Season's Greetings From Albany Road
Dear Friends—
Here on campus, “Turkey Term” just ended. (In case you're wondering, it's that short slice of Winter Term that's wedged between Thanksgiving and Winter Break.) And as we approach the solstice, let’s focus on some of Deerfield’s wintry joys: our first snowfall on campus (sadly, it melted quickly), eager anticipation for the outdoor skating rink, and the annual Nutcracker performance (please enjoy a clip below).
We’re always mindful of the role alumni play in the lives of our current students, and this past weekend we welcomed a quartet back to campus as part of our annual Pathway program; students interviewed alumni about the original Deerfield radio program, and we are excited for next month’s event celebrating 100 years of Academy hockey.
Wishing everyone happy holidays—especially a happy and healthy New Year,
Jenny B. Hammond P’15, Director of Alumni Relations
Calling all Hockey Alumni and Former Coaches:
Join Us as We Celebrate 100 Years of Hockey at Deerfield!
January 22, 2022
This January, we're celebrating 100 Years of Hockey at Deerfield, and all alumni who played ice hockey are invited! Invitations went out by email in early December, so please check your email accounts, and if you didn't receive one, contact events@deerfield.edu.
Arrive early on Friday for casual afternoon activities such as cookies and cocoa, an open skate on the new outdoor rink, and walk-through dinner. Then on Saturday, we will have a day of celebration featuring a hockey luncheon with current varsity players and coaches, alumni speakers/panelists, and remarks from Head of School John Austin.
We will also host alumni hockey games, and then stay to cheer on the Big Green girls and boys varsity teams. Can’t make it in person? Portions of the weekend, including the alumni panel and all varsity games, will be live-streamed, recorded, and shared after the event.
Questions? Email events@deerfield.edu.
#DAHockey100
Devils Youth Foundation Names New Executive Director
Kate Whitman Annis '95
The Devils Youth Foundation in Newark, New Jersey, recently named Kate Whitman Annis '95 executive director. Kate played hockey at Deerfield, and has an extensive career that spans non-profit operations, public service, event management, fundraising, education, communications, and professional sports.
This is truly a dream come true for me. It allows me to combine my background in non-profit organizations and philanthropy with my love of ice hockey and all things New Jersey," —Kate Whitman Annis
Outdoor Rink
In Progress!
The outdoor skating rink was such a hit last year that it's back with a few upgrades. It is being assembled in the area between the library and Harold Smith Dormitory, and features better lighting and an electronic scoreboard. Crews have been hard at work over the past few weeks, and if the weather cooperates, the rink should be up and running when students return from the Winter Break on January 3.
Pathways Program
December 12 marked the 14th Annual Pathways Program, created by Linus Travers ’54 while he was serving on the Executive Committee of the Alumni Association. Led by Class of 2022 Advancement Ambassadors, this event for seniors is an opportunity to find out what it means to be a Deerfield alumnus, access the alumni network, hear from a trustee, and listen to returning alumni share stories of their career paths—and the challenges they faced along the way.
This year our featured alumni speakers were Abby Cacho ’13, Daniel Phan ’04, Ellicott Dandy ’09, and Daniel Hirsch ’13. We thank them for taking the time to join us! If you are interested in sharing your path with Deerfield students in the future, please contact us at alumnirelations@deerfield.edu.
Scenes from The Nutcracker
The Deerfield Performing Arts Program was proud to present: Scenes from The Nutcracker—a multi-sensory experience featuring the Deerfield Orchestra, Dance Program, and Advanced Vocal Ensemble on December 12 in the Hess Auditorium. Please enjoy this short clip (recorded from the livestream) of the final scene of Sunday's performance.
Young Alumni Events
San Francisco
Please join us at The Box: SF on Friday, January 7, 2022 at 6:00 pm for a Young Alumni Reception with Head of School Dr. John P.N. Austin. Drinks and hors d'oeuvres will be served. Dr. Austin is looking forward to meeting and interacting with Deerfield's recently-graduated classes from 2000 - 2021 at this event.
NYC
Young Alumni Event
Please join us at Raines Law Room at the William on Thursday, January 27, 2022 at 6:30 pm for a Young Alumni Reception with Head of School Dr. John P.N. Austin. Raines Law Room at the William is located at 24 E 39th Street. Drinks and hors d'oeuvres will be served. Dr. Austin is looking forward to meeting and interacting with Deerfield's recently-graduated classes from 2011 - 2021 at this event.
Raines Law Room at the William requires all visitors to be vaccinated. Please bring your vaccination card, as they will be checked at the door. We recognize the health landscape, in regards to Covid, is continuously evolving. As we get closer to the event, we will update you should there be any changes.
Buckingham Browne & Nichols Speech and Debate Tournament
Debate Team Highlight
On Sunday, December 5, DA Speech and Debate attended the annual Buckingham Browne & Nichols Speech and Debate Tournament. The day included two rounds of parliamentary debate with straight resolutions and two rounds on impromptu speaking.
In impromptu speaking, Avery Zakowich '25 took second-place top speaker; Thomas Harrick '23 and Alice Zhang '24 took third-place pair in parliamentary debate; and Thomas took second-place overall top speaker. Congratulations, all!
Under Construction: Simmons Dorm
Share the News!
The Experimentory is Accepting Applications
The Experimentory is a fantastic opportunity for students currently in sixth, seventh, or eighth grade to "sample Deerfield," and we absolutely can’t wait to welcome students back—in person and on campus—for Summer 2022!
An innovative program, the Experimentory allows students to delve into project-based, creative learning that focuses on collaboration, communication, fostering creativity, building character, and developing how we look at the world.
The Experimentory also strives to provide middle school students with a sample of the Deerfield Experience. Most Experimentory teachers and senior staff are Academy faculty, and many of the classroom and dorm assistants are recent Deerfield graduates. In short, the Experimentory is a great way to try boarding school life: spread the word and encourage the middle schoolers you know to apply today!
Reunions 2022
Mark Your Calendars
Reunion Weekend in June is always a happy occasion, and this year will be especially festive, as Deerfield will be hosting three sets of Reunions over two weekends: June 10-12 and June 17-19, 2022. It’s a triple-double! More information is available via the button below, and for those who have a Reunion coming up, keep an eye on both your email and snail mail for details.
Call for Presenters!
For "2s" and "7s"
Why not lead a presentation or workshop at Reunions in your area of professional expertise? Or share an interesting personal journey? Or ?? Deadline for proposals: Friday, January 7, 2022: details below.
Call for Submissions
TEDxDeerfield
May 7, 2022
Seniors Alejanro Leyva-Cortes '22 and William Abou-Rjaili '22 are working hard to bring the 2022 edition of TEDx to Deerfield. The theme for 2022 is "Paper Tigers," which alludes to something that appears intimidating but in reality is rather approachable.
Applications to present a "Ted Talk" at this event are open to the community, and alumni are encouraged to apply! Please send any questions or submissions to faculty advisor Dr. Daniel Houston.
