruth Keyso at Medici
Left (l to r): Nancy Wang ’13,
KC Chilamkurti ’11, Yousuf
Kadir ’14 at Bravo Evanston
All photos: Ruth Keyso
19. ALUMNI EVENTS 17
ST. CHARLES EVENT
Upcoming Events
Young Alumni Lunch
(classes of 2010-2014):
Tues., Jan. 6, 2015
at LFA
Second City Alumni
Event:
Thurs., Jan. 29, 2015
Chicago Networking
Event:
Wed., Feb. 25, 2015
Ponte Vedra Beach
Alumni Event:
Thurs., Feb. 19, 2015
Tampa Alumni Event:
Tues., March 3, 2015
Naples Alumni Event:
Wed., March 4, 2015
NYC Alumni Event:
Thurs., April 9, 2015
Alumni gather at the St. Charles Country Club for a
regional reception on Oct. 30, 2014. (l to r): Event
host Ben Waldie ’52, Head of School John Strudwick,
Melinda Waldie, Glorianne and Colin Campbell ’56,
Lyndy Komen ’92, Elissa Skoning Bettcher ’72, Jodee
Collins DeBates ’74, Peggy Collins, and Jim DeBates
(right) Head of School John Strudwick with reception
hosts Melinda and Ben Waldie ’52
(below) John ’72 and Peggy Collins with Head of
School John Strudwick
All photos: Ruth Keyso
Alumni in College
Watch the website for details
on upcoming College Dinner
Series events: www.lfanet.org/
collegedinnerseries
Don’t forget to update your email
and mailing address with us
so that you receive invitations to
events in your city!
20. 18 Review Fall 2014 Click: www.lfanet.org8
Solar Flare
Solar Flare has become an
integral part of the campus landscape
Photo: Cathy Morrison
BY SHEILA MOLLER
“Meet me at the sculpture!” has become a common ex-
pression at LFA. Students, parents, friends, and faculty
have quickly identified with a distinctive landmark on
LFA’s campus, Solar Flare. The piece was created by
current parent Neal Weinfield, an attorney by trade who
has a passion for art. Neal creates sculptures in a stu-
dio he maintains in an outbuilding next to the Highland
Park, Ill., home he shares with his wife, Mardah, son
Will ’17, and younger son Sam. Solar Flare was crafted
from welded aluminum, measures 7’H x 6’W x 5’D, and
was given to LFA this summer by Neal and Mardah.
Neal tells us that his “sculptures are influenced by celes-
tial events. They encourage us to examine the interplay
between art and science and the tension between the
man-made and the natural.” He placed his sculpture
at LFA to inspire our global community to explore the
boundaries of art, science, and human potential.
Some of his other works are named Confluence and
Tsunami and he also has installations at the Deerfield
Park District, two public schools in Highland Park, the
Science and Arts Academy in Des Plaines, Ill., and two
on display at Cornell University.
There are sure to be many more meetings by the sculp-
ture in years to come. n
INSTALLED IN AUGUST, THIS
OUTDOOR ARTWORK HAS ALREADY
ACHIEVED LANDMARK STATUS
21. LFAArts
ALUMNI EVENTS 19
Whether presented as a play, a film, or a TV series, the prem-
ise of Neil Simon’s The Odd Couple remains the same—
a pair of friends share a New York City apartment in the
wake of their individual divorces. A complete mismatch,
one is a neurotic neat-freak; the other, a care-free, slovenly
sort. When their upstairs neighbors arrive for a double-date,
more hilarity ensues. If you’re familiar with the original, this
show came with a twist. Instead of characters Oscar and
Felix and a regular poker game, this production featured
Olive and Florence and their friends playing Trivial Pursuit.
The Odd Couple
“They are the same basic character
types from the original play, but
this version is more feminist, and
I think funnier.”
Director of Performing Arts Mark Dryfoos notes, “I have
always been a fan of Neil Simon’s work. I have directed two
of his shows before and always found his characters lively
and engaging. This version of The Odd Couple was rewrit-
ten by Neil Simon in the early 1980s with Rita Moreno and
Sally Struthers to star as Olive and Florence. They are the
same basic character types from the original play, but this
version is more feminist, and I think funnier.” n
Photos: George Pfoertner
Ella Ekstrom ’16, Hope Challenger ’15
Below: l – r Sarah Seibert ’15, Ellie Annibali ’17,
Ella Ekstrom ’16, Gillian Smith ’15, Tori Koontz ’16,
Hope Challenger ’16
l – r Ella Ekstrom ’16,
Hope Challenger ’15,
Graham Erbs ’16,
Stanton Cope ’15
22. 20 Review Fall 2014 Click: www.lfanet.org8
TO WORK WITH THIS MEDIUM IS TO ENGAGE
IN A CROSS-CURRICULAR EXPERIENCE,
AN INTEGRATION OF CREATIVITY, CHEMISTRY,
AND CALCULATION
BY CATHY MORRISON
The Art of Glass
23. LFAArts
LFA ARTS 21
Teachers are passionate about educa-
tion, and therefore committed to their
own life-long learning.
And sometimes, necessity is the mother
of invention.
In 2007-2008, Art Instructor Lauren
Fowler regularly took seniors in an
elective arts course off-campus to a
glass-blowing class. When that facility
went out of business in the middle of
the 2nd semester, she needed to devel-
op and implement a replacement cur-
riculum, ASAP.
Already armed with an MFA in ce-
ramics, Mrs. Fowler knew that glass
has some similar properties, and her
skill-set would be transferable, so she
explored the possibility of introduc-
ing her students to a process known
as “kiln-formed glass.” For that imme-
diate unit, her research began with a
book purchased on Amazon. The class
was a success, so she pursued profes-
sional development funds to visit and
work with artists at the forefront of
this medium, in order to develop a new
course.
Lauren notes, “When you’re teaching,
you’re not working in a collaborative
studio environment yourself, so when
I go to these workshops I feel inspired
by the creative energy of the other art-
ists. I come back so pumped to share
with my students.”
As a result, she established a pro-
gram providing a unique opportunity
that has become a much sought-after
course. Because glass-blowing has a
steeper learning curve than the kiln-
formed glass processes, this is actually
a more accessible class, allowing stu-
dents to create a larger, more accom-
plished body of work. More than most
other media, glass appeals to students
who don’t necessarily consider them-
selves artistic, yet they walk away from
the experience with a body of work
they’re proud of.
Lauren shares, “It’s really fun as a
teacher, because there’s an even playing
field. Every student is starting at the
same level; there are no preconceived
notions, and everyone shares the same
anxieties as they learn the process.”
Due to the course’s popularity, there
are now two sections offered. Students
describe it as something they “just got
hooked on,” with a few even taking
extra courses beyond the graduation
requirement. One student even con-
tinued on her own, purchasing glass,
and eventually selling her work to help
fund her college tuition.
Karl Harron, a master glass artist from
Northern Ireland with whom Lauren
worked at a studio in Maryland, Lau-
ren explains, “Thorough knowledge
of chemistry allows him to manipulate
sulfur and copper bearing sheet glass
to create special effects. Karl also de-
veloped a way to manipulate hot glass
in the kiln, which allows for more
complex shapes not achieved before
in kiln formed glass. Professional de-
velopment funds allowed me to study
with Karl for a week, which aided in
the development of interdisciplinary
curriculum in my glass class connect-
ing chemistry and art.”
Her students have a favorite project,
called “Pattern Bar Technique,” devel-
oped by Nancy Weisser, a glass artist
and owner of Weisser Glass Studio in
Kensignton, Maryland. Because stu-
dents must properly calculate volume,
they experience yet another cross disci-
plinary aspect of this program—math.
By visiting Bullseye Glass, Lauren
learned how to manage the firing pro-
cess more efficiently, improving the
students’ studio experience.
“Professional development opened my
eyes to what the best artists are doing
in this field,” Lauren avers. Profes-
sional development funds come from
the operating budget, funded directly
by Academy Fund donors’ dollars. She
adds, “If it weren’t for professional de-
velopment, this program wouldn’t be
what it is.” n
(left) Following up on
the design process with
Miriam Akogu’15
Daniel Joseph’s finished
work proudly on display
Photos: Cathy Morrison
24. Click: www.lfanet.org822 Review Fall 2014
Ferry Tales
Celebrating Ferry Hall’s Legacy
FERRY HALL TAKES THE CAKE
BY GRACE KIM
On Monday, September 22, the LFA community celebrated the 145th anniver-
sary of Ferry Hall. The ceremony started with the choir singing Ferry Hall’s alma
mater on the stairs of Reid Hall. After words from John Strudwick, the Head of
School, students enjoyed cake before heading back to class.
Ferry Hall alumni Beth Petit Shaw ’75 and Harriet Arpee Sherman ’54 attended
the ceremony as representatives of their alma mater. They participated in the
cake cutting along with Ferry Hall prefect Darlene Ineza ’15.
That evening, the residents of Ferry Hall dorm held another celebration with a
cake baked by Janice Wang ’16, new to LFA this year from Jamaica. Janice said,
“I bake cakes as a hobby and I discussed this with Ms. Mayikana, the dorm
faculty resident, one night during Fall Weekend. She saw photos of cakes I made
before and suggested that I make one for Ferry Hall Day. I thought it’d be fun to
do it, especially since usually someone buys a cake for this occasion.”
Ferry Hall opened in 1869 and enrolled 66 students its first year. Students were
given a liberal arts education, which included courses in science and mathemat-
ics. The school was known for its support of social justice and missionary work.
Beth Petit Shaw ’75 and
Harriet Arpee Sherman ’54
tour the Ferry Hall dormitory
Photo: Cathy Morrison
Janice Wang ’16 baked the
cake, made the frosting and
fondant from scratch, and
decorated it by hand for the
celebration for the Ferry Hall
residents. Photo: Lusanda Mayikana
l–r, Darlene Ineza ’15,
Harriet Arpee Sherman ’54,
John Strudwick P’13, P’15,
P’18, and Beth Petit
Shaw ’75. Photo: Cathy Morrison
25. FERRY TALES 23
Women of Distinction
IN HER OPENING REMARKS AT THE ANNUAL FERRY HALL
BRUNCH DURING HOMECOMING AND REUNION IN OCTOBER,
FERRY HALL PREFECT DARLENE INEZA ’15 EMBODIED THE
INDOMITABLE SPIRIT OF FERRY HALL
I would like to thank you all for inviting me to this event and for giving me the
opportunity to speak in front of you all. My name is Darlene Ineza, and I am this
year’s Ferry Hall Prefect. I am a boarding student from Kigali, Rwanda, and for
those of you who might not quite know where that is, Rwanda is a tiny country
in East Central Africa.
However, for being a tiny country, Rwanda has many admirable factors. For one,
Rwanda’s parliament has the highest female representation of any other country
in the world. Women have played a very important role in the nation’s recovery
from the 1994 Genocide. One of these women, I’m proud to say, is my mother.
My mom works in a bank that offers small micro-loans to underprivileged wom-
en so they can continue their schooling or start up their own small businesses.
Thus, it would be an understatement to say that I was raised in a very supporting
environment, reminded everyday by my family and my community that girls can
do everything that boys can do.
I’m also very glad to say that when I arrived at LFA three years ago, this idea
was continued in my upbringing through many long, inspirational talks with
my dorm parents, debates in the classrooms and of course the everlasting leg-
acy of the Ferry Hall School. I remember the amazement of the whole student
body during last year’s “Women of Distinction” event, when Mrs. Dotti Freytag
[Howe] shared with us her memories of Ferry Hall. We all admired and were in
awe of the intellectuality, the camaraderie and the confidence of the Ferry Hall
women. Therefore, you can understand how honored and humbled I felt, when
last semester, Madeleine Pattis, the previous Ferry Hall Prefect, informed me that
I was the person chosen to keep the Ferry Hall fire burning at LFA.
One thing that I can assure you of right now as Ferry Hall Prefect, is that the
fire is definitely burning. Right here in this dorm. The girls who live here are
well aware of the significance of their dorm and of the strong legacy that they
continue by living here and embracing Ferry Hall values. Every day during dorm
meetings, during study hours or when we are just hanging out in the Kalnow
Commons, that we see those photos and medals, we are reminded that where
we are today stems from a history of smart, independent and distinctive women.
We are empowered and encouraged to be hard-working, caring, and to develop
life-long friendships with each other. On behalf of all the girls in this dorm, I
would like to commend the school for creating a tangible and meaningful space
for Ferry Hall on the LFA campus.
Thank you again for giving me the chance to speak to you and for giving me the
honor to carry on your legacy. I will dutifully continue educating the LFA com-
munity about treating its women with distinction and also keeping the Ferry Hall
spirit alive at LFA. n
Darlene delivers remarks
at the Ferry Hall Brunch on
October 18.
Photo: George Pfoertner
26. 24 Review Fall 2014 Click: www.lfanet.org8
LFA Athletics
LFA Student Athletes
Seen and Heard
PLAYING FOR A SMALL SCHOOL DOESN’T DIMINISH CAXY
ATHLETES’ OPPORTUNITIES TO PLAY IN COLLEGE.
BY CATHY MORRISON
It could be a passion for the game, a means to afford one’s
education, or a little of both, but many students are eager to
play their chosen sport at the college level. In fact, the class of
2014 has 14 members who extended their high school athletic
careers into college. In recent years, LFA alumni have not only
pursued collegiate athletics, but careers in the semi-pro and
professional realm.
Matt Vaughn, head boys basketball coach, says of his former
players, “For boys basketball in the past eight years, I have
had three attend Division III colleges to play basketball and
10 who played or are cur-
rently playing in Division
I on athletic scholarships.
Three of them are playing
professionally right now,
one in Germany, one in
Spain, and one in Australia.
One player who was only
here at LFA for a semester
was drafted by the NBA this
past summer. Next year, it
looks like I will have Diago
[Quinn] playing Division I,
and as many as four others
playing Division II or III.”
Athletic Director and Prep
Hockey Coach Darrin Madeley adds, “I am proud of every
kid who has moved on. Recently we had a player drafted by
Winnipeg and plays for [University of] Wisconsin in hockey.”
“We have eight kids who currently play college soccer,” ac-
cording to head soccer coach Paul Makovec.
Clearly, athletes from LFA are being seen and selected by col-
lege coaches. Apart from their desire to play, interested ath-
letes must complete the NCAA clearinghouse process, which,
as former Dean of College Counseling Jack Lewis points out,
“applies to all athletes who want to play at the DI and DII
levels. These are minimum requirements, ensuring the stu-
dent-athlete has completed a series of core academic courses
and has also achieved a minimum SAT and/or ACT score.
Although LFA students have no problem meeting these mini-
mum standards, they still must submit their data to the NCAA
in a timely manner in order to be eligible for NCAA athletics.”
In terms of financial aid, it’s important to note that DIII
schools and the Ivies, (like LFA), do not offer athletic awards;
International football players attract college coaches
to Lake Forest Academy, with Big Ten and SEC coaches
showing interest. Learn more: http://trib.in/1x47oJM
27. LFA ATHLETICS 25
however, need-based aid and merit (academic) awards are
available at these colleges and universities. The NCAA clear-
inghouse protocols are not necessary for the DIII level admis-
sion process. Matt Vaughn states, “The level of recruitment is
different [for DIII] as well as athletic budgets are astronomi-
cally higher at most Division I schools in comparison to Divi-
sion III schools, so recruiting tends to be more aggressive and
widespread as a result.”
Although a handful of sports like soccer have a high visibility
at the club level, LFA coaches and our athletic department are
heavily involved in the college athletic recruiting process for
all Caxys. Coaches will schedule their teams to play in “col-
lege showcase” tournaments, where, Paul Makovec explains,
“college coaches will approach me regarding certain players
and follow up.”
Coach Vaughn agrees, “Once you have players that have
been recruited in the past, then schools know you exist. We
help promote the player, and once there is interest, we talk
to coaches and let them know what kind of student they are
(and send them their transcripts usually), what kind of person
they are, what type of player they are, and if they are a good
fit for their program. In the fall I will run what are called
‘open gyms’, basically a sort of practice, where coaches can
come in and watch our players play and evaluate them. I will
be in constant contact with them if they are interested in one
of our players.”
The process may conclude earlier for some students, as Jack
Lewis describes, “Students who are being actively recruited by
colleges may give a verbal commitment to their chosen school
during their junior year in high school. The verbal commit-
ment is binding, but a contract isn’t signed until senior year,
subject to satisfactory student performance, transcripts, and
recommendations. It’s not rare for student athletes to give a
verbal commitment in their junior year—college coaches want
to get as many players wrapped up for their program continu-
ity and success as soon as possible.”
Regardless of where Caxys go and how long they continue to
play, they’re always in their LFA coaches’ hearts. Matt Vaughn
sums it up, “I like to keep tabs with them via text throughout
the season to see how everything is going. Many of those who
are not playing anymore I like to stay in touch with as well,
and see what their next phase of life is and support them in
any way I can.”
Class of 2015 Division I
Commitments To Date
Katie Kim
Golf • Boston College
n She’s played since... “I have been playing for nine years.”
n Most significant thing about LFA athletics… “Personally,
since I am not able to play in any IHSA tournaments, I am
able to play both school-based tournaments and individual-
ly compete during the fall season. This gives me the best of
both worlds, still being able to play for my high school and
be on a team and at the same time train for my own title.”
n How LFA has prepared her… “LFA has really taught me
how to manage my time. With school work and sports after
classes, there really is not much time to slack off. School
work has always been a priority to me and comes before
golf, but I also cannot improve without putting time into
practicing.”
n What she’s most looking forward to next year… “I am ex-
cited to not only play for a D1 team but also have the op-
portunity to be at a school like BC. The academics at BC is
really where I wanted to be and I am so thankful I have the
chance to be a part of their Women’s Golf Team; they have
a very up and coming program.
n Coach Lewis says… “I’ve coached girls golf in Florida,
where they play year-round. Watching Katie develop over
these last four years, she’s going to make a mark at the next
level. She’s dedicated and focused, all with a smile on her
face. It’s a year-round sport for her—she travels to play in
warmer climates, practices indoors [in our winter months].
One of the finest kids I’ve ever known and coached.”
Photo: Grace Kim
28. LFA Athletics
26 Review Fall 2014 Click: www.lfanet.org8
Stephen Payne
Soccer • UCLA
n He’s played since… “I could kick a soccer ball, which was at
five years old. I’ve always had a dream of being a profession-
al soccer player one day. My family is huge on soccer and
they have always pushed me to go farther with my talents.”
n Most significant thing about LFA athletics… “Once you
commit to a team, you’re automatically joined with a
new family which includes the players, the coaches, and
the parents.”
n How LFA has prepared him… “LFA really made me grow
up as an individual. Since my freshman year, I have expe-
rienced many struggles as well as successes that have made
me a stronger and better person.”
n What he’s most looking forward to next year… “Next year
I’m looking forward to the new type of community and op-
portunity that college has to offer. I am excited and honored
to get the chance to play at the next level and I want to
make the most of it!”
n Coach Makovec says… “Stephen Payne has been loyal
to LFA. While he has been the most sought-after recruit I
have seen, he still managed to play high school soccer, play
club soccer at the highest level, and play for the US Men’s
U18 national team. I commend him on his commitment to
our school.”
Diago Quinn
Basketball • Monmouth University
n He’s played since… “I am in my fourth year of playing bas-
ketball. I played for fun throughout my life, but stated to
play competitively my sophomore year. In order for me to
attend college, I had to gain a scholarship. That’s all people
would talk about when I started playing. ‘Gotta work hard
to get that scholarship,’ one coach told me.”
n Most significant thing about LFA athletics… “Everything is
accessible. It allows students to get better at their own pace.”
n How LFA has prepared him… “Time management, defi-
nitely. If I manage my time in college, I should be okay, but
we’ll see.”
n What he’s most looking forward to next year… “Having
the opportunity to earn my spot on the team and becom-
ing a leader. I want to do something that will change the
school and the way people view the University. #StriveFor-
Greatness”
n Coach Vaughn says… “He came to LFA as a junior last
year and was relatively unknown. He garnered some inter-
est from colleges and received his first scholarship offer in
the spring from LaSalle University. Many schools reached
out to him during the spring and summer, and tracked his
progress during summer basketball tournaments. When he
came back to LFA in the fall, the one school who definitely
showed the most interest in him was Monmouth Univer-
sity. Their head coach came to watch him practice here at
LFA the first day NCAA guidelines allowed him to do so,
and then Diago went on an official NCAA recruiting visit
to their campus in New Jersey in September. A week later,
Diago verbally committed to attend their school and play
basketball for them.”
Photo: Scott Wallem
Photo: Cathy Morrison
29. LFA ATHLETICS 27
LFA Field Hockey
Goes to State
For the second consecutive season, the Caxys earned
a berth in the Final Four. This year, the girls defeated
Loyola Academy to make the tournament. Despite a
loss to ultimate champion New Trier, the team beat Oak
Park – River Forest in a thrilling game to take the 3rd
place spot. Down 1 – 0, with mere seconds to go on the
clock, we scored the tying goal to send it into overtime.
Still tied after OT, the game went to a shootout, and
the final score was 4 – 3 in the Caxys’ favor. Coach
Diane Cooper said, “It’s the most exciting game I’ve
ever coached!” The school spirit and pride on display
from the fans in the stands throughout the playoffs was
truly remarkable—the LFA student section was signifi-
cantly larger and more spirited than schools exponen-
tially larger than ours. n
Student fans came out to support the team
The 2014 proudly wearing their tournament medals pose with their trophy.
Photos: Katie Miller P’16
30. 28 Review Fall 2014 Click: www.lfanet.org8
The Lake Forest Academy community celebrated the successful
conclusion of the Campaign for LFA during the BIG Celebration week-
end October 17–19. More than 500 members of the LFA community
including alumni, trustees, parents, faculty, staff, and friends visited
the campus for the most historic weekend of the decade.
Weekend offerings were vast and kicked off with an orientation for
new trustees; longstanding Homecoming Reunion and Parents
Weekend traditions followed. Highlights included mini classes, mas-
ter classes, sporting events, fine arts performances, Hall of Fame and
Women of Distinction ceremony, multicultural dialogue, Ferry Hall
brunch and Chapel tour and a hugely successful Caxy Life auction.
Saturday, October 18 marked the official close of the Campaign for
LFA with A Decade of Gratitude: BIG Campaign Celebration. The
spirit of the weekend is captured in the following pages.
31. FEATURE 29
To view the the Campaign impact video scan this code
or visit: http://youtu.be/50q4BfFn7t4
Ten years, $68.8 million dollars raised, a campus transformed…that calls for a
celebration! Life Trustee and Campaign for LFA Chair Cate Waddell P’01, P’03
unveiled the results of the BIG Campaign. Details of the comprehensive campaign
and specific results, timelines, donor lists, and more were published in the final
Campaign Update, mailed in November. In addition, we announced the recipients
of two endowed chairs: the A. John Huss Jr. and Ruth S. Huss Chair in Humanities
to Latin and English teacher David Wick, and the Edmund J. Rendtorff Chair in
Science to Stephanie Ramirez Krych, Chair of LFA’s Science Department.
Program highlights included performances by Tony Fu ’16 on the piano, and a
finale presented by members of LFA’s Vox and choir.
A Decade of Gratitude—
BIG Celebration
Members of Vox and Choir entertain the audience.
Photo: George Pfoertner
Life Trustee and Campaign for LFA Chair Cate
Waddell P’01, P’03 unveils the overall results.
Photo: Cathy Morrison
John Strudwick P’13, P’15, P’18 and
David Wick P’12, P’14, P’16. Photo: George Pfoertner
John Strudwick P’13, P’15, P’18 with
Stephanie Ramirez Krych. Photo: George Pfoertner
$68.8 Million
32. 30 Review Fall 2014 Click: www.lfanet.org8
Top (l – r): Ella Ekstrom ’16, Zhuri Bryant ’17,
Nick Lin ’17, Sophia Platcow ’16
(l – r): Joyce Kim P’18, William Markey P’18, Jim Erbs
P’08, P’16, and Shan Atkins P’08, P’16
(l – r): Julie and John Levin P’16, Alain Villemure and
Sylvie Turcotte P’16, P’18
(l – r): Peggy Fox and Kathy Schell
33. FEATURE 31
All photos: George Pfoertner
(Top) Board Chair Mike Schell ’65, Life Trustee and
Campaign for LFA Chair Cate Waddell P’01, P’03,
and John Strudwick P’13, P’15, P’18 at A Decade of
Gratitude Celebration.
(l – r): Charlie Cooper ’96, Judy Hershenhorn P’17,
Nicole Cooper, Robert Hershenhorn P’87, P’88, P’17
(l – r): Sid and Lauren Gorter P’06, P’09, Bob Bullard,
Marion Christoph P’10, P’18, Sally Bullard
34. 32 Review Fall 2014 Click: www.lfanet.org8
PIANIST
Tony Fu ’16
VOX AND CHOIR—GIRLS
Perculiar Adimabua ’16
Ellie Annibali ’17
Nubia Beasley-Bartee ’16
Isabella Blankers ’18
Carolina Borjas ’16
Sydney Brundige ’15
Zhuri Bryant ’17
Elizabeth Christoph ’18
Natalie Clarke ’18
Bridget Collins ’18
Stell Cui ’17
Katie Dozois ’17
Ella Ekstrom ’16
Nomonde Gila ’15
Darlene Ineza ’15
Ali Jackson ’18
Jenny Levitt ’17
Zoe Lewis ’17
Samantha Longley ’16
Anna Markey ’18
Annmarie Morrison ’16
Ashley Mullarkey ’17
Norah Ntagungira ’18
Ayo Odebiyi ’15
Claire Pastrana ’17
Sophia Platcow ’16
Nelly Siddiqui ’17
Gillian Smith ’15
Erin Snoddy ’17
Aggie Walgreen ’16
Diana Wang ’16
Monica Wang ’16
Angela Zhou ’18
VOX AND CHOIR—BOYS
Lander Braggs ’15
Daniel Bunning ’15
Stanton Cope ’15
Graham Erbs ’16
Tony Fu ’16
Sampson Hao ’17
John Hendrix ’17
Mark Jung ’17
James Kim ’17
David Krivoshik ’18
Josh Lam ’16
William Li ’17
Nick Lin ’17
Alexander Mullarkey ’16
Dominic Scheerer ’18
Mason Schilling ’18
Alex Wang ’16
Alex Xia ’16
Jason Xiao ’16
Michael Zaucedo ’15
Jack Zhang ’17
STAGE CREW
Wesley Annan ’15
Giovanni Harold ’15
Maggie Meyer ’16
Lillia Parasiuk ’18
Monica Wang ’16
SPECIAL THANKS TO
Monica Palmer
Director of Fine and
Performing Arts
Jason Koenig
Fine and Performing
Arts Instructor
Peg Plambeck
Adjunct Voice Instructor
Tim Plambeck
Director of Music
Tony Fu ’16 plays for the A Decade of Gratitude
celebration program
Student Performers
LFA THANKS THE FOLLOWING STUDENTS
FOR THEIR TIME AND DEDICATION IN PROVIDING
THE ENTERTAINMENT FOR A DECADE
OF GRATITUDE CELEBRATION.
35. FEATURE 33
The LFA-FH Hall of Fame was founded in 1980 to
honor those individuals who earned distinction in
one of three categories: Outstanding Achievement
and Service to Society, Service to the School, and
Achievement in Athletics. The Ferry Hall Women of
Distinction Award, which was introduced in 2004,
recognizes outstanding achievements by graduates
of Ferry Hall.
The 2014 Awardees had the opportunity to speak to
the current students during the All-School Meeting
on Friday, Oct. 17, and were also honored during A
Decade of Gratitude celebration on Saturday, Oct.
18. In addition, the Women of Distinction gave re-
marks at the Ferry Hall Brunch on Oct. 18.
Hall of Fame
Women of Distinction
Awardees l – r: Charlene
Vala Laughlin ’64, Margo
Pinney Norris ’54, Ann
Stebbins Sidles ’54, Head
of School John Strudwick,
Susan Pike Lovejoy ’64,
Keith Owen ’64, P’95,
Tom Duckworth P’08, P’10,
P’12, P’14. Photo: George Pfoertner
36. 34 Review Fall 2014 Click: www.lfanet.org8
On October 17 and 18, more than 300 parents joined faculty, staff and trustees for
what was the most historic Parents Weekend of the decade. The “All Things LFA”
tradition was in full force as parents attended mini-classes, sporting events, and fine
arts performances, all of which illustrated the depth of our students’ academic and
athletic experience. A series of parent class meetings and Master Classes showcased
the dedication and talents of LFA’s faculty.
The Caxy Life Auction was a huge success, thanks to generous donations from
parents and faculty for items which appealed to faculty, parents, and students alike.
The funds from the auction support student life at LFA.
Parents Weekend culminated with A Decade of Gratitude, a celebration which
officially closed LFA’s 10-year Campaign for LFA.
Far left: Parents peruse the items up for bid
at the Caxy Life Auction
Left: Greeting friends, new and old
Below: Following their students’ schedules,
parents make their way to Mini-Classes
Photos: George Pfoertner
Parents
Weekend
Highlights
37. FEATURE 35
The Half-Century Club (classes of 1964 and preceding class-
es) came together for a private cocktail and dinner party at
Miramar Restaurant in Highwood, Ill., on Oct. 17. All the
Milestone classes then had a casual reception in the same lo-
cation where they could mingle with friends old and new over
small bites and cocktails.
l – r: Ari Good ’89, Alis Dammeyer Priebe ’89,
and Gail Denenberg Belian ’89
Rachel Dietzler Padron ’94, Suki Harada ’94,
Mary Gust-Damitio ’94
Peggy Blatchford, Neil Blatchford ’64,
Burr Von Maur ’64
Marie Phillip Mann ’64 and
Deila Wolff Mangold ’64
Keith Owen ’64 and
Bob Firring ’64
Reunion Kick-Off Celebration
at Miramar Restaurant
38. 36 Review Fall 2014 Click: www.lfanet.org8
Young Alumni Panel for Parents
Junior and senior parents came to the Little The-
ater during Parents Weekend for an interactive
panel presentation with LFA young alumni. The
topic was “Life Beyond Academy Drive, or How
LFA Positioned Me for Success.” Parents had the
opportunity to meet LFA alumni who are success-
ful professionals and to get their perspective on fin-
ishing strong at LFA, tips on the college process,
and more.
Young alumni panelists share their knowledge and advice about life
at LFA, in college, and in the working world during a morning session
with current parents at the Academy. (l to r): Thomas Emery ’09, Willow
Walker ’03, Artie Preiss ’04, Molly Pearson Campbell ’04, Megan
Gallagher Gosselin ’07, and Sandy Meers ’09. Photo: Cathy Morrison
39. FEATURE 37
(Top left) l – r, Meridee and Jeff Welsh ’74,
Milton Green ’74, Mike Walsh ’75, Jim Owen ’75
Joe Falcone ’82 and Abby Baker
l to r: Samantha Goudreau ’06, Michael Hopkins
’04, Louie Munoz ’04, and Michael Hatch ’04
(Above) Regina and Randy Jones ’77 with their
daughter, Jessica Jones Moore ’04, and her hus-
band, Jeremy Moore
Photo: Ruth Keyso
Gray Weather Can’t
Dampen Caxy Spirit
Our soccer and field hockey teams braved the rainy, blustery
morning, while Caxy alumni of all ages spent time on campus
enjoying catching up with one another.
Photo: Cathy Morrison
40. 38 Review Fall 2014 Click: www.lfanet.org8
Jon Freeman leads a discussion in the
Library Reading Room Photo: Grace Kim
Spanish instructor Noelle Balson engages
her classroom guests Photo: Grace Kim
ALL THE INTEREST, FUN, AND DISCUSSION;
NONE OF THE EXAMS, QUIZZES, OR GRADES
LFA Faculty volunteers offered a variety of fascinating and
unique classroom experiences during BIG weekend on Oct. 18.
Alumni and parent visitors chose from
n Science on the Fly with Mike Rogan
n The Poetry of Robert Frost with Jon Freeman
n Overview of 2014 Head of School Symposium
(Vietnam, Cambodia Laos: Conflict, Culture
Commerce) with Krisitne Von Ogden Sam Wold
n Not Just Noise: Making Modern Electronic Music,
with Adam Schlipmann
n The Art of Glass, with Lauren Fowler
(see related story on page 20)
n Contemporary Civilization and Culture of
Latin America with Noelle Balson
Master Classes
Science teachers Mike Rogan and Erica Wood
use a sheet of spandex to demonstrate a
black hole’s effect on the space-time fabric of
the universe.
Photo: George Pfoertner
41. FEATURE 39
The Multicultural Dialogue took place
in the Multipurpose Room on Saturday,
October 18. Trustees, alumni, faculty,
parents, and current students all par-
ticipated in a 90-minute conversation
about the role of media in portraying
race, which was in light of the Ferguson,
Mo., case. Over thirty voices resounded
off the walls as the LFA community dis-
cussed stereotypes, the impact of tech-
nology, and race relations in America.
Students also mentioned their thoughts
on recent presentations by author Sher-
man Alexie and alumna Liz Peinado ’08,
which had sparked previous conversa-
tions about diversity and power in their
classes. (See pages 15 and 4, respectively
for more).
Lusanda Mayikana, Dean of Plural-
ism and Multicultural Affairs, explains,
“The dynamic was different from the
Community Dialogues that students par-
ticipate in throughout the school year. I
think it was very helpful to the students
to listen to the adults in the room and
to vision their place after and outside of
high school.” Lusanda also states that
the dialogue presented alumni, parents,
and trustees with an opportunity to see
how LFA was fostering student leader-
ship. She describes the event as “riveting
and invigorating.” n
A Haven for Thoughts and Ideas
(l – r): Glory Sawyer P’15, P’17, Trustee John
Marlatt ’65, and Trustee Mike Leonard ’66 share
a light moment. Photo: Ruth Keyso
Right (l – r): 0345 l – r: Julia Philip-Kuli P’17,
Rumi Kuli ’93, P’17, John Strudwick P’13, P’15, P’18,
Vicki Medvec P’15, Zoe Lewis ’17 (hidden), and
Camellia Lewis P’14 listen carefully as Michael Lewis II
makes a point. Photo: Grace Kim
Left (l – r): Erik Kimble ’85, P’18, Lusanda Mayikana
P’14 and Grace Kasten ’15 consider what Vicente Nagel
’15 (center) has to say. Photo: Grace Kim
(l – r): Romaer Chopra ’15, Josh Postadan ’15, and
Eli Kuli ’17 participate in the discussion. Photo: Grace Kim
42. Following the Ferry Hall Women of Distinction Brunch,
alumnae took a local history tour, guided by historian and
retired professor Art Miller, which included a stop at the orig-
inal Ferry Hall Chapel, now a private home in Lake Forest.
History Tour
40 Review Fall 2014 Click: www.lfanet.org8
Ferry Hall Chapel/Lake Forest
43. FEATURE 41
(Left) l – r: Ilyse Gottlieb Johnson ’74,
Kathy Powell Miller ’64, Charlene
Vala Laughlin ’64, Susan Pike Lovejoy
’64, Margo Pinney Norris ’54, Georgia
Scully Drews ’64, Tina Huiskamp ’64,
Laurel Bye Kamen ’64, Deila Wolff
Mangold ’64, Marie Phillip Mann
’64, Paulette Weinberg ’64, Matilda
Sanchez de Sierra ’54, Ann Stebbins
Sidles ’54, Laurie Taylor-Curby ’70.
Walking through the driveway between
the old North Hall and the Chapel.
The living room still bears resemblance
to the chapel.
Ilyse Gottlieb Johnson ’74 Instagrams
her old dorm room.
(This page) The exterior of the chapel
is a familiar sight
Photos: Cathy Morrison
44. ALUMNI GATHERED TO CELEBRATE THEIR
LASTING FRIENDSHIPS WITH THEIR CLASSMATES.
Reunion Classes
FERRY HALL BRUNCH CLASS OF 1964
Seated, l – r: Kathy Powell Miller, Susan Pike Lovejoy,
Tina Huiskamp; Standing, l – r: Georgia Scully Drews,
Marie Phillip Mann, Deila Wolff Mangold, Paulette
Weinberg, Charlene Vala Laughlin
LFA CLASSES OF 1944 AND 1949
Claude Brenner ’44 (left) and Jim Barr ’49
FERRY HALL BRUNCH, CLASS OF 1954
(Top Left)
Seated, l to r: Nancy Wells Ypma, Tina
Clemens Demchak, Margo Pinney Norris;
Standing, l to r: Phebe Carter Hethcock,
Matilda Sanchez de Sierra, Harriet Arpee
Sherman, Ann Stebbins Sidles
42 Review Fall 2014 Click: www.lfanet.org8
45. FEATURE 43
FERRY HALL CLASS OF 1954
Seated, l to r: Mary Ann Spencer, Phebe Carter
Hethcock, Harriet Arpee Sherman, Nancy Wells Ypma;
Standing, l to r: Ann Stebbins Sidles, Margo Pinney
Norris, Tina Clemens Demchak
LFA CLASS OF 1964
Seated, l – r: Charlie Phillips, Roger Higgs, Bob Firring,
Ray Skelton, Larry Ross, Bob Lewis, Keith Owen,
Scott Lang; Standing, l - r: Bob Spickelmier, Bob Carey,
Bill Callison, Peter Truitt, Morgan Hickenlooper, Monty
Edson, Doug Meystre, Owen Orndorff, Neil Blatchford,
Lonnie Borrett
46. FERRY HALL CLASS OF 1964
Seated, l – r: Tina Huiskamp, Paulette Weinberg,
Laurel Bye Kamen, Deila Wolff Mangold; Standing,
l – r: Charlene Vala Laughlin, Marie Phillip Mann,
Kathy Powell Miller, Susan Pike Lovejoy
FERRY HALL AND LFA CLASS OF 1974
Front Row, l - r: Deen Oscarson, Milt Green,
Martha Woodbridge Pedersen, Ilyse Gottlieb Johnson,
Jeffrey Welsh; Back Row, l - r: Jamie Garard,
Mike Walsh ’75, Ted Wilson
LFA CLASS OF 1979
Seated, l – r: Mary Russo, Suzanne Rowe Salvitti;
Standing, l – r: Keith Harris, Rachael Sokolowski,
Herb Garcia, Jennifer Cohen Shneiderman
44 Review Fall 2014 Click: www.lfanet.org8
47. FEATURE 45
LFA CLASS OF 1989
L – R: Jane Zarse, Ari Good, Mike Lavista, Brad Banta,
Michele Marsh Ihlanfeldt
LFA CLASS OF 1984
Front Row, l - r: Amy Slocombe Hathaway, Barb Freund
Gitkin; Back Row, l - r: Michael Karras, Chuck Galante,
Chris Dozois, Jim Kolliopoulos, Jonathan Tan
48. 46 Review Fall 2014 Click: www.lfanet.org8
All Reunion Class Photos: George Pfoertner
LFA Class of 1994
Seated, l – r: Mike Sieman, Rick Song, John Han,
Rebecca Brandt Barker; Standing, l – r: Scott Stone,
Joel Sestito, Suki Harada, Rachel Dietzler Padron,
Charles Hamby, Matt Barker
LFA Class of 2004
Seated, l - r: Gail Amornpongchai, Dina Khodorkovskaya,
Molly Pearson Campbell; Standing, l - r: Richard Zhao,
Simon Lu, Andrew Horwitz, Olindo Alo, Ben Goeke
LFA CLASS OF 2009
Todd Zafirovski (left), Matt Vaughn (Faculty)
49. CLASS NOTES 47
class notes
1948
Henry “Duke” Ryan and his wife, Patty, were in
Cambridge (UK) for the summer. He produced a
staged reading of his play, Swedes on the Dan-
ube, at the university, saying, “It was well-at-
tended and well-received.” He’s hoping it may
also be done in London. Currently, he’s contract-
ing an illustrator for an e-book, called Amanda’s
Autobiography, about his granddaughter, told in
her voice. Duke notes, “The same publisher will
re-issue my book of four novellas, called Impure
Thoughts, all based in and around Barrington,
Ill., where I grew up. Meanwhile, I am working
on another play I hope to present, probably as
a staged reading, here in Cambridge next year.
I have been offered the use of a very nice small
university theater in which to do it.”
1949
Mickey Poole’s wife, Carole, succumbed to
dementia after a three-year struggle; he has
moved to Carmel Valley Manor, a retirement
community located in Carmel Valley, Calif.
Mickey reports, “I have a nice apartment and
brought my favorite things, and am getting
used to communal living. One of the nice things
about it is, for the first time in my life, I have
my own chef.”
1961
Mary Anne Ameter and Madeline Woods Gie-
selman are planning a Ferry Hall class of 1961
gathering for March 2015 on Duck Island, N.C.
All members of the FH class of 1961 are in-
vited. Please contact Mary Anne or Madeline for
more information.
Roger Meade reports that his 22 year-old
granddaughter, Alexandra, graduated from
the University of San Diego with a degree in
Business Finance in May. He also has three
younger grandchildren ages 10 (twins) and
4. He writes, “We continue to live a nomadic
life traveling between homes in Austin, Texas;
Northern California; Tennessee; and Virginia.
Texas heat determines when we will be in Cali-
fornia. I am still involved in track events with
Porsches, but I am decreasing the frequency,
because the cars are getting faster and I am
slowing. I do most of my car stuff in California
and Alabama, with some ice driving in Canada.”
l - r: Roger Meade ’61 granddaughter Alexandra, and
Candace Meade in Maui, March 2014.
Roger Meade ’61 in his Porsche GT3 at Laguna Seca
race track near Monterey, Calif.
1962
Susan Lord-Williams is also known as the “Me-
dieval Spanish Chef,” and her blog now has
more than 700 publications: http://www.medi-
evalspanishchef.com/ It consists of presenting a
word in medieval Spanish which has to do with
cookery preceded by a recipe from Spanish me-
dieval manuscripts adapted to modern kitchens.
In addition, she is an AirBnB hostess, renting
out her guest room in Santiago, Chile: https://
www.airbnb.com/rooms/3184757
1964
Carla “Tina” Huiskamp has become the Chair
of the Tournament Committee for the Arizona
Women’s Golf Association, and also currently
serves as the President of the men’s and wom-
en’s golf association at Silver Creek Golf Club in
the White Mountains of Arizona.
Sheila and Keith Owen are pictured in Bow Falls
on a recent visit to Banff Springs, Alberta. They
reported an early blast of winter, which remind-
ed them of their Midwest roots. They happily
returned to Houston, Texas, where they now call
home.
Keith ’64 and Sheila Owen in Bow Falls.
1965
Chris James reports that his book, The O.D.,
came out in June and is doing well on both
sides of the Atlantic, noting, “In a 5-days-free
promotion on Amazon, over 6,000 Kindle cop-
ies were downloaded. The reviews are polarizing
between those people who believe, as I do, that
we’re killing the planet, and those who don’t.”
More information is available on his website:
www.chrisjamesbooks.com.
Chris with a copy of his book “The O.D.”
1966
Marian “Mimi” Griffiths took a road trip this
summer from Phoenix to Michigan to visit her
sister, brother, and their families. Along the way,
’61
’64
’65
’61
50. 48 Review Fall 2014 Click: www.lfanet.org8
class notes
DONOR PROFILE
Leading—and Living
—by Example
By Ruth Keyso
If you ask Gloria Chou ’06 why she supports
LFA, be prepared for a response that is equal
parts logic and nostalgia. She understands
the importance of giving back financially to
institutions that have made a difference in
her life. At the same time, she’s motivated
by memories of the fun she experienced as a
boarding student.
“Sometimes I’ll read the weekend schedule
on the LFA website and see something that
we used to do when I was a student there,”
says Gloria.
As someone who keeps current on LFA news,
Gloria is impressed with advances at the
Academy today. Expanded arts offerings. A
robust robotics program. A new Science Cen-
ter. These, along with volunteer opportunities
and educational travel experiences, set LFA
apart from other secondary schools.
“High school is a pretty important time,” she
says. “Most kids don’t get to explore until col-
lege, and then they scramble to pick a ma-
jor.” But at LFA, teachers try hard to expose
students to a variety of academic and extra-
curricular opportunities and to develop well-
balanced individuals, she says.
A graduate of the computer engineering pro-
gram at the University of Illinois, Gloria took
many additional courses in the humanities
during college, inspired by her English class-
es at LFA. Former English Department Chair
Dr. Ray Bird made a lasting impression.
“[Dr. Bird] is the model
for how I want to be in
my job, how I want to
live my life.”
“Dr. Bird is someone I appreciate more and
more as I get older,” says Gloria. “The pas-
sion he had for his work, the good materials
he gave us to read. He’s the model for how
I want to be in my job, how I want to live
my life.”
Bird, and teachers like him, made LFA a spe-
cial place for Gloria, a four-year boarder. She
reflects on hours spent in the orchestra room
in the Cressey Center, where music instruc-
tor Tim Plambeck encouraged students to
hang out during the day and in the evenings.
She recalls the commitment and kindness of
dorm parent Jon Freeman, who drove Gloria
(and her cello) to an off-campus cross-coun-
try meet early one Saturday morning when
she overslept and missed the bus.
“Even my parents still remember this,” she
says, laughing. “They met me at the meet and
drove me to orchestra practice afterwards.”
Memories like these motivate Gloria to sup-
port the Academy annually. This year, she
elevated her gift to the Young Alumni Corner-
stone level.
“I wanted to help and to provide opportuni-
ties to today’s students,” she says. “When I
realized that I was able to [support the school
at the leadership level], I thought, why not?
I want their experience to be as good as
mine.” n
Gloria Chou ’06 lives in San Francisco,
Calif. She works in software development
at Salesforce.com.
51. Young Alumni
Cornerstone Society
Did you know that LFA has a LEADERSHIP GIVING SOCIETY for young alumni? Giving
levels are tiered, starting at just $25 for new graduates and increasing to $900 for those
alumni 15 years out of high school.
Please consider becoming a member of the YOUNG ALUMNI CORNERSTONE SOCIETY
today. Your philanthropy will be recognized in the Annual Report of Giving alongside other
top donors at the Academy.
It’s easy to join. Visit www.lfanet.org/give or reply using the envelope included in this maga-
zine. Thank you for considering a leadership gift to your alma mater.
MONTHLY
CLASS YEAR AMOUNT BREAKDOWN
2015 $25 $2.09
2014 $50 $4.17
2013 $75 $6.25
2012 $100 $8.34
2011 $125 $10.42
2010 $150 $12.50
2009 $200 $16.67
2008 $250 $20.84
2007 $300 $25
2006 $400 $33.34
2005 $500 $41.67
2004 $600 $50
2003 $700 $58.34
2002 $800 $66.67
2001 $900 $75
QUESTIONS?
Call Christine Ryder, Director of
Academy Fund, at 847.615.3215
or cryder@lfanet.org
CLASS NOTES 49
52. 50 Review Fall 2014 Click: www.lfanet.org8
class notes
’67
’66
she reconnected with Cindy Hilker Wargo ’65 in
Green Bay, Wis. She notes, “I was Cindy’s usher
way back in the day. It had been 20 years since
we had seen one another, but we picked right up
where we had left off. It was wonderful to see
Cindy and her husband, Jonathon!”
L–R: Cindy, Mimi, and Mimi’s stepmother Pat.
1967
Lea Prober Gorman is pictured with her son,
Greg Gorman ’92 and grandson, Leo Gorman.
1971
Marilyn Cooperman notes that her son Gabe,
age 12, attended a camp through Gold Boot
and A.C. Millan, the professional Italian soc-
cer team, and was then selected to be part of
the Milan junior youth development program. In
early October he played in an International Soc-
cer tournament in Medellin, Colombia, S.A. Ad-
ditionally, Gabe is a violist, who auditioned and
was selected for his school’s Ensemble Orches-
tra. Marilyn said, “He’s in a secondary school
that has about 4800 students in grades 7 - 12.
What a difference to Ferry Hall and its 150
students when I attended. I am still working as
a school psychologist at Fairfax County Public
School, but hope to retire in about two years.
I also have five feline ‘daughters’—all precious
fur balls—who play their own form of soccer
with smaller balls…I wish all my previous class-
mates, teachers and administrators well.”
1972
Evan Chiligiris writes, “LFA is looking great!
My three children all played hockey at the LFA
rink over the past 20 years and have seen the
wonderful transformation since my years there.”
When Evan’s son George was married in May
on Long Beach Island, N.J., Bert Webbe and
wife, Lindy, were in attendance. Evan reports
that his son Michael took a job with Boeing in
Seattle, and daughter Ellen is a freshman at
Williams College, playing on their hockey team
with LFA alumna Natalie Bernstein ’12. Evan
is glad that he now has time to reconnect with
LFA classmates.
Burt Webbe writes, “In May I attended the
graduation of Emmy Ferguson ’10 at Skidmore
College and reconnected with Merril Ferguson.
Merrill is the current owner of a thriving
Ducati Motorcycle dealership in the Twin Cit-
ies.” Then there was the “Memorial Day Wed-
ding of George and Amy (nee Pecora) Chiligiris
near Long Beach Island, N.J.; I spent time
with the groom’s parents, Evan and Jean (nee
Pecora!) Chiligiris and had a great time at a
beautiful wedding. I recently had lunch with for-
mer English teacher John Cheeseman and Tom
Groenings ’73. Lots of chuckles (not the candy)
between us! John is the retired Headmaster of
Wooster School, and lives with his wonderful
wife, Vivian, in Danbury, Conn.”
1974
Judith Bartholomew McBride and husband,
Mike, celebrated the birth of their grandson,
Connor, who was born March 13, 2014.
Deen Oscarson anticipated a great class re-
union this year, signing his registration with “40
years, baby!”
1975
Michael Daugherty lives in St. Paul, Minn.,
with his wife of 31 years and four children. He
writes, “Two are out of college and gainfully
employed and two are in college. A daughter
and a son both attended Notre Dame, where I
went to law school, and the other two children
attended Santa Clara and University of Minne-
sota, respectively. My wife is a college profes-
sor, so much of our life revolves around college
sports, academia, and college student life. We
live very close to University of St. Thomas, and
our house is often full of college students look-
ing for advice, a free meal, or a break from dorm
life. I practice law at my own firm, working on
commercial real estate matters and also repre-
senting a few NFL football players in their busi-
ness interests. I also have taken up golf with
a vengeance and have a bucket list of courses
to reach before I’m too old to break 90. I did
play on the golf course that was developed on
old Academy property—a weird experience.
Our 40th is coming up and I hope to see many
of my classmates again, whether at the Re-
union or in Chicago. A few of us got together
in Wisconsin 15 (!) years ago and no one had
changed personalities at all. I did have to close
my eyes and listen for their voices to recognize
some of them, however.”
53. CLASS NOTES 51
class notes
Paul Dirks is still living in St. Thomas and has
moved from his villa on the North side to his
condo on the beach. The villa is for sale. Please
contact him if you are interested.
Burt Lohoff-Gaida and LFA friends from the
class of 1975 enjoyed an annual golf outing in
Chagrin Falls, Ohio, in September 2014
Pictured are (l to r): Gregg Hague, Burt Lohoff-Gaida,
Jim Owen, Mike Walsh, Joel Goldblatt, Rick Giesen
1976
Minda Moore Johnstone completed the 39-mile
Avon Walk for Breast Cancer in Santa Barbara,
Calif., over two days on September 6–7. She
raised more than $5,400 toward breast can-
cer treatment and research. The Santa Barbara
event raised a total of $4.6 million, which was
distributed to medical centers and research fa-
cilities working to end the disease. Minda was
one of 2,000 walkers that weekend, and one
of less than half who completed all 39 miles.
Minda Moore Johnstone ’76 walks for the cure.
1978
Jorge “Greg” Blackaller accepted the position
of Manager of Construction Maintenance at
the Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe, Ill., in
June 2014.
Mark Childers won the 2014 Class D Golf Club
Championship at Fox Lake Country Club, locat-
ed in Fox Lake, Ill. He won on the first hole of a
sudden-death playoff by sinking a 25-foot putt.
“What a thrill!” said Mark of the feat.
1979
Laura Taylor published her second book, the
FISMA Compliance Handbook, in September
2013. The book is an instructive guide on how
to comply with the Federal Information Security
Management Act and is available on Amazon.
com, at Barnes Noble, and other book re-
tailers. Laura was one of three GovStar finalists
for creating innovative solutions for U.S. federal
agencies. (The winner had not been announced
at presstime.) She recently visited Southern
California to see a client and watch her son’s
college water polo team play in a three-day
tournament. Laura writes, “If anyone is passing
through the Baltimore/DC area, it would be a
treat to get in touch and meet up for lunch. I
can be reached at ltaylor@relevanttechnologies.
com.”
Chris Vernon, president and chief operating
officer of The Vernon Company, was recently
promoted to president and co-chief executive
officer. Chris has been with the 4th generation
family company since 1987 and has held vari-
ous responsibilities in sales and marketing. He
has an undergraduate degree in political science
from Northwestern University and a master’s
degree in business administration from the Kel-
logg School of Management at Northwestern.
Chris and his wife, Denise, live in Des Moines.
1980
Sara Taylor Bramah reports that she recently
moved from central London to a house a few
miles north in Hampstead, and notes, “I spent
most of the summer in London freezing except
for a week in the Canary Islands.” Although she
did not make it back to the Chicago area this
year, she hopes to visit soon. She spends many
weekends at chess tournaments with her daugh-
ter, adding, “Nothing is as exciting as spending
8 hours watching other people play chess!”
1986
Tracy L. Kepler has joined the U.S. Patent
Trademark Office in Alexandria, Va., as an As-
sociate Solicitor, where she concentrates her
practice in the investigation and prosecution
of attorney disciplinary matters. From 2000-
2014, she was Senior Litigation Counsel for
the Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplin-
ary Commission. Ms. Kepler currently serves as
President-Elect of the National Organization of
Bar Counsel (NOBC), a non-profit organization
of legal professionals whose members enforce
ethics rules that regulate the professional con-
duct of lawyers who practice law in the United
States and abroad.
1992
Kevin Schwartz and his wife, Tricia, have two
boys, Gunnar and Bennett. Kevin works with
his father in the family’s Independent Insurance
agency located near downtown Libertyville, Ill.
He would love to hear from alumni, whether it
be by stopping by the office to say hello or even
just reaching out on Facebook. He occasionally
’75
’76
54. 52 Review Fall 2014 Click: www.lfanet.org8
class notes
’05
’06
’06
sees former hockey coach and art instructor
John Edgecomb, saying, “We talk about fond
memories we shared while attending LFA.
Younguk Choi ’92 is also a client and he is do-
ing well up in Wisconsin.”
1998
Justin Schwartz and wife, Lindsay, welcomed
William Austin Schwartz and Jackson George
Schwartz on August 11, 2014.
2001
Adam Levin joined the music faculty at Uni-
versity of Massachusetts and Middlesex College
in fall 2013. He is professor of classical guitar.
Follow his activities at www.adamlevinguitar.
com and www.duosonidos.com.
2004
Molly Pearson Campbell and her husband, Rob,
attended the wedding of Fritzi Von Studnitz in
Germany during the summer 2014. Each of the
dinner tables was named for one of the streets
on which Fritzi or her husband, Moritz, once
lived. Molly and Rob were seated at the West
Kennedy Road table.
Matt Zafirovski married Kali Konstant in Chicago
in August 2014. The couple lives in Chicago,
where Matt works at McKinsey Co. In June
2014, Matt graduated from Northwestern Uni-
versity’s Kellogg Graduate School of Manage-
ment. At the annual awards ceremony, he re-
ceived the school’s highest leadership award:
the Kellogg Leadership Excellence Award.
This distinction is reserved for one graduating
student who has gone above and beyond to
have a lasting impact on the Kellogg commu-
nity through his/her leadership efforts, and who
demonstrates clear integrity, ability to inspire,
communicate vision, build trust, and develop
others. During his years at Kellogg, Matt served
as vice president of global affairs for the Kel-
logg Student Association, co-chaired “DAK,”
the admitted student weekend, and co-chaired
his class gift committee, helping the class raise
a record-setting gift.
2005
Phil Suiter and Rebecca Smith were mar-
ried August 16, 2014, in Phil’s hometown of
Princeton, Iowa. The Suiters currently reside in
Lexington, Kentucky. LFA alumni in attendance
at the wedding included best man Aaron Ru-
bens, groomsman Scott Suiter ’11, father of the
groom, Stephen Suiter ’68, and attendant Ravi
Dhiman ’06.
2006
Colby Friedeman is engaged. He and his fi-
ancée, Alexandra Hoffman, are planning a fall
2015 wedding in Santa Barbara, Calif.
Sarah Osborne Ovsak was married to Justin
Ovsak on July 5, 2014, in Girdwood, Alaska.
Sarah Reusché and Mary Herrmann were also
in the wedding party. Sarah works as a paralegal
at a law firm in Anchorage, specializing in edu-
cation and employment law. She is also current-
ly pursuing a Master’s in early modern English
literature at the University of Alaska. Sarah and
Justin spend as much time as possible at their
cabin near Denali that is both off the grid and off
the road (accessible only by floatplane in sum-
mer or snow machine in winter). They also are
working on clearing some land in Trapper Creek,
Alaska, to build an on-the-road cabin.
Sarah Osborne and Justin Ovsak, July 5, 2014
The bridal party for Sarah Osborne Ovsak ’06 included
Sarah Reusché ’06 and Mary Herrmann ’06.
2007
Leland Brewster and Jenny Schnabl were
married at the University Club of Chicago on
June 14, 2014. They honeymooned in Scot-
land, London, and Italy. Leland’s LFA classmate
Andy Bateman served as a groomsman. The
couple recently moved to Chicago, where Leland
is earning his MBA at the University of Chica-
go’s Booth School of Business. Jenny works for
Alessandra Branca as an interior designer. They
live in Chicago’s Lakeshore East.
David Klein and his wife, Lindsay Klein, wel-
comed their first child, Caden James Klein, on
July 26, 2014. Caden was born at 8 lbs, 6 oz
and 21 inches long.
55. CLASS NOTES 53
class notes
ALUMNI PROFILE
Looking Back,
Paying Forward
A day of cleaning out storage boxes in her Philadelphia
home quickly brought Sarah Drewniak Wennik ‘98 back
to Lake Forest Academy. Among the contents were several
papers she had written for retired English teacher Dr. Ray
Bird. She marveled at the extensive feedback he provided
on each one, understanding the incredible amount of time
Dr. Bird put into his comments.
This discovery was yet another reminder to Sarah of how
her LFA education set the foundation for her college and
professional career. Dr. Bird’s attention to literary analysis and writing skills gave Sarah a
solid foothold for both her college classes and her current job as a content development
supervisor at Pearson VUE, a national testing design company.
It was a spontaneous moment of reflection, though, that led her to become a regular sup-
porter of LFA. As she was making her charitable contributions to her college alma maters
(Sarah received a degree in linguistics from Pomona and her MBA from the LeBow College
of Business at Drexel University), it struck her that “I wouldn’t have these degrees were
it not for the scholarships I received that made it possible for me to attend the Academy.
Someone did that for me, and I want do that for someone else.”
And so, Sarah set up a recurring gift schedule where her credit card is charged every month
as a charitable gift to the Academy Fund. It is a way that she can make the LFA education
of which she is so appreciative available for someone else, noting that if everyone gave a
little bit, it could make a big difference.
Explains Sarah, “When I was a student, my family wasn’t in a position to pay full tuition, so
I am really happy that I can pay my experience forward to help another student.” n
“I WAS MAKING MY GIFTS TO MY COLLEGES, AND I REALIZED
THAT I WOULDN’T HAVE THESE DEGREES WERE IT NOT FOR THE
SCHOLARSHIPS I RECEIVED THAT MADE IT POSSIBLE FOR ME
TO ATTEND THE ACADEMY. SOMEONE DID THAT FOR ME, AND I
WANT DO THAT FOR SOMEONE ELSE.”More from
the Alumni
Survey
Something that came through loud and
clear in the alumni survey results was your
desire for LFA’s electronic communications
to be more easily readable on your mobile
devices. So we redesigned the monthly e-
newsletter, as well as our email templates
for announcements, invitations, Academy
Fund appeals, etc.
If you’re not receiving our e-mails and
would like to sign up, please contact
Alumni Director Ruth Keyso at rkeyso@
lfanet.org to ensure we have your current
email address.
By Christine Ryder
56. ALUMNI PROFILE
Duckworth’s Project
Reaching a Fever Pitch
By Cathy Morrison
The old saw that most humans only use
about 10% of their actual brain power defi-
nitely doesn’t apply to William Duckworth
’12. A University of Pennsylvania junior, this
engineering student is also the Chief Technol-
ogy Officer of iMobile Healthcare. The first
product offering, Fever Smart, a patch for
continuous monitoring of core body tempera-
ture, goes to market at the first of the year.
William and his three partners—business
school students or recent B-school graduates
at Penn—have a hit on their hands. They won
an innovation competition, and their crowd-
source campaign through Indiegogo garnered
75% of their funding in its first few days.
Their custom circuitry hardware design is
fully manufactured in China; regarding soft-
ware development, they’ve discovered “Bu-
dapest is the ‘Silicon Valley’ of Europe.”
They’re working out details on distribution
deals and shipping units. And they’ve still
got calculus class.
Unlike some entrepreneurial undergraduates,
skipping the remaining college years isn’t part
WHILE IT’S NOT UNUSUAL FOR A COLLEGE STUDENT TO
PUT IN 20-HOUR DAYS DURING CRUNCH TIME, MOST AREN’T
RUNNING A START-UP COMPANY REQUIRING INTERNATIONAL
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AND TRAVEL. WILL THIS BE ON
THE FINAL EXAM?
of William’s plan. It’s a choice he’s conscious-
ly made, to be “really busy, every day,” but
says it’s “really fulfilling,” adding they’ve been
able to take advantage of resources at Penn.
How does real world experience and applica-
tion of knowledge influence classroom learn-
ing? “It’s huge for me,” William says. “It’s one
thing to have a class discussion; I can relate
to a topic, but can also say, ‘I was in Beijing
yesterday, and here’s what I experienced.’”
It’s an integration of theory and experience.
Take calculus: while the problems themselves
won’t appear in the real world, “thinking
through those kinds of problems…solve one,
and on to the next,” that process has real
world application.
20-hour days seem to energize, rather than
enervate. His advice to current students: find
something you’re passionate about, a proj-
ect that drives you. “Never stop thinking or
dreaming. That’s where innovation comes
from—don’t give up on it, surround yourself
with good people.”
The other conscious choice William made to
stretch both sides of his brain—has its roots
at LFA. He loved hands-on lab work in Chem-
istry and Physics with Kerry Cedergren and
Ed Shaughnessy, but he also loved Spanish
class with Noelle Balson. “I learned so much
because it was unrelated to my major focus
—it’s important to do things you wouldn’t
do otherwise.” He concludes, “I take African
drumming and calculus.”
http://feversmart.com/
http://www.chicagotribune.com/bluesky/
originals/chi-william-duckworth-imobile-
bsi-20141015-story.html
http://www.businessinsider.com/
fever-smart-patch-from-upenn-students-
monitors-fevers-2014-8 n
Learn more about iMobile
Healthcare, Fever Smart, and
the backstory:
Click: www.lfanet.org8
class notes
54 Review Fall 2014
57. ’10
class notes
CLASS NOTES 55
’10
Keenan Victor Rogers received his Juris Doctor
degree from Cumberland School of Law at Sam-
ford University on May 16, 2014.
2008
Maira Lopez married Alex Wright on Sept. 20,
2014, in Chicago. LFA alumni Anastasia Belo-
vertseva, Rita Riccio, Rhea Bovee, Tara Dhiman,
and Elizabeth Thoms were in attendance.
2009
Working with a team of engineers, Aaron Bloom,
an electrical engineer at GM, has developed a
next-generation electrical repair tool (the TDR
tool) for automotive application. The tool quick-
ly and precisely pinpoints electrical circuitry fail-
ures. After successful rollout in North American
GM plants, the TDR tool has been approved
for global rollout. Aaron is a 2013 graduate of
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
2010
Kevin Berto received his Third Mate, Unlimited
Tonnage License after passing the U.S.C.G li-
censing exams in early June. On June 21, Kevin
graduated Summa Cum Laude and Salutato-
rian from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
in Kings Point, NY, one of the five federal ser-
vice academies. Upon graduation Kevin earned
a Direct Commission with the United States
Coast Guard. Kevin, his brothers, Michael and
Connor, who also graduated from their respec-
tive colleges earlier in the summer, and family
were all able to celebrate together in New York,
Colorado, and Wisconsin. Kevin recently com-
pleted Direct Commission Officer School in New
London, CT and reported to his duty station in
Louisiana.
Kevin Berto ’10 with his parents Colleen and J.D
at his June 2014 Graduation from the U.S. Merchant
Marine Academy.
Bryan Chin-Yu Chou recently graduated from
S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communica-
tions at Syracuse University with a bachelor’s
degree in Advertising and a minor in French. Af-
ter graduation, he moved to Dubai for an intern-
ship, which led to a full-time job as an Account
Executive at TBWARAAD, where he has worked
on multiple accounts such as Omniyat Real
Estate Developments and Emirates Airlines.
Send Bryan an email at bryan@bryanchou.com
Leah Klein got engaged in February 2014 to
Cameron Fox of Houston, Texas. They are plan-
ning a June 2015 wedding in Fort Worth. Both
Leah and Cameron earned their bachelor’s
degrees in business administration from Texas
Christian University. Leah works for Klein Tools
as a business analyst in the corporate devel-
opment department; Cameron works in the fi-
nance department at BNSF Railways. They live
in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Leah Klein ’10 and fiancé Cameron Fox
2011
Nick Ustaski is in his senior year at the Univer-
sity of Delaware and will be back next year for a
5th year to write a senior research thesis and to
complete his final year of hockey eligibility. Nick
is a member of the UD hockey team, which was
ranked 8th nationally in last year’s ACHA Na-
tional Tournament. He also won a prestigious
history award from the University of Delaware
for his essay “The Trail of Tears in American
Memory.” The award, the Thomas J. Craven
prize, is awarded for the best essay by an under-
graduate on American political or constitutional
history. Nick also made the University of Dela-
ware Dean’s list the past two years and was ac-
cepted into the Golden Key International Honors
Society and The National Society of Leadership
and Success.
2012
Matt Ustaski is a new member of the University
of Wisconsin men’s hockey team. He played the
past two seasons for the Langley Rivermen of
the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL). In
2013–14, he registered 29 goals and 20 as-
sists in 54 games to help Langley capture the
regular-season title.
2014
During the summer, AJ Hood and his father rode
their bikes from Vancouver, BC to the border of
California and Mexico. The trip took a total of
27 days, with a four-day stop in Santa Barbara,
Calif., for a family reunion. This trip was a great
opportunity for self-reflection and an inspiration
to continue riding more frequently. A freshman
at Santa Clara University, AJ recently joined the
SCU Triathlon club team.
CLASS NOTES
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