Alumni Weekend 2019

Bonnie Beach H ’14 and Kathryn Quirk H ’14 Named Honorary Alumnae; Four Former Student-Athletes Inducted into Athletic Hall of Fame 

On April 26^th, former colleagues, coaches, and teachers, and beloved family members, from infants to grandparents, turned out to celebrate two Hun employees and four Hun athletes. Honorees were lauded for their contributions to the School and accomplishments here and beyond.

Bonnie Beach, who spearheaded the creation of the Academic Learning Center that now bears her name, and long-time coach, teacher, and administrator Kathryn Quirk, were named Hun Honorary Alumnae, a distinction given to just ten people in the 105-year history of the School.

AHOF Inductees included:

• Polo Wagner Mueller ’94 (three-time NCAA women’s fencing champion)
• Erin Cahill-Wetzel ’99 (cross country, basketball, and softball letter winner, 1,000-point scorer)
• Craig J. McGovern ’04 (baseball, basketball, football and lacrosse, Rutgers and Michigan State University football)
• Nick Williams ’09 (football, basketball, and track; NFL player)

Xavier Goss '99 Inspires Students and Alumni

Xavier Goss ’99 returned to campus on Saturday, April 27^th as part of Alumni Weekend celebrations. Mr. Goss was invited by Cultural Competency and Global Diversity to speak to students, alumni, and faculty. During his four years at The Hun School, Mr. Goss ran track and was the captain of the football team. He attended Harvard University, where he studied economics and continued his athletic career. Upon graduation, he joined BlackRock where he now serves as a managing director. 

Mr. Goss, who immigrated to the United States from Jamaica at the age of five, exemplified the many ways Hun shaped him, from the international diversity to the time management skills that helped him navigate his time at Harvard. “Before I came to Hun, I didn’t know anyone from Dubai–I didn’t even know there was a Dubai.” Mr. Goss also credited his former coach, Mr. Bill Long for encouraging him to test his limits. “He always said, ‘Run faster, X. Work harder, X.’” 

While his session was peppered with anecdotes and advice for students, one point he drove home was the importance of stepping outside of your comfort zone. “If you’re the kid who stays in your room and studies, change that. Go out and meet people. Experience the world.” As other alumni in the room reflected on how they too believed in the power of getting to know as many people as possible, Mr. Goss ended with a few words of wisdom. “Listen more than you talk. Give more than you receive.” 

21^st Annual Run for Kate Raises $17,730

Runners and walkers of all ages, and cheering onlookers, turned out for the 21st Annual 5K Run for Kate on April 27^th, a favorite Alumni Weekend event. This year's race featured more than 100 participants.

We would like to extend a special thanks to all of the sponsors whose leadership and support help to grow The Katherine Wright Gorrie ’98 Memorial Scholarship.

2019 Winners were: Thomas Pallotti '09 (21:54) and Robin Bunevich '04 (23:45).

Contact Janine Russo Vanisko '83 if you would like to make a gift to the Katherine Wright Gorrie ’98 Memorial Scholarship.

Katherine Wright Gorrie '98 Memorial Scholarship
The proceeds from the Run for Kate supports a deserving current Hun student who “best exemplifies Kate’s qualities - love of family and friends, respect for the environment, joy and radiance of expression and demeanor, integrity, a desire to acquire and impart knowledge, and a commitment to community service.”

If you have any questions, or need further assistance, please contact Director of Alumni Engagement and Reunion Giving, Janine Russo Vanisko '83 at janinevanisko@hunschool.org.

State of the School 

Board Chair Steve Wills and Headmaster Jonathan Brougham reported on the school’s current strengths, which are moving Hun forward on many fronts. From a record-setting admission season, to surging Hun Fund support (particularly from Reunion classes), to the board's vision for a comprehensive upgrade to ou​r theater and science facilities.

During his address, Headmaster Brougham recognized Kathy Quirk for her 46 years of service to the Hun School. Kathy will retire in June.

Chesebro-Cup-Winning Class of 1969 Raises a Record-Breaking $154,875

The Reunion Giving Program has reached an unprecedented $300,000 so far, including a record-setting gift from the Class of 1969, who contributed $154, 875.

Through the dedication and generosity of reunion classes, the students of today and tomorrow benefit greatly from reunion giving programs that have a far-reaching impact. Reunion giving provides an excellent opportunity to support the school in a way that is personally meaningful to you. 

An anonymous member of the Class of 1969 made a $50,000 gift to the Hun Fund and put forth a matching challenge of $50,000. As intended, his gift inspired classmates to fulfill the match and raised a total of $154,875.  

The effort earned the class the Paul R. Chesebro H’14 Cup, awarded to the class with the largest Annual Fund gift. 

Those who have not yet given will have another chance as the May 8th Raider Giving Day, approaches. Please make a donation, and onward to June 30^th, our fiscal year-end. And, thank you to all who have already given, especially the record-setting Class of 1969!

Make a Gift Now

The Paul R. Chesebro H'14 Cup 

Awarded to the class with the largest Annual Fund gift 

1st place - Class of 1969 - $154,875

2nd place - Class of 1974 - $36,615

3rd place - Class of 1999 - $17,715

The G. Gerald Donaldson H'14 Cup

Awarded to the class with the highest percentage of participation in the Annual Fund (class size 20 or more)

1st place - Class of 1964 - 33.33%

2nd place - Class of 1969 - 32.65%

3rd place - Class of 2009 - 22.88%

The James M. Byer '62 Award 

Awarded to the class with the highest percentage of classmates attending their Reunion 

1st place - Class of 2014 - 34.31%

2nd place - Class of 1969 - 26.53%

3rd place - Class of 1989 - 22.64%

Alumni Weekend 2020: April 17th and 18th

Come back and connect with friends, faculty, coaches and the School. All alumni are invited to celebrate, but our milestone reunion years end in 0 and 5: 1945, 1950, 1955, 1960, 1965, 1970, 1975, 1980, 1985, 1990, 1995, 2000, 2005, 2010, and 2015.

If you would like to volunteer for your reunion, contact classmates, and encourage your friends to come back and give back in honor of your reunion year, please contact alumni@hunschool.org

Have you moved? Changed email addresses? Update your contact information so you continue to receive mail and email from us. 

Be sure to check back to see more details and hotel information for Alumni Weekend 2020.

We'll see you back on campus!