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PHOTO OF THE DAY
November 11, 2015
Shirley Hu, Class IV, performs a
piece she choreographed with her
Chinese dance teacher. Thirty-four
students danced in the November
dance concert.
PHOTO BY LEAH LARICCIA
contents
WINTER 2016
IN EVERY ISSUE
Ian Lundgren ’93 dives in.
2 Letter from the Head

3 Reflections
What Nobles folks are saying
on campus and online
4 The Bulletin
News and notes
15 By the Numbers
From the archives
16 Sports
Boys cross country makes history
18 Off the Shelf
All about the books
we read and write
20 Perspectives
A writer and
mathematician reflect
FEATURES
50 Graduate News
Nobles graduate updates:
26 Cover Story: 150 Years what, when, where, why and
Nobles has never looked better. how Nobles grads are doing
40 Moving Through Deep Water 72 Archive
These grads work for the greater good.
On the cover: This tintype, made by John Hirsch, visual arts department
head, is a direct positive image made on a thin sheet of metal coated with
collodion and a silver nitrate emulsion. The pictured bell is the bell that was
used to begin daily assembly. Tintype photography was invented in 1853.
Nobles
letter from the head
WINTER 2016
Editor
Sesquicentennial Reflections
Heather Sullivan
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS
Assistant Editors
Kim Neal
THE 90TH CLASS TO GRADUATE from Nobles, the ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF
COMMUNICATIONS
Class of 1956, had a uniquely powerful experi-
Ben Heider
ence here. Their compelling legacy remains DIGITAL VIDEO PRODUCER/WRITER
on the campus in the form of the ’56 Path that
Alexis Sullivan
runs from the top of the hill by the Castle and WRITER/CONTENT MANAGER
the Frat (which is now all faculty residences) Design
down to the athletic facilities. The boys of the 2COMMUNIQUÉ
WWW.2COMMUNIQUE.COM
Class of ’56 built that path as a gift to the school
Photography
upon their graduation. As part of the Castle
Kathleen Dooher
renovation project, the ’56 Path was upgraded
Michael Dwyer
and made safe by current standards; graduates Marco Garcia
Ben Heider
between 1956 and 2011 well remember almost tumbling down the old path, which was downright
John Hirsch
treacherous, especially in winter. I was reminded of the experience of the Class of ’56 as the David Johnson
school endured a sudden, traumatic loss this fall with the passing of Casey Dunne ’17 in this year Leah LaRiccia
Kim Neal
that the 150th class will graduate from the school. Casey—the middle of five children in a close
The Editorial Committee
family—was a gem, a truly wonderful young woman, and her unfathomable departure has rocked
Brooke Asnis ’90
this community and affected many people far beyond this campus. Yet I know, as did the Class of Greg Croak ’06
’56, that the classes of ’16 and ’17 will also find unity and a way to leave positive legacies at Nobles. John Gifford ’86
Tilesy Harrington
Great communities are at their best when things are at their worst.
Bill Kehlenbeck
In the summer of 1955, Betsy Putnam, age 14, one of five children of Headmaster Eliot and
Nobles is published three times
Laura Putnam, passed away from cancer. The Putnams, of course, lived on the Nobles campus, a year for graduates, past and
current parents and grandparents,
and Betsy was well known and beloved here. Eliot and Laura Putnam commanded immense
students and supporters of Noble
respect in the community, and this impacted everyone deeply. Then, in early October 1955, one and Greenough School. Nobles is a
co-educational, non-sectarian day
of the Putnams’ sons, Arthur, age 12 and in Nobles Class VI, was playing in the woods on the and partial boarding school for
Nobles campus and died in a tragic accident. The impact of such losses for one family in such a students in grades seven (Class
VI) through 12 (Class I). Noble and
short period of time is almost impossible to comprehend. Fate, however, was not done with this Greenough is a rigorous academic
community that strives for excel-
community. The school also experienced an outbreak of polio that fall, leading to a quarantine
lence in its classroom teaching,
of the campus for a few days; two members of the Class of ’56 were severely afflicted. When the intellectual growth in its students
and commitment to the arts,
class of 1956 rededicated the ’56 Path a few years ago, they installed a plaque with a beautiful and athletics and service to others.
powerful yet understated message that I think speaks to the ages and all classes at Nobles over
For further information and
our past 150 years. The plaque says: up-to-the-minute graduate news,
visit www.nobles.edu.
“With 28 wooden steps—one for each classmate—this path was originally built by the Class
Letters and comments may be
of 1956 with their own hands as a gift to the school they loved, in response to the significant chal-
emailed to Heather_Sullivan@
lenges and adversity they faced together. It endures as a symbol of their solidarity.” nobles.edu. We also welcome
old-fashioned mail sent c/o
We do not know yet what the legacy of Casey Dunne will be, but I am confident it will reflect Noble and Greenough School,
the joy, kindness and wonder that she represented in the world. I know her classmates will 10 Campus Drive, Dedham, MA
02026. The office may be reached
ensure the power and permanence of her presence here and among themselves, and ultimately at 781-320-7268.
we will be the better for it. Nobles is a remarkable place, notable for the uniquely potent blend of © Noble and Greenough School
empathy, fun and achievement that characterize the student experience. We are truly measured, 2016
however, in tragedy, and over the past 150 years, this school has, in fact, thrived because of our
capacity to become a more caring and purposeful community in the face of such challenges.
—ROBERT P. HENDERSON JR. ’76, HEAD OF SCHOOL
2 Nobles WINTER 2016
Nobles Want to read more community musings? Go to www.nobles.edu/blogs.
You can also follow us on Instagram at instagram.com/nobleandgreenough.
You need to find something that gives
you constant reason to live your life, not just
exist in it. And it has to come from your heart.
—KEITH WILFORD OF THE WILFORD MOVEMENT, A NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED MENTAL AND PHYSICAL TRAINING
PROGRAM FOR ATHLETES, ADDRESSING THE NOBLES CAPTAINS AND COACHES LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
While Nobles students have been part of student-
October 17–18 marked the 51st
exchange programs and the occasional ‘school
Head of the Charles. The event trip’ for decades, over the past 15 years, Nobles
this year was historic for Nobles has developed a broad array of partnerships with
crew in many dimensions. For schools and nongovernmental organizations
the first time, we had four crews across the country and around the world. Togeth-
competing. The girls’ four moved er each year, close to 150 Nobles students and
from 66th to 18th in a strong 30-plus faculty immerse themselves in service
international field of 85. The boys’ and academic/cultural exchange programs.
four finished second overall and
—BEN SNYDER, DIRECTOR OF EXCEL,
were the top North American crew, ON “A CULTURE OF PARTNERSHIP,” OCTOBER 2015
beating not only every other ISL NOBLES PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER
school but also every boys’ high
school and club program in the
country. With this performance,
Nobles won the Metropolitan
District Commission Cup for the
best performance in the regatta
by a Massachusetts high school.
—JOSH ACCOMANDO, BOYS VARSITY
CREW HEAD COACH, COMMENTING OCT. 16, VIA INSTAGRAM: OCT. 22, VIA INSTAGRAM:
Students relieve some stress by Varsity football with a strong
ON THE HISTORIC WEEKEND AT THE
bowling outside Shattuck. Image 42–0 victory over Rivers at
HEAD OF THE CHARLES REGATTA by Tim Barry. #NoblemanOnline #FridayNightLights
There are many changes one can make, both big
and small, to enhance happiness, relationships, and
psychological and physical health. But when you consider
the effort-to-outcome ratio, there is nothing that packs a
greater punch than incorporating gratitude into your life.
—JEN HAMILTON, MIDDLE SCHOOL COUNSELOR, ON “MOMENTS OF GRATITUDE,”
SEPTEMBER 2015 NOBLES PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER
WINTER 2016 Nobles 3
the bulletin
NEWS FROM OUR CAMPUS & COMMUNITY
Jennifer Bryan helps
create structure for
conversation about
gender identity.
“There are people who don’t line up
with the binary [of being simply
male or female],” [Bryan] explained,
suggesting that critical thinking is
useful when examining intersecting
identities of gender, sexuality, race,
class, religion and other aspects of
what defines a person.”
Considering the Spectrum
Helping to define paradigm shift
ON WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, Jennifer audience of more than 600. She shared When students are more mature,
Bryan spoke in assembly to the Nobles some of the questions she gets when she questions arise as to why society tends
community. Bryan is the founder and works with younger children, noting that to label boys with several romantic
principal of Team Finch Consultants, a her work takes different forms depend- interests as “players,” while girls become
group specializing in issues related to ing on the age of students. “sluts.” She acknowledged the important
gender and sexual diversity. “Can two girls get married?” ask work that all people engage in related
“How does language affect who feels the youngest children, or, “How do you to individual gender and sexual iden-
safe in the world?” queried Bryan of the become gay?” tity. “We need a broad construct that is
assembly highlights
be high, but you are don’t go your way— what you do then. The year veteran of the
not to labor in silence. getting the part in the critical moments are buildings and grounds
Moments that Matter day of classes follow- Know that you’re part play, the spot on the up to you.” department, received
Head of School Bob ing retreats. He said, of a broader experi- team, the grade in that the 2015 Cora Hi-
Henderson welcomed “Your days will be full, ence with everyone class—the measure One to Count On dalgo Holland award.
students for the first and expectations will else. When things of your character is Dylan Satter, nine- This recognition is
4 Nobles WINTER 2016
inclusive of everyone,” she said, as she ized gender and sexuality consultation pace with the profound and rapid social
used a species of coral reef fish—who can 14 years ago. She published From the changes occurring every day in the cul-
change gender depending on environ- Dress-Up Corner to the Senior Prom: ture at large.
ment—as a metaphor for human biodi- Navigating Gender and Sexuality Diver- —HEATHER SULLIVAN
versity. “You can’t always tell by looking sity in PreK–12 Schools, with Rowman
at the outside who somebody is. We and Littlefield Education. Her concep-
For more on Bryan’s approach to building
have a paradigm shift going on,” she told tual and pedagogical models related
values, curriculum and policy, go to http://
students and faculty members. “Think to gender and sexuality in educational
teamfinchconsultants.com.
of identity as being on a spectrum.” settings continue to evolve, keeping
Bryan discussed the limitations
for some of being required to check a
“male” or “female” box on forms, and
she spoke of the importance of vocabu-
Gomez Speaks on Veterans Day
lary. “What’s the difference between
being transgender and transgender
queer?” she asked. “There are people Gabriel Gomez is a politician who ran for U.S. Senate in 2013 and is now a private-equity
who don’t line up with the binary [of investor. He is one of the few people in American history to serve as both an aircraft car-
being simply male or female],” she rier pilot and a Navy SEAL. He is also a parent of four, including three Nobles students.
explained, suggesting that critical think- Gomez spoke at assembly for Veterans Day, which is observed every year on Novem-
ing is useful when examining intersect- ber 11. He explained that the date of observance comes because major hostilities of World
ing identities of gender, sexuality, race, War I ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, when the Armistice
class, religion and other aspects of what with Germany went into effect.
defines a person. Gomez also shared the story of a young man, Paul, from Massachusetts, who became
Bryan offers information and sup- an elite Navy SEAL-T6 and, upon returning from a mission in which he nearly lost his life,
port to educators and students who aim completed an academic paper. Paul explained that he had promised his fa-
to create safe, inclusive learning com- ther to finish his degree, and the day’s engagement did not excuse him.
munities for children, adolescents Gomez recognized Nobles graduates called to serve their coun-
and young adults. Her visit is part try. He noted Max Montgomery ’14, who is in ROTC at Vanderbilt
of an ongoing curriculum related University, and Ryan Duffey ’17, who recently committed to the
to understanding complex Naval Academy.
issues of diversity, according to Gomez noted that about 1 percent of Americans voluntarily
Steven Tejada, dean of diversity join the military, choosing to defend the liberty that Americans
initiatives at Nobles. enjoy. “How do you thank a veteran?” he queried. “Live your life
Bryan began offering special- to the fullest and with intention,” he suggested. —HS
bestowed annually tion. Head of School to help out when it for the students as on cello and Kristen notes of Pachelbel’s
upon a staff member Bob Henderson said, counts the most. He well as its employees.” ’16 on violin, took the Canon, they cata-
who contributes to the “Dylan is the person is a tremendous asset Lawrence stage, they pulted the crowd
community through [Director of Buildings for the school, and he Sister Act threw listeners for a into a winding pop
excellent work, and Grounds] Mike loves and appreciates When the Adams loop. After opening odyssey mashing
character and dedica- McHugh depends on this place for all it does sisters, Frannie ’17 with the soothing up chart-toppers by
WINTER 2016 Nobles 5
the bulletin
Katie Grogan ’18, Caroline Higgins ’20 and
Meghan Dunne ’21 signed three of 750 ducks.
Remembering Casey
CASEY DUNNE, a member of Nobles’ Class Casey’s family members—parents the love of ducks just to Casey.”
of 2017, died unexpectedly on October Matthew and Mary, and siblings Alex ’13, “Everyone loved Casey so much,”
9, 2015. While at varsity field hockey Mike ’15, Meghan ’21 and Ryan—have said Meghan. She told how students
practice that afternoon, she experienced long been part of the Nobles community. from Thayer Academy, where her dad is
an inexplicable massive brain bleed. Meghan and cousin Caroline Higgins ’20 head of the history department, brought
Teammate Charlotte Abrecht ’16 photo- are current Nobles students, and they ducks to the first field hockey game
graphed Casey—exuberant, running with invited other students, faculty and staff after Casey died. The Nobles ducks also
an American flag for her team’s spirit to help them commemorate Casey. adorned the field. Earlier that week,
day—just 30 minutes before she col- “It’s small—but it’s big,” said Caroline, Milton Academy had a blue-and-white
lapsed on the field (see photo above). when she and Meghan organized delivery day in her honor. Other schools and
Casey was a vibrant, generous and of 750 small rubber ducks to Nobles. The colleges throughout New England paid
joyful member of the Nobles commu- girls set up a table in the Castle on Octo- tribute through notes and social media,
nity. She was born on July 1 and loved ber 14, inviting community members to and many attended the October 17 game,
the Fourth of July. She often wore bows take a Sharpie and sign a duck for Casey. which Nobles won against Thayer.
in her hair—and she really loved ducks, “I’m the oldest of five in my family,” The heartbreak of Casey’s family
earning her the nickname “Ducky” in Caroline said. “Our families are close, and Nobles resonated broadly. After
elementary school. Since her death, she and I thought of Casey as an older sister: the Boston Globe reported on her
has been celebrated for her spirit and She loved ducks, so I loved ducks too. I passing, media outlets as diverse as
represented by what she loved. still like ducks—but now I want to give The Daily Mail in London, Seventeen
artists from Taylor tory and Boston Youth using your body in a strings, the Adamses with football games or Power of Language
Swift to CeeLo. The Symphony Orchestra. different way; there’s hope to encourage musicals. “Everyone Students for Gender
classically trained duo “Playing music in any lots going on besides others to branch wants to be part of Awareness (SGA)
has played for years form helps your mind pulling a bow,” says out—to come check a community that presented a thought-
with both the New and your soul, and Kristen. By introduc- out orchestra and supports one another,” provoking video in
England Conserva- builds character. It’s ing the playful side to dance concerts, along Kristen adds. which men and boys
6 Nobles WINTER 2016
the bulletin
EMPTY BOWLS
Firing ceramics in a wood kiln is entire- Nobles’ sister school Beijing No. 57
ly different from doing so in an electric High School and low-income students
one. Countless variables influence a from Needham, as they made their own
finished piece: Rather than static heat, bowls to contribute.
the draft, chimney and settling of the Dorsey embraces all aspects of the
wood ash around it make it unique. Its project but especially appreciates the
placement in the kiln and its relation- interdependence students learn. The
ship to other pieces around it—even labor-intensive process of firing the
the type of wood and the chemistry wood kiln, working with Buildings and
of the fuel and its origin—all make a Grounds to sustainably acquire good
difference. Considerations like these wood, planning the event with the
are part of the complex process John Community Service Board, FLIK and
Dorsey teaches his afternoon ceramics the Parents Association, all teach stu-
students in Nobles’ wood-firing pro- dents the importance of collaboration.
gram, which culminates in pieces they On Nov. 6, the Nobles commu-
donate to grassroots hunger initiative nity gathered to eat from and buy the
Empty Bowls. “It’s about chemistry, handcrafted bowls, filled with soup
physics and problem solving, but it’s prepared by FLIK. Donations serve
magazine and local television sta- also service. Everything about it makes as a reminder of all the empty bowls
tions ran pieces celebrating her spirit sense,” he says. in the world, and proceeds benefit the
as captured in the photo by Abrecht. In 2011, Dorsey’s colleague Nora Dedham Food Pantry and 3 Squares,
Casey’s close friends at Nobles invited Creahan led the first Empty Bowls two organizations with which Nobles
the school community to wear ribbons initiative at Nobles. For 25 years, the has long partnered.
and bows to remember Casey. Members international effort has brought people —KIM NEAL
of the field hockey team dressed as ducks together to feed the hungry
for Halloween. “It’s so nice that so many through making art. This
people have commemorated her in such fall, Dorsey’s afternoon
happy ways. It made us happy to see that students Adrianna Brown
Casey was so loved,” said Meghan. ’16, Omar Riaz ’17, Michael
Casey’s parents invited memorial Reiser ’19, Liam Smith ’19
donations to Achieve, a Nobles-based and Alara Ozguc ’20 crafted
academic and enrichment program for more than 70 bowls in the
low-income middle school children, for studio, fired them in the
which Casey served as a tutor. In her Makoto Yabe Memorial
honor and memory, Achieve’s tutoring GreenFire kiln, and donated
program has since been named the Casey them. They also mentored
Dunne Tutoring Program. —HS exchange students from
gave spontaneous spontaneous impres- questions and Where’s Earl? Mountain Institute. Mangy as Earl was,
word associations for sions of what it means generate discussion David Henderson ’16 While on the trip, his the affection he earned
what it means to them to “be a woman.” Led around gender had the crowd rolling group developed an taught Henderson the
to “be a man.” Girls and by Helena Jensen ’17 stereotypes and as he gave his NED inexplicable attach- benefits of putting
women responded in a and Mikki Janower expectations to pro- Talk about backpack- ment to a deer skull others first, even if you
parallel video, giving ’16, SGA hopes to raise mote positive change. ing with the High they dubbed “Earl.” don’t see the beauty in
WINTER 2016 Nobles 7
the bulletin
Posters for Paris
The morning after the November 13
terrorist attacks in Paris, French teacher
Mark Sheeran had an idea while on his
usual run. He invited students to make
posters for the students of friend Cathy
Guillemain in the 13th Arrondissement,
and they embraced the opportunity
to show their support. (Nobles has a
longstanding friendship with Guillemain’s
mother, Geneviève Broussous, through its
cultural immersion program in Mont-
pelier, France.) All sent their posters
and messages of love and hope to the
students of the Lycée Gabriel Fauré.
Luce’s Evolution Guillemain’s school is near the scene
of the attacks; she and her husband were
out to dinner with friends when they were
forced to hole up for six hours. Some of
ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE ALLISON LUCE’S hoping to resolve her incorporation of the messages Nobles students wrote to
Foster Gallery exhibition “AEVUM video and wall drawing alongside her her high school students included:
SPATIVMQVE ANTIQVVM” entices usual emphasis on ceramics. “In the ■ “You are in my heart, my brothers.
with its natural lines and organic colors. future,” she nods across the gallery to My heart hurts, and my eyes are filled
“The project is constantly percolating,” her wall drawing, “I have a feeling I’ll with tears.”
Luce says, aligning the evolutions in her look back on my time at Nobles as a ■ “Even the sun comes up after the
mind with the changing states of nature transformative moment in my work.” darkness of night.”
that her art imitates. In turn, Luce’s presence proved ■ “Stay strong, we are with you.”
Denmark inspired her most recent essential to Nobles’ fall curriculum.
work, which has since become a five-year Foster Gallery Director John Dorsey Sheeran explained the importance of our
accumulation of 1,000 ceramic objects applied Luce’s expertise, saying, relationship with France, and provided
that reference ocean life and natural “Allison’s work and the students’ examples, like France bankrolling the
textures. She calls the ceramics portion of recent explorations examine the War of Independence and providing the
her installation “a reaction to the natural marriage between surface and form.” framework for our constitution. “We
environment along the southwestern Demonstrating her own experience wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for France.
coast of New Zealand,” where she navigating that relationship, Luce They are our strongest allies; it’s not
once served as artist-in-residence. spoke to drawing, ceramics and the British because we speak English.”
Luce (pictured here with Foster AP classes and brought students Before starting the posters, he asked,
Gallery Director John Dorsey) arrived into her studio for tours. “Imagine flipping the situation, what
on Nobles’ campus in September —ALEXIS SULLIVAN would you want from them?” —KN
what they value. The by the Peer Help makes them unique by do congratulated No- all and were the top gram in the country.
story was one of the Program (PHP). The speaking at assembly. bles crew on a historic North American crew, With this performance,
NED Talks (modeled series is meant to showing at the 51st beating not only every Nobles won the Met-
on the popular TED encourage everyone in Boys and Girls Head of the Charles other ISL school, but ropolitan District Com-
Talk series; see story the Nobles community in the Boat Regatta. The boys’ four also every boys’ high mission Cup for the
on page 9) facilitated to share a bit of what Coach Josh Accoman- finished second over- school and club pro- best performance by
8 Nobles WINTER 2016