M AY/ J U N E 2 0 1 0 S H A R I N G T H E I M P A C T O F P H I L A N T H R O P Y A T M E R C E R S B U R G

RESPONDING TO CHALLENGES • MELODY GOMEZ: ARCE SCHOLARS PROGRAM • HELPING HAITI • ALUMNI

COUNCIL PROVIDES GRANTS TO STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS • OUR LIFE AS HISTORY • RESTORATION OF THE

IRVINE MEMORIAL CHAPEL STAINED GLASS WINDOWS • YOUNG ALUMNI SHOW THEY’RE TRUE BLUE •

MERCERSBURG WELCOMES “TRUE BLUE” PARTICIPANTS • MERCERSBURG RECEIVES EDWARD E. FORD

FOUNDATION GRANT FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROPOSAL • NOLDE RENOVATIONS UNDER WAY • A MATCH MADE FOR

MERCERSBURG • INFLUENTIAL FACULTY MEMBER RETURNS FOR THE 35TH ANNUAL BURBANK SQUASH

TOURNAMENT • OLYMPIANS REUNITE FOR FALL ALUMNI WEEKEND • JUNE REUNION WEEKEND IS RIGHT AROUND

THE CORNER • UPCOMING EVENTS • ALUMNI COUNCIL CORNER • THE MERCERSBURG COMMUNITY OUT & ABOUT

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DEAR MERCERSBURG READERS,School year 2009–2010 has had its challenges, as it has

likely had for many of our alumni and parents. As with

most challenges, we are called to be our best selves and

certainly Mercersburg students, faculty and staff, alumni,

and parents have been that this year.

Let’s begin with the snow: virtually every record for

snowfall in this area was broken except for the winter of

1961–1962—I can’t imagine what you guys went through

that year! Boarding students don’t have the pleasure of

“snow days” like their day-school peers, so they braved

the elements to get to class each day. The faculty and

staff made it possible for these difficult days to have

some sense of “normalcy.” The Ford Dining Hall staff

and the Buildings & Grounds staff and Security Staff members have always had a significant MPACT on the Mercersburg experience

and even more so when “the going gets tough.” In the Dining Hall, Lori Young and Barb Mann volunteered to work extra shifts to keep

us operating. Roger Harbaugh drove from Hagerstown to work on the Wednesday during the snow, and then slept in the Health Center

that night to be sure he could be here to cook Thursday. Patty Bell, Tim Jamerson, and Kathy McCullough walked through drifts to get

here, then worked extra hours to help us keep clean and ready for all the meals. Janay Shaw and Nancy Pontius and Shirley Mellot drove

through incredible conditions to make it on time for their shifts and helped us keep it all running. Our Food Service management team

Director Jim Butler, Assistant Director Almea Brown, Production Manager Gabe Shaffer, and Executive Chef Mike Coldrick were key

players in making it possible for us to even get food to the tables, much less on time and hot. They had the support of the Security team

and the Building & Grounds crew. Despite the added burdens the weather created for them, they stepped in to help with everything

from rides to helping dispose of the trash, and every request made was met with only one response, “When do you need us?” Mr. Hale

made the students happy by declaring a “free day” at the end of that double-blizzard week. It was appreciated.

The “Match Made for Mercersburg” giving challenge in February touched many hearts and on behalf of the students and faculty

we are grateful. In the first two weeks of the challenge, 450 alumni, parents, and friends have made gifts to Mercersburg compared to

346 in the entire month of February 2009! Read more about the challenge inside.

The Edward E. Ford Foundation (founded by Mercersburg alumnus Edward E. “Tink” Ford ’12) has made a generous and thoughtful

challenge grant of $50,000 to the school in support of environmental initiatives if alumni and parents will match the grant with

contributions totaling $100,000 by November 2010. It’s a big challenge. The faculty has been inspired and I know you will enjoy

reading about the details in this issue.

In this issue is the story of Robert Lehrman '69 and the lasting impact made by faculty members Jay Quinn and John Ferguson

on his life and on the lives of many others. Robert has provided a gift to seed the development of a multidisciplinary class that will

continue to impact and challenge future generations of Mercersburg students.

There are many students, faculty and staff, alumni, and parents who have personally responded to Haiti’s challenge. Some of those

stories are told in this issue of MPACT. We would like to know more about how you have responded to challenges this year and how you

support your communities. It is one of Mercersburg’s belief statements that “living with individuals from many different backgrounds

and perspectives compels a residential community to live by common core values.” Has your Mercersburg experience

of “living in community” influenced your lives? Think about it and let me know.

Sincerely,

Mary K. CarrascoAssistant Head of School for External Affairs

(L to R): Mary Carrasco, John Prentiss ’65, P ’89, ’92 and Regent, and

Doug Hale, head of school.

Challengesresponding to

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MAKING A DIFFERENCE | How members of the community are impacting the world…

3

LAST YEAR, GABRIEL HAMMOND ’97

made an extraordinary gift of

$1 million to Mercersburg to establish

the Arce Scholars Program. At the

time, Hammond’s gift was the largest in the

school’s 116-year history by an alumnus under

30 years of age. In keeping with Hammond’s

vision, the annual Arce Scholarship was created

to address both merit and need, by covering full

tuition for a new boarding student who is

exceptionally academically gifted and who

could not attend Mercersburg without total

financial assistance.

Melody Gomez of Manthattan's Spanish

Harlem neighborhood was selected as the

school's first Arce Scholar and entered

Mercersburg as a ninth grader in the fall.

“My favorite part of the school is being busy.

Even though I may want free time, every day

after school there is something to do. You’re

always active, you’re always with people…

you just grow as a person here,” said Gomez.

“Everyone is here for the same reason—to try

to get somewhere after Mercersburg.”

Gomez is an athlete who played volleyball

(fall), basketball (winter), and a spring sport

as well.

“As an athlete, I have grown. The only sport

that was offered at my old school was basketball.

This year, I played volleyball because I thought it

was going to be one of the easier sports. It’s not

as easy as I thought. I liked it, and I picked up

on it really quickly. I played varsity this year,

which is really cool,” she said.

Mr. Hammond’s gift will permanently endow

the Arce Scholarship at approximately $37,500

per year, based on the current policy for

endowment spending, and the balance of a

scholar’s tuition will be covered by the school.

Ultimately, the goal is to raise enough funds to

have one Arce Scholar enrolled in each grade in

the school. The scholars will be encouraged to

serve as a support system for one another while

at Mercersburg and in the future. To make a

gift to the Arce Scholarship Program, contact

Gail Reeder at 717-328-6323.

Ayear ago, Jill Thompson ’81 and her

husband, Bob, started the One Life

Missions Foundation to help New York City

children. After the earthquake, Bob, who is an

investment banker, and three friends decided

to go to Haiti to help with relief efforts. They

started the “Missions to Disaster Zones” arm

of the foundation and sent five teams to Haiti

with food and aid, and most recently,

started a school.

“My husband and three other men were the

first ones down there. They flew in through Santo

Domingo, rented a car with food, and quickly

discovered these self-organized camps of people.

They arrived the Monday after the earthquake

and were there for 11 days.

“It’s been an incredible experience, and now

the foundation literally has a presence in Haiti,

and we’re tapping into the U.N. and several other

resources. Although there are a lot of donations,

there are still people who are not receiving food

and water,” said Thompson.

“The teams have delivered over 20,000

pounds of food,” she said.

“The Haitian people are very resilient, very

resourceful, and the volunteers have all been

blessed far beyond what we think we have done

for the people of Haiti,” Thompson said. “Over

the years, the spotlight has been on the troubles

and chaos, but there really is a wonderful, loving,

resilient, and hopeful people that reside in Haiti.”

Visit www.onelifemissionsfoundation.org

to learn more.

Kate Harrison Bazemore ’89 spent a week on

a medical relief mission in Haiti with the

UMass medical school, where she is an assistant

professor of emergency medicine. Photos are

posted on her Facebook page if you’d like to

learn more.

Regent Denise Dupre ’76 contributed to relief

efforts organized by Dartmouth College. The

school sent over 18,000 pounds of supplies and

29 medical professionals to Haiti following the

earthquake, thanks to donors.

The Class of 2011 has wristbands for sale that

say, “We Are For Haiti” with the date

“1/12/10” that are being sold around campus to

benefit the American Red Cross. To purchase a

bracelet, send a check for $2.50 made payable to

Mercersburg Academy (Class of 2011). This

amount will also cover the postage for mailing

the bracelet back to you. Send to:

Pete Gunkleman: Class of 2011

Mercersburg Academy

300 East Seminary Street

Mercersburg, PA 17236.

On January 31, the entire Chapel offering was

dedicated to Haitian relief (via CARE) to

provide fresh water, both now in the emergency

and long term. The Chapel Charity Fund doubled

the offering so that every dollar given became two

Melody Gomez: Arce Scholars Program

Helping Haiti

Kate Harrison Bazemore ’89

Haiti Helpers included (L to R): Robert Solis ’11,

Katherine Blanchard ’11, Eli Littlefield ’12, Liza

Rizzo ’11, Matt Cook ’11, and Bailey Blake ’11.

THE MERCERSBURG COMMUNITY RESPONDED in a variety of ways to the tragic earthquake

that struck the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince on January 12. Below are just some of the stories that

have been sent to the Alumni & Development Office, and we know that there are even more. Please

continue to share the generous ways that you are helping the residents of Haiti recover.

(continued on page 4)

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MAKING A DIFFERENCE | How members of the community are impacting the world…

Alumni CouncilProvides Grants toStudent OrganizationsA TOTAL EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE

means having extraordinary programs in the

classroom, in the dorms, on the playing field or

court, in the arts, and through many other

extracurricular activities. Each year, the Alumni

Council (AC) offers a grant program to help

underwrite extracurricular programs. The AC

completed its 2009–2010 Student Grants

Program during the winter, and organizations,

including newly formed groups, received funds

for programming.

Below is a list of student grants that were

awarded:

• The Spanish Club was awarded a $200 grant

to help fund a performance by flamenco

dancers, who danced for the school on

January 15.

• New this year to Mercersburg is the Spirit

Committee, which was awarded $480 to jump-

start the group’s efforts to encourage and

promote school spirit and achieve more

attendance at school sporting events.

• The Battle Royale Martial Arts Club was

awarded $100 to help with general

programming. The group’s mission is to help

students fulfill their personal fitness

requirements.

• Marshall Literary Society was awarded $150 to

support their activities during Irving-Marshall

Week competition.

• The Badminton Club was awarded $100 to

purchase equipment.

• The Community Bike Program gathers,

repairs, and maintains a collection of classic

bikes with distinctive character and style for the

use and enjoyment by the school community.

It was awarded $150.

• The Tea Club focuses on exposing members of

the on-campus community to different teas and

the tea culture. The group was awarded $150 to

help purchase a variety of tea for a tea sale.

• Mercersburg Dormitories were granted $200

to fund dorm activities, events, and other

residential life programs.

• Magalia was awarded $100 to help with the

purchase of new music arrangements and to

produce its annual CD.

dollars contributed to CARE. Shortly

afterwards, Henry Steiger ’42, P ’77 ’80, offered

a $100 gift from the Mercersburg Model

Railroad Club. The total funds donated to

CARE was $416, according to Rev. Dr. Larry

Jones, school minister.

Visit www.care.org to learn more about the

organization.

Proceeds from the French Club calendar,

which were sold for $10 each, will support

Heifer International’s projects in Haiti.

Approximately $1,700 is expected to be donated.

Heifer has been a presence in Haiti for 10 years.

Visit www.heifer.org to learn more about the

organization.

HELPING HAITI (continued from page 3)

Our Life As HistoryFACULTY EMERITUS AND ACADEMY ARCHIVIST Jay Quinn is the inspiration for a new

course endowed by Robert Lehrman ’69, who made a gift to honor that inspiration. Lehrman

wants to ensure that Mercersburg’s faculty members are given the opportunity to make the most

of their creative talents. Dr. Eugenio Sancho, academic dean, worked with faculty to create the

Quinn-Ferguson Seminar, which will be offered beginning next school year. With typical

humility, Quinn asked that the course also honor his colleague and former faculty member

John Ferguson, whose creative approach to teaching inspired him.

The Quinn-Ferguson Honors Seminar: Your Life as History will be taught by history faculty

member Phil Kantaros. Alumni, family members, spouses, and parent volunteers who have

lived through important moments in history, specifically, those experienced in manufacturing,

are being asked to visit and speak with the class.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

The seminar will focus on

efforts to understand the dynamics

of societal change across a given

period. Specific areas of interest

will include the impact of

globalization; the fall of

communism in Europe; the rise of

supranational organizations such

as the North America Free

Trade Agreement, the

European Union, and

the Organization of

African States; the emergence

of new global powers such as China

and India; the growth of militant Islam;

and the great reach of global crime syndicates.

Students will also analyze the rapid rise of the

Internet and information technology and the many

implications of virtually unlimited information and communication capabilities; global health

issues such as the AIDS crisis; in Africa and global responses to those crises; medical advances

including cloning and human genome and DNA research; shifting world demographics; the

competition for global resources; and the state of the environment.

Students and faculty will engage in informed discussion and debate over the impact of these

events and issues as they present themselves today and for the coming decades. The following

topics will be examined: political questions (“Are we living in the final decades of the nation–state

system?”); economic questions (“To what extent will national currencies and even ‘money’ itself

still be used in the second half of the current century?”); social questions (“Can global poverty be

eliminated by the century’s end?”); and cultural questions (“Should science be constrained by

ethical limits?” and “How do science and art come together and reflect as well as lead to change?”).

Finally, students will consider the nature of history itself. Who are some of the current experts

and how should we evaluate their views on the past, present and future?

If you have experience in any of these areas and would like to be a guest during the seminar,

contact Kelly Schoenberger at schoenbergerk@mercersburg.edu or 717-328-6142.

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STEWARDSHIP | How donors impact the Mercersburg community

AN ENDURING SYMBOL OF MERCERSBURG’S spiritual

identity, the Chapel is the culmination of the ideals and goals of

Dr. William Mann Irvine, the Academy’s founder and first

headmaster (1893–1928), and his wife Camille. Dr. Irvine and

Ralph Adams Cram, of Cram and Ferguson, one of the period’s most

eminent ecclesiastical architects, were resolute that the Chapel should be

filled with light, making the windows central to the concept of the building.

Weather affects stained-glass windows: temperature changes cause the

lead to expand and contract. The windows are in need of restoration, and

Mercersburg is counting on the support of the school community. The

Chapel is an integral part of the Mercersburg campus and to have the

windows restored carefully and expertly will enable generations of students

to continue to enjoy them.

Donors of four stained-glass windows were honored during a Chapel

Windows Recognition Reception on December 13, 2009.

John Butterfield ’56 was one of the donors honored. “I feel a closeness

to Mercersburg that exceeds my college days, I hope my two grandsons,

who are eight and four, will also have an opportunity to enjoy the

beautiful windows when they have a chance to attend Mercersburg,”

said Butterfield ’56, whose grandfather inspired him to fund the

restoration of “The Presentation in the Temple” window. Butterfield’s

grandfather, John Milton Drumm, was treasurer at the Academy for

46 years and was married in the Chapel in 1937.

Mercersburg thanks the following

individuals for their gifts to

restore the stained-glass windows

in the Irvine Memorial Chapel:

• Judith and John Butterfield ’56

and Stuart and Kristin

Butterfield Vickery ’88 made a

gift to restore “The Presentation

in the Temple” window in honor

of John’s grandfather, John

Milton Drumm.

• Carol and John Prentiss ’65

made a gift to restore the

“Epiphany” window in honor of Harriet P.

and Thomas W. Mendham, recognizing their friendship and dedication

to Mercersburg Academy since 1973.

• Donna and Eric Reif ’60 funded the restoration of the window

“Come Unto Me,” which was made in memory of Ernest C. Reif ’26

and Bernice E. Reif.

• The Class of 1997 funded the restoration of the first panel of the window

“Holy Grail” in honor of their 10th anniversary reunion.

To learn more about this project, how you can get involved, or to request a

brochure, contact Mary Carrasco at carrascom@mercersburg.edu.

RestorationStained-Glass Windows

of the Irvine Memorial Chapel

THE PEOPLE • FACULTY AND FINANCIAL AID FOR STUDENTS • OPPORTUNITIES TO TRAVEL

AND LEARN ABOUT NEW CULTURES • IRVING-MARSHALL WEEK • ATHLETIC COMPETITIONS •

FACULTY PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT • CLASSROOM RESOURCES • UNIQUE EXPERIENCES

• STONY BATTER PRODUCTIONS • LIBRARY BOOKS AND DVDS • COMPUTERS • AND MORE!

Support everything you love about

To support everything you love about

Mercersburg with a gift to the Annual Fund,

visit www.mercersburg.edu/giving or call

800-588-2550 and make an unrestricted

gift. You may always support your favorite

part of Mercersburg, by designating

your gift to Athletics, the Arts, Academics,

International, etc. Ask us for details.

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GIVING TO MERCERSBURG

DIANNA LORA ’00 IS A SELF-PROCLAIMED

“Renaissance Woman” who credits her success

and ability to maneuver multiple projects to

Mercersburg. She recently became “True Blue”

as a way to show her love and appreciation for

the school. Learn more about Dianna below, and

stay tuned for her “True Blue” video later this

spring. To become “True Blue” by pledging

consecutive monthly gifts to Mercersburg,

visit www.mercersburg.edu/giving.

Q: How did Mercersburg prepare you for today?

I am a very ambitious person. Having enjoyed

several extracurricular activities and being very

involved at Mercersburg, I’m able to do a lot of

things at once now. It doesn’t stress me out as

much as it would stress other people. When I do

something, I do it at 100 percent, because

I had to juggle academics, athletics, and being

involved with Stony Batter and the Women’s

Ensemble at Mercersburg.

Q: Can you describe what you’re up to

professionally?

I was just in a sketch comedy show as part of

one of the ensembles. I also just accepted a role

in a musical, which I’m so excited about,

because I get to sing again. I went to my

audition, and I was shaking. I got excellent

feedback, and the casting director loves me.

I’m getting my master’s in entertainment

business so that I can know how to run my

company, Alien Bucket Productions. I’m

starving for knowledge, and I want to know

more. I’m going to graduate this spring,

which is really exciting.

I also play a lot of video games as a

reviewer for Gamer Reaction, a show on

GoodGameTV.com, produced by Alien Bucket

Productions. We’re filming episodes and on top

of that working on our new site that we plan on

launching at the end of the month. We’re trying

to see if the site can actually work. And each

Sunday, we shoot a podcast for Alien

Bucket Productions.

Q: Why did you become “True Blue”?

I thought about it a lot, and I said to myself,

“Would I be here right now if I hadn’t gone to

Mercersburg?” I don’t think I would. If I’m

going to give money to something, why not

support an education that I truly believe in?

Mercersburg shaped who I am and who my

sister is also. True Blue made it easy to support

the school.

The fact that I can give monthly and take it

from my debit or credit card motivated me.

I think a monthly giving program is much

easier, especially for the younger folks. When

they think in hundreds, they might say, “I don’t

have a hundred dollars.” But you actually do if

you break it down to $10 a month.

To learn more about Dianna’s “True Blue” story,

stay tuned for a short video about her that will

be released this spring. Also, Mercersburg’s first

“True Blue” video, about Jordan Jefferson ’09, is in

the “Media” section at www.mercersburg.edu. If

you are True Blue and would like to be featured in

an upcoming video, contact De-Enda Rotz at

rotzd@mercersburg.edu.

Mercersburg Welcomes “True Blue” participants SINCE THE CREATION OF THE “True Blue” program, additional members of

the community have supported the Annual Fund with monthly, consecutive gifts. Below

is the list of True Blue members as of March 5, 2010. Thank you for your dedication and

commitment to sustaining and enhancing this extraordinary educational experience,

and thank you for being “True Blue.”

young alumni show they’re

Ryan Bennett

LeAnn Bennett

Stephanie Blake

Stephen Blake

Jennifer Flanagan Bradley ’99

John Burnette

Claudia Burnette

Philip Carrasco

Mary Carrasco

Gina Fochtman

Nathan Fochtman ’03

Robert George

James Glah ’00

Doug Hale

Renee Hicks

Eric Hicks

Taylor Horst ’00

Howard Hosgood ’98

Lawrence Jones

Cynthia Jones

Raymond Larson

Dianna Lora ’00

John Madden

Susan Malone

James Malone

Tammy McBeth ’05

Katherine Morgan ’02

Jamil Myrie ’93

DeWayna Pittman

Todd Price

Anne Reeder ’00

Karl Reisner

Stephanie Reisner

Niccole Rolls

Necmiye Savut

Kelly Schoenberger

Kevin Schoenberger

Ronald Simar

Susan Simar

Noelle Smith ’02

Gill Tatman-Tyree ’95

Ivan Thompson

Wendy Thompson

Tom Thorne

Barbara Thorne

William Waldron

Vanessa Youngs ’03

Graham Zifferer ’04

True Blue

“The magic of this place is basedon maintaining the egalitariancomponent that makes it sospecial. I do not want futuregenerations of my family, or any Mercersburg family, to bebunched in with elitism andspecial interests … Making a gift for financial aid is realimportant.”

– John Prentiss ’65, P’89 ’92, Regent

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GIVING TO MERCERSBURG

FACULTY RESPONDED WITH

GREAT EXCITEMENT to the news

that Mercersburg Academy would

receive a $50,000 challenge grant

($100,000 in matching funds are required)

from the Edward E. Ford Foundation for five

faculty to develop environmental programs

during the summer of 2010 in support of

the school’s Accreditation for Growth

environmental stewardship objective.

“This program will allow the good ideas

of faculty and students to be implemented and

positively impact the school. Implementation

of these programs will allow students to think

critically about the different problems that they

will face throughout their lives and how to

approach them with creative and critical

thinking and come to solutions that will

work,” said Associate Head of School Debbie

Rutherford. “These initiatives will be and feel

like a part of the fabric of the school, instead of

ideas just coming at students and faculty from

the administration.”

Interested faculty engaged in a competitive

selection process for the development of an

environmental proposal or idea; proposals were

due March 15. The grant funds will be used to

award those faculty members selected with

$7,500 each for the research, time, expense, and

collaboration required in support and

development of a full proposal. A Mercersburg

committee of faculty, administration, alumni,

and parents will select and announce those

faculty proposals that best meet the established

criteria. Mercersburg will then invest the

matching funds and the remainder of the Ford

Foundation funds in the implementation of the

best of those proposals.

“I’m hearing faculty talk about composting

plans, solar energy, generating our own energy,

and helping students to understand how to take

social action to get things done,” Rutherford said.

The November 2010 deadline to raise the matching

funds is only months away. If you are interested in

contributing to this great work or learning more

about the grant, please contact Gail Reeder at

717-328-6323 or reederg@mercersburg.edu.

Giving SocietiesSOCIETY NAME DEFINITION NO. OF MEMBERS

Torchbearers donors who make gifts for three consecutive 2,094years or more, every year their child has been a student, or every year since their own graduation

William Mann Irvine Society donors who contribute $1,893 or more yearly** 464

Marshall & Irving Alliance donors who include Mercersburg in their estate plans 357

True Blue donors who make consecutive monthly gifts 48

** WILLIAM MANN IRVINE SOCIETY LEVELS

Associate $100 per year until your 5th anniversary reunion (based on graduation year) $500 per year until your 10th anniversary reunion

$1,000 per year until your 20th anniversary reunion $1,893 at your 20th anniversary reunion celebration

Member $1,893-$2,999

Sponsor $3,000-$4,999

Patron $5,000-$9,999

Benefactor $10,000-$24,999

Head of School’s Circle $25,000-$49,999

Regents’ Circle $50,000-$99,999

President’s Circle $100,000 or more

7

Mercersburg receivesEdward E. Ford Foundation Grant

for environmental proposal

$25,000

$50,000

$75,000

$100,000

$283,153!

A Match Made forMercersburgYou Made It a Success!THANKS TO YOUR SUPPORT AND

the support from other alumni, families,

faculty, and friends, we exceeded our

February matching gift challenge of

$100,000, with contributions of $283,153 for

the Mercersburg Annual Fund. A generous

alum also contributed $100,000 to match

Annual Fund gifts during February, making

total contributions of $383,153.

Your support has been amazing during

this fiscal year, and especially during

February. There was a 9 percent increase in

alumni participation from 15 to 24 percent

in just that one month; 744 total donors

contributed to the Annual Fund during

February. Remarkably, 253 donors made a

second gift during February, 22 of those

individuals increased their gifts, and 491

new gifts were made to the school. Thank

you for demonstrating your incredible love

for Mercersburg. Annual Fund support is

vital in order to sustain

and enhance the quality of education at

the school.

Thank you, volunteers and donors, for

making “A Match Made for Mercersburg”

successful.

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UPDATE ON STRATEGIC PLAN INITIATIVES

Nolde Renovations Under Way

MERCERSBURG BROKE GROUND ON THE renovations to Nolde Gymnasium on Monday,

March 8, 2010. Facilities that will remain open and available for use during the renovations

include the Plantz Basketball Courts, Davenport Squash Center (with fitness equipment), and the

Kuhn Wrestling Center. Once the renovations are complete, the athletic training center will be on

the first floor, rather than upstairs; there will be parity in the boys’ and girls’ locker rooms; a new

classroom will be located on the second floor near the fitness center; coaches will have multiple

spaces to interact; and new equipment will be available for coaches and athletes to view video

footage and collaborate in classroom-type settings. In addition, the beautiful glass windows

around the gymnasium will be replaced and/or restored to eliminate leakage and establish

more energy efficiency. These renovations will also meet current Leadership in Energy and

Environmental Design (LEED).

The school expects to have the fitness

center open for use in the fall, with the entire

gym open for use in time for the winter

sports season.

While Mercersburg’s Strategic Plan

focus remains on building the endowment

in support of faculty, scholarships, and

programs, the school is fortunate to have

received a generous bequest of $11.5 million

from Dwight Goldthorpe ’37, which made the renovations to Nolde possible.

The current Strategic Plan will take Mercersburg in an exciting and necessary direction.

It focuses on our people—to admit the best students, to provide the financial aid they need,

to ensure that we retain and attract the best faculty and staff, and to provide the education that

families expect from a world-class, college-preparatory boarding school. EVEN

TS

2010 Jun | 5 COMMENCEMENT

Jun | 10–13 Reunion Anniversary Weekend (classes ending in 0 and 5 and Loyalty Club)On campus

Jun | 25–27 Denver, Colorado, area weekend events including an alumni and parent gathering at Cynde & Matt Palmer’s ’96 Dry Ice Factory

Oct | 1–3 Family WeekendOn campus

Oct | 21–24 Fall Alumni WeekendEveryone welcome! Celebrating swimming, diving, track, field, cross country & winter track, and Mercersburg OlympiansOn campus

Oct | 21 Fall Alumni Council MeetingOn campus

Nov | 12-13 Fall Board of Regents MeetingOn campus

Dec | 12 Christmas Candlelight ServiceChapel

Dec | 12 Christmas Candlelight Service Reception Edwards Room

Dec | 11-12 Loyalty Club Christmas Candlelight Service Weekend

2011May | 28 Commencement

Jun | 9–12 Reunion Anniversary Weekend (classes ending in 1 and 6 and Loyalty Club)

For information about upcoming events, contact De-Enda Rotz at rotzd@mercersburg.eduor 717-328-6178.

UPCOMING EVENTS

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EVENTS

MERCERSBURG SQUASH

ALUMNI AND THEIR

families, as well as friends of

the Mercersburg squash

program, returned to campus on February 27 for

the 35th Annual Burbank Squash Tournament

and the chance to reunite with beloved coach and

Faculty Emeritus Bo Burbank (1962–1996) and

his wife, Ellie. The tournament featured matches

between alumni and students, followed by an

exciting exhibition between Gilly Lane, the

number two-ranked United States player, and

Shahier Razik, the top Canadian squash player.

Razik won the exhibition match 3–1.

Although the professional exhibition and

student-alumni matches were huge draws for

alumni, families, and friends, Burbank’s return

to campus was the real highlight of the day.

“He gave us the game of squash for life,” said

Tom Fogarty ’76.

Page Lansdale ’76 added, “He was a very good

father figure, and as a coach, he was a good

teacher to us.”

“Bo was a coach, advisor, and art teacher, and

he taught us that you can’t live too seriously,

because if you do, you’re going to be

disappointed,” said Ken Lockyer ’75.

When the Burbanks entered the Davenport

Squash Center, hugs from old friends and

students greeted the couple. For Burbank, the

sentiments were mutual.

“The reason I came was because it was

time for us to come, we have friends here.

Mercersburg was home for so many years.

We have six wonderful children, and they all went

to Mercersburg. This is really the only home

we’ve had with our family," Burbank said.

Jim Dresher ’67 drove from Bel Air, Maryland,

to see his former teacher. “Bo is just a special

guy,” he said with a smile. “He was a tremendous

male role model—a good father, more than a

teacher. In those days it was all guys and a very

competitive [environment] on many levels, but

there was this guy who was so normal. He was a

dad, teacher, coach, free thinker, and a pretty

good friend. He was ‘for us.’ And he wanted us

to succeed.”

Burbank’s former students say he was a

challenging instructor in the classroom and on

the field. The students knew that “Bo cared.”

Returning to Mercersburg for the 35th Annual

Burbank Squash Tournament reminded “Bo”

of the freedom he and his wife felt living on

campus, the security, and the sense of “home”

he always had in the Mercersburg community.

Burbank also talked in great length about his

days as an art teacher, and how during the ’80s

(or maybe the ’90s, he says), his art class decided

to create an ice cream float “roof” for the top of

Boone Hall. He reminisced…and laughed…

Students made the temporary architecture out

of soccer nets, high jump poles, and other

athletic equipment.

“It feels good to be back, especially because

I was able to meet this year’s recipient of the

Burbank Scholarship Fund, Nikki [Rhyne ’12].

To me, I don’t miss the campus and my teacher

friends as much as I miss the students. During

the ’70s, we started to have a very good squash

program, and this was a chance for me to see

those students again.”

The Burbanks live in Marion, Massachusetts.

“Bo” spends his days “having a good time with

[his] wife,” painting, and volunteering.

Olympians Reunite forFall Alumni Weekend ALL ALUMNI ARE INVITED TO campus for

Fall Alumni Weekend October 22–24, 2010,

which will feature a celebration of Mercersburg

Olympians and special reunion activities for

swimming & diving, track & field, cross country,

and winter track alumni. Revisit the campus,

visit classes, and cheer on Blue Storm Athletics.

A schedule of the weekend is available online

in the “Alumni” section of www.Mercersburg.edu.

Contact De-Enda Rotz at rotzd@mercersburg.edu

or 717-328-6178 if you have questions about

upcoming reunions.

Influential Faculty Member Returnsfor the 35th Annual Burbank Squash Tournament

(L to R): Page Lansdale ’76, Bo Burbank, and

Ken Lockyer ’75

June Reunion Weekend is around the CornerFor classes ending in 0 and 5

HIGHLIGHTS THURSDAY: Logan Chace ’01 and The Hello

Strangers will perform at Flannery’s Tavern

on the Square. The band includes Dave

Holzwarth ’78, Larissa Chace Smith ’97,

Katie O’Neil ’97, and Brechyn Chase ’03.

FRIDAY: alumni will return to the classroom

for “Faculty Connections.” Some of

Mercersburg’s most-engaging teachers will

conduct hands-on workshop style classes.

In addition, there will be a luau with reggae

music from iRon Lion, class activities and

a tiki bar open all night.

SATURDAY: in addition to class activities, and

class photos, there will be an All-Alumni

Awards Luncheon to recognize alumni

service and achievements, Mercersburg tours,

and a discussion about the school titled,

“Mercersburg: Past, Present, and Future,”

with faculty members Rick Hendrickson,

Tommy Adams, Bill McClintick, and Jay

Quinn, sponsored by the Class of 1960.

During the evening, there will be an over-21

dance party with music from Mightychondria.

SUNDAY: Rev. Dr. Larry Jones, school minister

will lead the Reunion Weekend Memorial

Service.

If you have not registered, do so today online.

Time is running out!

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AT THE END OF JANUARY, the Alumni Council (AC) met at Mercersburg for a strategic

planning review with an eye toward the future of the Council and the school. In keeping

with the AC’s mission of supporting the Alumni & Development program and acting as

liaison for the alumni community, two strategic objectives were developed:

1. The AC will engage fellow alumni on a year-round basis, partner with the A&D staff on

development and community-building activities, and facilitate connections between the

alumni and the school.

2. The AC will fully engage Council members in recruiting new members and in the

work of the Council in order to ensure effective execution of its routine work and

new initiatives.

In partnering with the A&D staff, the AC must integrate its routine work with that of the

A&D program. We would like to create a profession-based network, which can connect

older, experienced alumni with younger alumni who are interested in learning about and

possibly working in their industries. In addition, we recognize that community building is

extremely vital to our alumni community. We are, therefore, committed to establishing

focused Mercersburg alumni communities not only to get acquainted with fellow alumni,

but also to help alumni become more engaged in the school. There are many areas in which

alumni can become active for Mercersburg. While recruiting new students has always been

a primary focus, recently we have also helped spread the word about the many Mercersburg

summer camps. We also look forward to helping the A&D staff with programs specifically

designed for alumni. Finally, the AC feels it is important to develop a program that

communicates the history and traditions of our school to current students.

Because of how the AC is set up, our Nominating Committee’s first priority is to recruit

new members to the seats vacated by members whose terms are ending. There are

approximately four to five openings on the AC each year. A candidate is elected for one

three-year term, with the possibility of serving a second three-year term. Members are

chosen so that all decades are represented on the AC. The process we use now to identify

prospective Council members is all data-related. However, our goals for the future for

identifying prospects include meeting and connecting with alumni at events, using the

Class Agent system more effectively, and communicating the role and activities of the AC to

the alumni-at-large. Volunteering on the AC has been an experience that I have found to be

truly rewarding. If you are interested in supporting Mercersburg as a volunteer, feel free to

contact me (furnaryc@mercersburg.edu or 845-559-3156). You may also contact De-Enda Rotz

in the A&D office (rotzd@mercersburg.edu or 717-328-6178).

For more information about the AC and its members, visit us on the Mercersburg

website (go to www.mercersburg.edu, click on “Alumni” at the top and then “Alumni

Council” in the menu bar underneath).

Sincerely,

Carol Furnary Casparian ’79 1st Vice President, Alumni Council

Council CornerAlumni

(L to R): Sara Engram (Jack Reilly ’62), JohnAngel (Ann Quinn ’84), Ann Quinn, and ChipNuttall ’92 at the Early Arrivals Dinner onJanuary 29.

President Susie Lyles-Reed ’88, Tucker Shields ’68, and Melody McBeth, director ofadvancement services, at the Early ArrivalsDinner on January 29.

Carol Furnary Casparian ’79 has fun withMercersburg gear she just purchased from the school store.

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The Mercersburg Community

Out About(L to R): Rev. Dr. Larry Jones, Cindy Jones,Scott Davenport ’81, Frank Rutherford ’70,and Ian Thompson ’02 at a dinner for squashalumni during the 35th Annual BurbankSquash Invitational on February 27.

football coach Dan Walker, and Darius Glover ’12announce Charles’ and Darius’ signing with the football programs of Bucknell University and Lafayette College, respectively.

Mercersburg history department chair Allison Stephens.

The Irving Society celebrates in style.

McNickle ’62, Anne Johnson P ’06, Patricia White P’82 ’84, Andrea White Hosbein’84, Bruce Thompson ’73, Matt Olson, EmilyPeterson ’97, John Toth; Front row (L to R): A.G. Anglum, Sydney Hosbein, Georgia Dettmann, Paige Hosbein,Maureen Sabri ’00, Tammy McBeth ’05.

classmates Victoria Leontieva, Jamie Blackburn, Vanessa Youngs and NateFochtman at a New York City regional gathering for alumni, families, andfriends held at Faculty House at Columbia University on January 29.

Email photos and captions to newsletters@mercersburg.edu.

We welcome your questions and comments. Please contact the Alumni & Development Office at 800-588-2550.

MPACT is published three times per year by the Mercersburg Academy Alumni & Development Office.

Mercersburg Academy abides by both the spirit and the letter of the law in all itsemployment and admission policies. The school does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin.

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(L to R): Gabriel Hammond ’97 with 2003

From the Chicago event at Jaks Tap on February 6, 2010. Back row (L to R): Willie

Aspen has nothing on Mercersburg.

The Marshall Society scores a win.

Charles Thompson ’10, faculty member and varsity

Former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright and

For information on how you can be involved with these reunions, contact De-Enda Rotz in the Alumni & Development Office at rotzd@mercersburg.edu or 717-328-6178.

ReunionAnniversaryWeekendJune 10–13, 2010

Reunions for classes ending in 0 and 5 and the Loyalty Club

(Class of 1959 and before)

FallAlumni

WeekendOctober 22–24

Athletic team reunions for swimming & diving,

cross country, track & field& winter track alumni;

celebration of MercersburgOlympians; and

re-dedication of NoldeGymnasium.

NON-PROFIT ORG.

U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDNORWICH, CT

PERMIT NO. 51

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