Greetings from campus!
And we’re off! It has been a busy start to the 2022-23 school year, with Fall weather now creeping into Easthampton. Along with the crisp air and smell of the Autumn leaves, it's wonderful to feel the spirit and energy of having our Wildcats back for a fantastic year!
We are in our second year of Williston Builds: The Campaign for Our Community as we build momentum towards reaching our goals. View our campaign video here. We hope you saw Head of School Robert W. Hill III's opening letter to the alumni community. If you missed it, you can read it here.
Finally, we are looking forward to our Boston Young Alumni Reception on October 27th at Cheeky Monkey for an evening of food, drinks, games, and reconnecting with fellow alumni! This is one of the many alumni events we're planning this year. Keep tabs on our event calendar here!
From all of us in the Alumni Office, we wish you a wonderful Fall season and we look forward to staying in touch—and be sure to scroll down for more alumni news, events, and stories!
Notes from Campus
The Dance Iquail! performance got Williston Arts off to a roaring start. Founded and directed by Iquail Shaheed, Dance Iquail uses the art of dance as a conduit for combating issues of social injustice primarily experienced by inner-city youth. Learn more about upcoming Grum Project presenters along with all that’s happening in art, theater, music, dance, and athletics in the weeks ahead.
Speaking of the Arts, last month we wished a Happy 90th Birthday to Richard Gregory who arrived at Williston in 1961 and founded our Fine Arts Department, the first such program we know of at any independent school. Over a 40-year career, he formed the Caterwaulers and the Widdigers, as well as the Glee Club. He composed operas and chamber music, created sets, designed hats, and was a cherished teacher and role model for countless students. Happy Birthday, Mr. Gregory!
Campus is looking sharp, and students and faculty are enjoying the many beautiful improvements made around campus this summer. See some of the recent changes here.
Making great use of the newly renovated Birch Dining Commons, the first of two culinary celebrations was held last night in observation of Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month (9/15-10/15). The dinner showcased popular dishes from Mexico, such as chilaquiles, Oaxacan red rice, bean and cheese empanadas, Calabacitas, horchata, and Tres Leches cake for dessert.
Four teachers were honored with Instructorships at an all-school Assembly. Darlenia Kokoszka, Wendy Staples, Tyla Taylor, and Mike Mailloux were recognized for their work in the classroom and with students. Read more here.
Stay up-to-date with campus news! The first issue of The Willistonian for this academic year is now online. And if you want to feel like you’re right here on campus with us, scroll through our Flickr galleries!
Spotlight on: Charissa Williar '93
You probably don’t know anyone who loves their job more than Charissa Williar ’93. She’s the Sanitation Facilities Program Manager for the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC), which means that she’s in charge of ensuring that the 130 Alaska Native villages she works with have access to running water and flushing toilets. Find out more about her job and her favorite thing about living in Alaska here.
Spotlight on: Alex Park '81
“...my whole attitude toward my remaining life changed...I’m not ambitious. I don’t need to change society. What’s really important is just me having something to do every day, and to enjoy.”
Alex Park ’81 knew he needed a change. It was 2015, and he had worked in the financial industry for 30 years, building a successful career as a foreign exchange trader for banks around the world. But he sensed he had more to accomplish. Read how he went from investment banking to stand-up, and the lessons he learned along the way.
Spotlight on: Katherine Verdickt '05
While renovating her Dutch Colonial home in Amherst, Massachusetts, fine artist Katherine Verdickt ’05 decided to give the new kitchen a delft backsplash. This is the point where most people pick up the phone and talk to their contractor. Not Verdickt. She decided to make her own tiles. Find out how a kitchen renovation turned into a career for this Wildcat.
Alumni Events
Post-summer events have kicked off with a gathering in Connecticut at Dunkin' Donuts Park, where the Hartford Yard Goats hosted the New Hampshire Fisher Cats. Thank you to those who joined us and made it a great day! Our next event is the Boston Young Alumni Reception at the Cheeky Monkey Brewing Co. on October 27th. Boston young alumni are invited to join us for some after work food, drinks, and fun. To register, click here.
Next up, you'll want to save the date for Finding the Right Fit: Tips on Applying to Independent Schools on Tuesday, November 22 at 7 p.m. ET. If you're considering an independent or boarding school for your child, you'll want to tune in as members of our Admissions team share tips on choosing and applying to schools, with time available for Q&A. This virtual event is just open to Williston alumni.
Be sure to regularly check the alumni events page, as we are always adding new events! Mark your calendars now for upcoming holiday parties and other opportunities to connect with your fellow Alumni throughout the year. We look forward to seeing you soon!
The Williston Northampton alumni network extends world-wide and includes more than 8,500 members who are ready and willing to offer advice and perspective no matter where you are in your career journey. Williston Connects is a platform you can use to find alumni who share your professional and personal interests at the click of a button. Activate your profile today!
With nearly 1,000 members and growing, the Williston Alumni and Alumni of Color LinkedIn Groups are your go-to resources for professional contacts. Tap into the power of your Wildcat Networks!
Students come to Williston eager to change the world and themselves, and your support fuels their dreams!
The Williston Northampton Fund—the school’s annual fund—is the cornerstone of Williston Builds: The Campaign for Our Community and it supports emerging opportunities while enriching our community and programs. Gifts of any amount count towards the campaign and inspire others to join you in investing in and strengthening our school.