The Essence of Things

Class Notes
Class of 1955
Posted on September 23, 2015

Karl Robinson contemplates decades of his continual “quest to fathom the essence of things” since our formative boyhood days at Deerfield:
“We speak of the Deerfield ‘bond’ so intimately connected with the beauty of Pocumtuck Valley, a quiet spot set far from the madding crowd. Did we bond more with the school or with the valley? Without the valley with its majestic trees and its great river flowing ‘on its way’, it is hard to imagine the school for the school derives so much from being ensconced in such a magical place. Enter Albany Road and the vibration changes into something (for lack of a better word) holy. Go out the other end, it changes back into that of the frenzied world. The how and why of this Deerfield vibration is now and ever will be a mystery which needs no solving only acknowledging. We who were fortunate to attend Deerfield know in our hearts that ‘… all the valley lies in splendor’ … Yes, truly fortunate. … To think that I got to spend four years and see sixteen magnificent seasons parade through that valley. What a gift! What a great good fortune! The stately old houses, the majestic trees, and above all the heavy tranquility — it filled me with awe and beauty and peace. It has always been with me — a legacy of beauty and peace. Thank you, Frank Boyden, for settling there and creating a great school that pulled me to you and Pocumtuck Valley.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of the Alumni Association?

Upon graduating from Deerfield, alumni enter a diverse network of former Deerfield students. Deerfield alumni have ventured into almost every area of employment, and many are at the top of their respective fields. The advantages of this vast network are numerous and significant, as every member of the Deerfield family receives the following:

Automatic subscription to Deerfield Magazine
Online subscription to the Deerfield Scroll
Access to the Deerfield Mobile App and directory
Invitations to special events both on and off campus
Eligibility for membership in a number of recognition societies

Alumni are also eligible for alumni awards, such as the Ashley Award, Heritage Award, and the Mimi Morsman Award.

As a member of the Alumni Association, do I have dues?

There are no membership fees or dues for members of the Deerfield family, but Deerfield does ask for assistance in a few areas. First of all, in order for Deerfield to have the most up-to-date records possible, we encourage members to keep us apprised of their current contact info. Alumni are also urged to direct all concerns and suggestions regarding Deerfield’s operations through the Executive Committee, the governing body of the Alumni Association. The committee acts as the voice of the alumni body, and works closely with the school administration. In order to keep tuition affordable and the quality of a Deerfield education at its highest, the Academy depends upon the continuing support of alumni and their families. This support can take the form of annual or capital gifts, or time spent volunteering on behalf of Deerfield.

How can I network with other alumni in my area?

There are Deerfield Clubs in many major American cities. Please visit here for more information on specific clubs and their sponsored events.

As a Deerfield alum, am I invited to campus athletic events and performances?

Of course! Be sure to read the latest issue of From Albany Road in your email’s in-box for current news of what is happening on campus. As we also send out periodic invitations, it’s always best to make sure we have your current physical address. And if you do plan on visiting campus, why not tell us ahead of time?

Contact the Office of Advancement

alumni@deerfield.edu
413-774-1474

7 Boyden Lane, PO Box 306
Deerfield, MA 01342

7 Boyden Lane, PO Box 87, Deerfield, MA 01342

NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATORY POLICY AS TO STUDENTS: Deerfield Academy admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.