Connections 2010 Homecoming

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Weve got gameDr. Jeremiah McCall pioneers simulation based learning

The NationalHigh Violet album rockets band to stardom

Olympic Rowing The Graves brothers set their sights on 2012

CINCINNATICOUNTRY DAY

SCHOOL

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Alumni and friends are some of CCDSs most successful recruiters of new students. Complete the brief fee waiver form and give it to the potential student to attach to his or her application. The fee waiver can be found at the web site below. In doing so, the $50 application fee will be waived when the student applies for admission to CCDS in appreciation for your assistance.

Students who wish to use a feewaiver must have it completed by a CCDS alum or a friend of the School. The waiver must then be attached to the application for admission prior to being submitted to the CCDS Admission Office. The fee-waiver cannot be accepted for an application that has already been submitted to the Admission Office for the current or future academic year. Downloadable versions of our applications, testing dates, and application deadlines for all grade levels can be found at www.countryday.net/go/admission. Remember that our final application deadline is March 15th.

We would like to thank you for your continued support of Cincinnati Country Day School. If you have any admission related questions, please feel free to contact the Admission Office at (513) 979-0220 or [email protected].

www.countryday.net/go/feewaiver

Assist us with recruiting a new student and the application fee is on us!


insideinside Connections CINCINNATICOUNTRY DAY SCHOOLWinter 2011

Cincinnati Country Day School does not discriminate against any person in admission, employment, or otherwise because of race, color, religion, national origin, disability, gender, or age in violation of existing state or federal law or regulations.

Connections Winter 2011Volume 32, Issue 1

Connections is published by the Development Office of Cincinnati Country Day School. Photos by contributing alumni, students, parents, faculty, and staff.

Contributions are welcome:513 979-0234 (direct line)513 527-7620 (fax) 513 561-7298 (main line)Cincinnati Country Day School6905 Given RoadCincinnati, Ohio 45243www.countryday.net [email protected] Contributors: Jennifer Aquino Sarah Beyreis Paula BrockJulie Fleischmann Eric Foushee Nancy Foushee Ilana Habib 11 Jon Hall Pam HeizmanEmily Henderson Ralph Javens Aaron Kellenberger Susie LewisPam Koncius Long 01 Stephanie LuebbersRob Macrae Andi Mapes Greg Martin Tina MoulinJohn Polasko Kathy SbernaLynne SkilkenAshley Ward Georg Weber Susan Wright Charles Yardley

Departments

6 Head of School

7 Board of Trustees

8 Student News

10 Faculty News

24 Alumni News

32 ClassNotes and Reunions

Features

14 Alumni at Country Day We spoke with a number of alumni who have joined CCDS as faculty and staff members about their experiences

16 Weve Got Game A look at the use of historical simulations in the classroom by CCDS teacher, author, historian and simulation pioneer, Jeremiah McCall

20 A Q&A with the Director of College Counseling Sarah Beyreis answers some of the most common questions posed by parents regarding the college admission process

22 The National Rise to Stardom The Dessner Brothers, with a new album at the top of the charts, play Radio City Music Hall and tour from Perth to Rotterdam.

26 Homecoming 2010 A look back at all of the great festivities

Covers

Front Dr. Jeremiah McCall

Back First grader Salome Tregre


A letter from, Dr. Robert P. Macrae

Cincinnati Country Day School MissionCincinnati Country Day School provides each student with superior preparation for success in college and life.

We inspire a passion for learning and independent thinking through a steadfast commitment to academic excellence, personal integrity, and service to others.

Chris Bortz 92 currently serves on the Cincinnati City Council and was first elected in 2005. As a member of the council he is the Chair of the Economic Development Committee,

Vice Chair of Rules and Government Operations Committee, and Chair of the Regional Planning Partnership. He was appointed by the Mayor to co-chair GO Cincinnati, a comprehensive growth strategy for the city.

He received an undergraduate degree from Tufts University and his Juris Doctor from the University of Arizona. Before attending law school, he taught English and coached at CCDS, and worked with Summerbridge.

He is also active in the community, serving as a board member for Breakthrough Collaborative (formerly Summerbridge) and a member of the CCDS Finance Committee, Education, Health, and Recreation Committee, and the Arts, Culture, and Tourism Committee for the City of Cincinnati.

Mr. Bortz works with Towne Properties where he is an Assistant Project Manager, General Counsel, and Special Projects Director. He resides in Mount Adams with wife, Susie, and one-year old son, Huck.

Lori Jeffries 90 is Associate General Counsel at dunnhumby USA. Prior to joining dunnhumby, she was a partner with the Taft, Stettinius & Hollister law firm in the Business and Finance

Department. While at the firm, she counseled clients on a wide variety of general business matters including mergers and acquisitions, venture capital investments, bank loans and other financing transactions, real estate matters and securities offerings.

She received her bachelors degree from Miami University and her Juris Doctor from the Salmon P. Chase College of Law, magna cum laude and Order of the Curia. Mrs. Jeffries is active in the community serving on the Madcap Puppet Theater Board from 2003-2009, including two years as President. She also served on the board of Historic Southwest Ohio. Mrs. Jeffries currently volunteers with 100 Wise Women, a womens mentoring group. In addition, she is active in numerous projects at Cincinnati Country Day School with the Parents Association and as a grade representative for the CCDS Annual Fund. She is a resident of Terrace Park where she lives with husband, Mikal, and three children, Ethan 19, Cole 21, and Oliver.

Macy Kirkland is involved in the administration of the Robert E. and Jenny D. Kirkland Foundation. The Kirkland family started and expanded Kirklands into a national company, and they have been

in retail and wholesale businesses for many generations. The foundation has donated more than $100,000,000 to the Discovery Park of America scheduled to open in 2012 in Union City, Tennessee. The Kirklands vision for this 50-acre education and entertainment complex is to create a venue where children and adults, who might not have the opportunity elsewhere, can learn in an entertaining and pleasant environment.

The foundation also funds the Promethean Project of Obion County, Tennessee, which provides education and assistance to at risk preschool children. Ms. Kirkland has also served on the Chris Collinsworth/Proscan Board. In addition, she been an active volunteer at Cincinnati Country

Day School for the past 12 years, serving in a variety of capacities from the Parents Association to the Development Committee.

Ms. Kirkland received her Bachelor of Science from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, with a major in political science and pre-law. After graduation she worked in Nashville for the law firm of Manier, Herod, Hollabough and Smith. She recently released a book - Lets Go Home (available at www.macykirkland.com and other retail and online outlets).

Ms. Kirkland resides in Indian Hill with her children, Sadie 11, Evie 16, and Emma 22. Charles Chalky Thomas 80 is a

Portfolio Manager and team leader at U.S. Bank. After attending CCDS, he graduated from Vanderbilt University with a B.S. in Economics. He went on to graduate school at the University

of Cincinnati, obtaining an MBA in Marketing and Management.

He is a member of the community serving in a volunteer capacity with the Cub Scouts as a den leader and treasurer for five years. In addition, he was involved with an organization to raise funds for the American Farm School in Greece.

He is also a member of the Country Day Community, serving on the CCDS Alumni Council and as a Parent Appeal Chair for the CCDS Annual Fund. He also served as Alumni Class Secretary.

Mr. Thomas resides in Terrace Park with his wife, Beth. They have two sons: Clint, a 2010 graduate of CCDS and a freshman at Elon University in North Carolina, and Blake, a 9th grader at CCDS.

Country Day names new Board Members

head of school board of trustees

Dear Members of the CCDS Community:

Walk into a Country Day classroom and you will get an immediate and palpable sense of our classroom dynamic. The air is alive with learning. Class time is a precious resource, which compels us to make the most of each valuable minute. We have much to do to prepare our children for college, career, and life, yet a finite amount of time to accomplish our cause.

As educators, we know the limitations a seven hour school day presents, and that is why we dedicate ourselves to identifying ways to preserve classroom time for the important instruction that can only occur between students and teachers in small group settings. Part of the answer lies in technology-based tools that offer our children inventive ways to extend their learning experience outside the classroom walls.

In this issue of Connections, I encourage you to read the articles describing the ways our digitally- savvy students learn beyond traditional classroom spaces. Our one-to-one tablet program allows our learners to access teachers, content, and concepts so the learning fires keep burning well after 3 p.m. They may opt to revisit challenging theories by watching a screencast, ask teachers questions through Moodle forums, or learn to problem solve using game-based applicationsthe possibilities for intellectual exploration are endless and expansive.

To introduce outsiders to our sophisticated teaching and learning, Country Day hosted Transformative Technology Night in January. I was pleased and humbled by the large turnout that included a significant amount of teachers and administrators from other area schools, and we gladly welcomed a chance to share our expertise. As an independent school, I feel it is our responsibility to advance education by taking a leadership position in mentoring and supporting our teaching colleagues. The feedback from our visitors was both positive and appreciative, and I know our efforts will benefit the broader community.

As a school, we are committed to embracing the best methods for teaching our children how to think and learn. Our technology program is just one piece of this complex undertaking. We will continue to stay abreast of the latest educational research and explore the preeminent ideas in pedagogy so we can

empower our gifted faculty with the tools and training to support their hard work and dedication to excellence. These are fascinating times for educators, and at Country Day, our commitment to preparing students for the diverse and changing world they will inherit has never been more critical. It is a promise that profoundly inspires all we do.

Sincerely,

Robert P. Macrae, Ed.D. Head of School


student newsForty-five Country Day students are recognized by the College Board38% of the 2010 and 2011 graduating classes

Forty-five students have been named Advanced Placement Scholars by the College Board in recognition of their outstanding achievement on the college-level AP Examinations taken in May 2009 and prior. Nationally, only 18% of the 1.5 million students who take the exams perform at sufficiently high levels to earn the distinction of AP Scholar. The 45 CCDS students who earned this distinction represent 38% of the CCDS classes of 2010 and 2011.

Our community is proud of the students academic achievements. This extraordinary performance is a testament to the value our students, families, and faculty place on a great education. Our students are highly motivated achievers who also excel in extracurricular activities.

- Robert Macrae, Head of School.

Cincinnati Country Day School has 10 National Merit Semifinalists18.9% of the senior classTen members of the CCDS Class of 2011 were named National Merit Semifinalists. They make up 18.9 percent of this years senior class of 53 students.

The Semifinalists are: Ali Breneman, Jules Cantor, Lilly Fleischmann, Ilana Habib, Jordan Komnick, Alexandra McInturf, Kevin McSwiggen, Cody Pomeranz, Baldur Tangvald, and Amanda Young.

The students were selected based on their high scores on the Preliminary SAT/ National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). These ten CCDS seniors scored in the top 1 percent and are among about 16,000 students named Semifinalists nationwide. They were chosen from the approximately 1.5 million students who took the PSAT last fall.

Nationwide, only 15,000 will be named National Merit Finalists. In the spring, about 8,200 of the 15,000 Finalists will be notified that they have been selected to receive a college scholarship.

Great news abounds at Country Day! Academics, the Arts, Athletics, Service Learning, Lower, Middle and Upper School

The great news and the accomplishments of our students and teachers are too numerous to list in a publication like Connections. However, we maintain a running archive of all the news online. You can access it 24/7/365. Just visit:

www.countryday.net/go/news

Photo: Pictured are the CCDS 2010 National Merit Semifinalists Front Row: Cody Pomeranz, Ilana Habib, Jordan Komnick, Baldur Tangvald, Alexandra McInturf

Back Row: Amanda Young, Lilly Fleischmann, Ali Breneman, Kevin McSwiggen, Jules Cantor

Students were recognized in the following categories:

National Scholars Granted to students in the United States who receive an average grade of at least 4 on all AP Exams taken, and grades of 4 or higher on eight or more of these exams.

Xanni Brown and Sebastian Koochaki

Scholars with Distinction Granted to students who receive an average grade of at least 3.5 on all AP Exams taken, and grades of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams.

Jordi Alonso, Kevin Baxter, Nicholas Bender, Kathryn Black, Alyssa Breneman, Xanni Brown, Jayne Caron, Will Duncan, Isaac Guttman, Alanah Hall, Claire Heinichen, Sebastian Koochaki, Thomas Langlois, Allison Lazarus, Alexandra McInturf, Kevin McSwiggen, Marzieh Mirzamani, Micaela Mulee, Fletcher Pease, Will Portman, Baldur Tangvald, Kate Taylor, and Amanda Young

Scholars with Honor Granted to students who receive an average grade of at least 3.25 on all AP Exams taken, and grades of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams on full-year courses.

William Bismayer, Elizabeth Blackburn, Megan Bonini, Liza Cohen, Will Fritz, Jordan Komnick, Alexandra Lento, Andrew McElhinney, Cody Pomeranz and Jess Smith

AP Scholars Granted to students who receive grades of 3 or higher on three or more AP Exams on full year courses Nick Brown, Jules Cantor, Max Dietz, Lilly Fleischmann, Katharine Flexter, Ryan Galloway, Ilana Habib, Meredith Hritz, Jamie Huelskamp, Tara Leesar, Mac McKee, and Caroline Perrin


In 2008, Paula Butler, a twenty-year veteran science teacher at CCDS joined the HSPI (High School POGIL Initiative) project as part of a grant to promote an innovative teaching methodology taking root in many colleges and universities. POGIL (Process Oriented Guided Inquiry Learning) encourages students to build their own knowledge together, collaborating to explore important science topics. The Toyota Foundation has been quite generous with the national POGIL organization, helping to ensure that the method, proven to deepen student understanding and inspire students to remain committed to the sciences, makes its way into high schools around the country.

Mrs. Butler travels each year, facilitating workshops on behalf of the organizations HSPI board. She currently serves as one of the editorial board members, helping to design, evaluate, and approve new POGIL lessons.

Last summer Mrs. Butler received a grant from the local section of the American Chemical Society that helped take her to Denton, Texas, for the Biennial Conference on Chemical Education where she presented two workshops: one on POGIL and one on survival tips for new teachers. She also attended a national POGIL meeting in St. Louis in July.

Mrs. Butler also ran a workshop last fall for educators in Clermont County, helping 40 teachers learn to incorporate POGIL activities in their own classrooms. In December, she and co-presenter Dr. Megan Hoffman, Associate Professor of Biology at Berea College, ran a short course at the National Science Teachers Associations regional conference in Nashville, Tennessee. Mrs. Butler, when asked about her work said, we reached a large audience of teachers

who had not previously had much exposure or training in POGIL. It was exciting! Headmaster Dr. Rob Macrae noted in a January 2011 faculty and staff meeting that independent schools have a moral obligation to lead the way when it comes to education innovation. Clearly Mrs. Butlers many projects serve to ensure that American students have profound experiences in their science classrooms.

John Carriero, Jane Dankenbring, and Layton Gibson, attended the ISACS New Teacher Institute. The four-day conference took place in Chicago.Along with approximately fifty other new independent school educators, they explored topics such as independent school culture, effective communication methods, differentiation, curriculum, and lesson planning. They also learned about strategies necessary for a successful start to a school year. The conference consisted of presentations, conversations, role-playing, simulations, video analysis, collaborative work, professional readings, personal testimonials, and more.

John Carriero said, The institute was great for reinforcing some of the skills and experiences Ive already encountered in my time at CCDS. Additionally, I found the focus on planning and getting ready for the coming school year to be invaluable. It was a great experience that was instrumental in making my second year get off to a great start. I also enjoyed meeting and bonding with other young teachers, especially Jane and Layton.

Stephanie Elle attended an in-service around the topic of bullying, social injustice, and leadership. Rosalind Wiseman was the presenter, and impressed the group with the information provided and the resources offered.

Rosalind started by discussing the social dynamics within the "girl and boy world" and the many challenges that can exist within each social role. She provided many concrete strategies on how to teach young adults to become "social champions" for themselves and others, especially when under the pressure of social role expectations. She covered difficult topics in a friendly and accessible manner. This style carries over into her books and online resources.

The resources provided in the in-service and in the book Owning Up have been given to the Middle School teachers as an option for Sacred Days activities, and some of her messages and information have also been incorporated into the senior peer mentor curriculum.

Recommended reading by CCDS faculty...

In this issue, Upper School teachers Pat Dunn and Merle Black share suggestions for books they have recently read:

Pat DunnSolar Ian McEwanParrot and Olivier in America, Peter CareyThe Imperfectionists Tom Rachman The History of Love Nicole Krauss The Thousand Autumns of Jacob De Zoet, David Mitchell

Merle BlackReinventing Knowledge: From Alexandria to the Internet Ian F. McNeely, Lisa WolvertonBlindness of the Heart: A Novel Julia FrancklBloodlands: Europe Between Hitler and Stalin Timothy SnyderGrand Illusion: The Third Reich, the Paris Exposition, and the Cultural Seduction of France Karen FissWater: The Epic Struggle for Wealth, Power, and Civilization Steven Solomon

on the night stand

Mark Femia has participated in the EDTA (Educational Theatre Association) National Conference for the past four years, and was asked once again this past year to present a workshop on audition techniques to the conference delegates. Mark also works in the greater Cincinnati community as a director and music director, having presented the musical The Wedding Singer in Newport, KY, and earning multiple awards from three community theatre award organizations. This past summer marked the start of his graduate work at Roosevelt University in Chicago, working toward a Masters degree in directing. He was also a finalist for the 2010 Acclaim Awards Cincinnati Theatre Educator of the Year.

Over the last year Academic Dean, Greg Martin, participated in a number of professional development opportunities and served as a leader of others. He attended the OAIS Ohio Raushenbush Conference (named after former CCDS headmaster John Raushenbush) with Dr. Jeremiah McCall in January. The topic of the two-day workshop for school leaders was, Leading Collaborative Efforts, Producing Innovative Results. Martin and McCall worked together, and with other school leaders from Ohio independent schools, studying the ways collaboration can be used to effect school change.

Dr. Martin and Robert Baker, CCDS Director of Technology, planned and led the inaugural INKstitute, the CCDS Tablet PC conference geared toward advanced users of tablets in education.

In October, accompanied by Rob Baker, Martin presented a paper at the WIPTE (Workshop on the Impact of Pen-Based Technology on Education) conference at Virginia Tech University. The topic of the presentation was using shared Microsoft OneNote notebooks for academic and administrative applications.

Martin has continued to develop the innovative Pedagogical Growth and Development program at CCDS, adding two new topics: 21st Century Teaching and Learning and The Importance of Play in Education. Jeremiah McCall and he are currently working on plans for a new initiative at CCDS, The Center for Game-Based Learning. Plans are set for a multi-day conference for educators at the school in October of 2011 with a series of presentations open to the community.

Carole Lichty-Smith attended Maine Media College to study photo journalism (summer 2010). The intensive week long workshop focused on techniques of interviewing, shooting video, lighting, sound, and editing. The workshops instructor is a journalist for the Detroit Free Press. As CCDS continues to evolve, the hope is to introduce a multimedia course for Upper School students in the future. Carole continues as Past President of PIEA (Photo Imaging Educators Association), an international organization. As president (2009-10), Carole spearheaded the organizations newest award: Distinguished Educator of the Year.

John Carriero Computer Science, Mathematics, US Haverford College, B. S. Jane Dankenbring Mathematics, MS Miami University, B.S. Ed.

Layton Gibson Technology, Mathematics, MS University of Cincinnati, B.S. Ed.

Stephanie Elie School Psychologist (MS, US) Miami Univ., Ed.S. Miami Univ., M.S.Miami Univ.,, B.A.

Mark Femia Director of Drama & Vocal Music, US West Virginia State College, B.S. Ed.

Greg Martin Academic Dean, Humanities Kent State Univ., Ph.D. Univ. of Alabama, M.A.Miami Univ., B.A.

Carole Lichty-Smith Fine Arts Dept. Chair Univ. of Cincinnati., M.A. Univ. of Cincinnati., M.F.A.Wright State, B.F.A.

Former CCDS history teacher Christopher Cerf was appointed New Jersey Education Commissioner by Governor Chris Christie. Most recently Cerf acted as deputy chancellor of the New York City Department of Education. He is a respected leader in school system reform and known for a hands on approach.

faculty newsPaula Butler Science, US University of Massachusetts, M.Ed. Wellesley College, B.A.


Patterson Grants - memorial fund inspires veteran faculty members

Following are a few examples of how faculty members have broadened their experiences through the Patterson Grant to enhance classroom teaching and learning:

A raft trip down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon has always been on my bucket list. It allowed me to study the geology and archeology of the canyon as well as the history of river exploration The danger of the Colorado River is as much about the hypothermia it can induce as it is about the level 10 rapids it produces. It has helped my water safety class discussions. -Marshall Adams, PE and Swimming coach

In class, as we learn about our ginkgo tree, throughout the seasons, I will introduce Sequoia information as a comparison. The children will also gather tree facts from their respective yards. I will bring it all together during our class unit on the plant cycle in the Spring . -Jean Corbus, Kindergarten teacher

As my students know, Im a British Literature addict and I was able to stand before Jane Austens tomb and visit the house of Charles Dickens on the same day. I also fed my new addiction, golf, while playing on the greatest courses in Ireland. A great experience. Pat Dunn, US English and golf coach

I saw some of the great art of the western world. It refreshed me on a personal level, and in Florence I saw the mathematical and scientific work of Galileo in one of the museums dedicated to his work. I was able to use a part of the experience in math courses (perspective in Geometry and the early scientific thinking). -Sam Tumolo, US mathematics Contributions can be sent to the Patterson Summer Grant Program c/o the CCDS Development Office. You can also view more details online at www.countryday.net/facultystaff/patterson_grant.aspx

Following the sudden and tragic death of Bob Patterson, an English teacher and beloved member of the Upper School faculty in 2004, the Patterson family and Country Day established a memorial fund in Bobs name to benefit and honor veteran faculty for their service to the school. Any teacher who has been at the school for 15 years or more is eligible to apply. Since its inception, 11 senior faculty members have used the funds for summer travel.

In Pattersons own words, We teachers are caught up with meeting expectations rather than with cultivating minds, our own as well as our students. The Patterson Grant has allowed faculty a chance not only to cultivate their minds, but broaden their experiences. In all cases recipients have enjoyed enriching and rewarding results and were able to bring their knowledge and wisdom back to their classrooms and colleagues.

Patterson Grant Recipients 2005 Bob Plummer England 2006 Mary Paden South Africa 2006 Elvira Carillo Spain 2007 Sam Tumolo Italy 2007 Kathy Winter Italy 2008 Bobbie Menter Italy 2008 Marshall Adams Grand Canyon 2009 Susie Lewis Germany 2009 Howard Brownstein Italy and Greece 2010 Pat Dunn Ireland and England 2010 Jean Corbus US National Parks

Pictured: Preceding page, Bob Plummer, above, Elvira Carillo, below, Marshall Adams

faculty news


Alumni contribute to the legacy of CCDS as faculty and staff members CCDS welcomes new members to Development

Eric Foushee is the new Director of Development for CCDS. He assumed his duties in August overseeing development efforts including all aspects of fundraising,

communications, alumni relations, events, and stewardship. Mr. Foushee attended Colorado Academy, an independent school in Denver, and graduated Magna Cum Laude from Bowdoin College in 1990 with a major in Government and Legal Studies and a minor in Art History. He received a masters degree in Art History from Southern Methodist University in 1994. Prior to joining CCDS, Mr. Foushee held a variety of teaching, coaching, and development positions at the Ransom Everglades School, the Hockaday School, the Kinkaid School, and Hebron Academy. In 1998, he joined Bowdoin College in Annual Giving where he raised participation levels and set reunion class giving records. In 2003, he was promoted to the position of Director of Annual Giving, managing a staff of seven, again setting records for reunion class giving while developing strategies, guidelines, and procedures to help alumni and parent volunteers and class agents. In 2007, Mr. Foushee was named Bowdoins Executive Director of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving. In this position, he supervised a staff of fifteen, overseeing an alumni body of 14,000. During this time the department set participation records and grew alumni giving by more than 24%. Mr. Foushee and his wife, Nancy, relocated from Brunswick, Maine. They reside in Indian Hill with their four children: Connor 16, Martha 18, Lane 21 and Asher 26.

Heather Kaufman has been named Country Days new Director of Annual Giving. She began her new position January 4, 2011. She was previously the Director of

Stewardship and Donor Relations at Miami University. In her role at Miami, she was responsible for overseeing all aspects of gift acknowledgement,

Alumni working at CCDS

Fred Carey 80 Senior Dean of Students, English Xavier University, M.Ed. University of Cincinnati, B.A.

Dick Durand 73 Director of Facilities University of Cincinnati, A.S. Peter Fossett 80 History Harvard Law School, Juris DoctorColgate University, A.B.

John Graves 06 History Intern Trinity College, B.A.

Julia Rogers Joyce 99 Learning Specialist University of Cincinnati, B. S.

Pam Koncius Long 01 Event & Volunteer Coordinator Union College, B.S.

Jeff Spain 71 Network Administrator University of Cincinnati, M.D.Yale University, B.S.

Mary LaMacchia Zimmerman 92 Mathematics Cornell University, B.S

CCDS alumni have always been involved in the life of the school. They serve on the Board of Trustees, the Alumni Council, attend events, volunteer, and send their children to CCDS. Their is also another group of alumni who choose to give back to the school by returning to teach, coach, and serve as administrators!

In order to find out a little more about this special group, we asked them a few questions. Fittingly, one of the questions was what person at CCDS influenced you the most? This seemed to be the toughest question because each had a difficult time pinpointing just one.

Fred Carey 80 cited Chris Cerf influence (page 11) because the two shared a mutual love of history, and Dick Davidson and Sarah Hickman with respect to reading and writing. But as far as overall shaping and influence on me as an individual, none were more important than Mr. Hopple and Mrs. Trice.

Julia Rogers Joyce 99 said during 2nd grade, Kathy (Stima) Winter helped change her life by uncovering the fact that she learned differently from other students. She (Kathy) was kind; she made me feel special, and taught me during a time when I really struggled.

Dick Durand named Mr. (Chuck) Yeiser who later became Head of School. He became a friend and mentor who supported me during good and bad times, and there were some of both.

The list of influential people is long and includes John Raushenbush, Merle Black, Sam Tumolo, David Laird, Joan Chezem, Joe Hofmeister, Gordie Wright, Dick Schwab, Lee Pattison, Pat and Tim Dunn, Susie Lewis, Greg Hudson, Rick Nan Nuys, Bobbie Menter, Jack Myslik, Bob Plummer, Tony Strauss, Bob Patterson and Dave Walsh, to name a few.

The group was also asked about similarities they see from the days when they were students and today. Once again, the answers were familiar; Mary LaMacchia Zimmerman 92 stated, the great faculty, interesting student body, and tough academics. John Graves 06 said, the relationships between the students and the faculty are as strong today as when I attended. Fred Carey the quality of the educational product has remained consistently excellent. The students who graduate from CCDS today are every bit as capable as the graduating students of any previous era.

The group also answered the question of what the biggest differences were from when they attended and the answers varied.

Pam Koncius Long 01 recalls that the school always has had many traditions, but now we have more all-school traditions where the youngest students get to interact more with the older students.

Mary LaMacchia Zimmerman notes the biggest differences are the building, technology, food service and the rotating schedule. Julia Rogers Joyce echoes the sentiment about the building, having been the last class to graduate from the old building in 1999, and recalls the evolution of the photography program from a small space to a real photography studio now. Fred Carey simply says it is the use of technology.

Dick Durand says the biggest changes are girls in the middle and upper schools and the boys do not have to wear coats and ties.

We also wanted to know why these individuals returned to CCDS. Pam Koncius Long replied, I had such a great experience as a student, I just assumed it would be a great place to work as well. It has been really fun making the transition from student to colleague with my teachers. Its also nice to be able to give back to a place that has given me so much.

Fred Carey said the reason he wanted to return was a strong desire to make a positive difference in the lives of others. John Graves says, the

opportunity to learn more from the great group of faculty again at CCDS was tough to pass up.

Dick Durand adds, I always thought this was a great place and enjoyed my years in school here. After volunteering here in the early 90s, becoming a parent and then a member of the Board of Trustees, I got so involved once again, I realized that I wanted to come to work here. I jumped when the opportunity was offered and have never looked back.

Our final question to the group was describe how CCDS prepared you for college and the workforce?

Julia Rogers Joyce said, first of all, I could write. College was easy. I was so used to working hard and balancing a demanding workload so the transition was easy in that sense. I understood how beneficial it can be to have relationships with the professors and the importance of asking for help.

Dick Durand echoes Julia saying, I learned how to write (which was huge), think critically, and work through problems and situations. Ive found that this training does not just apply in school, but in every facet of life.

Mary LaMacchia Zimmerman and Pam Koncius Long spoke about the difference it made in college, Pam said, I felt prepared going to college because I was comfortable with class work, meeting new people, and interacting with professors. I was so used to visiting my CCDS teachers during their office hours or just talking to them in the hallway, it was second nature for me to introduce myself to my professors and visit them during office hours if I needed help. Country Day gave me a confidence that has carried with me since I graduated. Mary added, I was more than prepared for college, especially academically. I found my freshmen year at college a breeze (it did get a lot tougher though!). CCDS taught me that reaching out to teachers and professors was okay and that hard work can pay off.

Fred Carey summed it up by saying, more than anything else, CCDS taught me how to think critically, write persuasively, and speak effectively.

CCDS remains a special place for our students because of a community that puts great importance on the value of an education. But its not just any education - it is a Country Day education - where each student is known and nurtured, each student is given the opportunity to discover themselves, and each student is allowed and encouraged to become the best they can be. The result is a student who is ready to tackle about any challenge that is presented to them.

Twenty years from now, when you ask a current student what or who made the biggest impact on his or her lives, you will likely hear the names of many of the same people we talked to for this article.

endowment reporting, the report of donors and lifetime giving societies. In addition she coordinated with the Annual Giving and Major Gift Development Officers to communicate with donors and volunteers about the impact of their gifts. Heather also staffed the Stewardship Committee of Universitys Foundation Board and the Committee on the Naming of Campus Facilities.

Prior to her career in development, she was a staff attorney for the Indiana State Department of Health, The Indiana State Department of Revenue, and a law clerk for Judge Robert Kraft in the Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas. Mrs. Kaufman has her Juris Doctor from the University of Cincinnati and her undergraduate degree from Miami University in Speech Communication.

Mrs. Kaufman is a native Cincinnatian. She resides in Columbia Township with her husband Jim, and their three children: T.J. (age 4), Liam (age 1) and Cate (age 1).

faculty news

Lets Go Home

by Macy Kirkland CCDS Parent, Trustee, and Volunteer

Lets Go Home is a non-profit literary work authored by Macy Kirkland and owned by the Robert E. and Jenny D. Kirkland Foundation. All proceeds from the sale of the book will be donated to Habitat for Humanity of Obion County in Northwest Tennessee. The 235-page coffee table book features inviting home environments and serves as an inspiration of ideas to transform your home.

You can find additional information or purchase the book online at www.macykirkland.com

...more than anything else, CCDS taught me how to think critically, write persuasively, and speak effectively.Fred Carey 80


BiographyDr. Jeremiah McCallUpper School history teacher9th Grade Humanities Coordinator University of New Hampshire, B.A.Ohio State University, M.A.Ohio State University, Ph.D.

Books:Gaming the Past (projected release date June 2011) Using Video Games to Teach Secondary HistoryRoutledge Biography of a Roman Politician - due out next year.

His primary training is in history with a Ph.D. in ancient history from Ohio State University. He has been gaming and programming computers for decades. His teaching philosophy rests on the understanding that students are best served when they are trained to practice effectively the skills of the historian, particularly source criticism and the creation and critique of historical interpretations.

McCall designs tabletop and computer simulations for his own classes, and teaches an elective course on tabletop simulation design for seniors at CCDS. He speaks at conferences, delivers workshops on the design and use of historical games in the classroom, and serves as a consultant for teachers and educational technologists wishing to design and implement simulations effectively in the classroom.

Rome wasnt built in a day. The ancient city of Rome, as well as the Roman Empire, grew slowly over many centuries starting in the 7th century as a small collection of villages in the hills along the Tiber River. The eastern portion of the

empire lasted until 1453. Changing methodically for more than 2,000 years, the development of Rome gave rise to the saying by John Heywood Rome was not built in one day. It is an oft used phrase that trumpets patience. However, the saying might not exist had Dr. Jeremiah McCalls social studies class convened for the start of the school year, in 625 BC at Cincinnati Paese Giorno Scuola (Thats CCDS in Italian). Because, if you are in Dr. McCalls social studies class, you just might be finished building Rome by lunch.

In class, students were working on tablet computers and Dr. McCall was walking from student to student observing, answering questions, and commenting, when a student said, Dr. McCall, my city is growing, everyone has a job, a house, and plenty of food, but theyre not happy. In fact, theyre angry and showing signs of unrest. Im doing everything I can, why arent they happy? Dr. McCall looked at the students tablet screen displaying the game CivCity: Rome, and the historical simulation the student was creating and asked the student to look more closely at why the citizens might be unhappy. What are they lacking, what do they need? he said.

The student looked at the screen and then exclaimed WATER its water isnt it? I havent provided enough water for the city and the people are upset that they dont have enough for drinking and irrigation! Dr. McCall just smiled as the student set about drilling more wells for her city, quelling the developing unrest and allowing her historical simulation to proceed.

Online searches for gaming in the classroom as a method of teaching returns only a handful of teachers, worldwide, who are experts in the field, and one of them is Dr. Jeremiah McCall. He is one of the pioneers using games to teach students how to think. He speaks frequently at conferences, and runs a blog and a web site to help teachers better use simulation games in teaching the discipline of history (historicalsimulations.org). He is also in the final stages of publishing a book on the subject.

When speaking about the use of games to teach, Dr. McCall is not at a loss for words, talking glowingly about his craft, his students, colleagues, and CCDS. He grew up in a family that

used family time to play many board games and realized at an early age that not only could games be fun and engaging, but they could also be used as a great teaching tool. He imagined being able to teach students who

Weve Got Game...

I couldnt do this in another environment. CCDS is getting kids ready to compete in a global world where learning to think, learning to argue, and learning to understand is the true philosophy of a CCDS education.

Upper School history teacher, Dr. Jeremiah McCall with Chris Ferguson 11 and Sally Portman 13 in humanities class.

Dr. Jeremiah McCall and his students pioneer the use of games in the classroom to do the work of real historians


were eager to learn and saw games as a way to achieve this. Actively involving the student in a game, if done correctly, could be much more effective than a continual series of lectures.

Dr. McCall arrived at CCDS nine years ago initiating the limited use of board games as a teaching tool. He also introduced reenactments to

the ninth grade humanities program. To enhance students learning experiences he began introducing battlefield simulations where students playing hoplites (ancient infantry soldiers), reenacted ancient battles, marching in an organized battle line known as a phalanx, offering some realism to the ancient texts the class studied.

In 2004, McCall took the next step and jumped to electronic simulations, a natural progression given CCDSs advanced technology program. He says that both types of games offer great opportunities to learn. Board games offer kids face to face opportunities for socialization, negotiating, and diplomacy while computer-based games allow students to interact with simplified versions of complex, real world systems with a huge number of variables.

Dr. McCall has built courses and lesson plans around the commercial video games CivCity: Rome, Civilization III, Civilization IV, and Rome: Total War in addition to a variety of smaller web-based games. He points out that his students gaming time on the computer can comprise less than a couple of hours of class time over a quarter. The rest of the time students spend analyzing and critiquing the

Our kids are doing stuff theyve just started doing in the Congressional Budget Office where they are using simulations to make predictions on future U.S. policies for population growth, natural resources, and more.

models presented by it. Playing the game, like the tablet itself, is just one of the tools that enhances the CCDS learning experience.

In a class using Civilization IV, McCall starts by having students build a civilization using historically accurate evidence and manage the different aspects of growth over time. He then helps them become familiar with the screen cues they receive in the process of building the model. From there, they build on a basic question and analyze how things evolve over time with changes in natural resources and population. The students are then required to present an analytical essay on how the game models these factors and history - over time. They also must critique the game itself as to its historical accuracy and defend their positions in front of the class.

They do not come by the information to verify the historical accuracy of the game through either class lectures or textbooks but are required to do the work that a real historian would do by researching original works from the cultures themselves. They are then required to write from the ancient evidence. Thats what historians do, says Dr. McCall, look for empirical evidence, test it against known facts and data, and advance conclusions. The reason I love it, he says is that it is a great educational tool where students learn how to marshal evidence, make effective

arguments, defend their positions, and do the work of a historian.

In the process, students can employ a plethora of disciplines like mathematics, geography, geology, astronomy, archeology, architecture, and so on, not only to play the game but to defend their positions. He says occasionally students will write a paper saying the game is not historically accurate and not a great teaching tool. It becomes patently obvious, he says, that as the students are presenting their findings, they discover that the research that they did to disprove the accuracy of the game has, in fact, in and of itself, been a unique learning experience. In having to disprove the accuracy of the game, theyve discovered what is historically accurate.

McCall says that it took him a little by surprise that teachers across the nation are clamoring for more and more information on game-based classroom learning. He receives questions from teachers and requests for speaking engagements, and he realizes that he is on the cutting edge of something special in education. The possibilities are limitless, he says, but this wouldnt be possible without the support of my colleagues and CCDS. Ive talked to teachers from other schools and have taught in other places, and Country Day is special. I couldnt do this in another environment. CCDS is getting kids

Middle School Continental Congress

From a blog post by Dr. McCall describing CivCity:Rome as an historical simulation... The city-builder is a popular genre of PC strategy game where a player constructs a city from the ground up in real time and, in doing so, attempts to meet the growing needs and wants of the urban inhabitants. Construction takes place on a plot of land rendered in isometric 3-D. Players place buildings that fulfill a variety of purposes for the community, ranging from economic, political, residential, security and entertainment functions.

Asking whether a historical simulation game is accurate, as if that were an all-or-nothing quality, seems to me to be missing the pointthe accuracy of any historical interpretation is not something that can be determined with any certainty. One historians common sense convention is anothers faulty construct to be dismantled. One generations conventions are the nexts biased assumptions. What really matters in historical interpretations is the extent to which any particular one is constructed based on the strongest, most defensible readings of evidence and the best supported and culturally sensitive understandings of human behavior. So, a far better criterion than accuracy when critiquing a historical simulation game is whether its core gameplay offers defensible explanations of historical causes and systems. So, for example, it is not a question of whether a civilization building game allows a player to develop nuclear fission in the 17th century, but whether the game reasonably models the factors, including constraints, that lead to the development of such technologies.

This focus on defensible models of causation is absolutely critical when ones interests, like mine, center on using simulations as models to aid students (most often high school, but middle school and college as well) in understanding historical systems and learning to critique interpretations of the past. Let me be clear on the term interpretation here. We do not access the past directly nor do we present the past directly; we can only access and construct interpretations. This is true whether the interpretation comes from the Roman historian Livy, the modern historian McCall, or the game designers at Firefly. In this light, so long as a games core gameplay is historically defensible, any, even many inaccuracies serve as highly useful targets for getting students to launch evidence-based critiques. Evidence-based critiques is the operative term; simulation games should be critiqued using abundant references to the contents of valid sources of historical evidence.

ready to compete in a global world where learning to think, learning to argue, and learning to understand is the true philosophy of our curriculum.

Think about it, McCall says, our kids are doing stuff theyve just started doing in the Congressional Budget Office where they are using simulations to make predictions on future U.S. policies for population growth, natural resources, and more. Simulations are becoming more common place like in meteorology, aerospace, agriculture and energy. With the richness of our technology, we place our students in a position to think outside of the box and look at things in ways that no other students in the world can.

McCall says he is not the only one at CCDS using simulations quite the contrary. He points out the historical simulations that have taken place in the Middle School for years involving The Continental Congress, where students role play the characters of our founding fathers. Likewise, they also enact a simulation on Ellis Island, reliving the journey of immigrants to America. Our tablet program opens up so many doors and avenues for authentic learning experiences, he says. Classroom simulations are just one of many tools being used everyday by my colleagues to prepare students for success.

Dr. McCall brings up CivCity: Rome on his tablet screen and replies, Today, students are starting to design their own simulations. I cant wait to see what theyve learned. GAME ON -by Ralph Javens

Middle School Ellis Island Simulation

McCall points out the historical simulations that have taken place in the Middle School for years involving The Continental Congress where students role play the characters of our Founding Fathers...

Weve Got Game...


YALE Wesleyan Georgetown HARVARD Amherst

DARTMOUTH USC Purdue Tufts Vanderbilt EMORY

Loyola Marymount MICHIGAN MiaMi Case Western Reserve

KNOX GEORGE WASHINGTON CLEMSON OHIO Bucknell Ohio State HOWARD

Arizona State BUTLER Universi ty of Cincinnat i

OTTERBEIN ELON ST. LAWRENCE DePauwIndiana South Carolina Colorado KENYON

Life After Country Day

Sarah Beyreis answers some of the most frequently asked questions by parents regarding the college admission process.

Q: The media constantly reports about how difficult it is to get into college today. Just how much more selective have colleges become?A: The media focuses on the most famous private colleges, and applications to those institutions have increased, sometimes at a mind-boggling pace. At places like Harvard and Yale, applicant pools have more than doubled over the past 30 years. Because those colleges are enrolling essentially the same number of freshmen, their acceptance rates have plummeted into the single digits. But thats a tiny part of the story. Only a handful of colleges have such low acceptance rates. Others are still very attainable, and some are easier to get into. Most importantly, many, many colleges offer facilities and programs unimaginable 30 years ago. Our seniors have wonderful choices before them. I often watch parents who have been thinking about college in terms of what they knew a couple of decades ago, marvel at the riches theyve seen on college visits. Thomas L. Friedman once said, What makes America great is not that it produced Harvard, but that it has hundreds of other colleges working to become Harvard. Its really true.

And, by the way, those single digit acceptance rates at the Ivies dont scare us! Our school has a rich and challenging program, in class and out, and students with the ability and stamina to make use of all of it are extremely competitive at the most highly selective institutions in the country.

Q: Is it all about grades and test scores?A: Its about passion, too - and thats something our students have! Perhaps because of our small size, students at Country Day feel an ownership of the school thats really quite rare, and they do things with it! This

fall alone we have a Gentlemans Committee that launched Dress to Impress Wednesdays on which half the male population of the Upper School comes in coat and tie, and occasionally, a fresh hair cut. Weve had an all-school ping-pong tournament with the finals played on stage before a cheering crowd in Keeler Theater during our mid-day assembly. Three junior girls founded a charity that has raised more than half the money needed to build a school for girls in Afghanistan. Its really remarkable how much our tiny student body innovates and acts, and this makes them very interesting to colleges.

Q: How does the CCDS college counseling program help families navigate a competitive admissions process?A: We work hard to help families understand which colleges are likely to see their student as a competitive applicant. The college counselors track the admissions picture at each college pretty carefully. We have more than a hundred college visitors to our campus in the fall, and we sit down and talk with each of them. We call other colleges on the phone, and we strive to give families a clear picture of what might happen.

Once the student applies, we do everything we can to advocate on his or her behalf at college admissions offices. This includes sending the truly wonderful letters of recommendation that our faculty and counselors write, but it also includes phone calls to the admissions reps who are reading the files and making the decisions.

Q: Are CCDS families concerned about college costs? How many merit scholarships do Country Day students win?A: Many Country Day families are very concerned about college costs, and we work hard to help families predict whether they will qualify for financial aid, or to find colleges where their student might win merit scholarships. Last year our senior class of 63 students brought in more

than $7 million in scholarships and grant financial aid (which never needs to be repaid). In 2009, a class of 64 students brought in $9 million. Our students do well! But I think Country Day is different from other schools in Cincinnati in that families dont make cost the only factor in deciding where a student goes to college. They care about finding the right experience for their child, and thats why our college list is so varied and interesting.

Q: Do Country Day students get recruited to play sports in college? Do they win athletic scholarships?A: Last year we had nine students sign national letters of intent to continue their athletic careers at Division I and Division II schools in football, basketball, soccer, rowing, tennis, squash, and softball. The schools included Bucknell, Wisconsin, Knox, Blufton, Amherst, George Washington, Dartmouth, and Wesleyan.

This was more than 15% of our graduating class. Our students have balanced athletics with a very rigorous academic program throughout high school and are well prepared to tackle these same challenges in college.

Q: How early should families start contemplating the college process?A: I wouldnt get serious about picking out colleges to visit until the students junior year. College is just too remote for students before that, and the student really needs to be part of the process. In a survey of our own seniors a few years ago, most said that they didnt really think hard about which colleges they wanted to attend until senior year, so theres a degree of disengagement for the student until then. Finally, a students junior year performance helps determine which colleges he or she should be looking at, so its good to wait until youve got some sense of it. Many of our families make their first college visits during spring break of the junior year.

A Q&A with CCDS Director of College Counseling, Sarah Beyreis

College Counseling

University of AlabamaAmherst College (2)

Arizona State UniversityBluffton UniversityBucknell University

Butler UniversityCase Western Reserve University

University of CincinnatiUniversity of Cincinnati (Engineering)

Clemson UniversityColorado College

Dartmouth College (3)DePauw UniversityDickinson College

Elon UniversityEmory University (2)

Florida Southern CollegeGeorge Washington University (2)

Georgetown UniversityHarvard UniversityHoward University

Indiana University at Bloomington (3)Indiana University at Bloomington

(Kelley School of Business)Ithaca College (School of Humanities & Sciences)

Kenyon CollegeKnox College

Loyola Marymount UniversityMiami University, Oxford (3)University of Michigan (2)Ohio State University (2)

Ohio University (3)Otterbein CollegePurdue University

University of RichmondUniversity of South Carolina

University of Southern California St. Lawrence University

Tufts UniversityVanderbilt UniversityUniversity of Vermont

Washington & Jefferson CollegeWebster University

Wesleyan University (3)University of Wisconsin, Madison

Wittenberg UniversityYale University (3)

Matriculation 2010


Above: The band poses with President Obama. Their song "Fake Empire" was used as the soundtrack for a video shown at Invesco Field during the Democratic National Convention, and again as part of a video shown in Grant Park prior to Barack Obama's victory speech on election night. They also played an Obama rally on Fountain Square in Cincinnati and most recently played in September before an Obama speech at a rally in Madison, WI. (L) Bryce Dessner, Bryan Devendorf, President Barack Obama, Scott Devendorf, Matt Berninger, and Aaron Dessner

Below: Backstage at Radio City Music Hall after the July concert are (L) Sally Dessner, Bryce Dessner, Bryan Devendorf, Matt Berninger, Scott Devendorf, Aaron Dessner, Rob Macrae, Lynn Macrae, and Steve Dessner

When we last featured The National four years ago, they were emerging as a top indie rock band. They have now rocketed to the top of the charts and we thought it was time to catch up with them. The band, all former Cincinnatians, is comprised of two set of brothers, CCDS alums, Bryce (guitar) and Aaron (guitar) Dessner 94, Bryan (drums) and Scott (bass) Devendorf, and Matt Berninger (vocalist).

CCDS Head of School, Rob Macrae, attended several of The National concerts and was recently in New York for their sold out performance at Radio City Music Hall. Rob, along with his wife Lynn, attended the performance with Steve and Sally Dessner, parents of Bryce and Aaron. One memorable moment of the evening occurred when Steve Dessner turned to Rob Macrae and said in amazement, we are walking across 5th Avenue to see my children perform at Radio City Music Hall. Rob also noted that this was not a case of overnight success, the band spent many years playing in small clubs all over the country and that Sally and Steve Dessner s support of their sons dream never wavered. Their newest album, High Violet, won best album of the year at the Q Awards: Englands equivalent of the Grammys, and was chosen by Time Magazine as one of the top ten albums for 2010. The National are currently on a worldwide tour that will conclude in February 2012. - by Paula Brock

Five Minutes with Bryce Dessner 94 by Paula BrockI had the chance to catch up with Bryce Dessner 94 at his sister Jessica Dessner 91 art opening at Country Club gallery in Cincinnati recently. We reminisced about their days at CCDS:

Are there any specific teachers or classes that influenced you during your time at Country Day?I have very fond memories of Rick Van Nuys, Merle Black and Bob Patterson. Mr. Van Nuys was always so supportive, Mr. Black played a big part in my positive experience at CCDS, and Mr. Patterson was a big influence in my life. After Mr. Patterson suddenly passed away I wrote a song in his memory. I was a shy individual but these teachers encouraged me to explore my interests.

What advice would you give to any aspiring musician/artist student who has the dream of pursuing his or her passion as a career?I would encourage any CCDS student to really embrace the small, nurturing environment that is Country Day. It is a wonderful place to try out any creative ideas, and individuality is encouraged. For instance, I was allowed to have lunchtime concerts in the Upper School where I would play guitar, try new songs, etc. You dont realize how special that atmosphere is until you leave it.

Do you stay in touch with any classmates?I do, Several are lifelong friends. As you can see tonight at my sisters opening, our CCDS friends have turned out to support her. After a concert, I will sometimes get a note from a classmate. it happens all over the US.

Appearing May 15th, 2011 at Music Hall as part of the MusicNow Festival


alumni news Tim Wollaeger 62 is an alumnus that is passionate about Country Day and what the CCDS educational experience has meant to his life. His family moved from Milwaukee in 1958, and when they arrived in Cincinnati, Tim, a rising sophomore visited Indian Hill and CCDS. His entrance exams were not up to CCDS standards and his aptitude tests were low. However, CCDS Headmaster, Herb Davison, saw something in the young man and offered him a spot in the ninth grade with the stipulation that he must pass all of his classes or he would be asked to leave. Tim decided to attend Indian Hill High School instead. After a less than optimal summer experience, he decided to take Mr. Davison up on his offer to join the freshman class and the rest we might say is HISTORY!

He excelled at CCDS where he was required to work hard, forming good habits that are as applicable today as they were 50 years ago. He was also a star on the athletic fields in football and track. He went on to study economics at Yale University, served 3 years as a naval officer in Vietnam, and earned an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business in 1971.

He is a successful businessman, working for and founding many successful biotechnical companies, including those that developed the PSA test for prostate cancer, the modern pregnancy test, and the Pyxis Point of Care Medication Dispensing Device.

Tim and wife Cindy returned to CCDS in 2005 when Tim was honored as the Distinguished Alumnus during homecoming festivities. He returned again in 2007 to speak at a memorial service for beloved CCDS history teacher, Lee Pattison, who he credits with helping improve his study habits. After reconnecting with CCDS, he was inspired to play a significant role in the CCDS scholarship initiative by creating the Timothy and Cynthia Wollaeger Scholarship.

The story is inspiring, even if it ended here but it doesnt. Tim teaches seminars at Yale University and asked if he might teach a similar seminar to CCDS juniors and seniors. CCDS Head of School, Rob Macrae agreed, welcoming Tim to campus this fall. Tim is a terrific example of the all-American success story, said

Dr. Macrae, and we are fortunate to count him as a member of our community. His willingness to give back is extraordinary.

Tim entitled the seminar Goal Setting and Problem Solving. The seminars focused on these areas: goal setting, staying healthy, and relationships with family and friends. Forty-nine students participated in a variety of mental and physical exercises over the course of two days, and the feedback from students was positive. He will return in May for a follow-up seminar.

CCDS is fortunate to have friends like Tim Wollaeger; we are looking forward to seeing him in May!

(Written in part from an October 20, 2010 article in the Scroll by Lens Section Editor Kate Taylor 11)

(L) Tim Wollaeger 62 with Gabrielle Richardson 12 and Dan Angus 11

Tim Wollaeger gives back to Country Day

Rob Portman 74 elected to the United States Senate

Graves Brothers set sights on 2012 Olympics

Brothers Tom 01 and Peter 03 Graves have been rowing together competitively for years and soon they will be going for the gold. They are currently living in California, training for the 2012 Olympics in the Double Scull with their coach, Xeno Muller, Olympic Gold and Silver Medalist in the Single Scull.

Athletic ability seems to come natu-rally in their family. Their father was a successful rower in college, and he taught them the sport at an early age. Tom says, I think we all just enjoy the competitive nature of sport and like seeing the progression of what you can become. In addition, its the

healthy lifestyle that sport creates in the home, at school, and for all aspects of our lives. I like to think I am pursuing my passion for rowing to help inspire others to live better lives.

Tom and Peter have competed and won in many trials and champion-ships all over the world. In 2008, they placed second in the Olympic Trials by a mere one second. The follow-ing year they won the World Trials for the World Championships in Poland where they represented the United States as the Double Scull. Almost every summer, they attend the Royal Henley Regatta in England, which is probably Toms favorite place to

travel. It feels like home every time we go, plus there is just so much excitement about the sport and that particular event during that week.

With their sights on the 2012 Olym-pics, they have a lot of training ahead of them. But the goals are what keep inspiring them to do better and work harder. When asked what advice he would give an aspiring athlete, Tom replies, Set a goal. Then make a plan in order to achieve it and follow that plan with full passion of that goal. Determination, motivation, hard work, and persistence will carry you through with your mind set on your goal. by Pam Koncius-Long

The Honorable Robert (Rob) J. Portman, a 1974 graduate of Country Day, was elected to the United States Senate in a landslide victory in November. His positive message and solution-based campaign were seen as the keys to his election.

No stranger to government, after college and law school, he practiced international trade law in Washington, D.C. and business law in Cincinnati. During this time, he also served as White House Associate Counsel and Director of the Office of Legislative Affairs in the first Bush Administration.

Rob was first elected to Congress in 1993, representing the Second District of Ohio. He served in Congress for twelve years, winning election 7 times with never less than 72% of the vote. During this time he became known as a results-oriented leader, actively involved in welfare reform and the balanced budget legislation in 1997.

In 2005, Rob left Congress when asked to serve as the U.S. Trade Representative, a Cabinet-level official responsible for implementing and enforcing trade policy. He then served for a year as Director of the Office of Management and Budget, another Cabinet-level post.

Rob was sworn in as a United States Senator on January 4, 2011 by Vice-President Joe Biden in a private ceremony for all incoming Senators on the Senate floor. In a public ceremony, typically recreated moments after the official ceremony, he was sworn in by United States Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito.

Rob and wife Jane reside in Terrace Park. They have three children; Jed, a student at New York University; Will, a 2010 Country Day graduate, currently at Yale University; and Sally, a sophomore at CCDS.

Congratulations Senator Portman!


Alumni Calendar

Upcoming 2011 Events

February 23 Washington D.C. Reception

March 5

Country Date

April 28

Trustee Reunion

May 16 John P. March

10th Anniversary Golf Event

June 3 Commencement

October 14-15 Homecoming and Reunion Weekend

Check the Country Day web site for details at

www.countryday.net/go/events

Homecoming &

Alumni Reunion Weekend


Homecoming and Reunion Weekend

The Friday pep rally at the football field

FallFest celebration for the students

The Alumni Reception on Friday evening

The Alumni Luncheon on Saturday afternoon

CCDS Homecoming and Reunion Weekend was held September 24-25, 2010. The student pep rally and FallFest kicked-off the Friday events. Friday nights Alumni Reception was a great success with many alumni returning to campus for reunions and to catch up and relive some CCDS memories. Over 80 alumni, faculty, and friends joined Head of School, Rob Macrae, and enjoyed appetizers and cocktails before the Homecoming game against Summit.

Saturday morning CCDS alumni gathered again to honor the 2010 Distinguished Alumnus and Athletic Hall of Fame inductees at a luncheon held on campus. Many past parents joined alumni friends and families of the honorees at the event. This years honorees were:

CCDS Distinguished Alumnus 2010Sandy Warner 64

CCDS Athletic Hall of Fame Recipients 2010Gordon Wright 44John Mount Jr 87 Whitney Taylor94

Joe Stanfill 95 Jon Smith 00

Saturday evening the classes of 1980, 85, 90 and 95 held their reunions. Alumni from all over the country returned to Cincinnati to reminisce about their days at CCDS and enjoy reconnecting with former classmates. The Class of 1970 held their reunion October 8-9, 2010, featuring a picnic at the CCDS Alumni House. The classes of 2000 and 2005 held their reunions over Thanksgiving weekend.

Please plan on joining us for Homecoming and Reunion Weekend next October 14 and 15. If you are interested in helping plan your reunion, please email CCDS Alumni Director Paula Brock at [email protected] or call 513-979-0282.


Alumni Luncheon

Distinguished Alumnus

Sandy Warner 64During his thirty-three year career in banking and financial services, Sandy Warner rose to be Chairman of J.P. Morgan Chase & Co., having begun his career at J.P. Morgan upon graduating from Yale in 1968. In 1995 he was named the youngest chief executive officer in J.P. Morgans history and was Chairman and CEO until J.P. Morgan merged with Chase Manhattan in 2000. Following the merger, Mr. Warner served as Chairman of the Board of the combined enterprise until his retirement in 2001.

Mr. Warner is a Director of General Electric and Motorola Inc. and formerly a Director of Anheuser Busch and on the Board of Counselors of The Bechtel Group. Since 1998 he has been Chairman of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Mr. Warner is also Chairman of the Yale Investment Committee and a Trustee of Yale University. He is past President of the International Monetary Conference and the Federal Reserve Boards Federal Advisory Council.

Mr. Warner and his wife Patsy have been married since 1977. They have three children: Alexander, Kate and Michael. They are residents of New York and Florida.

Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees

Gordon Wright 44 Gordon was Upper School chemistry teacher from 1957-1991, and he is credited with starting the CCDS tennis dynasty. He coached varsity tennis for 24 years, which included multiple state and league champions. One of his greatest accomplishments was coaching the state singles and doubles champions in 1971. Gordon was also an assistant football coach for ten years.

John Mount Jr 87 John was a three sport athlete during his time at Country Day (football, swimming, and baseball). He was All-State in football, All-League in baseball, and the recipient of the Princeton-Tate Award (Top Football Player), and twice received the McDaniel Award (Top Male Athlete).

Whitney Taylor 94 Whitney excelled at all three sports she participated in, and became captain of her soccer, basketball, and softball teams. She was awarded All- City softball honors on the strength of her .491 batting average. She was All-League in each of her three sports and was a recipient of the Heinichen Award (Top Female Athlete).

Joe Stanfill 95 Joe participated in four sports during his career at CCDS (football, basketball, baseball, and golf) and is considered one of the top pitchers in Country Day History. He was a member of the 1993 Baseball State Champions and received All-State baseball honors and All-League football honors.

Jon Smith 00 Jon thrived in each of the four sports in which he participated: football, basketball, baseball, and track. During his time at CCDS he earned All-State football honors, and All-City baseball honors. He was also the winner of the Princeton-Tate Award (Top Football Player) as well as the McDaniel Award Winner (Top Male Athlete).

Award winners pictured below: (L) Gordon Wright (accepting for his father Gordon), John Mount, Jr., Sandy Warner, Joe Stanfill, Whitney Taylor, and Jon Smith

Homecoming and Reunion Weekend

2010 Distinguished Alumnus Sandy Warner 64


alumni, classnotes & reunions

Ben Hardigg 96 lives in Mt. Lookout and is the Founder and President of GoodAlum.com. GoodAlum.com is a search engine with a unique social mission which involves generously giving back to

Schools, Colleges and Universities with every web search and product purchase through the site.

I moved back to Cincinnati last year and I have been excited to get back involved with CCDS. Along with my work on Alumni Council I have been helping out with the Boys Varsity basketball team. It has been great to reconnect with many former alumni and faculty.

Bree Ann Murdock 90 has been a Producer/Director over ten years for Discovery Channel, TLC, Travel Channel, Dr. Phil, and OWN (Oprah Winfrey Network). She is currently living in

Cincinnati with her daughter, Ava, and working as a freelance television producer.

New Alumni Council Members

Jody Brant 87 is a tax and estate planning attorney. He and his wife, Debbie, have two daughters, Samantha and Nora, who are currently enjoying their lives as second and

fourth graders in the Lower School at Country Day.

It is the Alumni Council's unwavering belief that Cincinnati Country Day School alumni are a

testament to the success of the school; that alumni continue to be valued members of the school

community; and that they remain involved in the life of the School and its students.

Benefiting The John P. March Educational Foundation

10th Annual John P. March III Memorial Golf EventMay 16, 2011

Proceeds from the golf event help to fund the John P. March Educational Foundation. The Foundation provides monetary assistance to students and their families to help make the Country Day experience attainable.

Watch the CCDS Website for more information or contact Eric Foushee at [email protected]

Alumni Council

Neil I. Fleischer 93, President

Jody Brant 87

Brook Bobbitt 84

Matt Cohen 01

Natalie Geier-Cohen 01

J.R. Foster 98

Richard Geier 03

Ben Hardigg 96

Erin Head 93

Dave Hornberger 98

Lucy Haverland Joffe 90

Tricia Knowles 98

Pam Koncius Long 01

Bree Murdock 90

Ellie Off 96

Alex Parlin 97

Arthur Richard 83

Susanna Hinkle Schwartz 93

Marjorie Vollmer Smyth 97

Chalky Thomas 80

Lewis Woolsey 02

Gordon Wright 85

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www.GoodAlum.com A free search engine that allows you to support your favorite school - simply by searching. Founder and President Ben Hardigg 96.


1955Tim Marvin: I live in Kure Beach, NC, as a retired public school teacher. Previous to my teaching, I was a Naval Officer, retiring as a Commander in 1984. I keep active in education by being a substitute in the local public schools. I enjoy visiting Cincinnati twice a year to visit my brothers, one of whom graduated from CCDS in 1943. I plan to visit CCDS on one of my visits. I was greatly saddened when I learned that Mike Leonard had died. We were classmates 1-12th grade.

1960Stephan Schwartz accepted an appointment as Senior Samueli Fellow of the Samueli Institute in Alexandria, Virginia. He adds this to his editorship of Schwartzreport.net, (www.schwartzreport.net), columnist for the journal Explore (www.explorejournal.com/content/schwartz), and as blogger for Huffington Post. Stephan remarried this past June to Ronlyn Arnatt, after almost a decade of being a widower. He and Ronlyn have purchased a property, Greenwood, on Whidbey Island, off the coast of Seattle.

1962Tim Wollaeger: On Labor Day I finished 3rd in my age group in the Oceanside 1-Mile Pier Swim. Today I finished 5th (a Medal Level) in the La Jolla Rough Water 1-Mile swim. It is the first time I have medaled at La Jolla in a year when I was not aging up as the youngest year in the group.

1964Rick Vogel: I enjoyed my recent visit to CCDS for the Homecoming 2010. It was a pleasure to support the attendance along with six other '64 classmates to honor Sandy Warner, who received the Distinguished Alumnus Award. Although Sandy and I did not attend CCDS at the same time, we did attend Yale College together, and both share the memory of our Yale 35th reunion together in 2003 at the White House with classmate, President George W. Bush. I just completed my term as the Regional Director for the Ohio Valley, 2007-2010, for the Harvard Alumni Association. I thoroughly enjoyed representing Cincinnati, Dayton, Indianapolis, Louisville, and Lexington to Harvard, and also bringing Harvard back to Cincinnati over the last three years by organizing a Celebration Dinner for the Harvard Football Coach Tim Murphy (celebrating his outstanding record over the last 15 years), a concert of the Harvard Glee Club, and a dinner for Tamara Elliott Rogers, Vice President for Alumni Affairs and Development. Tim Murphy was formerly the football coach at UC before Harvard. Harvard appointed me to the HAA Regional Director position after my service on the Board of the Harvard Club

of Cincinnati (President 2000). I am also the current President of the Harvard Law School Association of Cincinnati. (The Law School is my Harvard connection). I also enjoyed my past service to Yale, although more distant in time. I was President of the Cincinnati Yale Club (1980 and 1997), and a Delegate to the Association of Yale Alumni (1984-1987). I am now semi-retired from the practice of law but still keep active in a variety of other civic and cultural activities such as Cincinnatus and the Cincinnati Art Museum. I was proud to see in Connections that CCDS will be represented this year in the Freshman classes of both my Alma Maters, Harvard and Yale. Of course the student experience now at both schools is much different from the experience I encountered when I was there (as is the experience at CCDS). Each school now celebrates its commitment to diversity and global focus as well as its academic excellence.

1971Tom Lockhart and wife Helen are the proud grandparents of Jack and Madelyn Przybilla and Kaitlyn Woodford. All reside in the Minneapolis area. Tom is CFO at United Theological Seminary. He regularly visits his father, age 99, on Walsh Rd in Cincinnati. Tom still drives his 1961 Mercedes convertible.

Stewart Pattison: We are proud grandparents of Connor Russell Pattison born to son Ben and Allison Pattison on June 6, 2010. Louise Pattison is a proud great grandmother!

Some members of the CCDS class of 1971 gathered at the home of Rodney and Vallie Geier this summer to visit with their classmate Henri Bouscarin who was in town for a visit. In the photo below are Marc Comisar, Rodney Geier, Tom Lee, Henry Bouscarin, Charlie Williams, Ed Sawyer, Abbot Thayer, Dickie Geier

1972Hub Burton: Hi -was fortunate to have two chapters published recently in War of Words from Purdue University Press. Both dealt with Civil War journalism and were the product of submissions to a symposium at the University of Tennessee Chattanooga where my most recent paper will be presented in November.

1973Steve Havlovic has been named Vice President for Academic Affairs at Alfred State College; most recently, Havlovic

served as the dean of the School of Business at SUNY Institute of Technology (Utica/Rome) as well as professor of human resource management. Havlovic holds a PhD from Ohio State University with a major in labor and human

resources and a minor in industrial and organizational psychology; an MLHR from Ohio State University in industrial relations and personnel management; and a BA from Ohio State University in economics. Havlovic is the recipient of many honors, including: the Best Paper Award (1998); Administrative Sciences Association of Canada (1999); Canada Trust Distinguished Teacher Award (1994); and Best Paper Prize for 1992 - Journal of Organizational Behavior (1993).

1974Frank Romell: We sold our farm and acreage and have semi-retired to Loveland, Ohio. We are still breeding quarter horses for performance use (cattle cutting competition) at our trainers farm.

The Class of 1970 held a 40th Reunion in Cincinnati over the weekend of October 9 and 10. It was ourfirst reunion in 20 years, and approximately half of the class was represented with participants fromNew England, the Southeast, the Great Lakes, Texas, Oregon, Southern California as well as Ohio.

The reunion was made possible by the tireless efforts of George Ballou, our 1970 Class President, who was able to connect with over 80 % of

the class by organizing a CCDS 1970 Facebook group in advance of the reunion. A majority of connections established over the weekend were with classmates that had not seen each other since graduation.

Over a beautiful fall Ohio weekend our activities included a 35 mile bike ride led by Mike Wood, a picnic at theAlumni House (known to our class as Mr. Dalglishs house), a fabulous tour of the School led by Dr. Macrae and aSaturday evening function with the

Hillsdale and CPS 1970 graduates.

The weekend concluded with a Sunday morning brunch where those in attendance had the chance to meet Jeff Heinichens adorable two year old daughter, Sofia. We had a wonderful time.

See photos on page 44!

Class of 1970 - 40th Reunion

Class of 1980 - 30th Reunion

The class of 1980 had a great turnout for their 30th year reunion. It was held outside on the patio at Camargo Country Club on Saturday, September 25, 2010. Everyone enjoyed catching up with one another and reliving some fond Country Day memories. Among those attending were Fred Carey, Beth and Chalky Thomas, John Sullivan, Jeff March, Lisa Rose- Collins, Lydia Chantilas, Jeb Head, Missy Greenberg, Linda Levine, Stacy Levy, Doug Mangenheim, Amy Meyer, Steve Schwartz, Leonard Sproull, Lisa and Curt Steelman, Tim Selnick. and Peter Fossett. Looking forward to getting back together in five years for our 35th!

classnotes reunions


1978David Gemunder: My family grew by four feet on October 22, as my wife, Beth, and I welcomed our daughters Emma and Sarah into the world. Mother and girls are doing fine.

1985Chad Levi: After attending Union College in upstate New York and living in NYC for 2 years, I went to UC Law School and have been practicing law in Cincinnati since 1994. I practice estate planning, probate; elder law/special needs planning, tax and business law. I recently changed law firms and am now with Robbins Kelly Patterson & Tucker with offices downtown and in Mason. I am divorced since 2008 but have two sons, Andrew, 5 years and Jonathan, who is almost 2. I am in touch with Bill Groth and Gibby Wright a fair amount, and Joe Armin when he is in town. I am trying to make more connections through Facebook as soon as I figure out how to use it.

1986Clarence Mitchel: I am the Command Master Chief of the USS FARRAGUT (DDG 99) Aegis System Guided Missile Destroyer in our United States Navy. We are currently on deployment and here are some links to what we have been up to! Also, my bio from the ship's website (http://www.farragut.navy.mil/site/coc_cmc.html) that, of course, mentions CCDS!! Thanks for the updates on CCDS.

1988Megan Helmbrecht writes: I actually just flew to Tucson in February to surprise Stella Kahn on her 40th birthday. Stella and her husband, Curtis Zimmerman have 2 boys, Sebastian (7) and Oscar (5). We had a great time. A picture of the 2 of us is below.

1989Laura Titus Tang and her family have lived in Shanghai, China, for 3 years now. Her husband, Chi, travels a lot for work, mostly in Asia. Laura's in-laws live with them and enjoy seeing their grandchildren - Michael (13) and Katherine (10). Michael is now taller than Laura. Living in a huge city like Shanghai has been a big adjustment, but it has given Laura opportunities to teach, write for magazines, learn Chinese and meet many very interesting people.

1991Jessica Dessner: An exhibition of her artwork was held at Country Club Gallery, owned by CCDS alum, Christian Strike 91. To quote the gallerys website, a diverse talent with far-flung influences, it's surprising Cincinnati-born artist Jessica Dessner, hasn't shown work in her hometown before now. Dessner's debut here, Before You Know, features almost photo-realistic drawings of scenes glimpsed while traveling. In a way, these skilled snapshots by hand almost seem like something Dessner is bringing home to show us after a whirlwind of activity. Dessner left Cincinnati to pursue professional dance and choreography and became a known poet along the way, all while honing her art

Documents

Connections 2010 Homecoming