Joan Dembinski '55 Fulfills Her Dream - The Albany Academies Magazine
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The Albany Academies Magazine
SPRING/SUMMER 2016
Joan Dembinski ’55
Fulfills Her Dream
of pursuing science, becoming a pastry
chef, and giving back to students.
The Albany Academies Magazine
1 TALKING HEAD
32 SCHOLAR
LUNCHEON
SPRING/SUMMER
2016
2 SOUNDING OUT
CUBA
33 MID-WINTER
DINNER
6 GIFTING TO THE
ALBANY ACADEMIES
34 NEWS &
MADE EASY ANNOUNCEMENTS
Editor: Ann Wendth, Director of Institutional Advancement
Associate Editor: Alexis “Biz” Deeb ’08, Marketing and Communications
Associate
7 CAMPAIGN UPDATES
36 FRANK O’BRIEN
MEMORIAL HOCKEY
Contributors: Tom Washington, Simon Balint ’16, Katarina Lichak ’16,
Alina Keegan Daley ’06 , Dr. James FitzGerald ’57, Dr. Douglas M. North ’58,
Caroline Hessberg Taylor ’71 8 MAKING THE RIGHT
MOVE
GAME
37 ADMISSIONS
Photography: Alexis “Biz Deeb ’08, Tom Wall, iSmile Studios, Loni Hetman,
T.R. Laz Photography, Bob Neudel, EMH Photography
EVENTS CALENDAR
Design: Evolving Door Design
Printing: Fort Orange Press 10 Q&A WITH JOAN
DEMBINSKI ’55
A2,The Albany Academies Magazine, is published twice a year by the
Institutional Advancement Office and sent to alumni/ae, parents,
38 COMMENCEMENT
grandparents, donors, friends, and other educational institutions. Comments
14 HONORS PROJECTS
42 NEW
are welcome and should be addressed to Director of Institutional
Advancement, The Albany Academies, 135 Academy Road, Albany NY,
BOARD
12208 or email wendtha@albanyacademies.org.
Board of Trustees
15 A SPECIAL WELCOME
DONNA RUGGIERO
MEMBER
Jennifer Amstutz P’19, ’21
William J. Belleville, Jr. ’89
Dr. Hyacinth Mason P’19
George C. McNamee ’64 P’12, ’16 42 AE. TRIBUTE TO
M. Christian Bender ’78 P’15, ’20
Peter Campito, P.E. ’78 P’15, ’17
Cornelius D. Murray Esq. ’62
P’99, ’05, ’06
Dr. Stewart C. Myers II ’58
17 SPRING
GATHERING
STEWART
JONES, JR., ’59
Nancy Carey Cassidy P’13, ’15
Eileen M. Considine Esq. P’08
John Hayes ’87 P’16, ’18
James Hens P’22, ’23
Monica Kasselman Oberting Esq. ’91
Brad Rosenstein ’79
Kaari Stannard P’20, ’23
20 MAY
PROJECTS
43 COMMENCEMENT
AWARDS
Eric Lewis ’83, P’17 James A. Sidford P’19
Leslie Morgan Marvin ’61 Dr. Ferdinand Venditti, Jr. P’03, 14, ’15
The Albany Academy Alumni Association Board of Directors
Neerav Patel ’96, President Dr. James F. McMahon, Jr. ’85,
22 REUNION
44 ON THE ROAD
AGAIN...
Mark Bonavita ’94, Vice President P’22, ’24
MOVING UP
Kenneth C. Weafer, Esq. ’95, Secretary Alan MacMurray ’75
Nicholas Faso, Esq. ’02, Treasurer
Charles Anderson ’75
David Nardolillo ’94
Marcus Q. Pryor ’87, P’15,
26 CEREMONIES
46 ATHLETIC
HIGHLIGHTS
Thom Besch ’77 P’13, ’15, ’17 Immediate Past President
Barnaby Bullard ’89
Todd Curley ’93
Raymond DeMarco, ’87 P’22
Michael Raymond ’06
Brendan Reuss ’94
Jonathan Sussman ’04
28 CELEBRATION
OF THE ARTS 48 CLASS NOTES
James Tacy ’50 P’88, ’95
30
Joseph DeRosa ’02
Joseph G. Fitzgerald, USN (Ret) ’74
James Kim ’96
Dan Welsh ’93 AAG HALL OF FAME 50 IN MEMORIAM
Albany Academy for Girls Alumnae Council
Jessica DeRosa Davos ’98,
P’27, ’29, President
Margaret Lamar King ’65
Jillian LeFevre ’07
31 AA HALL OF FAME
Carol Crummey McCardle, Esq. ’04, Brittiny Belmonte Razzano Esq ’04
Vice President Gretchen “Pat” Aronowitz
Alexandra “Lexi” Mosher Buckley, Rubenstein ’53
Esq. ’03, Secretary Staci DeNigris Shea ’00
Kimmey Janco, Esq ’81, P’17, Allison Walsh ’10 Mission Statement
Treasurer Jennifer Walsh ’09 Who We Are: The Albany Academies—The Albany Academy and Albany Academy for Girls—
Suzanne Aronowitz Cross ’00 Kelley Walsh ’07 develop capable and confident students through single-gender education in the Lower and Middle
Alexis “Biz” Deeb ’08 Rosemary Daoud Walsh ’77, School, and through coordinate education in the Upper School.
Kendra Hart ’08 P’07, ’09,’10, ’13, What We Do: Employing individualized and positive education, The Albany Academies provide
Shannon Hughes ’07 Immediate Past President students with the knowledge, skills, and character needed for leadership and success in the creative,
Lynne Hutter Kimball, Esq. ’97 Bettina Zeccolo-Mamone ’89, P’19 entrepreneurial century that lies ahead.
Talking Head
I
have spoken in these pages extensively • Paving for traffic circles, parking
about The Albany Academies new mission lots, and pathways will be
statement and its reflection in how we completed this summer. No more
have expanded our curriculum to offer more ruts, cracks, and potholes.
opportunities for student-centered projects. • The playing fields and lawns
“Active Learning” is tremendously successful, are maintained at a higher level
to which this edition of A2 will attest. than ever before.
Now, however, I would like to turn to the This is just a partial list, but it all adds
more material changes underway that will up to the oft-heard comment at Reunion
enhance the future of the school, especially this year: “The place looks great!”
over the next 20-30 years. Yes, I am talking about “the physical plant,”
“bricks and mortar,” and The Campaign for the Third Century. Over the But wait, there’s more - much more.
past five years the physical plant has been changing - in a new direction, This summer, work begins on the
upwards. renovation of The Michael B. Picotte
’65 Field House. This noble structure is
Some of the major projects have been featured here before: The now 50 years old: still viable and about
Schellenberger Alumni/ae Center; The Caird Field Grandstand; the AAG to be beautiful once again. Next year, as
Auditorium, the Borisenok Family Science Center, and the Dining and part of this project we will be turning to
Events Center. But these are not the whole story, for there are many less construction of the Ruth M. Sumberg
glamorous parts of the physical plant that have also been renewed and Gymnasium. The “silent phase” of
replaced - not by contributions, but by operational surpluses. major fundraising for these projects was
• By the end of the summer new, efficient windows will have tremendously successful. Now fundraising
replaced all the 85-year-old windows of The Albany Academy. continues for the final 20% of the Field
These have already been contributing to dramatically lower fuel House and Gymnasium. Give it some
costs, and we expect more of the same. thought :-)
• Similarly, many of the pipes and valves of the steam heat system Just as an army runs on its stomach,
have been replaced and are saving money too, while making the so does a school run with its bricks
classrooms more evenly and adjustably heated. Much less clanking and mortar. Thanks to all who have
is heard resounding through the building. contributed to the next decades of our
• The technological infrastructure of The Albany Academies has illustrious histories.
gone from rudimentary to sophisticated, with hundred-fold With good wishes,
increases in bandwidth and the capability to run complicated
academic computing.
• The Robison Track was redone; the Dorwaldt baseball field and
the AAG softball field were vastly improved through donations Dr. Douglas North ’58
from a Trustee and an alumna; and both the Robison Arena and Head of School
the Standish Swimming Pool received extensive upgrades to their The Albany Academies
cooling and heating systems.
Spring/Summer 2016 1
Sounding out Cuba
By Kim Taylor
Kim Taylor visits Cuba with Dave
Matthews, Smokey Robinson, and
Usher to find a country rich with
art, education - and possibility.
2 The Albany Academies Magazine
I
n the winter of 1961, we were told, Che Guevara asked Fidel Castro
to play golf in what had been the most elite country club in Havana,
by then long deserted, its members having fled the Revolution. No
one knows whether it was Che’s or Fidel’s idea, but it was decided this
would be the location for a national art school, the Instituto Superior
de Artes. And this was the spot where my 15-year-old son, Henry, and I
found ourselves this past April.
In Cuba. Havana. Standing in the courtyard of this school, built by
architect Ricardo Porro and inspired by female fertility. “Notice the
four breasts at each end. We are now inside the woman’s reproductive
organs,” our guide intones. A bit much for Henry, who chooses to
sprint inside to see some other art.
I was six years old when the Cuban missile crisis played out. I
remember watching our handsome President, John F. Kennedy, on our
television with rabbit ears, telling us to store rations in basements or
bomb shelters, and my mother crying. I helped bring distilled water
and condensed milk down to the cellar. I brought down Candyland and
Chutes and Ladders since I couldn’t imagine what my father would do, Kim and son Henry with Usher, who also
home all day from work, cooped up in our dank basement. had impromptu performances with Cuban
counterparts
I grew up looking at the metal globes at home and school with the
driving by university dorms that loomed
terrifying red hammer and sickle of Russia plastered over the tiny island
like a decrepit prison.
of Cuba. A bearded Castro remained a menacing figure over the years,
in his olive uniform and boots and beret with the red star, denouncing “Why would anyone choose
America at every turn. Communism, Mom?” he asked.
Yet here I was, a world away from my Berkshire home yet only a “Google Batista, honey.”
45-minute flight from Miami, in the hot sunlight of this country that The roads were old and often littered
had cast such a dark shadow on so many of us for so long. with piles of asphalt from abandoned
jack-hammering. But the crumbling
architecture was eclectic and elegant, even
In the face of extreme poverty and a in its decay. Moorish, Spanish, Baroque,
Art Nouveau, Art Deco - reminiscent,
repressive and mysterious regime, is somehow, of an old mining town in the
there change in Cuba? Is there hope? American West, having turned its back on
the future.
Our lovely guide - tours are required
As a member of President Obama’s Committee on the Arts and to hire government-employed guides -
Humanities, I traveled to Cuba in April with my son, Henry. (James announced from the bus’s tinny mike:
was on a long-scheduled concert tour, so he could not join us.) We were “You will be hearing a lot about the
part of the first official cultural delegation between the U.S. and Cuba, glorious year of 1959 when the people’s
following President Obama’s visit of reconciliation. will prevailed.”
As we were driven from the airport on one of the many vast buses, all It so happened that our visit coincided
made in China, my son exclaimed: “Gee, this country is poor!” We were with the exact date of the Bay of Pigs
Spring/Summer 2016 3
invasion, 55 years ago. That fact did not go unnoticed. We were,
sometimes good-naturedly, needled about the Bahia de Cochinos.
Another coincidence was that the twice-a-decade meeting of the
Communist Party was taking place, shrouded in secrecy and basically
a stone’s throw from our hotel. A Cuban journalist whom we met a
number of times at events explained there is no transparency to such
meetings and that foreign press is banned. Only state-owned media
outlets are allowed in. The only reporting that was evident was an
edited, delayed broadcast on state television, showing Fidel in a blue-
nylon Adidas jacket, surveying the proceedings at the Palacio de las
Convenciones, looking frail and gaunt.
The most moving Shortly before our trip, Fidel had suddenly reappeared, like Banquo’s
aspect of the trip ghost, to rail against President Obama’s visit, saying, “We don’t need the
empire to give us anything.”
was a visit to an The retired leader, whose younger brother, Raul, was reaffirmed as
president and first secretary at the Congress, accused Obama of “sweet-
elementary school in talking” the Cuban people during his visit in a recent opinion piece
carried by all state-run media.
the heart of Havana. “Every one of us ran the risk of a heart attack listening to these
words,” Castro said in his column, dismissing Obama’s comments as
“honey-coated” and exhorting Cubans never to forget the many U.S.
cabals to overthrow his Communist government.
So, in the face of extreme poverty and a repressive and mysterious
regime, is there change in Cuba? Is there hope?
The answer is a cautious yes. And it lies in Cuba’s social and
education systems and in its arts. Cubans are fiercely proud of their
artists - their dancers, their musicians, their poets.
We saw numerous performances, including collaborations with
members of the U.S. President’s Committee on Arts and the Humanities
- Usher, Dave Matthews, and Smokey Robinson - who were traveling
with us. There were discussions with leaders of Cuban cinema and the
Cuban Institute of Cinematographic Art and Industry; Afro-Cuban
religious drumming for the Santeria ceremony; and a visit to the oldest
recording studio, where Nat King Cole, Josephine Baker, and the Buena
Vista Social Club have all recorded.
There was also a magnificent performance of Vivaldi and Piazzolla
by the Chamber Orchestra of Havana, a string ensemble of primarily
young women, their dazzling virtuosity as evident as their joy and pride
in performing for us. They smiled and moved to the music as they
played, some tossing their long, liquid, black hair.
The most moving aspect of the trip was a visit to an elementary
school in the heart of Havana. Here, the President’s Committee’s
Turnaround Arts program, which works to bring artists to underserved
schools throughout the U.S., brought actor John Lloyd Young, Usher,
and actress Alfre Woodard to the school.
4 The Albany Academies Magazine
Is there a middle ground between
The children, impeccably dressed in blue-and-white uniforms, derelict dorms and the Kardashians?
were riveted by their American guests. No slumping or eye-rolling or Between a state-controlled television and
yawning. Their toothbrushes and dingy facecloths hung in perfect order “Naked and Afraid”? Between Cubans’
against the peeling paint of the classroom wall. Their teachers seemed pride in their national poet and arts and
extremely loving and encouraging. One of our committee members our own national malaise and anger and
spoke to a third-grade class. cynicism?
“So, what do you like most about your country?” he asked through an Cubans have done so much with so little
interpreter. for so long. One can’t help but hope for an
“Nature,” said one child. end to the embargo (which Cubans insist
on calling el bloqueo or “the blockade”)
“Music,” said another.
and the end to an era in which this island,
“What about your heroes. Do you like any of them?” so close to “the enemy of the North,” as we
Silence. are still known in some quarters, will be
fully normalized.
“Fidel?”
Silence.
Finally, one young boy raised his hand timidly and ventured “José
Martí,” the revered national poet, long dead, one of whose poems
comprise the lyrics to the unofficial national anthem, “Guantanamera.”
Our last night was spent at the fabulous Fábrica de Arte Cubano,
the former headquarters of the city’s electricity company. It’s a space
brimming with avant-garde painting and photography, performance art,
dancing, singing, and, that night, an abundance of mojitos.
While the Cuban people
remain proud of such remarkably
Cubans have vibrant centers as this one, others
can’t conceal their excitement at
Dave Matthews, his family, and Henry Taylor
(Matthews performed in spontaneous jam
sessions with Cuban musicians, including
done so much America coming to town. acclaimed singer-songwriter Carlos Varela.)
The Cubans we met informally
with so little for - drivers, guides, hotel staff - were Perhaps the answer lies in Cubans’
delighted and bursting with generous appreciation of all types of art.
so long. One can’t pride about the fact that Fast They are extremely proud of the fact that
and Furious 8 is scheduled to Ernest Hemingway lived and wrote here.
help but hope film in Havana soon. And about His house, Finca Vigia (Lookout Farm),
is serenely pristine and lovingly preserved
for an end to the rumors that an episode of “The
Kardashians” is to be shot here as with his animal trophies, paintings, fishing
tackle, and personal library of 9,000
embargo... well.
books. One feels a kind of benediction for
“You know, that’s not really
the Cuban people in a line from The Old
America, or what a lot of
Man and the Sea, set, of course, in Cuba:
Americans are like,” I said meekly to one Kardashian enthusiast.
“Now is no time to think of what you do
“Oh, we like them. We are looking forward to these things. It is the not have. Think of what you can do with
future.” what there is.”
One can’t help but wince at the thought of what aspects of American This article appeared in Berkshire Magazine’s
culture will be visited on these lovely people. As we were leaving, we June 2016 issue. Kim Hessberg Taylor is a
heard that the first Carnival cruise ship to dock in Havana was due the graduate of Albany Academy for Girls, Class
following week. of 1971.
Spring/Summer 2016 5
Thank you
to all of our
Dr. James FitzGerald ’57 and Dr. Douglas North ’58 at The Albany Academy
donors who have this past spring
made a gift to Gifting to The Albany
Academies Made Easy
the Campaign By Dr. James FitzGerald ‘57
Whenever you make a gift to The Albany Academies…they love it!
for the Third
And, that act should make you feel happy as well. Who doesn’t like
finding their name on a donor list? It feels nice to be recognized. Let’s
call that a low level endorphin rush. But, as they say on the TV game
shows, “Wait…there’s more!”
Century. Your I imagine the highest level would be the great satisfaction one might
feel making a major dollar gift and also giving a major amount of their
generosity and time and energy to the Academies, reliably focused on the betterment of
the school’s present and future well-being. Unfortunately, I’m much too
old to reach either one of these requirements. Instead, my experience has
support are so landed me somewhere in the middle.
“Who doesn’t like finding
appreciated. A their name on a donor list? It
full listing will be feels nice to be recognized.”
I can’t imagine that my mother, Agnes Dugan FitzGerald, ever gave
published in the a dime to the Academies. Not because she didn’t want to, but because
every penny went toward the burden of raising two kids by herself.
She grew up in an era of un-liberated women. In fact, she graduated
Annual Giving from Albany Academy for Girls in 1924, just a few years after passage
of the 19th Constitutional Amendment - allowing women the right
to vote. She spent her life working seriously for the empowerment of
Report to be women. What she couldn’t give the Academies in dollars, she gave in the
classroom on a daily basis.
From 1933 to 1956 she became a much loved elementary school
mailed this fall. teacher for the Academies. Today, I would imagine that at least half of
the alumnae of a certain age would remember her fondly. Me, too!
To honor her non-monetarily, but reliably focused on a gift to the
Academies, I was able to work with Head of School Douglas North
and Director of Institutional Advancement Ann Wendth to select an
elementary classroom at The Albany Academy to be named in her honor.
In addition, we were able to design a nice plaque with an etching of a
beautiful lady in her early teaching years. This has made me very happy!
6 The Albany Academies Magazine
FIELD HOUSE TO BE RENOVATED THIS SUMMER
I
f you drive by The Albany Academies Field House this summer, you’ll see lots of scaffolding, silver fencing, lifts, and
trucks around the facility. That’s because the building is being renovated, thanks to a major capital campaign gift from
Margi and Michael Picotte ’65. “This newly renovated Field House to be called the Michael B. Picotte Field House
will provide a wonderful new space for our AA amd AAG student-athletes, coaches, and the community. It will also
showcase the continued excellence of our athletic programs and the rich history of sports at the Academies,” said Head
of School Dr. Douglas M. North ’58.
The renovation of the Michael B. Picotte Field House is Phase 1 of our three proposed capital campaign projects at
The Albany Academy. It consists of a front façade upgrade, comprehensive lobby renovation, new storefront window and
lighting systems, renovation of the corridors and bathrooms, new trophy display cases, new photo team displays and the
enhancement of ADA compliance. The second phase will be the building of the Ruth M. Sumberg Gymnasium, named
in memory of Class of 1963 alumnus Steven Sumberg’s mother, and the third phase will include the repurposing of the
current gymnasium.
Please plan to join us on Friday, September 23 for the dedication ceremony of the newly refurbished facility. More
details will be forthcoming.
Many alumni, alumnae, and parents have been very generous in their support of these projects. However, we have not
yet reached our goal of $5.5 Million to accomplish all of these projects. If you are interested in learning more about how
you can participate in these initiatives and the Campaign for the Third Century, please contact Director of Institutional
Advancement Ann Wendth at (518) 429-2385 or wendtha@albanyacademies.org.
Spring/Summer 2016 7
Making the Right Move
F
or Martha Samadashvili ’22, chess Needless to say she won all the games! The kids were excited to see such a
is a passion, and she is a very good chess player in action who - at the same time - is one of their peers
accomplished chess player. A student from school.
at Albany Academy for Girls since the fall Robert Lupone P’24 had the opportunity to sit down with Martha and
of 2015, Martha won the 2013 North ask her some questions about her experiences thus far at the Academies.
American Youth Chess Championship for
girls under 10 in Toronto, Canada that How do you like your new school?
gave her the title of “Woman Candidate I like The Albany Academies very much. The students here are smart
Master.” The following year she won and everyone is very nice. And the school really supports you in your
the 2014 North American Youth Chess achievements.
Championship held in Tarrytown, NY, Do you have a favorite class?
giving her the title of “Woman FIDE
Master.” That same summer she achieved I like all my classes but I like History best as a subject. Learning about
the title of “Pan American Youth Chess the past is so interesting. And I like Geography, too. I won the GEOBee
(Geographic Bee) this year. The GEOBee is a competition among all the
Champion” by winning Gold in the girls
schools in the state. I won the Middle School competition and became the
10 and under in the XXV Pan American
champion for our School.
Youth Chess Festival in Oaxtepec,
Mexico. In the fall of 2014 Martha You travel nationally and internationally for chess tournaments. Can
also played in the World Youth Chess you tell us where you have gone in the past few months?
Championship in South Africa, placing 8 I was in Greece in October playing at the World Youth Championship. I
out of about 100 kids. Last year she played tied for 4th place out of about 120 kids.
that same tournament in Greece and tied You must spend a lot of time playing chess and analyzing chess
for 4th place. games to improve your own playing. Can you tell us a bit about your
This past February Martha came to routine? What does an average day look like for you?
The Albany Academies Lower School I spend a lot of time on chess when I come home from school. First, when
Chess Club and played a simultaneous I come home from school I do my homework, and then after that I just do
chess exhibition against 10 club members. chess. I take lessons from a strong Grand Master, George Kacheishvili. He
8 The Albany Academies Magazinelives in New York City. So, we either travel on Sundays to where he is, or
we do lessons by Skype.
So, when you say you play chess after homework, how many hours
of homework and chess do you put in each day?
After my homework is complete I play chess or study chess for probably
three hours.
When did you decide to make chess such a big part of your life?
When I was seven, my grandmother came from Georgia to the US and
she decided to teach me to play chess. At first, she beat me easily but
Martha Samadashvili ’22 helps Lower School
then she says she got the feeling that I really wasn’t playing as she would chess players develop strategies.
have expected, that I was doing something special. So when I was eight
years old I was already going to the local chess tournaments organized I am curious about the competitiveness
by Make the Right Move. The first tournament I attended I won all four of chess and how you handle it. For
games. I also used to go to the chess club at my old school and would example, what do you do when you lose?
easily beat the teachers. Then, we hired an International Master, Parmen How do you deal with that?
Gelazonia, to be my coach. He helped me get from beginner to expert
level in chess. My coach teaches me not to get too upset
about losing a game. You should just try to
Has it been important to you to watch women chess players clear your mind, get a drink of water, try to
be successful? stay calm and not dwell on the game you
I look at women chess players as role models, because they were once just lost. Because if you do chances are it will
girls like me. So I want to be like them. And some of them are really affect your playing in the next game and you
good. They sometimes beat the men’s world champions! won’t play as well. He also tells parents not
to ask your child . ‘Why did you make that
Do you think there is a difference in how men and women play chess?
mistake?’ He tells parents to just ask their
No. Chess is a game of equal rights. If your idea is a good one then it child ‘Did you learn something?’ Then you
will win on the board. It doesn’t matter if you are a man or a woman. can go forward with a positive mindset.
What is something chess teaches you that you think is an important That is very good advice. Is there any
skill? advice you can give to kids who want to
With chess you really have to concentrate because if you lose your try out chess but aren’t sure it’s the thing
concentration you might make a bad move or miss something. People for them?
sometimes say that video games also help you to concentrate. I think I would like everyone to try to play chess
that with chess you have to be more creative and you have to find because it might help them in learning
strategic solutions, so it is more of a thinking process than video games. strategic thinking and concentration. They
It teaches you a better thinking process. I think that is valuable because don’t have to be good but I think they
it can help you with a lot of other things in life. should try it.
Spring/Summer 2016 9Q 10 The Albany Academies Magazine
Joan Dembinski, Class of 1955, established two
new scholarships for students at Albany Academy
Joan
Dembinski
for Girls this past year. She called them The Joan
R. Dembinski ’55 Scholarships for “Scientific
Dreams” in honor of her passion for encouraging
’55
What inspired you most from your
education at AAG?
Although I loved art in any form sculpture
was my primary love. Mrs. Ethel Dodge
at AAG presented me with the challenges
of physics, biology and chemistry... and I
never stopped on the quest for learning and
adventure. Science trumped art in many
young girls to pursue the sciences. respects. I was inspired by the devotion that
every teacher gave to me and my classmates.
Can you tell us a little about your background growing up in the Diversity was present and respected.
Capital Region and your parents’ decision to send you to AAG? Everyone had an opportunity to speak up
and share. Four years at AAG of continuing
Albany of the 40’s was a fun city when I was growing up. As a little
positive experience left me with lifelong,
girl, there was Washington Park where even in the 40’s, tulips were wonderful memories as well as references.
present heralding spring and the Pinkster Fest. Albany Institute of
History and Art offered Art Classes that my folks enrolled me in after Tell us about your interest in science at
one day of listening to me try to play an ukulele! Public School #16 a young age and how you fulfilled your
was my school from grade one through eight when to my parent’s utter dream to build a career in this area.
surprise I graduated with honors after so many torturous years of parent Science and research was instilled in me
teacher sessions regarding a rebellious child. Remember, World War II both by my mother, a registered nurse
was in full action and life as we know it now was totally different and and my dad who was a Physiotherapist.
full of restrictions. I was blessed to have both of my parents who were A farmer provided us with fresh chickens
committed to education and they had the primary hand in bringing where my mother discussed functions of
me everywhere that had educational promise: Catskills Game Farm, the different organs as we dissected them and
Farmers Market in the heart of downtown Albany (where my culinary utilized all edible parts. No waste was a
roots took firm hold), any museum within a train or bus ride and mantra at an early age. Mount Holyoke
continuing face to face discussions over dinner. One of our lawyers, Miss College fed into my quest for science and I
Ruth Miner, an AAG graduate, sponsored me to be enrolled in 1951 took all related classes until they graciously
because she felt that I would be on a positive path for the future. A choice reminded me in my senior year that MHC
and person that I will always treasure. was a liberal arts college and I needed to
Spring/Summer 2016 11demonstrate a slight balance - Philosophy 101 did just fine. Two years of
genetic research /transplantation at Roscoe B. Jackson Memorial Laboratory
clinched research and I was hired at Sterling Winthrop Research Institute
where I spent 30 years in pre-clinical and clinical research pioneering activities
for women where it was unheard of. No was not an option when it came to
problem-solving, writing new drug applications for orphan drugs, and going
in the field and monitoring trials on investigational medications, all of which
are now national and international businesses. For 20 more years, I continued
as a Project Director for Coromed Inc./Omnicare Clinical Research, Inc. until
I retired in 2008 at 71 years old.
After retiring from your highly successful career in research you then
pursued a second career as a pastry chef. Can you share that journey?
Schenectady County Community College graciously accepted me into their
accredited (American Culinary Federation) program where I completed
three years taking every course they offered (3.99 average). The transition
from research was seamless - biology, physics, and chemistry are intrinsic to
daily culinary activities. The new aspects were good math, menu planning,
hospitality, business plan development and safety and sanitation. I graduated
as a Certified Culinarian with a baking concentration in 2010. To this day,
I am grateful for the knowledge and friendship of the entire Hospitality,
Culinary Arts, and Tourism Division. Retirement took on a totally new
direction.
You always say that giving back is what makes you happiest. Why
did you decide to support the Campaign for the Third Century by
establishing two scholarships?
We can make choices in our lives and depending on circumstances, dreams
can become reality if one is able to share with others through listening and
observing where the most good can become reality. Giving back has been
an integral part of my personal Mission Statement. I was fortunate to have
parents who supported and provided me with a phenomenal education at
great financial sacrifice. It is and will be my commitment to provide the
means to help passionate students an opportunity to make their dreams a
reality. The scholarships for students at AAG with a commitment to science
made sense to me. As a woman in the past 50 years of my career, it was a
challenge. Today, I believe that everyone deserves a chance to flourish and
I am honored to be able to provide two students a way to achieve their
academic goals.
What advice would you give to students today?
Everyone has a chance to make a difference through hard work, observation
of where there is a need, and making something positive happen. Maintain
Joan Dembinski ’55 making remarks at a local a healthy mind and body. Shun negativity and bad advice regardless of the
community event and serving as a judge at the source. You are unique and precious. Potential is limited by looking back.
spring Science Symposium at AAG Move forward with hope that you can accomplish your dreams. We (your
supporters) are watching and waiting.
12 The Albany Academies MagazineI was inspired by the devotion that
every teacher gave to me and my
classmates. Diversity was present
and respected. Everyone had an
opportunity to speak up and share.
Four years at AAG of a continuing
positive experience left me with
lifelong, wonderful memories as
well as references.
Spring/Summer 2016 13Active T
he Albany Academies’ mission statement is exhibited in
countless ways during the school year. One of the most
vital examples of the school’s mission in action is the Senior
Honors Program. This year, nine AAG students and eight AA students
Learning
participated in the 2015-16 program. These year-long independent
projects, where students consult with an advisor from week to week,
demonstrated a broad range of interests and pursuits. They included
at Work
a “Triptych of the Arts” study in painting, poetry, and design; a
photography exhibit in New York City; a presentation of the culture
and history surrounding French baking, the composing and writing
of an original song; and a presentation of the history of the Academy.
Despite the differences among subject areas, they are still bound by
a common thread. In academic terms, the projects focus on “active
By Tom Washington learning” principles, where the student assumes primary responsibility
in shaping material and analyzing concepts. Really, though, this
Head Librarian program model mimics the way any of us approaches learning in an
Albany Academy for Girls age where information is readily available and essentially boundless:
We follow subjects and ideas that inspire us. As one student phrased it
this past spring, “This is exactly why I chose the program. Instead of
memorizing content and preparing for tests, we took an experiential,
engaged approach to subjects that we chose on our own, mostly because
of a driving interest to find out more and sometimes even as a path to a
future career.”
14 TThhee A
Allbbaannyy A
Accaaddeem
miieess M
MaaggaazziinneeDonna Ruggiero Ms. Donna Ruggiero began as the Associate Head of
School at Albany Academy for Girls on July 5, 2016.
A Special Welcome
Please share a little bit about your background. appeals to me, but there is plenty to do. I was
I was born and raised in Pennsylvania between actually surprised about how many people
Allentown and the Poconos in an area very similar asked me how I felt about moving here in
to Albany. I did my undergraduate studies at my interview process. To that I said, ‘I feel
Wheelock College in Boston, Massachusetts and fine! It seems like a great place and I look
then worked in public schools in Boston for two forward to getting to know more people in
years before I decided to go back to school for my the area!’
graduate degree in Theology at Harvard Divinity What do you think your first three
School. The goal was to teach religion and philosophy at all-girls’ schools months will be like here at AAG?
because I was focusing on the connection between girls’ education and There will be a learning curve. This will be
spiritual passions. the time where I get to know the school,
I began work in independent schools at The Peninngton School in make sure that I am meeting with all the
Pennington, New Jersey, which is a private, co-educational college- constituents, get to know the students and
preparatory school for day and boarding students in grades six through faculty, and as well as having my colleagues
twelve; I was there for four years. I began as a Learning Specialist, one- and peers get to know me, and reach out to
on-one, and slowly moved into the Assistant Dean’s position, teaching parents and alumnae.
religion and philosophy as well. Then a religion and community service What are your short and long-term goals?
coordinator position opened in Princeton at Stuart Country Day School,
a Pre-K through Grade 12 girls’ day school. I absolutely loved it and, while My short term goal is to focus on how girls
there, I started working on a counseling degree. and active learning combine, and really be
able to promote that, making us leaders in
After that, I worked on leadership development in schools at Princeton that area. You want people to think of this
Center for Leadership Training, and took that knowledge with me when I school when you hear the terminology ‘active
was hired at Miss Hall’s School as their Dean of Students. learning,’ among others, and this would be
I then began my three years at Purnell School, my third girls’ school, where my long-term goal. Any kind of internship
I served as a Program Director and then moved back into administration program or active learning experience will
as the Assistant Head of School. I have always loved being in an all-girls help students to live the education because
school environment, so I am looking forward to this opportunity at that is life. You go out there and life is
Albany Academy for Girls. learning, so embrace and enjoy it.
What attracted you to this position at AAG? What are your interests outside of work?
The attraction was all-girls. The idea of K-12, the continuity, and ability I have a fairly green thumb and enjoy gardening
to see how younger girls look up to the older girls, while giving the older from time to time. I love to knit. I am a big
girls the ability to be the leader in front of them, is fantastic. The rich foodie and enjoy going out to restaurants. I also
history of AAG fascinates me, along with the traditions. When I had enjoy theater - movies, or live theater.
the opportunity to meet with current student leaders, they expressed What is your philosophy about leadership
their love and appreciation for tradition. They alluded to the fact that and education, a mantra, perhaps?
sometimes when a new person enters this school, these traditions can
change. To that I simply said, ‘You don’t touch traditions.’ I then learned The whole purpose of leadership is to move
about Bacon Bat, Ring Dares, Thanksgiving Lunch, and many more. forward, to communicate, and make sure you
Tradition connects students who have been here in the past to the are letting people know what is going on and
students who are here now. That connection is extremely important. allowing people the opportunity to come
talk to you to share their thoughts. It works
What is your impression of the Capital Region? together. A decision does have to be made at
The region is great. In particular, the architecture stands out in my mind a certain level, but it is a cooperative project in
and it is unlike any other place that I have been - and I have been to getting there.
a lot of New England areas. It also has a small hometown feeling thatA VERY SPECIAL
THANK YOU
T
hank you to Stephanie McCauley
P’21, ’24 for her time and
dedication extended to The
Albany Academies. Owner of iSmile
Studios located on Wolf Road in
Albany, NY, Stephanie has provided
her photography services over this past
school year to Albany Academy for
Girls and The Albany Academy in so
many ways. The banners that hung in
the Silipigno Athletic Facility and the
gymnasium of our senior athletes were
all donated by iSmile Studios. Stephanie
also took complimentary photos at Spring
Gathering and for other special events
throughout the year. We are very grateful
to Stephanie for her incredible generosity
and look forward to a great year ahead!
16 The Albany Academies MagazineSATURDAY | APRIL 23, 2016 | THE DESMOND HOTEL | ALBANY
Spring Gathering, our annual fundraiser for scholarships and financial assistance, brought together 325 parents, alumni,
alumnae, and friends for an evening of fun, friendships, and entertainment. The event raised nearly $150,000. A very
special thank you to the many parents, faculty, staff, and friends who attended and to those who volunteered their time
and talents to help make the event so successful. Special thanks to our many corporate sponsors and honorary committee
members as well.
1
2 3
4 5
Spring/Summer 2016 176
7 8
9 10
1 Robert Lupone ’24 and Dyrleif Bjarnadottir P’24, ’27 7 Craig Darby ’91, Carey Darby and Lewis Clarke
2 Spring Gathering Co-Chair Karen Ricci P’17, ’20 8 Marketing and Communications Associate Alexis “Biz”
3 Gold Sponsor Bob Hennes with his wife, Jane, on the Deeb ’08
dance floor 9 Spring Gathering Committee member Caroline Caputo P’17
4 Alumni Association President Neerav Patel ’96 and Dolly and Dr. Douglas North ’58 draw the winner of the Best of
Patel Live raffle prize
5 Guests enjoyed a glass of champagne upon entering the 10 Michael and Spring Gathering Committee Member Nicole
event Fargione P’27, ’28 and Faculty Member Meaghan See and
Dr. Brendan See
6 Silent auction items lined up for the evening
18 The Albany Academies Magazine11
12 13
14 15
11 Spring Gathering Co-chair Karen Ricci P’17, ’20 embraces 13 A view from above as the guests mingle for a great evening
fellow Spring Gathering Committee members Stephanie 14 Dr. Ellen Cole and Dr. Douglas North ’58
McCauley P’21, ’24 and Alexis “Biz” Deeb ’08 before the
15 Special Events Coordinator Stacey Fontanelli alongside
evening’s festivities
auctioneer and singer Garland Nelson
12 Brian Yates and Kate Gagliardi P’24 enjoy a moment on the
dance floor
Spring/Summer 2016 19Katarina
Lichak ’16
V
ital Vio is a small startup company
that designs and sells disinfecting
lights for commercial use. These Having this experience
lights are permanently installed for not only strengthened
constant disinfection and are safe to
work under because the light used is in
my desire to study
the visible light spectrum. The benefit engineering in college
of installing these lights in place of but was a great transition
fluorescent lights for example is that they to moving on from
can constantly kill colonies of harmful high school to higher
bacteria, therefore, keeping the numbers education.
down and the surfaces safer.
During each of my days at Vital
Vio I spent the mornings with the
lead microbiologist and the afternoons
with an engineer who is the director of
electrical systems. In the microbiology In the afternoons I was often given a task before being sent to the
lab I performed experiments growing engineering room to figure out how to complete it. On my first day I
bacteria under Vital Vio’s lights as well was given a circuit board, solder paste, and a few dozen LEDs and was
as fluorescent lights. I didn’t have any told to solder away. I had no idea what solder was or how to use it but
previous experience working in this type they didn’t mind taking the time to teach me how to do it. The first
of lab setting, so over the course of the circuit board I completed was then installed in the microbiology lab for
month I learned how to use many of testing purposes and I was even entrusted to install it myself. My time
the tools in the lab and was eventually with the engineers didn’t just consist of soldering though; I did many
left to do experiments on my own. temperature tests on lights, built boxes for testing, did other odd jobs,
Although some of the tasks could become and even went golfing with them, too. Overall, I really enjoyed learning
quite repetitive, it was fascinating to more about what engineers do and how it can be applied to the real
see that more colonies formed under world. Having this experience not only strengthened my desire to study
the fluorescent lights at the end of my engineering in college but was a great transition to moving on from high
experiments. school to higher education.
Katarina Lichak ’16 will attend Rochester Institute of Technology in the fall.
20 The Albany Academies MagazineMay Projects
Simon Balint ’16
A
s a private, independent prep school, The Albany Academies embryonic chicken heart development,
pride themselves on the successes of their students in higher or model rocket construction and testing?
education and beyond. Many aspects of college, such as the The answer lies in the May Projects,
academic rigor and art and athletic opportunities, are well represented a unique month-long opportunity for
at Academy, but some features of the “real world” simply cannot be Academy seniors to attend internships and
taught on campus. The real world is so vast and complex, and the perform independent studies in subjects
interests of students are so diverse, that it is impossible to offer a course of their choosing.
on every possible subject. How does a high school educate adolescents For my May Project, I interned at
in areas as varied as human brain surgery, business marketing, Albany International Airport, where I
spent time with both the Operations
Department and Air Traffic Control. I was
able to experience all sides of the industry:
the horror of watching an airplane crash
unfold, the adrenaline of scaring geese
away with pyrotechnic explosives, the
stressfulness of vectoring aircraft through
obscured terrain, and the sheer boredom
of scanning security cameras looking for
anything “suspicious.” I learned how to
respond to fire alarms, how to perform
runway inspections, the phraseology
of local and approach controlling, and
of course, how to file paperwork (no
internship would be complete without
paperwork!). My perspective on the
aviation industry was radically changed,
which, for an aspiring aviator, is
particularly significant. More importantly,
I was able to learn from hands-on
experience in a real working environment.
It was an absolutely amazing experience,
and I am grateful that the Academy
It was an absolutely provided me with such a unique and
amazing experience, and special opportunity.
I am grateful that the Simon Balint ’16 will attend Brown University
Academy provided me in the fall.
with such a unique and
special opportunity.
Spring/Summer 2016 2122 The Albany Academies Magazine
2016
The Albany Academy ~ Albany Academy for Girls
May 20 - 22, 2016
OPPOSITE PAGE: Peter Shields ’56 poses in front of his Thunderbird while celebrating
his 60th Reunion
FIRST ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT: Lisa Furlong ’66 enjoys a moment at her 50th Reunion;
Alumni watch as the Cadet Corps performs in the front circle of The Albany Academy;
Nicholas Soulis ’06, Keith DiStefano ’06, Nathan Bruschi ’06, and Tyler Gustafson ’06
celebrating their 10th Reunion; Caroline Hessberg Taylor ’71, Alexis “Biz” Deeb ’08, and
Susan McKay ’72, P’08
SECOND ROW: Members of The Albany Academy Class of 1966 sing the traditional
“Old Academy Song” with Lower, Middle, and Upper School students
THIRD ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT: Margaret DerOhannesian ’66 together with her pen pal;
Albany Academy for Girls Class of 1966 celebrate their 50th Reunion
FOURTH ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT: Jessica Davos ’98, P’27, ’29, 2016 Distinguished
Alumna Award recipient Dr. Pamela Carroll ’81, and Kimmey Janco ’81, P’17; Student
performers at the Family SocialREUNION 2016 AWARDS FIRST ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT: The Albany Academy
Class of 1966 together with their pen pals;
Outstanding Young Alumna: Sara Strope ’96 Rosemary Daoud Walsh ’77, P’07, ’09, ’10, ’13
is recognized for her dedication and service
Giving Bowl, Largest Reunion Class Gift: as President of the AAG Alumnae Association;
AAG Class of 1956 Classmates share a warm embrace; Margaret
Fredericka Voorhaar Slingerland ’32 MacClarence ’82, Cara Steiner-Riley ’81, Carol
Volunteer Service Award: O’Brien ’51, P’77, ’79, ’80, ’85, GP’04, ’18, ’19, ’21,
Alexandra “Lexi” Moser Buckley ’03 ’25, John MacAffer ’81, P’12, ’14, ’17, Alison Ernst
’81, Elisabeth Lyons ’81, and Laura Sekellick ’81
Giving Cup, Reunion Participation: SECOND ROW: A new plaque hangs in the patio
AAG Class of 1956 outside the AAG Dining & Events Center
Distinguished Alumna: THIRD ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT: Lee Stewart ’65,
Dr. Pamela Carroll ’81 Karl Hansen, Catherine Stewart Werley ’66
enjoy at a moment before dinner at the Albany
Outstanding Young Alumnus:
Marriott Hotel; Seta Keleshian Smith ’66 and
Tyler Russell ’01
Catherine Stewart Werley ’66 together with
The Old Guard Cup: Class of 1963 their pen pals; Tyler R. Russell ’01 accepts the 2016
Outstanding Young Alumnus Award
The Pace Setters Cup: Class of 2001
FOURTH ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT: 2016 Distinguished
The 1813 Cup: Class of 1943 Young Alumna Award recipient Sara Strope ’96
The Bicentennial Cup: Class of 1941 shares remarks; AA and AAG Classes of ’96
FIFTH ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT: Senior girls sit
The Millennials Cup: Class of 2003 together with their mothers, a longtime tradition
The O’Keefe Memorial Cup: Class of 1963 at the Albany Academy for Girls Alumnae
Luncheon
The Trustees Cup: Class of 1941
The Head of School Cup: Class of 1966FIRST ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT: Class of 1991 enjoy time
together during Reunion; Neerav Patel ’96 presents the 2016
Distinguished Alumnus Award to Peter G. Ten Eyck, II ’56; The
crowd mingles together during the program
SECOND ROW: Emily Lieberman Tipermas ’66 together with
her pen pals
THIRD ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT: Herbert H. Rosen ’56 and Tod
Wing, Jr. ’56 celebrating their 60th Reunion; Anne McKenzie
Engster ’71, Ellen Roznowski Taylor ’71, and Leslie Knauf
’71 celebrating their 45th Reunion; Student performers at
the Reflections concert featuring the Wind Ensemble and
Chamber singers; Faculty Member Matt Streifert, singer
Prosper Mbongue-Muna (P-Muna) ’09, and Faculty Member
Joseph Jacobs P’24, ’27, ’29
FOURTH ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT: Lt. Colonel Seford R. Olsen,
USA (Ret.) ’66, together with his pen pals; Deane Semerad Pfeil
’66 co-chair of her 50th Reunion class, makes opening remarks
at the Jane Lathrop Stanford Induction Ceremony; Alexandra
Moser Buckley ’03 smiles after she was awarded the 2016
Fredericka Voorhaar Slingerland ’32 Volunteer Service Award
ALUMNI SCHOLARS
presented at the Alumni Association Meeting on Reunion Weekend
Form III: Zachary Mouzakes
Form IV: Daniel Conners O’Brien
Form V: Joseph Lewis
Form VI: Sean Puleo
Spring/Summer 2016 2526 The Albany Academies Magazine
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALBANY
ACADEMY FOR GIRLS & THE ALBANY
ACADEMY FOURTH & EIGHTH GRADERS! Lower & Middle
School Closing
OPPOSITE PAGE, TOP: Albany Academy for Girls Class of 2024 Ceremonies
OPPOSITE PAGE, BOTTOM: The Albany Academy Class of 2024
FIRST ROW: Faculty Member Laura Frei, David Choma ’24, Anthony Duvall ’24,
Michael Malatino ’24, Evan Phelps ’24, Brady Sears ’24
SECOND ROW: Eve Haworth ’24, Natasha Hurff ’24, Rhea Agrawal ’24
THIRD ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT: The Albany Academy Class of 2020; Dr. North with
David Choma ’24
FOURTH ROW. LEFT TO RIGHT: Albany Academy for Girls Class of 2020; Dr. Bernard
Ng P’22, ’24 and his son, Gregory Ng ’24T
he third annual Celebration of the Arts, held on Saturday, April 30, 2016 was another wonderful Academy event.
The day was full of visual art, music, dance, and song of Middle and Upper School students.
This year’s Kermani Visiting Artists, nationally recognized ceramic artists, Mark Shapiro and Sam Taylor, were
in attendance with the POW! truck. The Pots On Wheels visited The Albany Academies campus on Friday, April 29.
Ceramic artists set up in the front lobby of Albany Academy for Girls with their traveling gallery, treadle pottery wheel,
and Cup Latch projects for all to participate in. The big yellow truck was a hit!
28 The Albany Academies MagazineOPPOSITE PAGE: Artwork by Molly Riegert ’17 SECOND ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT: Sandeep Alampali ’19, Billie Jo Allen
FIRST ROW: Guests gather for a performance; ‘The Connection Tree’ P’16, ’17, ’20, Robert LuPone P’24; Isobel Connell P’16 and Debora
created by the AAG student body; Mark Shapiro leads instruction with Mitchell P’17, ’21, ’24
a student THIRD ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT: Sam Taylor leads instruction with students;
Dance Workshop students perform for the crowd
Spring/Summer 2016 29Albany Academy
A
lbany Academy for Girls Alumnae Association Athletic
for Girls Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Breakfast
took place on Sunday, May 22, 2016 during Reunion
Hall of Fame
Weekend. The event brought together alumnae, family and friends
of all generations. There was laughter and tears of joy as inductees
accepted their awards. Two alumnae and one coach were honored
for their dedication to Academy athletics.
CONGRATULATIONS TO
THE ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2016
Colleen Werther ’07
Angela Marathakis ’99
Coach Gregory Giombetti ’89
FIRST ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT: Dr. Robert T.
Giombetti P’88, ’89, GP’25, Joan Giombetti
P’88, ’89, GP’25, Gregory Giombetti ’89, P’25,
Lisa Giombetti P’25, and Lily Giombetti ’25;
Greg Giombetti ’89, P’25 poses with his
lacrosse players, past and present
SECOND ROW: Angela Marathakis ’99,
Greg Giombetti ’89, P’25, and Colleen
Werther ’07
THIRD ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT:
Robert Werther P’06, ’07, Mary Lynne
McKee, Kim Garry, Maureen Werther P’06,
’07, Mike Garry; Jessica DeRosa Davos ’98, P’27,
’29 welcomes Angela Marathakis ’99 into the Albany
Academy for Girls Athletic Hall of Fame; Jessica DeRosa Davos
’98, P’27, ’29 welcomes Greg Giombetti ’89, P’25 into the Albany
Academy for Girls Athletic Hall of Fame
FOURTH ROW: Dr. Stephanie Finn ’05 and Alexis “Biz” Deeb
introduce their lacrosse coach, Greg Giombetti ’89, P’25; Former
faculty member Peter Marathakis P’99, Angela Marathakis ’99,
Jessica DeRosa Davos ’98, P’27, ’29, and Tina Marathakis P’99
30 The Albany Academies MagazineThe Albany
T
he Albany Academy Alumni Association Athletic Hall
Academy Athletic
of Fame took place on Saturday, May 21, 2016 and
it was a wonderful gathering of alumni, friends and
family. The inductee slate was impressive and varied by class
year and sport. Honorees were welcomed into the Hall of
Fame and celebrated for their commitment, dedication and
success in athletics at The Albany Academy.
Hall of Fame
CONGRATULATIONS TO
THE ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2016
Richard Smith ’51 Seth DiNola ’01
Dr. Robert Brenner ’56 Tim Flynn ’01
Keith Darby ’91 Dan Olson ’01
David Tessitore, Jr. ’91 1960 Football Team
Michael-John DePalmna, PhD ’96 1990 Soccer Team
FIRST ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT:
Ernest D. Steck H’77, P’77,
’79 poses with Andrew Fisher
IV ’61; George Leveille P’99,
’04 shares a laugh during the
ceremony; Alumni and family
gather and mingle before the
start of the program
SECOND ROW: Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2016 stands
together, from the left, David Tessitore, Jr. ’91, Dan Olson
’01, Dr. Robert Brenner ’56, Richard Smith ’51, Michael-John
DePalmna, PhD ’96, Seth DiNola ’01, Keith Darby ’91, and
Timothy Flynn ’01
THIRD ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT: Keith Darby ’91, Dave Rider
’73, P’04, David P. Tessitore, Jr. ’91; AA Athletic Hall of Fame
Selection Committee Member, Kenneth C. Weafer Esq. ’95
leads the Induction Ceremony; David Tessitore, Jr. ’91, Blaine
LeGere ’91, David Martin ’61, and Keith Darby ’91
FOURTH ROW: Family member captures a moment of the
Induction ceremony; Kenneth Lyons ’56 sharing remarks about
inductee, Dr. Robert Brenner ’56
Spring/Summer 2016 31You can also read
