May 2019
Academy Alumni in the News

Ryan Williams '08 (pictured) authored an article for Fast Company titled "5 things you're getting wrong in setting diversity goals: Diversity is good for business, but where do you start? How do you set goals that feel tangible and achievable, yet impactful?" Also included in this month's press clippings are Caroline Anders '17Addis Boyd '18, Rachel Carpenter '01, Zach Doran '00Kate Van Buskirk Flocken '06Win Fox '08, James Friedman '68, Artie Isaac '78, George Kauffman '92, Jack Lint '14, Ming Peiffer '06, Rick Ricart '98, Kevin Sibbring '78, Bemnet Tesfaye '15, Victor Thorne '92, Chad Thorson '86, Chad Underwood '04, Abby Wilson '15 and the obituary for Pete Webster '58.

If you have clips (either in print or on the web) to pass along for future issues, please send them to Director of Alumni Relations Melissa Clarke Beckett at beckettm@columbusacademy.org.
Exciting New Schedule Announced for Alumni Weekend 2019

All alumni are invited to attend Alumni Weekend, featuring reunion classes ending in 4 and 9, on September 20-21, 2019. 

This year's Alumni Weekend features a host of new programs including the chance to: 
  • Find yourself back in the classroom learning from beloved teachers (without fearing a pop quiz!)
  • Explore Academy's new makerspace and leave with your own personalized CA memento
  • Take a campus tour (still the school you love with new spaces and places that are spectacular)
  • Hear the State of Academy from Head of School Melissa Soderberg 
  • Enjoy a picnic lunch (families and guests are welcome), including special recognition of the Class of 1969 as its members celebrate their 50th Reunion (guaranteed to be the perfect chance to relax and reconnect with classmates)
Click here to view the full schedule of events, and stay tuned for further weekend updates including details regarding reunion class gatherings. 

Coming in from out of town? A block of rooms has been reserved at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Columbus - Easton Area. The $129/night room rate includes transportation to and from John Glenn International Airport; a shuttle to and from Columbus Academy for Alumni Weekend programming, daily complimentary breakfast and free wifi. Click here to book your room at our Academy discounted rate using code CAC. 
Go Behind the Curtain with Columbus Academy

If you live in New York City or are just looking for an excuse to make a trip to the Big Apple... all alumni are invited to enjoy an afternoon with fellow Vikings at a matinee production of "Dropping Gumballs on Luke Wilson"  by playwright Rob Ackerman '76.

After the 2:00 p.m. show on Saturday, June 15, enjoy light refreshments and beverages while taking advantage of an Academy exclusive post-performance dialogue with Rob at The A.R.T./New York Mezzanine Theatre. Attendees will also receive an insider's update on Academy's performing arts program from Stefan Farrenkopf, upper school English teacher and spring musical director.

"Dropping Gumballs on Luke Wilson" is inspired by a true, little-known story about the making of an iconic TV commercial in which a legendary film director puts a movie star's life in the hands of a very nervous props guy. Run time is approximately 75 minutes with no intermission.
2019 Young Alumni Award and Networking Reception

Alumni, family and friends recently gathered for the third annual Alumni Networking Reception to honor Rachel Carpenter '01 with the 2019 Young Alumni Award ( watch presentation) and for a panel discussion focused on the digital customer experience. In addition to Rachel (Global Head of Insights and Design Strategy, Citi), the panel included Ricky Joshi '97 (Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer, Saatva) and Ryan Williams '08 (Co-Founder and President, Jopwell) and was moderated by Chelsea Clements '05 (Website Performance Marketing Manager for Green Growth Brands). 
Alumni Association Welcomes Seniors 
 
At the annual Senior-Alumni Board Luncheon last week, Alumni Board President Lauren Hilsheimer '02 officially welcomed and congratulated Academy's Class of 2019.
 
Director of Alumni Relations Melissa Clarke Beckett recognized the Student Alumni Board Representatives ( Kayla Podgurski, Samantha Kass, Harry Mills, Abigail Fisher and Deven Cobb) for their work this year connecting alumni and students in new and meaningful ways as well as for their commitment as class agents following graduation. 

Retiring board members David Inglis '61 , Kara Anderson Pickler '02 and Sheila Dioun Trautner '98 (owner of the Creekside Conference and Event Center, where the event was held) were also recognized and thanked for their years of service and commitment to Academy and its Alumni Association.
All Day 4 CA - Thank You! 
 
Thank you to everyone who joined in All Day 4 CA on April 4-5. An incredible 1,054 Vikings ( 114 more than last year) contributed $496,390 in support of our exceptional school, faculty, staff and students. In case you missed it, check out the #AllDay4CA video featuring faculty members and renderings of the new arts and athletics facilities currently under construction.

The 2018-19 Annual Fund ends June 30, and so far, 86% of this year's goal has been raised. If you have not yet participated, your support is still needed this school year. Click here to make a gift or pledge online. Thank you for your generous spirit!
School News

Robert L. Solomon II, Assistant Vice Provost for The Ohio State University Office of Diversity & Inclusion, will serve as the guest speaker at Columbus Academy's 106th Commencement . Robert was a member of the school's Board of Trustees from 2009-15. He and his wife Dinessa are the parents of Academy alumni Lee Solomon '14 and Allegra Solomon '16. "I was honored and humbled by the request to speak at the Columbus Academy Commencement," he said about the upcoming ceremony, which will begin at 9:00 a.m. on June 6. "We were an active part of the CA family for nine years, which were among the most rewarding years of our children's education. Academy does an exceptional job of preparing our students to serve, lead, think critically and care about their world. I can think of no greater honor than to have contributed to the CA mission and to have made friends for life among the parents, students, faculty, staff and administration who took that special journey along with me."
Sports News

A wonderful story on the late Mark Barren '78
and his sons (Jamie '16, senior David and freshman Andrew) has just been published by ThisWeek News. "The school does a good job when they have a coach or an alum who has done so much for the school," said Jamie, who is serving as an assistant coach for Academy's middle school boys lacrosse team this spring. "They make sure everyone remembers them and recognizes what they did and the impact they had."
Send In Your Class Notes

If you have news and/or photos for the Fall 2019 issue of 
Academy magazine, please submit online, email to Director of Alumni Relations  Melissa Clarke Beckett at beckettm@columbusacademy.org  or mail to the Alumni Office at 4300 Cherry Bottom Road, Gahanna, OH 43230. We look forward to hearing from you!
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