Class Notes Archives

1957

Joe Merritt, Rich Coan and Phil Shaw Jr. got together with their wives in Coral Gables, Florida, for lunch. A good time was had by all reliving memories of times past and challenges going forward. 

 

1965W

 

The Rev. Frank A Edmands II writes: “It has been over a half century since my graduation from Wilbraham Academy! I am well, now a retired Episcopal priest living in Columbus, Ohio, with my dream woman from Northern California, the Rev. Lynn Carter-Edmands. We just celebrated our 42nd wedding anniversary. We have enjoyed our journey from coast to coast practicing our vocations and now settled in the heartland. Suggested springtime good reading: "Defending Alice," a recent novel of love and race in the roaring ’20s written by my classmate Richard Stratton. In the late ’90s, Lynn and I served as Chaplains, Teachers, Coaches and Dorm Parents at Trinity Pawling School, New York, complete with 265 teenaged boys – a blessed and fulfilling experience. So, I deeply appreciate and understand the dedicated work that your staff, teachers and coaches are offering to the academy (24/7).” 

 

2000

Matt Hill has been working for GM Financial, the Automotive Finance Company of General Motors, for the last 16 years, living and working in the U.S., Europe and Latin America – and now is on assignment with his family in Shanghai, China, in GM’s Joint Venture SAIC-GMAC since Aug. 2022.

 

2004

Colin Cook ’04 married Brianna Panarese on May 6, 2023, in Holyoke, Massachusetts. More than 20 Academy graduates and faculty connections were present.

 

2017 

Cameron Curtland recently married, as of April 30, Paula Fuentes ’18, now known as Paula Curland!

 

2020

Matt Shaw, an infielder for the University of Maryland baseball team, recently won the Big 10 Player of the Year award for College Baseball and is a semifinalist for the Golden Spike Award, which is awarded to the top amateur baseball player in the nation. You can vote for Matt (up to 25 times per day) by clicking here." 

 

 

1955W

Oli Kokkonen writes: “Yesterday (Feb. 9, 2023) was my 86th birthday. We are celebrating the occasion by a brief holiday at the tropical Phuket island in Thailand. Lots of sunshine, white sand blue skies - perfect for a winter holiday! Greetings to all classmates!”

1958M

Roger Adams writes: “I am finishing up my 48th year at Saint Andrew's Episcopal School. In that time, I filled many positions including Physical Education Teacher, Eighth Grade Advisor, Basketball, Football, Soccer, Cross Country and Track Coach. In 2002 our track team competed in the Hampton/Phillips Invitational. (Millard Hampton and Andre Phillips were two Olympic Champions.) During that meet, they awarded the high school coach of the year, the official of the year and the middle school coach of the year, which I was the recipient. I am also presently involved in alumni relations, development, high school coordinator as well as a adviser, mentor and counselor. I am so thankful for the education I received at Monson Academy as well a member of the academy's Soccer and Basketball teams. Teachers and coaches like Mr. Roan, Mr. Robinson, Mr. Harrell, Mr. Benton, Mr. Morrow, Mr. LaFlamme, Mr. Martellucci and especially Mr. George R Rogers. I will forever be so thankful for the staff at Monson Academy.”

1961

Paul Aarnio says: “It hardly seems possible that the great 80 is here, and I'm still alive to appreciate and enjoy it! I have had a great and interesting life as a combat pilot and special operator in the USAF for 28 years (so much for my Architecture degree with honors from Cornell U.). 

At age of 60, that was not the time to become an entry level Architect, but too soon to surrender to the rocking chair in front of the TV! I had become the Director of a Ballet School and the President of a 501C Ballet Company by marriage, so the next logical choice was to make some professional contacts in the Russian Classical Ballet field; and lo and behold, in 1994, I emerged as an international impresario of professional Russian Ballet, and spent the next 20 years producing and presenting Classical Ballet in the Russian mode in the U.S. in every state but North Dakota and Hawaii, as well as in four provinces of Canada and in Mexico, Costa Rica, Honduras, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, European touring included Malta, France, Belgium, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Finland and the USSR. 

In 2014, my wife was diagnosed with cancer and my touring activities ceased so I could help care for her. She passed away in 2016 and so I retired a second time. A category 5 hurricane, Micheal, hit the Florida Panhandle (my home) in 2018, and after seeing the devastation and the horrible acts of greed displayed by contractors who came from as far away as Washington state to "Help" (themselves to money from our desperate people only to have them leave the state with our money and np repairs having been done), a friend and I formed Kinjo Contractors LLC to try to help our fellow Floridians and leave them enough money to at leady buy groceries for their families. Kinjo is still rocking and rolling, but at 80, I really do want to retire for a third and final time!

All the good things that have happened to me in my life are Wilbraham's fault! A fact that I am very grateful for.”

1987

On July 1, 2023, shareholder Jeffrey Fialky will succeed shareholder Kenneth Albano as Managing Partner of Bacon Wilson, P.C. A former Hampden County Assistant District Attorney, Jeffrey joined the firm in August 2006, after nearly a decade in Eastern Massachusetts where he held senior attorney positions in prominent Fortune 100 telecommunications and cable television companies. He has extensive experience in business, banking, commercial, real estate, estate planning, municipal and telecommunications law. Jeffrey is currently chair of the firm’s corporate and commercial departments and a member of the municipal department.

Stated in an interview with BusinessWest, “Fialky acknowledged that he takes the helm at an intriguing and challenging time for law firms, which are coping with everything from a difficult hiring market to transitioning to new ways of doing work in the wake of the pandemic, to new technology that tempts consumers to find their legal answers online instead of from a trained attorney.”

Attorneys Albano and Fialky will co-manage the firm until June 30, 2023, when the reins will be turned over to Jeffrey. Kenneth commented to BusinessWest: “I felt the time was right for some new leadership, some younger leadership. Jeffrey is respected by everyone in the firm, and he’s the one that will take the firm to the next level.”

The firm is welcoming this change with open arms and looks forward to what Attorney Fialky has planned for ongoing success. “The firm is in a phenomenal place,” he said. “We’ve been here for 135 years, and we have a solid foundation for the firm to succeed well into the future - for another 135 years.”

2001

On Sept. 30, 2022 Charles “Chuck” Bridge, and his wife, Erica, welcomed Harrison Maxwell Bridge to their family, making them a family of four. Their two-year-old daughter Tori is pictured with Harrison. 

2008

Brigida (Palatino) Froling and husband, Kevin Froling, welcomed baby girl Chase Emerson Froling to the family on Feb. 4, 2023. 

 

2007

Jared Falconer '07 and his wife, Becky, got married in May 2022 and recently welcomed a baby named Julian.

Class Notes submitted through Jan. 31, 2023

1953M

Ronald Parody writes: “Just returned from attending a Veterans Ski Instructors reunion in Deer Valley, Utah, where the skiing was superb. Been a Certified Ski Instructor for over 60 years and still teach Seniors at Mt. High Resort in Wrightwood, California. Enjoyed my 88th birthday a couple of days ago and still have many fond memories on Monson Academy and the friends I met there.”

1965W

The Stamford (Connecticut) Yacht Club held its annual 238 mile Vineyard Race over Labor Day weekend. Andrew Veitch writes: “That’s me in the red, trimming the blue spinnaker on our boat at the start of the race -my 17th! Almost 100 boats participated in this year’s event.”

 

1969

Robert Longo

"Hello class of 1969. There are nine of us that stay in touch via email. If you'd like to join the email group, email me at RobertELongoLPC@gmail.com. Would like to hear from anyone in the Wilbraham Class of 1969."

 

1979

Edward Shore III, center, won second place in the over 60 division at the 2022 United States Strongman National championship. 

 

1998

Stacy Jagodowski writes: "I moved back to Massachusetts in the fall of 2020, after three years living in California, to accept a position working at Tabor Academy. I drove cross country during the height of COVID to make the move, which was an experience to say the least and am enjoying life in the seaside town of Marion. I'm now in my third year at Tabor, where I'm the Director of Strategic Marketing & Communications."

Rhett Broderick writes: “Hello Coachmen! … I mean Titans … I have been in Sun Valley, Idaho, since 2016, teaching high school social studies. I teach World History, AP Human Geography and I'm coaching my daughters' basketball and soccer teams. I have two little girls to keep me busy (8 and 5) and living in Sun Valley, we get to ski all the time. Life is grand up here in the mountains. I hope all of the WMA alumni are healthy and happy!”

 

1999

Leigh Anne Litz resides in Somers, Connecticut, with her three children. Hannah 13, Gabriella 10 and Scotty 5. Leigh Anne accepted a new position as the Business Development and Recruitment Director for Nichols College Graduate and Professional Studies in May 2022. She would love to extend an invitation to all Wilbraham & Monson Alumni to join Nichols College for a no cost Masterclass Webinar Series on a variety of Professional Development topics. Registration can be found here.

 

2003

Rob Talevi recently received a master's degree from Boston University in Project Management. He also obtained certifications as both a "Scrum Master" and "Product Owner" pertaining to agile project management. He is currently working toward earning a PMP license (aka Project Management Professional) from the Project Management Institute (PMI). When not working toward his license and various certifications and degrees, Rob works as a Research Analyst for the Boston Parks and Recreation Department and also acts as a class facilitator for Masters level courses at Boston University. In his free time, he enjoys coaching his son's hockey team and martial arts.

 

2008

Liz (Wright) DeMaio married Tom DeMaio on May 21, 2022 at MASS MoCA in North Adams, Massachusetts. Brother Andrew Wright '07 and friend Adriane (DeWitt) Levy were part of the wedding party. Jordan (Landers) Malloy, Marc Bourgeois and Emma Bourgeois '13 were also in attendance. Mr. and Mrs. DeMaio currently live in Boston.

2009

Alessandra (Mele) Corbett 

Four of my branding projects with The Homegrown Studio were recognized at this year's Ad Club of Western Massachusetts Creative Awards. We earned a:

•  Silver Award in the category of Integrated Advertising Campaign for our work on the Downtown Northampton Association Holiday Campaign
• Bronze Award for Branding and Sign Design completed with local clothing boutique 25 Central,
• Bronze Award in Packaging Design for a line of cheese labels designed for Thomas Farm & Dairy
• Bronze Award in Brand Identity Design for Summer on Strong in Northampton. 

 

Pictured is myself and Sara Esthus at the award ceremony in November. Sara joined The Homegrown Studio this year as my first full-time hire. She is our Marketing Director, helping our clients build clear marketing strategies and implement branding into their business plans. She's a proud Ethel Walker School alum.

 

2010

Hannah (Tanguay) Dunphy

My husband, Sean, and I welcomed our daughter Katherine Waverly Dunphy on Aug. 19, 2022. Our sweet Kit is keeping us on our toes, but she is the most wonderful addition to our family and we are soaking up every moment with her.

 

2012

Hannah (Caine) McDonald and her husband, Frederick, welcomed a baby girl to their family. Riann Elizabeth McDonald was born on Jan. 6, 2023.

 

2021

Aidan Held and Matt Banbury ’19, right, former Titan teammates, helped lead Hamilton College football to wins over traditional NESCAC powers Amherst and Williams. Matt was the starting quarterback as a senior, while Aidan played at defensive end and special teams as a sophomore.

1961 Monson

Gerald M. "Gerry" Myers writes from Renton, Washington, where he currently resides with his wife: "After Monson, I went to UMass Amherst and earned a BS in 1965. In 1975, I completed a master's degree in accounting at the University of Missouri and then a Ph.D. in business and accounting at the University of Iowa 1984. From 1982 until 2013, I was a professor in the School of Business at Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Washington, where I taught cost accounting and accounting information systems. Since retiring in 2013, I have pursued my passion for meteorology, written an extensive family history and served two terms as treasurer of my church."

1962 Wilbraham

Richard Taylor reports, “Made it to 79 years! Still having fun and being wild.” He shared that he recently participated in a Zero Gravity experience and he and his partner, Suzie, will be going to Corvette racing school this December.

 

1970 

Paul Heller writes: “Hello Everyone from the Wilbraham Class of 1970! I just celebrated my 70th birthday at Disney World in Florida with my kids and their kids. It's not clear who was more excited to see Mickey and Minnie - me or the grandchildren. I'm in my 42nd year of practicing anesthesiology, currently in Fairfield County, Connecticut. Part time now, but I plan to do it as long as I am able. Pretty soon my daughter, son-in-law and their three kids will be moving in with me for a while as they are getting out of the Army and moving back to CT. I haven't watched Romper Room in many decades, but now I get to watch it live! Every day! It's very exciting. If anyone gets to Bethel, CT, feel free to give me a call.”

1975

Melissa Emery writes: “All is well with my family and I. My three children and their spouses all live within two hours of our home so we are able to spend lots of time with them. We now have five fun, amazing grandchildren ages 5 mos. to 6 years. My husband, Jamie, and I just celebrated our 41st wedding anniversary. We are still living in Central NH and are playing lots of tennis, golf, skiing and boating. I am selling real estate and my husband manages a groundwater consulting company. Retirement is in the near future. Health and Happiness to you all! Lisa.”

2000

Whitney Gallivan is a partner and Managing Director at Boston Realty Advisors, where she is the top retail real estate broker in Boston, completing on average 50 deals a year. She resides in Concord, Massachusetts, with her wife, Meghan, and daughters Stella, 4, and Leyo, 1.

 

2013

On June 23, 2022, Molly Moran married Brandon McKenna '12 at The K Club in Ireland. Brother Trevor '10 and sister Emily Moran '15 were also part of the wedding party. Gillian Callahan '12 and Jared Osumah '12 were also in attendance. Mr. and Mrs. McKenna now reside in Colorado. 

2015

Sophia (Gourley) Nallen married Miles Nallen this past July in Cape Cod. Jackson Bloomfield ’20, Nick Gourley ’18, Brianna (Goncalves) Lacroix ’12, Andrew Faulstich, Andy Goncalves, Aparna Sivakumar, Kasey Reed ’20, Drew Mele, Brian Kennedy, Austin Fabbo, Evan Roy, Andres Feng, Andrew Dasco and Emily Moran were all in attendance. Photo credit goes to WMA faculty member Paul Bloomfield! Sarah Goolishian ’13 was the couple’s other photographer.

2015

Matthew Naumec was recently one of the top two finishers at a U.S. Mid-Amateur qualifier, hosted by the Crumpin-Fox Club. He earned a spot at the 2022 U.S. Mid-Amateur Championship at Erin Hills Golf Course in Erin, Wisconsin, on Sept. 10-15. The Mid-Am is the leading annual golf championship in the United States for post-collegiate amateur golfers. Players must be at least 25 years old as of the opening day of the main tournament.

2017

Katie Cronin graduated Magna Cum Laude with a bachelor’s degree in Management and Human Resources from Bryant University in the spring of 2021, where she also played four years of Division 1 soccer for the Bulldogs. Due to the pandemic, all NCAA athletes were granted another year of eligibility, and she decided to return to Bryant to earn her MBA and play a fifth year of collegiate soccer. She completed the MBA program in Business Analytics this past August, graduating Magna Cum Laude. Katie has accepted a position with the Fortune 500 company Thermo Fisher Scientific, a biotechnology company based in Waltham, Massachusetts. She will be part of the Human Resource Leadership Development Team. 

2018

Ashley Bradway spent the summer of 2022 at U.S. Embassy Tashkent doing public diplomacy work, including organizing women's empowerment seminars for high school and university-aged girls in Uzbekistan. The first photo depicts one of the women's empowerment seminars. The second is Ashley with U.S. Ambassador to Uzbekistan Daniel Rosenblum.

2021

Giovanni Biondo writes: “On August 4th, 2022, I graduated Air Assault school. A 10-day course that is also known as the 10 toughest days in the United States Army. Air Assault School qualifies soldiers to conduct airmobile and air assault helicopter operations, including aircraft orientation, sling load operations, proper rappelling techniques and fast-rope techniques. On the morning of graduation, students must complete a 19K (12-mile) march with a 35-pound rucksack in under three hours before receiving their wings.”

2022

Cara Murphy '22 participated on a gold-medal winning team for basketball in the Bay State Games. 

 

1955 Wilbraham

Olli Kokkonen salutes all his classmates who happen to see this message. “I have warm memories of the school year 1954-55 which changed the course of my life totally in a way I could not imagine on arrival at Wilbraham 67 years ago. The last time I visited Wilbraham was for the 50th class reunion. Fred Watts was present then and permanently in my mind.”  

1961 Wilbraham

Bill Hawthorne reports that he is fully retired from two careers, living in Naples, Florida, and traveling at will. “I am painting with oils many hours weekly, planning more travel and hiking mountains. Still married to my first wife, Carol. I enjoy running into former W&M colleagues during travel.”

1962 Wilbraham

In March 2022, the town of Enfield, Connecticut voted to name the baseball diamond at Powder Hollow Park after much-loved coach Bob Bromage, who devoted almost 40 years to athletes at Enfield High School. Mr. Bromage took over the Enfield baseball team in 1967 as the second coach in school history and held the job until 2004, when he became coach at East Granby (Conn.). He retired in 2019.

1965 Wilbraham

Philabooks|Press will publish Richard Carreño’s new book “Master Amateur: George H. McFadden and the Dashing Diggers of Cyprus” in early 2023.

1970 Wilbraham

Darius Mojallali writes: “Hello to all my old friends from Wilbraham Class of 1970. It is hard to believe 51 years have passed since we graduated. I am enjoying retirement from full-time ministry as an Episcopal priest, with lots more time for making music and adding to my ever-expanding collection of guitars and other instruments. I lead the Praise Band (I know, cheesy name) at a local Episcopal church, and my wife, Stephanie (who is an amazing singer), is part of it. We have a lot of fun learning new songs and leading them at church. Our kids are doing well, and Matthias (who is 18) is still with us and taking a year off before venturing forth to further education. We have five grandchildren, the most recent being our daughter Anna’s baby Shiloh. I’d love to be in touch with any of my old friends so feel free to text me!” 

1973

After 20 years as Senior Vice President, David Dibner is retiring from NYU Langone Hospitals. “I will be staying in my town of Port Washington, N.Y., with my partner, Elise, while my daughter Isabelle is preparing for college. If ever in Port, just go to the water and ask for the boat "Blue Gold." That's where you'll find me most of the time.” 

On Feb. 25, 2022, Chuck Feinstein was able to realize a lifelong dream by immigrating to Israel. He stayed in the central city of Herzliya before moving farther up the coast to Nahariya. “Great beaches!”

1983

Lisa Sheehan started a new role as Senior Vice President with the Community Development Lending Group at Eastern Bank. She lives in Boston, Massachusetts.

1986

Rich Thompson heads the Global Airline Strategy for Riskified, the world’s leading fraud prevention management provider. “We work in several industries helping companies optimize their sales channels while reducing their chargebacks and taking on their fraud chargeback liability. Our Headquarters are in NYC and Tel Aviv, and we have other global offices. I work remotely from Cape Cod but travel the world for events, conferences, meetings and speaking engagements.” 

1987

Bruce Baker writes with an update from China: “Just celebrated 10 years of marriage to my beautiful wife Yuhong (I call her Hong ... her English name is Mia). We have a 1-year-old daughter. Her name is Mei Bao. She is an English Springer Spaniel with black spots on white. Adorable and a "Cutey-Wutey." We spent 11 year together in my wife's hometown/city called Xiamen, a southeast coastal city across from the southern tip of Taiwan. I was offered and took a Head of Studies position at an International High School in Singapore that was to start the summer of 2020, but that obviously got derailed by COVID so we moved to the delightful and culinarily wonderful city of Dongguan, China, which is very close to Hong Kong (if you go to Hong Kong and like pizza there is a place called "Death by Pizza." INSANE. They opened up a store recently in NYC. Check it out.). I am working at one of the finest Foreign Language High Schools in China and am also into some import/export action. The plan is to be semi-retired by 58: Spain, pool, good food.”

1990

Chris Belisle has spent the last 23 years traveling and protecting the country’s coastline as a U. S. Coast Guard Helicopter Rescue Swimmer - from Florida to Hawaii, California through Oregon, up to Alaska and stations beyond. “Thank you, Mr. Nick for those cold winter-morning two-a-days. Both kids are attending Oregon State University (Go Beavers!) and are looking forward to my retirement next year. Hope all are well and hope to see you soon!”
 

1992

Mark Oppenheimer has been touring the country to speak at schools and community centers about his latest book “Squirrel Hill,” a major study of the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting and the background of white supremacy. Oppenheimer is the author of five books and was the religion columnist for The New York Times from 2010 to 2016. He has written for The New York Times Magazine, GQ, Mother Jones, The Nation and The Believer, among other publications. The host of Tablet magazine’s podcast “Unorthodox,” Oppenheimer has taught at Stanford, Wellesley and Yale, where since 2006 he has directed the Yale Journalism Initiative. He lives with his family in New Haven, Connecticut. 

1994

Ian Macdonald writes, “I (finally) got married to Sabrina Lee on Aug. 2, 2021, on Lake Orta in Orta San Giulio, Italy.” The couple, pictured with Ian’s parents, now live in Hoboken, New Jersey.

1999

Caitlin (Majocka) Sepeda has announced her candidacy to run for Sheriff of Hampshire County in the 2022 election. Sepeda is a registered nurse who has worked in two Western Massachusetts correctional facilities, including nine years at the Hampshire County Jail and House of Correction in Northampton. Her campaign website is www.sepedaforsheriff.com.

2005

Kelsey (Ekness) Lastowski and her husband, Tim, welcomed a baby girl to their family. Elaina Marion Lastowski was born Jan. 5, 2022.

2007

Michael Washington won three 2021 Clio Awards for his work as creative director on the advertising for the Spike Lee film “Da 5 Blood” and the Amazon Studios’ action thriller “Without Remorse” Michael received one gold and one silver for “Da 5 Bloods” and another silver for “Without Remorse.”

2008

Lauren Brodeur Buckley married Patrick Buckley on Dec. 4, 2021, at the Old Saco Inn in Fryeburg, Maine. Patrick is a carpenter, and Lauren works at Holyoke Medical Center as an ultrasound technologist. The couple lives in Hampden, Massachusetts. 

Brigida (Palatino) Froling and Kevin Froling were married on March 19, 2022, at Union Station in Northampton, Massachusetts.

2009

Stephanie (Pajak) Firely and her husband, Chris, welcomed a baby boy to their family. Logan Christopher Firely was born May 22, 2022. 

2019

For the second time during the spring 2022 season, Jack Robinson was named to the United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Associations Division II Dynamic Team of the Week. As of April 21, Robinson, who plays attack for Saint Anselm, led his team and the Northeast-10 Conference in assists.

Updated through Dec. 20, 2021.

1955 Wilbraham

Robert Hohman writes to WMA and the Class of ’55, in particular: “Both my wife, Jan, and I are basically fine and well in Sun City Hilton Head, Bluffton, South Carolina. No more pickleball (sore knees) but bowling and idle time with glass crafting making ‘sun catcher’ type things and some glass chess/checker boards. Hope all is well with everyone, young and old!”

1967 Wilbraham

Anthony Gagliardi writes: “Hello to all fellow classmates and those a year ahead and behind that I was fortunate enough to meet while on my life journey. I hope this friendly note finds you well and, if possible, I hope we cross paths at some point. I spend much of my time in the Charleston, S.C., area, and still some time in Westchester County, N.Y. Let me hear from you please.”

1977

Adrian (Graham) McLean is now retired after 36 years of teaching elementary school in Boston, Massachusetts. “Shoutout to the Class of ’77!” 

1992

Hilary (Kenyon) Sams and PJ Louis, who each have a son on the Kingswood Oxford Boys’ Soccer team, caught up with Coach Cook and Coach Nicholson ’79 at the WMA-KO match in November 2021. 

1994

 

Ian MacDonald writes, “I (finally) got married to Sabrina Lee on Aug. 2, 2021, on Lake Orta in Orta San Giulio, Italy.” The couple, pictured with Ian’s parents, now live in Hoboken, New Jersey. 

Kevin Ryan is Director of Business Operations at Optum, a UnitedHealthcare company. “I help connect hospices with tools and solutions to help them thrive as they treat patients at the end of life. I enjoy being able to help these organizations navigate the complicated world of healthcare insurance immensely.” Kevin and his wife, Jen, have been married for almost 15 years, and they have two children, Hannah, 14, and Kash, 10. “When we are not sitting on a beach or sailing in the summer, we are skiing each weekend in the winter.” 

1999

Kimberly (Unrine) Treibick, her husband, Ian, and their children, Avery, then 10, Oliver, 8, and Charlie, 4, spent eight months living aboard their boat, Calypso. “We left Greenwich, CT, in October of 2020 and went as far as Antigua and Barbuda, stopping in several places in the U.S. and continuing on to The Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and the Spanish Virgin Islands, the USVI, St. Martin, St. Barths and finally Antigua where we shipped our boat to Newport, Rhode Island. Our favorite places were probably the Bahamas and the Spanish Virgin Islands, although all of the places were amazing. My husband and I were both the captains, and we boat schooled the children together. We spent our days exploring islands and meeting other families living on boats. It was truly amazing!! We head out again in three weeks for a shorter, four-month leg that we believe we are going to spend in Central America.”

2004

Christina Alves Boardman and her husband, Damon, welcomed a baby girl to their family. Penelope Alves Boardman was born Oct. 27, 2021 and joins big brother Leonardo. 

Colin Cook and Ben Premo '05 teamed to win a big local golf tournament at Northampton Country Club on Labor Day weekend. The No. 1 seeds dominated the championship match to claim the first division victory. Gary Cook, Colin's father and current WMA faculty member, called them "the best pair of strikers I ever had," in reference to days on the soccer pitch at WMA. 

2005

Shawn Jiles and his wife, Adrianne, visited campus for their 10th wedding anniversary in October 2021. Adrianne put together a scavenger hunt for Shawn, which ended at his Senior Stone! 

2007

Alexandra Johnson writes: “Hi! It’s been a long journey since graduating from WMA 14 years ago! I am now graduating from Queens College, Aaron Copland School of Music, as a Master in Music in Jazz Studies (trumpet) and Composition.” Alexandra joined the New York National Guard 42nd Infantry Division Band and is an active duty soldier in the NY National Guard Military Funeral Honors Program. She is also a freelance musician and model in New York City. “I am staying busy to say the least!” 

2009

Alessandra (Mele) Corbett married Jake Corbett on Sept. 25, 2021 at Gedney Farm in New Marlborough, Massachusetts. Jake is a civil engineer, and Alessandra is a graphic designer. “We live and work here in Wilbraham, just down the street from WMA, and we enjoy daily lunch walks around the triangle!” Alessandra’s design company, The Homegrown Studio, was recognized for branding work from 2020 by the Ad Club of Western Massachusetts at their annual Creative Awards. Her package design work for the Hudson Valley skincare brand Apis Apotheca won a gold medal, and her logo design work for Diemand Farm in Wendell, MA, won a silver medal. Alessandra writes: “Additionally, I've had the wonderful opportunity to partner with a few organizations in the city of Northampton to help brand the city and work on marketing campaigns to reinvigorate local culture and commerce post-COVID. First, I developed a branding campaign for the Summer on Strong initiative, to help promote outdoor dining and entertainment throughout the summer months. Most recently, I completed a big holiday campaign with the Downtown Northampton Association to encourage shopping locally this holiday season. I'm particularly proud of this work because I'm passionate about Western Massachusetts culture and community - it's my home, and it means the world to be able to manifest that into meaningful branding that the community can connect and engage with.”

Kayla Caine Richards and her husband, John, welcomed a baby boy to their family. Caine Thomas Richards was born Oct. 15, 2021. 

2011

Jackie (Smith) Norton completed the NYC Marathon on Nov. 7, 2021. Her in-person cheering section included her mom, Caroline Smith, Executive Assistant to the Head of School at WMA, sister Jess Smith ’14 and Issa Best ’13. “I ran with the group called Beyond TypeOne and had many WMA supporters cheering me on from afar and helping me get there by donating, including: Adrianne Hanson '10, Brittany McFarlane '11, Rachael Kantor '11 and Brianna Lacroix '12.”

2012

 

Hannah (Caine) McDonald married Lt. Frederick McDonald on Aug. 13, 2021 at Mt. Woodson Castle in San Diego, California. Fellow Titan, and sister of the bride, Kayla Richards '09 was the matron of honor.

2013

Josh Slater visited campus in December 2021, the day before starting a new job as Customer Accounts Coordinator at The Morris Group in Windsor, Connecticut.

2015

Ashley (Theriault) Wilkinson and JD Wilkinson were married on Oct. 9, 2021 in Greenfield, Massachusetts. Classmate Molly Socha served as a bridesmaid.

 

 

Alumni Class Notes updated through Aug. 9, 2021.

1951 Wilbraham

David Tyson checked in with the Office of Advancement in July. He writes: “There has been little posted on the class of ’51 … no doubt because we aren’t doing much of interest these days. I guess the news is we keep on keeping on. My best to Wilbraham (and Monson) and to the class of ’51.”

1965 Wilbraham

John Cluett checked in regarding the passing of his Wilbraham roommate Richard A. Bucci ’65. He writes: “I found myself opening a bottle of ‘Bucci’ Italian white at a party in Carmel, CA, the other night and realized it had been a couple of years since I'd spoken with my old roommate Richard A. Bucci. When none of the five phone numbers I have for him answered, I looked online and discovered to my great sadness that he had passed away in July of 2020. He was a true friend, a dedicated doctor and a swell human being who couldn't do enough for those around him. I raised a glass (maybe a few) of Bucci to ‘The Bootch.’ Thanks old friend, for your sweetness and all the laughs.’’

 

Harry “Terk” Williams reports that he and his wife, Lisa, are “living the dream in the Florida Keys.” They enjoyed a visit with their son and daughter and their spouses and kids over Father’s Day in June. Their 12-year-old grandson stayed for a few extra days so that Mr. Williams could introduce him to SCUBA diving. He writes: “For what it’s worth, I started a SCUBA club at Wilbraham in about 1963, which was second in popularity to Mr. Mattern’s headmaster choir … until his wife took up diving with us!” Mr. Williams is also an accomplished aviation professional and continues to teach ground school in his living room two nights per week for his wife and friends.

1965 Monson

Charles “Chuck” Nothe’s latest book, “Five Names on a Granite Slab” is a nonfiction story of the Monson, Massachusetts, men killed in the Vietnam War. Chuck personally knew four of the five Monson men whose names are listed on the granite memorial in front of the Monson Town Hall (one of whom was fellow Monson Academy alum Ken Berube ’61). For his book, Chuck conducted interviews with family members, friends and fellow service members, and included documents from the D.O.D., maps, pictures and after-action reports. In July, Mr. Nothe attended a book signing hosted by the Monson Free Library. He is pictured with WMA’s Director of Stewardship Sean Valentine (right) at the signing.

1981

 (photo courtesy of U.S. Rowing)

Patti Wagner’s daughter Kristi Wagner made her Olympic debut in Tokyo this summer as a member of the U.S. Rowing team. Kristi (left) and her double skulls partner, 2016 Olympic Silver Medalist Gevvie Stone, finished fifth in the double skulls final in 6 minutes, 51.98 seconds over the 1,500 meter course at the Sea Forest Waterway on July 28. While Patti and the family could not attend the Tokyo Olympics due to this year’s no-spectator rule, they were cheering her on from home!

1986

Members of the WMA Class of 1986 had an impromptu 35th reunion at Sturbridge Village, Massachusetts in July! Pictured from left to right: Todd Stuart, Sean Cox, Laura Mulcahy Mayhew, Seth Wesson Jr., Stephen Kane Jr. and Mark Schwendenmann.

2001

Faruk Aliyu '02 writes with the sad news of the passing of his brother Muktar Aliyu '01. He passed away on March 9, 2021 in Abuja, Nigeria. Muktar is survived by his wife, three children, parents, three brothers and three sisters. Muktar graduated from New York Institute of Technology with a degree in architecture. Up until his death, he was working as an Executive Director at one of Nigeria's largest private Real Estate developers, Urban Shelter Ltd. He will be missed. 

2013

Ivy Durepo married Andrew Guay on July 2, 2021, at the Harding Allen Estate in Barre, Massachusetts. Fellow Titans Mike Caine ’14, Kevin Lambert ’13 and Allie Cerpovicz ’13 were on hand to celebrate. Pictured left to right: Mike, Ivy and Kevin.

2015

Andrew Faulstich and Ximena Reyes Torres were married on July 9, 2021, at the Delaney House in Holyoke, Massachusetts. Drew Mele served as the best man, and Mr. Bloomfield, Chair of the Fine & Performing Arts Department, was the photographer!

Updated through June 30, 2021.

1964 Wilbraham 

Stephen Rozwenc resides in Thailand and is a widely published expat poet. He has published six collections of poetry. His latest collection includes translations of poems by famous Russian poets created in an exciting collaboration with old friend Victor Peppard, Ph.D., a professor of Russian Language, Literature and Culture at the University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida. The collection can be found using this link: https://theplumtreetavernrussia.blogspot.com/

1965 Wilbraham

Richard Carreno has a new book set for release on July 6, 2021! “John H. McFadden and His Age: Cotton and Culture in Philadelphia,” the first full-length biography of the Philadelphia cultural titan, adds McFadden’s oft-forgotten name to the pantheon of great 19th-century art collectors. Richard is a longtime art critic in England and the United States. For many years he was a journalist and university lecturer in London. He lives in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

1970 Wilbraham

Darius Mojallali reports that “life is good after a year of retirement following 37 years of full-time ordained ministry in the Episcopal Church.” Rev. Mojallali, along with his wife Stephanie and son Matthias, 18, recently returned to Delmar, New York, where he and Stephanie met and where he served a parish for 20 years. He writes: “I am spending much more time playing my musical instruments - violin, guitar, mandolin, uke, a little banjo - and singing with my wife in a church praise band (actually I lead it). Matthias was born when I was 50 and he’s about to graduate from high school! Yikes! I have fond memories of my four years at Wilbraham, and especially friends Stanley Rosenblum, Ron McEvitt and Rene Fabricant (and many others!), as well as our beloved headmaster Gray Mattern.”

1980

In 2005, Clive Hyman set up his own business, Hyman Capital Services Limited, and still works in the corporate Mergers & Acquisitions and funding markets in the U.K. and around the world. Clive writes: “I am looking forward to the ability to bring my new girlfriend and soon-to-be bride to Wilbraham at some point when we are all able to travel. I have fond memories of my time there. If anyone is in London and has relatives here, please feel free to look me up, as you would be more than welcome to stop by and say hello.” 

1989Joel Ackerman was promoted to partner at the accounting firm Richards, Witt & Charles LLP in Garden City, New York, on May 5, 2021. Reflecting on his accomplishment, Joel remembers taking Introduction to Accounting with Mrs. Farrington as an elective course during his senior year at WMA. He writes, “The class made such an impression on me I ended up going to Syracuse University and graduating with a bachelor's degree with a concentration in accounting and I hoped one day I could be a partner at an accounting firm.” Congratulations Joel! 

2000

Future Titan Vaeda is decked out in her WMA gear with mom Lindsey Leduc. Lindsey traveled on the Summer Tour for World Class Talent in Chicago, Virginia Beach and Providence, and will be returning to Boston College in the Fall to teach Jazz.

 

Geoff LaMarche celebrated his 40th birthday on June 4, 2021, with a golf match at GreatHorse in Hampden, Massachusetts. Fellow WMA alumni joined him to celebrate. Left to right: Eric Peterson ’99, Todd Cole ’99, Geoff, Greg LaMarche ’97 and Matt Hill.

2001

Lauren Pinkston Omisore married Bolaji Omisore in August 2018 in Lanham, Maryland. 

2004

Aaron Wile is Associate Curator of French Paintings at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. He and his husband, Nicholas, were recently featured in Architectural Digest for their renovation of their apartment in the city’s Kalorama Heights neighborhood.

2007

Alex McKenna and his wife, Julianne, welcomed a baby girl. Olivia Ann McKenna was born March 9, 2020.

2009

Thirteen years after playing his last game as a Titan, Eddie Jewel is returning to WMA this fall as an assistant football coach! 

2011

Jackie Smith Norton married Casey Norton on June 26, 2021, at Aldrich Mansion in Warwick, Rhode Island. Many Titans were on hand to help celebrate their union. Pictured from left to right: The bride’s sister Jessica Smith ’14, Jimmy Bernardo ’11, Caroline Smith (mother of the bride and Executive Assistant to Head of School Brian P. Easler), Jackie, Britt McFarlane ’11, Dominic Pessolano ’11, Rachael Kantor ’11 and Rev. Msgr. Christopher Connelly ’85. 

2012

Members of the Class of 2012 had a mini-reunion in March 2021. From left, Becky Chen’s boyfriend Limbo, June Zheng, Becky, Sarah Cui, Ilen Liu and Colin Zhang together in Shanghai, China. 

2015

Son Hoang Le had the chance to attend the public launch of Payoneer (PAYO), an online payment company, on June 28, 2021. Son has been with Payoneer since January 2021 as an FP&A (Financial Planning & Analysis) and Corporate Development Analyst. 

2019

In March 2021, John “J.J.” Wilson was promoted to Lieutenant with the Amherst Student Force, a volunteer student-run engine company that operates with a career force member as a liaison. John writes: “we respond to 911 emergencies on campus and in the Amherst community. We staff Engine 3 seven days a week from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m., and have continued operations though the pandemic with strict COVID-19 policies. The Amherst Student Force has been an amazing and unique opportunity to train and hone my firefighting skills.” John also had the opportunity to administer COVID-19 vaccines to community members and first responders through the University of Massachusetts College of Nursing vaccine clinic.