Updates from 1985

Woody Thompson, Bart Polacsek and Craig Schwitter “staged our own Deerfield revolution!” dancing recklessly with death by chugging Cuba Libres and then driving through the streets of Havana in a ’59 Chevy with the top and windows down while shouting “Knit One Pearl two…” and “Viva La Deerfield!” At least they didn’t shout the one that goes “Ice Cold Duck…makes you wanna BEAT CUBA!”

As he completes his Ph.D. in film at Berkeley, George Larkin won second place in the Samuel Goldman Writing Awards for his new play “Bastard Son.” Both old-school and contemporary at once, George’s inimitable black humor and hilarious dialogue result in a neo-classic piece that’s the typical Larkin super-smart laugh-a-minute romp. Additionally his recent movie “Speaking of Baghdad” continues to play at festivals around the world as well as on TV and in schools. And if that’s not enough, he and his wife Elizabeth welcomed twins Maura and Patrick into the world on October 8.

As you probably know Keith Pennell‘s daughter Caroline was a dominating performer on NBC’s The Voice, and tuning in every week became a Deerfield custom this Fall, with impromptu viewing parties and post-show Facebook discussions going on long into the night. The apple obviously didn’t fall far from the tree as Keith’s musical prowess was always a highlight of our class’s many talents. I still remember the rousing rendition of the Sons of Deerfield he led in the Memorial Building the evening before we walked in graduation the next day. Keith’s new band, Midnight Toast, plays NYC and Northern Jersey frequently, so there’s an easy (and fun!) potential class meet-up. Keith also became the first person in world history to straighten up the Leaning Tower of Pisa (see picture). Why hadn’t anybody thought of it before? Or could it be that only a Deerfield alumni are worthy of the challenge?

Speaking of Facebook, let’s all give a “Yay! Rah Rah!” to Ted Ullyot for the sterling job he did for so many years as Facebook’s General Counsel. I’m sure he’s looking forward to more well-deserved time with Jen, the boys, and the Vikings. Honored at last year’s Supreme Court Historical Society gala for his work, he got to share the evening with fellow ’85er Joe Kaufman, also an excellent attorney. Speaking of lawyers, Wesley Pratt joined a new law firm – Brent, Fiol, and Nolan. Best of luck with the new gig, Wes!

Meanwhile, my own personal “Big Green Across America” Golf Tour continues apace. I always get a few rounds in with Bruce Moulton in between the two of us seeing concerts in the City for various clients. Bruce is spending a little less time managing artists and, instead, is doing more record label management for acts like the Black Crowes. He and Greg Delts came to my “Sportswriters Night in New York” event where I read with and interviewed other New York sports writers and athletes. Deltsy, by the way has been elected to the NYS Assembly for his NYC district. Happily, I always see a lot of Jeff Downing, who has taken on a new job as Director of the Mt. Cuba Center Botanical Gardens in Delaware. “I feel like a hobbit that made it to Rivendell,” he said, beaming. It’s a gorgeous place, the botanical gardens, so stop by for a tour. Besides playing a number of great golf courses this year, we went to the U.S. Open at Merion over the weekend. We also got lost on a golf course together, as hobbits journeying in the wild sometimes do…but that’s a story for reunion. Finally, Kevin Ellingwood and George Knight will have both dropped off daughters at DA for the start of winter term.

Jay Flemma, Class Scribe

1985

Frequently Asked Questions

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:

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

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.

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

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