July 2019 FROM ROLAND AVENUE July is a time for snowballs, fireworks, summer reading, and vacations – I actually just returned from an incredible seven-day, 200-mile mountain bike trip from Durango, Colo. to Moab, Utah. It was awesome! It also offers time to look back on the school year that has just concluded and to revisit a few recent alumni stories. Some delight and inspire, some intrigue, and others, sadly, offer tragic tales of lives lost too soon. Whether happy or sad, these stories almost universally demonstrate the strength and power of the Gilman community, which time and again rushes to congratulate classmates who are thriving and rallies around those who have hit harder times. It is a real privilege to be able to share them with you. No matter where you are reading this – at the office or on the beach – I hope you are enjoying a warm and wonderful start to summer. Nathaniel Badder '94 Director of Alumni Relations & Outreach
WE DID IT! We concluded our six-year First Things First campaign on June 30, and are delighted to report that, together, we raised more than $60 million! Thank you to everyone who participated and helped to support Gilman's promise and people. We could not have done it without you! Click here to enjoy a brief video showing our appreciation.
WHAT'S THE BUZZ? Joe Davies '80 talked to WBAL's Scott Wykoff about training Senior Senator, one of the most dominant horses in one of the most storied Steeplechase races in the nation. Brandon Copeland '09 has finally gotten his chance to showcase his talent with the Jets. Patrick Smithwick '69 published his newest book, Racing Time, the third installment of a horse racing- inspired trilogy. John Rosenberg '94 and partners launched Fairview Equity Partners. Will Rosenfield '14 repeated as NESCAC Men's Golfer of the Year. Ryan Boyle '00 will be inducted into the National Lacrosse Hall of Fame this fall. Learn more about these stories and more on Buzz Worthy.
AROUND (A DIFFERENT) CAMPUS: ESPANA! For 17 days in June, a group of Upper School students experienced an immersive experience in Spain that they will not soon forget! After exploring Madrid, they were off to the coastal city of Gijón, where the boys attended daily classes, ate meals with their host families − speaking only Spanish! − and participated in organized activities and excursions. The linguistic and cultural benefits that this program provides will undoubtedly impact students for years to come. Click here to read more and see photos from their trip.
A REASON TO REUNITE Members of the class of 1982 – including Tom Waxter, Taylor Classen, Frank Bonsal, Chris Alevizatos, Glenn Lacher, George Doub, Billy Matthews, Wells Obrecht, Tim Krongard, and their spouses – held a mini-reunion at the home of Kerri and Taylor Classen to meet (some for the first time) the wife and son of classmate Kurt Erlbeck, who died five years ago. Learn more and see photos from this and other stories in Class Notes online.
IN MEMORIAM Adam Janet '07 Too young, too soon. Adam Janet, a 12-year man and member of the class of 2007, passed away on June 29, leaving behind a wife, Corinne, and daughter, Ricki. Adam will be remembered for his gentle nature, kind spirit, intelligence, and commitment to his family and friends. After Gilman, Adam attended Northwestern University and the University of Maryland Law School, where he earned Magna Cum Laude and the Order of the Coif. As a partner at Janet, Janet & Suggs, he was recognized as a 2019 Rising Star by Super Lawyers.
At his funeral service, the rabbi read a moving letter that Adam had written several months ago. In it, he called Gilman an "incredibly wonderful institution," and recognized the School for teaching him how to be a gentleman (even if, he admitted, he may not have acted as one all the time). He credited Gilman as the place where his closest friendships developed and were nurtured. Click here to watch a video of the funeral service or leave a comment for the family.
COMING UP
FROM THE ARCHIVES: Closing This Book As you likely know, Dan Christian retired at the end of this school year after almost 40 years at Gilman. What you may not know is that he actually came to Baltimore in the early 1980s to study at St. Mary's Seminary across Roland Ave. The church's loss was Gilman's gain, and Mr. Christian sat down with Oral Historian Mac Barrett '67 to share his memories of becoming an English teacher, finding a home at Gilman, his passions for Dante and Harry Chapin, and one of his most beloved traditions – reading a book each season with his basketball teams, and then convening the group to discuss the book with its author. Click here to hear Mr. Christian talk about these experiences and more! |