The End Depends Upon the Beginning en 2025 Balto Creative Media Andover alumnus Laura Vinroot Poole talks with graduates from the Class of 1990, in advance of their 35th reunion. https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/b55b9564-0f5d-11f0-9831-4b2960b136d9/image/7acd2f4f51a0e15459fee9df72629cf4.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&max-w=3000&max-h=3000&fit=crop&auto=format,compress The End Depends Upon the Beginning yes episodic Andover Class of 1990 Andover Class of 1990 Andover alumnus Laura Vinroot Poole talks with graduates from the Class of 1990, in advance of their 35th reunion. Andover alumnus Laura Vinroot Poole talks with graduates from the Class of 1990, in advance of their 35th reunion.

]]> Balto Creative Media hello@queencitypodcastnetwork.com Chris Swihart Our first 4th generation Andover student, Chris Swihart grew up a 3rd culture expat kid of foreign service parents who decided upon boarding school when his 8th grade class was going to consist of only 1 student, being Chris, in Zagreb. Upon his birth, his father received a note in the diplomatic pouch welcoming him to the Class of 1991. Chris skipped the 8th grade going to a boarding school in Salzburg for a year. Like many of us, Chris knows that he finally found his people when he set foot on campus. His closest pals to this day are his PA people. His story of ex-pat culture shock, his being a year younger than most of our class, and his feeling a little bit behind at all times didn't seem to hold him back. Wed, 17 Dec 2025 08:30:00 -0000 full Andover Class of 1990 Our first 4th generation Andover student, Chris Swihart grew up a 3rd culture expat kid of foreign service parents who decided upon boarding school when his 8th grade class was going to consist of only 1 student, being Chris, in Zagreb. Upon his birth, his father received a note in the diplomatic pouch welcoming him to the Class of 1991. Chris skipped the 8th grade going to a boarding school in Salzburg for a year. Like many of us, Chris knows that he finally found his people when he set foot on campus. His closest pals to this day are his PA people. His story of ex-pat culture shock, his being a year younger than most of our class, and his feeling a little bit behind at all times didn't seem to hold him back. Our first 4th generation Andover student, Chris Swihart grew up a 3rd culture expat kid of foreign service parents who decided upon boarding school when his 8th grade class was going to consist of only 1 student, being Chris, in Zagreb.

Upon his birth, his father received a note in the diplomatic pouch welcoming him to the Class of 1991.

Chris skipped the 8th grade going to a boarding school in Salzburg for a year.

Like many of us, Chris knows that he finally found his people when he set foot on campus. His closest pals to this day are his PA people. His story of ex-pat culture shock, his being a year younger than most of our class, and his feeling a little bit behind at all times didn't seem to hold him back.

]]> 2212 yes Willie Tate Willie Tate came to Andover from Jackson, Mississippi, by way of stops in Ohio, Kentucky, and Massachusetts itself.  An aunt and uncle actually lived in the town of Andover and were pals with Mrs. Skip Eccles, in whose dorm Willie would live Lower year.   Willie’s life changed immensely having been taught, mentored, coached, and shepherded by some of the greats of our time on campus Leon Modeste, Lou Bernieri, Bobby Edwards, Cathy Royal, William Thomas, Thylias Moss, and the incomparable Jay Rogers.  Willie took full advantage of PA: playing football, acting in plays, singing in the Cantata and Gospel Choirs.  To paraphrase Willie,  Andover clears the path for whatever we need to do.  The leitmotifs of this podcast are all here: pivots, resilience, opportunity, the devotion of our class to each other all come through.  Willie hopes to C Ya all soon. Wed, 22 Oct 2025 07:30:00 -0000 full Andover Class of 1990 Willie Tate came to Andover from Jackson, Mississippi, by way of stops in Ohio, Kentucky, and Massachusetts itself.  An aunt and uncle actually lived in the town of Andover and were pals with Mrs. Skip Eccles, in whose dorm Willie would live Lower year.   Willie’s life changed immensely having been taught, mentored, coached, and shepherded by some of the greats of our time on campus Leon Modeste, Lou Bernieri, Bobby Edwards, Cathy Royal, William Thomas, Thylias Moss, and the incomparable Jay Rogers.  Willie took full advantage of PA: playing football, acting in plays, singing in the Cantata and Gospel Choirs.  To paraphrase Willie,  Andover clears the path for whatever we need to do.  The leitmotifs of this podcast are all here: pivots, resilience, opportunity, the devotion of our class to each other all come through.  Willie hopes to C Ya all soon. Willie Tate came to Andover from Jackson, Mississippi, by way of stops in Ohio, Kentucky, and Massachusetts itself.  An aunt and uncle actually lived in the town of Andover and were pals with Mrs. Skip Eccles, in whose dorm Willie would live Lower year.   Willie’s life changed immensely having been taught, mentored, coached, and shepherded by some of the greats of our time on campus Leon Modeste, Lou Bernieri, Bobby Edwards, Cathy Royal, William Thomas, Thylias Moss, and the incomparable Jay Rogers.  Willie took full advantage of PA: playing football, acting in plays, singing in the Cantata and Gospel Choirs.  To paraphrase Willie,  Andover clears the path for whatever we need to do.  The leitmotifs of this podcast are all here: pivots, resilience, opportunity, the devotion of our class to each other all come through.  Willie hopes to C Ya all soon.

]]> 2795 yes Robin Hessman A four-year Senior from Andover, Robin Hessman started her time at PA a day student, but, let’s face it, most of us thought she was a boarder all four years. Robin is now an award-winning documentary filmmaker, a producer, and an Oscar voter.  As with so many of us, her time at PA exposed her to people, places, ideas that transformed her world.  A self-proclaimed theater kid, Robin quoted Kevin Heelan who advised that at Andover, “You can do anything you want.” That same spirit continues with her today in taking risks, starting a new company in her fifties, and not being afraid to fail, a theme in our lives. Robin noted that we all had a sense of agency and determination early on in our lives which may have led to her producing Sesame Street in Moscow at the ripe old age of 22. Like many of us, she’s still trying to figure it all out. Wed, 08 Oct 2025 07:30:00 -0000 full Andover Class of 1990 A four-year Senior from Andover, Robin Hessman started her time at PA a day student, but, let’s face it, most of us thought she was a boarder all four years. Robin is now an award-winning documentary filmmaker, a producer, and an Oscar voter.  As with so many of us, her time at PA exposed her to people, places, ideas that transformed her world.  A self-proclaimed theater kid, Robin quoted Kevin Heelan who advised that at Andover, “You can do anything you want.” That same spirit continues with her today in taking risks, starting a new company in her fifties, and not being afraid to fail, a theme in our lives. Robin noted that we all had a sense of agency and determination early on in our lives which may have led to her producing Sesame Street in Moscow at the ripe old age of 22. Like many of us, she’s still trying to figure it all out. A four-year Senior from Andover, Robin Hessman started her time at PA a day student, but, let’s face it, most of us thought she was a boarder all four years. Robin is now an award-winning documentary filmmaker, a producer, and an Oscar voter.  As with so many of us, her time at PA exposed her to people, places, ideas that transformed her world.  A self-proclaimed theater kid, Robin quoted Kevin Heelan who advised that at Andover, “You can do anything you want.” That same spirit continues with her today in taking risks, starting a new company in her fifties, and not being afraid to fail, a theme in our lives. Robin noted that we all had a sense of agency and determination early on in our lives which may have led to her producing Sesame Street in Moscow at the ripe old age of 22. Like many of us, she’s still trying to figure it all out.

]]> 2044 yes Tom Seeley Tom Seeley is a South Port, Connecticut native, a third generation Andover graduate and the younger sibling of two more graduates. Andover furnished his house on literal and figurative levels. A four year senior, Tom came to PA from Eaglebrook and repeated the ninth grade. His life would have been incomplete had he not attended. A sink or swim place with the survival swim being a metaphor for our time there, Tom eventually swam after a lost and messy Lower year. Sober since 17, Tom gives credit where it was, and is, due to Henry Wilmer, Craig Thorn, Cilla Bonney-Smith, and Pam Brown for shepherding him through his sobriety journey. Tom quoted Pam Brown beautifully, "You can only understand things looking backwards." Our Class Secretary since forever, please remember to send him news for Class Notes! Wed, 27 Aug 2025 13:50:00 -0000 full Andover Class of 1990 Tom Seeley is a South Port, Connecticut native, a third generation Andover graduate and the younger sibling of two more graduates. Andover furnished his house on literal and figurative levels. A four year senior, Tom came to PA from Eaglebrook and repeated the ninth grade. His life would have been incomplete had he not attended. A sink or swim place with the survival swim being a metaphor for our time there, Tom eventually swam after a lost and messy Lower year. Sober since 17, Tom gives credit where it was, and is, due to Henry Wilmer, Craig Thorn, Cilla Bonney-Smith, and Pam Brown for shepherding him through his sobriety journey. Tom quoted Pam Brown beautifully, "You can only understand things looking backwards." Our Class Secretary since forever, please remember to send him news for Class Notes! Tom Seeley is a South Port, Connecticut native, a third generation Andover graduate and the younger sibling of two more graduates.

Andover furnished his house on literal and figurative levels. A four year senior, Tom came to PA from Eaglebrook and repeated the ninth grade. His life would have been incomplete had he not attended.

A sink or swim place with the survival swim being a metaphor for our time there, Tom eventually swam after a lost and messy Lower year.

Sober since 17, Tom gives credit where it was, and is, due to Henry Wilmer, Craig Thorn, Cilla Bonney-Smith, and Pam Brown for shepherding him through his sobriety journey.

Tom quoted Pam Brown beautifully, "You can only understand things looking backwards."

Our Class Secretary since forever, please remember to send him news for Class Notes!

]]> 2945 yes Phil Lisio One of our ex-pat classmates, Phil was born and reared in Manhattan and came to Andover after his Catholic school ended in the eighth grade, with a couple of family connections. As for many of us, it is clearly where he wanted to go. Except for his Chinese exchange trip with Melanie Lynch and Atticus Lish, Phil spent all of his time at PA in Will Hall. That one trip to China changed his life. So did have something at school that was his own through his love of Chinese, since there was so much talent on campus. Phil says that there will never be a question if he's coming back to our reunions. Wed, 27 Aug 2025 13:48:00 -0000 full Andover Class of 1990 One of our ex-pat classmates, Phil was born and reared in Manhattan and came to Andover after his Catholic school ended in the eighth grade, with a couple of family connections. As for many of us, it is clearly where he wanted to go. Except for his Chinese exchange trip with Melanie Lynch and Atticus Lish, Phil spent all of his time at PA in Will Hall. That one trip to China changed his life. So did have something at school that was his own through his love of Chinese, since there was so much talent on campus. Phil says that there will never be a question if he's coming back to our reunions. One of our ex-pat classmates, Phil was born and reared in Manhattan and came to Andover after his Catholic school ended in the eighth grade, with a couple of family connections.

As for many of us, it is clearly where he wanted to go.

Except for his Chinese exchange trip with Melanie Lynch and Atticus Lish, Phil spent all of his time at PA in Will Hall. That one trip to China changed his life. So did have something at school that was his own through his love of Chinese, since there was so much talent on campus.

Phil says that there will never be a question if he's coming back to our reunions.

]]> 2714 yes Oliver Strand A native of Chile, Ollie Strand grew up in Los Angeles after fleeing the political upheaval in his native land with a stop in Alaska along the way. Recruited by Andover at his middle school, Ollie arrived in the fall of 1986, originally in the Class of '89, and moved into Foxcroft South. Honest to a fault, Ollie describes a year of hazing, bullying, and abuse at the hands of his dorm-mates, yet, he survived and returned the next year. Reclassifying into the Class of '90, Ollie took time away from Andover his first go-round of Senior year, coming back to our class in the fall of 1989. Finding his way took some time, but he found his people, affectionately calling them The Island of Misfit Toys. From a fellow classmate’s unexpected generosity, to a mis-captioned photo the day of President Bush’s visit back to campus, to landing in sea planes on the East River in New York, Ollie’s is a tale of those two great Andover qualities: curiosity and confidence. Wed, 27 Aug 2025 07:30:00 -0000 full Andover Class of 1990 A native of Chile, Ollie Strand grew up in Los Angeles after fleeing the political upheaval in his native land with a stop in Alaska along the way. Recruited by Andover at his middle school, Ollie arrived in the fall of 1986, originally in the Class of '89, and moved into Foxcroft South. Honest to a fault, Ollie describes a year of hazing, bullying, and abuse at the hands of his dorm-mates, yet, he survived and returned the next year. Reclassifying into the Class of '90, Ollie took time away from Andover his first go-round of Senior year, coming back to our class in the fall of 1989. Finding his way took some time, but he found his people, affectionately calling them The Island of Misfit Toys. From a fellow classmate’s unexpected generosity, to a mis-captioned photo the day of President Bush’s visit back to campus, to landing in sea planes on the East River in New York, Ollie’s is a tale of those two great Andover qualities: curiosity and confidence. A native of Chile, Ollie Strand grew up in Los Angeles after fleeing the political upheaval in his native land with a stop in Alaska along the way.

Recruited by Andover at his middle school, Ollie arrived in the fall of 1986, originally in the Class of '89, and moved into Foxcroft South.

Honest to a fault, Ollie describes a year of hazing, bullying, and abuse at the hands of his dorm-mates, yet, he survived and returned the next year.

Reclassifying into the Class of '90, Ollie took time away from Andover his first go-round of Senior year, coming back to our class in the fall of 1989.

Finding his way took some time, but he found his people, affectionately calling them The Island of Misfit Toys.

From a fellow classmate’s unexpected generosity, to a mis-captioned photo the day of President Bush’s visit back to campus, to landing in sea planes on the East River in New York, Ollie’s is a tale of those two great Andover qualities: curiosity and confidence.

]]> 3380 yes Leon Modeste Our first faculty member, Brooklyn native Leon Modeste, Coach Mo, joined PA when our class did in 1986. Lou Bernieri's best pal since high school, Coach Mo filled the vacant football coach position at Lou's encouragement and after interviewing with Paul Kalkstein, a bed-ridden Kelly Wise, and a Bruce Springsteen-loving Mike Kuta. Thrust into Bartlett, ill-prepared and learning as he went, Mo developed an immediate kinship with our class. He described that kinship as being easy since he taught almost all of us PE our junior or lower years. Our class took him in, he said. He trained us as much as we trained him. Coach Mo tells a poignant tell of sobriety, support, community, grit, resilience, and stick-to-it-ness. As Coach says, "The try is all that matters." Oh, there's a great anecdote about someone from ten deep and the Abbott Bizarre dunk tank. Wed, 27 Aug 2025 07:30:00 -0000 full Andover Class of 1990 Our first faculty member, Brooklyn native Leon Modeste, Coach Mo, joined PA when our class did in 1986. Lou Bernieri's best pal since high school, Coach Mo filled the vacant football coach position at Lou's encouragement and after interviewing with Paul Kalkstein, a bed-ridden Kelly Wise, and a Bruce Springsteen-loving Mike Kuta. Thrust into Bartlett, ill-prepared and learning as he went, Mo developed an immediate kinship with our class. He described that kinship as being easy since he taught almost all of us PE our junior or lower years. Our class took him in, he said. He trained us as much as we trained him. Coach Mo tells a poignant tell of sobriety, support, community, grit, resilience, and stick-to-it-ness. As Coach says, "The try is all that matters." Oh, there's a great anecdote about someone from ten deep and the Abbott Bizarre dunk tank. Our first faculty member, Brooklyn native Leon Modeste, Coach Mo, joined PA when our class did in 1986.

Lou Bernieri's best pal since high school, Coach Mo filled the vacant football coach position at Lou's encouragement and after interviewing with Paul Kalkstein, a bed-ridden Kelly Wise, and a Bruce Springsteen-loving Mike Kuta.

Thrust into Bartlett, ill-prepared and learning as he went, Mo developed an immediate kinship with our class. He described that kinship as being easy since he taught almost all of us PE our junior or lower years.

Our class took him in, he said. He trained us as much as we trained him.

Coach Mo tells a poignant tell of sobriety, support, community, grit, resilience, and stick-to-it-ness.

As Coach says, "The try is all that matters." Oh, there's a great anecdote about someone from ten deep and the Abbott Bizarre dunk tank.

]]> 2930 yes Reunion Weekend The end depends upon the beginning. As we reach the end of this podcast series, we brought executive producers Meredith Carter and Hamlin O'Kelly (you know him) to reflect on just what this podcast has meant to all of us. Wed, 04 Jun 2025 23:00:00 -0000 full Andover Class of 1990 The end depends upon the beginning. As we reach the end of this podcast series, we brought executive producers Meredith Carter and Hamlin O'Kelly (you know him) to reflect on just what this podcast has meant to all of us. The end depends upon the beginning. As we reach the end of this podcast series, we brought executive producers Meredith Carter and Hamlin O'Kelly (you know him) to reflect on just what this podcast has meant to all of us.

]]> 1313 yes Jared Jackson A native of Lexington, MA, Jared is the grandson of a member of the class of '29 and nephew of a member of the class of '63. Arriving as a New Lower, Jared recalls his interview with Mrs. Richards who advised early on that the place would be academically challenging. Moving into Will Hall in the fall of 1987 with The Beatles playing in the background, Jared took up the challenges of PA. For him and for many of us, the place is all about the friendships. "That's Andover" he states. Instilling a general confidence and the power to be bold, Jared adores the people in our class and will never miss a reunion. Fri, 30 May 2025 07:28:00 -0000 full Andover Class of 1990 A native of Lexington, MA, Jared is the grandson of a member of the class of '29 and nephew of a member of the class of '63. Arriving as a New Lower, Jared recalls his interview with Mrs. Richards who advised early on that the place would be academically challenging. Moving into Will Hall in the fall of 1987 with The Beatles playing in the background, Jared took up the challenges of PA. For him and for many of us, the place is all about the friendships. "That's Andover" he states. Instilling a general confidence and the power to be bold, Jared adores the people in our class and will never miss a reunion. A native of Lexington, MA, Jared is the grandson of a member of the class of '29 and nephew of a member of the class of '63.

Arriving as a New Lower, Jared recalls his interview with Mrs. Richards who advised early on that the place would be academically challenging.

Moving into Will Hall in the fall of 1987 with The Beatles playing in the background, Jared took up the challenges of PA.

For him and for many of us, the place is all about the friendships. "That's Andover" he states.

Instilling a general confidence and the power to be bold, Jared adores the people in our class and will never miss a reunion.

]]> 2165 yes Jen Amis From a small town in Nebraska smaller than the PA student body, Jen Amis followed her siblings to Andover. On the recommendation of Doc Minne to her father, the Amis siblings applied and matriculated. Jen describes the importance of the mission to educate youth from every quarter exposing her teenaged, small-town Midwestern self to an entire world. From getting a 2 in Lower French during the fall to spending her Upper year in France with School Year Abroad, Jen had her language and cultural horizons deeply broadened at PA. She relishes learning to this day. Since her SYA, she has been a extensive traveler. Looking back, Jen acknowledged that most of us had more responsibility at 13, 14, and 15 than most college freshmen: we rose to challenges at a young age, including learning how to do our own laundry. To quote Jen, “We are a family.” Fri, 30 May 2025 07:26:00 -0000 full Andover Class of 1990 From a small town in Nebraska smaller than the PA student body, Jen Amis followed her siblings to Andover. On the recommendation of Doc Minne to her father, the Amis siblings applied and matriculated. Jen describes the importance of the mission to educate youth from every quarter exposing her teenaged, small-town Midwestern self to an entire world. From getting a 2 in Lower French during the fall to spending her Upper year in France with School Year Abroad, Jen had her language and cultural horizons deeply broadened at PA. She relishes learning to this day. Since her SYA, she has been a extensive traveler. Looking back, Jen acknowledged that most of us had more responsibility at 13, 14, and 15 than most college freshmen: we rose to challenges at a young age, including learning how to do our own laundry. To quote Jen, “We are a family.” From a small town in Nebraska smaller than the PA student body, Jen Amis followed her siblings to Andover.

On the recommendation of Doc Minne to her father, the Amis siblings applied and matriculated. Jen describes the importance of the mission to educate youth from every quarter exposing her teenaged, small-town Midwestern self to an entire world.

From getting a 2 in Lower French during the fall to spending her Upper year in France with School Year Abroad, Jen had her language and cultural horizons deeply broadened at PA.

She relishes learning to this day. Since her SYA, she has been a extensive traveler.

Looking back, Jen acknowledged that most of us had more responsibility at 13, 14, and 15 than most college freshmen: we rose to challenges at a young age, including learning how to do our own laundry.

To quote Jen, “We are a family.”

]]> 1618 yes Michael Zetlan Our only Day Student panelist, Mike Zetlan was a day student from Andover who didn’t act like a day student. He immersed himself into everything on campus during his time at PA, because, after all, “You have to put in some effort.” As many of us have stated, PA was the place where people saw Mike for who he was and got him for who he was. A place where being smart and working hard were admired, it was a revelation for Mike to find out that the kids who got 6’s in class were “kinda cool.” Curiosity and resilience are the two biggest takeaways Mike has from his time at Andover. Working in the non-profit world, Mike thinks about Non Sibi all the time. I’ll let Mike tell his story of the comfort given to him just by being on campus during a horrible time our Senior year. As Mike said, the things PA afforded us were incredible. And, like many of us have said, college was not that hard. Fri, 30 May 2025 07:24:00 -0000 full Andover Class of 1990 Our only Day Student panelist, Mike Zetlan was a day student from Andover who didn’t act like a day student. He immersed himself into everything on campus during his time at PA, because, after all, “You have to put in some effort.” As many of us have stated, PA was the place where people saw Mike for who he was and got him for who he was. A place where being smart and working hard were admired, it was a revelation for Mike to find out that the kids who got 6’s in class were “kinda cool.” Curiosity and resilience are the two biggest takeaways Mike has from his time at Andover. Working in the non-profit world, Mike thinks about Non Sibi all the time. I’ll let Mike tell his story of the comfort given to him just by being on campus during a horrible time our Senior year. As Mike said, the things PA afforded us were incredible. And, like many of us have said, college was not that hard. Our only Day Student panelist, Mike Zetlan was a day student from Andover who didn’t act like a day student. He immersed himself into everything on campus during his time at PA, because, after all, “You have to put in some effort.”

As many of us have stated, PA was the place where people saw Mike for who he was and got him for who he was. A place where being smart and working hard were admired, it was a revelation for Mike to find out that the kids who got 6’s in class were “kinda cool.”

Curiosity and resilience are the two biggest takeaways Mike has from his time at Andover.

Working in the non-profit world, Mike thinks about Non Sibi all the time. I’ll let Mike tell his story of the comfort given to him just by being on campus during a horrible time our Senior year.

As Mike said, the things PA afforded us were incredible. And, like many of us have said, college was not that hard.

]]> 1797 yes Kiersten Todt Hailing from a small, rural community in Wester Connecticut, Kiersten Todt gave her honest, unvarnished assessment that she was not psyched to be coming to Andover as a junior. Living in Abbey House in Abbott during her junior year, she didn’t love the place from the get go. It was her PE class that first fall with Coach Leon Modeste surviving the ropes course, the swimming requirement, and the physical challenges that helped her get over her ambivalence. The place gave her the grit to preservere and problem solve in the hard and humbling academic environment of the place. By the time she got to college, like many of us, Kiersten thought “Oh, I’ve done this”. The grit and determination to figure it all out remain great lessons from her time at PA, along with learning to handle disappointment basically on our own. From 14 to 18, we were without parents, excepting those pay phone calls once a week or so. As she said, “It wasn’t easy” but it provided great lessons in the non-linear journey that is life. Fri, 30 May 2025 07:22:00 -0000 full Andover Class of 1990 Hailing from a small, rural community in Wester Connecticut, Kiersten Todt gave her honest, unvarnished assessment that she was not psyched to be coming to Andover as a junior. Living in Abbey House in Abbott during her junior year, she didn’t love the place from the get go. It was her PE class that first fall with Coach Leon Modeste surviving the ropes course, the swimming requirement, and the physical challenges that helped her get over her ambivalence. The place gave her the grit to preservere and problem solve in the hard and humbling academic environment of the place. By the time she got to college, like many of us, Kiersten thought “Oh, I’ve done this”. The grit and determination to figure it all out remain great lessons from her time at PA, along with learning to handle disappointment basically on our own. From 14 to 18, we were without parents, excepting those pay phone calls once a week or so. As she said, “It wasn’t easy” but it provided great lessons in the non-linear journey that is life. Hailing from a small, rural community in Wester Connecticut, Kiersten Todt gave her honest, unvarnished assessment that she was not psyched to be coming to Andover as a junior.

Living in Abbey House in Abbott during her junior year, she didn’t love the place from the get go. It was her PE class that first fall with Coach Leon Modeste surviving the ropes course, the swimming requirement, and the physical challenges that helped her get over her ambivalence.

The place gave her the grit to preservere and problem solve in the hard and humbling academic environment of the place. By the time she got to college, like many of us, Kiersten thought “Oh, I’ve done this”.

The grit and determination to figure it all out remain great lessons from her time at PA, along with learning to handle disappointment basically on our own.

From 14 to 18, we were without parents, excepting those pay phone calls once a week or so. As she said, “It wasn’t easy” but it provided great lessons in the non-linear journey that is life.

]]> 2240 yes Daniel Gilbert Growing up just outside of the far boundaries for day students, Dan Gilbert came to Andover from Nashua, New Hampshire. Dan’s father spent a PG year at Andover but rarely talked about it. A swimmer from a young age, Dan attended swim meets a school in Exeter, but he knew that Andover was the right place to be. Coming in as a new Lower, Dan swam all three years at PA. Voted in as swim team Captain our Senior year, Dan discussed the rigors of athletics and academics at PA. Maybe the founder to the Tom Regan fan club, Dan took five classes from the man who often said teenagers were the lowest of life forms. A tale that sounds familiar with many of us, Dan took time away from college in order to re-group after PA, which is a common theme among our classmates. The ability to write and the ability to work hard became engrained in Dan, like it did in so many of us. Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, and Dan is glad he took the one that led to Main Street in Andover. Thu, 15 May 2025 07:26:00 -0000 full Andover Class of 1990 Growing up just outside of the far boundaries for day students, Dan Gilbert came to Andover from Nashua, New Hampshire. Dan’s father spent a PG year at Andover but rarely talked about it. A swimmer from a young age, Dan attended swim meets a school in Exeter, but he knew that Andover was the right place to be. Coming in as a new Lower, Dan swam all three years at PA. Voted in as swim team Captain our Senior year, Dan discussed the rigors of athletics and academics at PA. Maybe the founder to the Tom Regan fan club, Dan took five classes from the man who often said teenagers were the lowest of life forms. A tale that sounds familiar with many of us, Dan took time away from college in order to re-group after PA, which is a common theme among our classmates. The ability to write and the ability to work hard became engrained in Dan, like it did in so many of us. Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, and Dan is glad he took the one that led to Main Street in Andover. Growing up just outside of the far boundaries for day students, Dan Gilbert came to Andover from Nashua, New Hampshire.

Dan’s father spent a PG year at Andover but rarely talked about it.

A swimmer from a young age, Dan attended swim meets a school in Exeter, but he knew that Andover was the right place to be.

Coming in as a new Lower, Dan swam all three years at PA. Voted in as swim team Captain our Senior year, Dan discussed the rigors of athletics and academics at PA.

Maybe the founder to the Tom Regan fan club, Dan took five classes from the man who often said teenagers were the lowest of life forms.

A tale that sounds familiar with many of us, Dan took time away from college in order to re-group after PA, which is a common theme among our classmates.

The ability to write and the ability to work hard became engrained in Dan, like it did in so many of us. Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, and Dan is glad he took the one that led to Main Street in Andover.

]]> 1790 yes Elizabeth Stites Coming to PA as a new Lower, Liz Stites arrived from southeastern Massachusetts into Johnson in West Quad South. A bit of a culture shock, Liz tells the story of a classmate saying she was going to the City thinking it was Boston and not hopping on the shuttle to New York. Ambivalent about her time there, Liz says she has repressed a lot of her memories about the place. An interesting conversation with someone who was her Senior year roommate several years ago is a highlight of my discussion with Liz. Like another guest of this podcast, Liz described her time at the Mountain School in Vermont being a bucolic idyll from which it was hard to jump back into PA. Also a fan of Lou Bernieirs, Liz recalls thinking to herself in one of his classes that we actually got talk about reading and there is nothing better. Liz attributes her dark humor to Andover, also a trait many of us share. The shared experience we had and the lack of parenting in which were each other’s form of safety lets Liz know that her children will not be going away to school. Thu, 15 May 2025 07:24:00 -0000 full Andover Class of 1990 Coming to PA as a new Lower, Liz Stites arrived from southeastern Massachusetts into Johnson in West Quad South. A bit of a culture shock, Liz tells the story of a classmate saying she was going to the City thinking it was Boston and not hopping on the shuttle to New York. Ambivalent about her time there, Liz says she has repressed a lot of her memories about the place. An interesting conversation with someone who was her Senior year roommate several years ago is a highlight of my discussion with Liz. Like another guest of this podcast, Liz described her time at the Mountain School in Vermont being a bucolic idyll from which it was hard to jump back into PA. Also a fan of Lou Bernieirs, Liz recalls thinking to herself in one of his classes that we actually got talk about reading and there is nothing better. Liz attributes her dark humor to Andover, also a trait many of us share. The shared experience we had and the lack of parenting in which were each other’s form of safety lets Liz know that her children will not be going away to school. Coming to PA as a new Lower, Liz Stites arrived from southeastern Massachusetts into Johnson in West Quad South.

A bit of a culture shock, Liz tells the story of a classmate saying she was going to the City thinking it was Boston and not hopping on the shuttle to New York.

Ambivalent about her time there, Liz says she has repressed a lot of her memories about the place.

An interesting conversation with someone who was her Senior year roommate several years ago is a highlight of my discussion with Liz.

Like another guest of this podcast, Liz described her time at the Mountain School in Vermont being a bucolic idyll from which it was hard to jump back into PA.

Also a fan of Lou Bernieirs, Liz recalls thinking to herself in one of his classes that we actually got talk about reading and there is nothing better.

Liz attributes her dark humor to Andover, also a trait many of us share. The shared experience we had and the lack of parenting in which were each other’s form of safety lets Liz know that her children will not be going away to school.

]]> 2303 yes Alex Whittemore Having attended four schools in three years, Alex Whittemore applied to Andover while living in Roanoke, Virginia. Placed into Hall House in Abbot with only five other juniors, Alex did not have the typical Rockwell start to PA. As several other of our classmates have said, Alex gave credit to Tommy Lyons with incredible impact on his education, begin a force of nature on four legs. Like many of us, Alex thought of college as a bit of a let down after we all grew up together, including being young and being idiots together. Luckily, the statute of limitations has run on some of the antics discussed, including one of deep dorm honor. Fending for ourselves on many levels, he acknowledged our growth, which however it happens, it’s a good that it did. Getting along with lots of different people and remaining intellectually curious are life skills learned at PA. At a crossroads, Alex is asking himself “What do I want to do now?” Like many of us, he is still trying to figure that out. Thu, 15 May 2025 07:22:00 -0000 full Andover Class of 1990 Having attended four schools in three years, Alex Whittemore applied to Andover while living in Roanoke, Virginia. Placed into Hall House in Abbot with only five other juniors, Alex did not have the typical Rockwell start to PA. As several other of our classmates have said, Alex gave credit to Tommy Lyons with incredible impact on his education, begin a force of nature on four legs. Like many of us, Alex thought of college as a bit of a let down after we all grew up together, including being young and being idiots together. Luckily, the statute of limitations has run on some of the antics discussed, including one of deep dorm honor. Fending for ourselves on many levels, he acknowledged our growth, which however it happens, it’s a good that it did. Getting along with lots of different people and remaining intellectually curious are life skills learned at PA. At a crossroads, Alex is asking himself “What do I want to do now?” Like many of us, he is still trying to figure that out. Having attended four schools in three years, Alex Whittemore applied to Andover while living in Roanoke, Virginia. Placed into Hall House in Abbot with only five other juniors, Alex did not have the typical Rockwell start to PA.

As several other of our classmates have said, Alex gave credit to Tommy Lyons with incredible impact on his education, begin a force of nature on four legs.

Like many of us, Alex thought of college as a bit of a let down after we all grew up together, including being young and being idiots together. Luckily, the statute of limitations has run on some of the antics discussed, including one of deep dorm honor.

Fending for ourselves on many levels, he acknowledged our growth, which however it happens, it’s a good that it did. Getting along with lots of different people and remaining intellectually curious are life skills learned at PA.

At a crossroads, Alex is asking himself “What do I want to do now?” Like many of us, he is still trying to figure that out.

]]> 1583 yes Carl Smit Carl Smit grew up in Massachusetts. Not only a graduate of Andover but also the Naval Academy, Carl admits that he did not have a normal education, for which he is grateful. A four year senior who started out in Rockwell, Carl Smith returned there as a Proctor our Senior Year, even though most of us think he was in Andover Cottage. A retired Navy Seal, Carl led missions all over the world, including spending the night as a guest of the very South American drug lord for which he was in country. As echoed by many of us, the lack of dress code and the way our fellow students looked on tour was a huge draw, may be even the deciding factor, in his attending Andover. Another miracle story, Carl died from cardiac arrest in the back of a sailboat with a 100% blockage to the widow-maker artery. He stated that our class has a wonderful chemistry and that we have little to no fear and know we can do things. Lou Bernieri helped Carl process painful experiences through the written word, for which he remains grateful to this day. One of our classmates suggested we call this podcast, the Rabbit Pond Yacht Club. I know you’ll enjoy Carl’s story of how he started the real Sailing Club at Andover, and how it’s not always fair winds and following seas. Thu, 15 May 2025 07:20:00 -0000 full Andover Class of 1990 Carl Smit grew up in Massachusetts. Not only a graduate of Andover but also the Naval Academy, Carl admits that he did not have a normal education, for which he is grateful. A four year senior who started out in Rockwell, Carl Smith returned there as a Proctor our Senior Year, even though most of us think he was in Andover Cottage. A retired Navy Seal, Carl led missions all over the world, including spending the night as a guest of the very South American drug lord for which he was in country. As echoed by many of us, the lack of dress code and the way our fellow students looked on tour was a huge draw, may be even the deciding factor, in his attending Andover. Another miracle story, Carl died from cardiac arrest in the back of a sailboat with a 100% blockage to the widow-maker artery. He stated that our class has a wonderful chemistry and that we have little to no fear and know we can do things. Lou Bernieri helped Carl process painful experiences through the written word, for which he remains grateful to this day. One of our classmates suggested we call this podcast, the Rabbit Pond Yacht Club. I know you’ll enjoy Carl’s story of how he started the real Sailing Club at Andover, and how it’s not always fair winds and following seas. Carl Smit grew up in Massachusetts. Not only a graduate of Andover but also the Naval Academy, Carl admits that he did not have a normal education, for which he is grateful.

A four year senior who started out in Rockwell, Carl Smith returned there as a Proctor our Senior Year, even though most of us think he was in Andover Cottage.

A retired Navy Seal, Carl led missions all over the world, including spending the night as a guest of the very South American drug lord for which he was in country.

As echoed by many of us, the lack of dress code and the way our fellow students looked on tour was a huge draw, may be even the deciding factor, in his attending Andover.

Another miracle story, Carl died from cardiac arrest in the back of a sailboat with a 100% blockage to the widow-maker artery.

He stated that our class has a wonderful chemistry and that we have little to no fear and know we can do things.

Lou Bernieri helped Carl process painful experiences through the written word, for which he remains grateful to this day.

One of our classmates suggested we call this podcast, the Rabbit Pond Yacht Club.

I know you’ll enjoy Carl’s story of how he started the real Sailing Club at Andover, and how it’s not always fair winds and following seas.

]]> 1783 yes Cristina Olivetti Spencer A New Jersey girl whose parents divorced during her time at PA, Cristina Olivetti Spencer’s roots in Andover run deep. Her grandmother and her great aunts were Abbott Alumnae. Cristina grew up spending Thanksgivings in Andover, so coming to PA was almost preordained. As with many of us, Cristina attributes Tommy T. Lyons as adding greatly to her education based on her time in his History 30 and his Con Law class. Cristina has had an amazing journey as a spouse and as a mother, a tale which we will let her tell, and part of which will be revealed in her upcoming book, originally drafted as her MFA thesis. A lifelong student, Cristina says she’s been trying to return to the thoughtfulness of the thinking community that was Andover ever since we graduated. Acknowledging that there is a sacred quality among all of us being in each other’s lives, Cris has deep affection for this class and those of us in it. "Goodness" and "knowledge" being words she lives with, Cris and I discussed different forms of success and leadership, which she defined as “taking responsibility for the things we care about” Thu, 01 May 2025 07:28:00 -0000 full Andover Class of 1990 A New Jersey girl whose parents divorced during her time at PA, Cristina Olivetti Spencer’s roots in Andover run deep. Her grandmother and her great aunts were Abbott Alumnae. Cristina grew up spending Thanksgivings in Andover, so coming to PA was almost preordained. As with many of us, Cristina attributes Tommy T. Lyons as adding greatly to her education based on her time in his History 30 and his Con Law class. Cristina has had an amazing journey as a spouse and as a mother, a tale which we will let her tell, and part of which will be revealed in her upcoming book, originally drafted as her MFA thesis. A lifelong student, Cristina says she’s been trying to return to the thoughtfulness of the thinking community that was Andover ever since we graduated. Acknowledging that there is a sacred quality among all of us being in each other’s lives, Cris has deep affection for this class and those of us in it. "Goodness" and "knowledge" being words she lives with, Cris and I discussed different forms of success and leadership, which she defined as “taking responsibility for the things we care about” A New Jersey girl whose parents divorced during her time at PA, Cristina Olivetti Spencer’s roots in Andover run deep. Her grandmother and her great aunts were Abbott Alumnae. Cristina grew up spending Thanksgivings in Andover, so coming to PA was almost preordained. As with many of us, Cristina attributes Tommy T. Lyons as adding greatly to her education based on her time in his History 30 and his Con Law class. Cristina has had an amazing journey as a spouse and as a mother, a tale which we will let her tell, and part of which will be revealed in her upcoming book, originally drafted as her MFA thesis. A lifelong student, Cristina says she’s been trying to return to the thoughtfulness of the thinking community that was Andover ever since we graduated. Acknowledging that there is a sacred quality among all of us being in each other’s lives, Cris has deep affection for this class and those of us in it. "Goodness" and "knowledge" being words she lives with, Cris and I discussed different forms of success and leadership, which she defined as “taking responsibility for the things we care about”

]]> 1906 yes Wanda Mann A Manhattanite through-and-through, Wanda Mann arrived in Nathan Hale as a new junior. A crush on an Andover alumnus who spoke at weekend gifted and talented enrichment program titled Andover scales in Wanda’s favor. Even this New Yorker felt like an un-worldly 12-year-old when she arrived on campus who quickly realized that Andover made us all fend for ourselves, making all of us more resilient than we realize. Crediting Tom Regan and Lou Bernieri with amazing teaching, she would, indeed, be willing to have a sniff of Mr. Regan’s finest cognac all these years later. Perhaps the funniest moment of the podcast so far, Wanda is still exasperated by the antics of the late Todd Isaac and Hamlin O’Kelley in Lou’s Senior Seminar in Bullfinch some 35 years later. She still owns several of the works they read in that class. Her love of writing and her time in Bullfinch led her to her current career as a writer of, lover of, discerning critic of, and much sought after speaker of wine and wine culture. According to Wanda without PA, she’d probably have lived a very New York life, but, fortunately, Andover gave us all a wider path. Thu, 01 May 2025 07:26:00 -0000 full Andover Class of 1990 A Manhattanite through-and-through, Wanda Mann arrived in Nathan Hale as a new junior. A crush on an Andover alumnus who spoke at weekend gifted and talented enrichment program titled Andover scales in Wanda’s favor. Even this New Yorker felt like an un-worldly 12-year-old when she arrived on campus who quickly realized that Andover made us all fend for ourselves, making all of us more resilient than we realize. Crediting Tom Regan and Lou Bernieri with amazing teaching, she would, indeed, be willing to have a sniff of Mr. Regan’s finest cognac all these years later. Perhaps the funniest moment of the podcast so far, Wanda is still exasperated by the antics of the late Todd Isaac and Hamlin O’Kelley in Lou’s Senior Seminar in Bullfinch some 35 years later. She still owns several of the works they read in that class. Her love of writing and her time in Bullfinch led her to her current career as a writer of, lover of, discerning critic of, and much sought after speaker of wine and wine culture. According to Wanda without PA, she’d probably have lived a very New York life, but, fortunately, Andover gave us all a wider path. A Manhattanite through-and-through, Wanda Mann arrived in Nathan Hale as a new junior. A crush on an Andover alumnus who spoke at weekend gifted and talented enrichment program titled Andover scales in Wanda’s favor. Even this New Yorker felt like an un-worldly 12-year-old when she arrived on campus who quickly realized that Andover made us all fend for ourselves, making all of us more resilient than we realize. Crediting Tom Regan and Lou Bernieri with amazing teaching, she would, indeed, be willing to have a sniff of Mr. Regan’s finest cognac all these years later. Perhaps the funniest moment of the podcast so far, Wanda is still exasperated by the antics of the late Todd Isaac and Hamlin O’Kelley in Lou’s Senior Seminar in Bullfinch some 35 years later. She still owns several of the works they read in that class. Her love of writing and her time in Bullfinch led her to her current career as a writer of, lover of, discerning critic of, and much sought after speaker of wine and wine culture. According to Wanda without PA, she’d probably have lived a very New York life, but, fortunately, Andover gave us all a wider path.

]]> 2036 yes Chris Weber A native of Dunkirk, New York, Chris Weber arrived as a junior having barely turned 13 years old. Given the last attic room in Will Hall, Chris remembers meeting people from all over the as the world opened up to him. Andover gave Chris that skill that’s now a running theme on this podcast: the ability to talk to anyone. As a teacher and educator, Chris described his complicated relationship with schools and education, including his time at PA. He may have taken cruising to a new level one week night -- the story involves the Grateful Dead, a squash match, and an overnight at a professor’s parents’ house in Connecticut. No matter where he goes or what he does, after Andover, Chris knows, he can do these things, too, because sometimes the struggle you have is the struggle you need. Thu, 01 May 2025 07:24:00 -0000 full Andover Class of 1990 A native of Dunkirk, New York, Chris Weber arrived as a junior having barely turned 13 years old. Given the last attic room in Will Hall, Chris remembers meeting people from all over the as the world opened up to him. Andover gave Chris that skill that’s now a running theme on this podcast: the ability to talk to anyone. As a teacher and educator, Chris described his complicated relationship with schools and education, including his time at PA. He may have taken cruising to a new level one week night -- the story involves the Grateful Dead, a squash match, and an overnight at a professor’s parents’ house in Connecticut. No matter where he goes or what he does, after Andover, Chris knows, he can do these things, too, because sometimes the struggle you have is the struggle you need. A native of Dunkirk, New York, Chris Weber arrived as a junior having barely turned 13 years old. Given the last attic room in Will Hall, Chris remembers meeting people from all over the as the world opened up to him. Andover gave Chris that skill that’s now a running theme on this podcast: the ability to talk to anyone. As a teacher and educator, Chris described his complicated relationship with schools and education, including his time at PA. He may have taken cruising to a new level one week night -- the story involves the Grateful Dead, a squash match, and an overnight at a professor’s parents’ house in Connecticut. No matter where he goes or what he does, after Andover, Chris knows, he can do these things, too, because sometimes the struggle you have is the struggle you need.

]]> 1849 yes John Berman Massachusetts born and bred, John Berman grew up down the street from a rival boarding school where he sister was a day student. Like many of us, John regards Andover as his seminal educational experience, even more so than his time at Harvard or in the Hasty Pudding Club. Making lifelong friends from the moment he stepped out of his door his first day in Rockwell, John attributes Andover with his willingness to try anything, including diving into on-air reporting having not put in the same “flight hours” as some of his colleagues. A lover of the written word, there may be a former house counselor and professor at PA who texts Johnn while he’s on air to congratulate him on the correct use of the King’s English. You might also hear some revelations about Monopoly skills and maneuvers in the dark. After all, “we’ve done hard things.” Thu, 01 May 2025 07:22:00 -0000 full Andover Class of 1990 Massachusetts born and bred, John Berman grew up down the street from a rival boarding school where he sister was a day student. Like many of us, John regards Andover as his seminal educational experience, even more so than his time at Harvard or in the Hasty Pudding Club. Making lifelong friends from the moment he stepped out of his door his first day in Rockwell, John attributes Andover with his willingness to try anything, including diving into on-air reporting having not put in the same “flight hours” as some of his colleagues. A lover of the written word, there may be a former house counselor and professor at PA who texts Johnn while he’s on air to congratulate him on the correct use of the King’s English. You might also hear some revelations about Monopoly skills and maneuvers in the dark. After all, “we’ve done hard things.” Massachusetts born and bred, John Berman grew up down the street from a rival boarding school where he sister was a day student. Like many of us, John regards Andover as his seminal educational experience, even more so than his time at Harvard or in the Hasty Pudding Club. Making lifelong friends from the moment he stepped out of his door his first day in Rockwell, John attributes Andover with his willingness to try anything, including diving into on-air reporting having not put in the same “flight hours” as some of his colleagues. A lover of the written word, there may be a former house counselor and professor at PA who texts Johnn while he’s on air to congratulate him on the correct use of the King’s English. You might also hear some revelations about Monopoly skills and maneuvers in the dark. After all, “we’ve done hard things.”

]]> 1706 yes Andrew Lacavara Hailing from the self-described mean streets of Washington, D.C., Andrew Lacovara arrived at PA as a new Upper. Moving into Alumni House in Abbot, Andrew had three summers where he could say, “I’m going to Andover” then “I go to Andover” then “I went to Andover” according to one of his senior year roommates. Perhaps living the Non Sibi motto more than anyone, I will let Andrew tell you of his later in life calling, which has presented new challenges. As he said, “everything gets easier after Andover.” Thu, 01 May 2025 07:20:00 -0000 full Andover Class of 1990 Hailing from the self-described mean streets of Washington, D.C., Andrew Lacovara arrived at PA as a new Upper. Moving into Alumni House in Abbot, Andrew had three summers where he could say, “I’m going to Andover” then “I go to Andover” then “I went to Andover” according to one of his senior year roommates. Perhaps living the Non Sibi motto more than anyone, I will let Andrew tell you of his later in life calling, which has presented new challenges. As he said, “everything gets easier after Andover.” Hailing from the self-described mean streets of Washington, D.C., Andrew Lacovara arrived at PA as a new Upper. Moving into Alumni House in Abbot, Andrew had three summers where he could say, “I’m going to Andover” then “I go to Andover” then “I went to Andover” according to one of his senior year roommates. Perhaps living the Non Sibi motto more than anyone, I will let Andrew tell you of his later in life calling, which has presented new challenges. As he said, “everything gets easier after Andover.”

]]> 2077 yes Zenzi Gadson Zenzi Gadson grew up in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Following in her brother’s footsteps, Zenzi knew she had to be at Andover the day her family dropped of her brother in Nathan Hale. Folks at home would ask “Boarding school? What did you do wrong?” and nothing could be father from the truth. As with so many of us Zenzi had to be at PA. Simply had to. Zenzi credits Thylias Moss, Bruse Smith, Kevin Heelon, Dick Lux, and Diz Bensley with having great impact on her learning experience. She’s still trying to figure out what she wants to do with her life. One of our classmates calls her Saint Zenzi the Hospitable after she took in one of our own during for a time and lived Non Sibi for the family the school creates. Thu, 17 Apr 2025 07:30:00 -0000 full Andover Class of 1990 Zenzi Gadson grew up in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Following in her brother’s footsteps, Zenzi knew she had to be at Andover the day her family dropped of her brother in Nathan Hale. Folks at home would ask “Boarding school? What did you do wrong?” and nothing could be father from the truth. As with so many of us Zenzi had to be at PA. Simply had to. Zenzi credits Thylias Moss, Bruse Smith, Kevin Heelon, Dick Lux, and Diz Bensley with having great impact on her learning experience. She’s still trying to figure out what she wants to do with her life. One of our classmates calls her Saint Zenzi the Hospitable after she took in one of our own during for a time and lived Non Sibi for the family the school creates. Zenzi Gadson grew up in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Following in her brother’s footsteps, Zenzi knew she had to be at Andover the day her family dropped of her brother in Nathan Hale. Folks at home would ask “Boarding school? What did you do wrong?” and nothing could be father from the truth. As with so many of us Zenzi had to be at PA. Simply had to. Zenzi credits Thylias Moss, Bruse Smith, Kevin Heelon, Dick Lux, and Diz Bensley with having great impact on her learning experience. She’s still trying to figure out what she wants to do with her life. One of our classmates calls her Saint Zenzi the Hospitable after she took in one of our own during for a time and lived Non Sibi for the family the school creates.

]]> 1744 yes Steve Yung Steve Yung began life in Sao Paolo, Brazil, before moving to Hong Kong and then Andover. The son of Chinese immigrants, Steve’s family had aspirational educational goals for their son. Andover came into focus due to its name brand and reputation from other Hong Kong friends who would later become classmates. He arrived sight unseen at Andover. Like many of us, Steve wanted to go away to school. Home was fine, but he wanted something different. He stated that it was our peers who affected us the most, and not our teachers. It was all of us who gave him the sense that we can pretty must do anything. Thu, 17 Apr 2025 07:28:00 -0000 full Andover Class of 1990 Steve Yung began life in Sao Paolo, Brazil, before moving to Hong Kong and then Andover. The son of Chinese immigrants, Steve’s family had aspirational educational goals for their son. Andover came into focus due to its name brand and reputation from other Hong Kong friends who would later become classmates. He arrived sight unseen at Andover. Like many of us, Steve wanted to go away to school. Home was fine, but he wanted something different. He stated that it was our peers who affected us the most, and not our teachers. It was all of us who gave him the sense that we can pretty must do anything. Steve Yung began life in Sao Paolo, Brazil, before moving to Hong Kong and then Andover. The son of Chinese immigrants, Steve’s family had aspirational educational goals for their son. Andover came into focus due to its name brand and reputation from other Hong Kong friends who would later become classmates. He arrived sight unseen at Andover. Like many of us, Steve wanted to go away to school. Home was fine, but he wanted something different. He stated that it was our peers who affected us the most, and not our teachers. It was all of us who gave him the sense that we can pretty must do anything.

]]> 2260 yes Max Caulkins The youngest of five children from Denver, Max was the fourth of his five siblings to attend PA. Arriving three months after his next oldest sibling graduated, Max had a connection to the school . Even so, he agreed that no one loves the place from the start in the place that made us truly independent, something this is gone with today’s interconnectivity with no more Sunday afternoon phone calls on a pay phone. One of the lessons he learned was the value of struggle. PA taught us that we won’t always be happy and sometimes you just have to work hard. Like me, he, too, talks to Andover folks every day. According to Max “It’s a pretty good school” Thu, 17 Apr 2025 07:27:00 -0000 full Andover Class of 1990 The youngest of five children from Denver, Max was the fourth of his five siblings to attend PA. Arriving three months after his next oldest sibling graduated, Max had a connection to the school . Even so, he agreed that no one loves the place from the start in the place that made us truly independent, something this is gone with today’s interconnectivity with no more Sunday afternoon phone calls on a pay phone. One of the lessons he learned was the value of struggle. PA taught us that we won’t always be happy and sometimes you just have to work hard. Like me, he, too, talks to Andover folks every day. According to Max “It’s a pretty good school” The youngest of five children from Denver, Max was the fourth of his five siblings to attend PA. Arriving three months after his next oldest sibling graduated, Max had a connection to the school . Even so, he agreed that no one loves the place from the start in the place that made us truly independent, something this is gone with today’s interconnectivity with no more Sunday afternoon phone calls on a pay phone. One of the lessons he learned was the value of struggle. PA taught us that we won’t always be happy and sometimes you just have to work hard. Like me, he, too, talks to Andover folks every day. According to Max “It’s a pretty good school”

]]> 2685 yes Katy Burdett Hailing from Palm Beach, Florida, Katy followed in her sister’s footsteps coming to PA. I met Katy and our late dear classmate Cathy Jones the first day I set foot on campus in September of 1987. In the foreign service, Katy said she would not have chosen her career path without the immersive language experience of the Russian Department, especially under the tutelage of Vic Svec. As is common in these discussions, Katy confirmed that Andover gave her a sense of adventure, confidence, and the ability to do her own thing. Rest in peace, Cathy Jones. Thu, 17 Apr 2025 07:26:00 -0000 full Andover Class of 1990 Hailing from Palm Beach, Florida, Katy followed in her sister’s footsteps coming to PA. I met Katy and our late dear classmate Cathy Jones the first day I set foot on campus in September of 1987. In the foreign service, Katy said she would not have chosen her career path without the immersive language experience of the Russian Department, especially under the tutelage of Vic Svec. As is common in these discussions, Katy confirmed that Andover gave her a sense of adventure, confidence, and the ability to do her own thing. Rest in peace, Cathy Jones. Hailing from Palm Beach, Florida, Katy followed in her sister’s footsteps coming to PA. I met Katy and our late dear classmate Cathy Jones the first day I set foot on campus in September of 1987. In the foreign service, Katy said she would not have chosen her career path without the immersive language experience of the Russian Department, especially under the tutelage of Vic Svec. As is common in these discussions, Katy confirmed that Andover gave her a sense of adventure, confidence, and the ability to do her own thing. Rest in peace, Cathy Jones.

]]> 1362 yes Jake Barton A Brooklyn native, Jake Barton arrived at Andover with a New York attitude and sardonic sense of humor. Coming from Brooklyn’s largest public high school to PA, Andover opened up a world where people knew his name and wanted to see him succeed. Calling Mr. Cobb a necromancer in our discussion has a much deeper meaning thirty five years later. Having recently sold his design firm, Jake is at a crossroads. As most of us know, Jake was instrumental in the design of the 9/11 Memorial and Museum in Lower Manhattan, thinking daily of our own Todd Isaac. We are part of his psyche to this day, Jake said, “It’s so beyond belief”. Thu, 17 Apr 2025 07:25:00 -0000 full Andover Class of 1990 A Brooklyn native, Jake Barton arrived at Andover with a New York attitude and sardonic sense of humor. Coming from Brooklyn’s largest public high school to PA, Andover opened up a world where people knew his name and wanted to see him succeed. Calling Mr. Cobb a necromancer in our discussion has a much deeper meaning thirty five years later. Having recently sold his design firm, Jake is at a crossroads. As most of us know, Jake was instrumental in the design of the 9/11 Memorial and Museum in Lower Manhattan, thinking daily of our own Todd Isaac. We are part of his psyche to this day, Jake said, “It’s so beyond belief”. A Brooklyn native, Jake Barton arrived at Andover with a New York attitude and sardonic sense of humor. Coming from Brooklyn’s largest public high school to PA, Andover opened up a world where people knew his name and wanted to see him succeed. Calling Mr. Cobb a necromancer in our discussion has a much deeper meaning thirty five years later. Having recently sold his design firm, Jake is at a crossroads. As most of us know, Jake was instrumental in the design of the 9/11 Memorial and Museum in Lower Manhattan, thinking daily of our own Todd Isaac. We are part of his psyche to this day, Jake said, “It’s so beyond belief”.

]]> 3305 yes Sherita Gaskins A native of Baltimore, Sherita Gaskins is a doctor, coach, and health counselor whose first connection with boarding school was watching The Facts of Life. From the beginning, Andover was where she wanted to be. As Sherita says, Andover had her heart. In a theme that will come through in this podcast, like many of our classmates, she realizes she has a place at any table. As she said, we don’t hear these types of stories from other schools. We also touch on something most of our female classmates are going through these days, too. Wed, 02 Apr 2025 01:04:00 -0000 full Andover Class of 1990 A native of Baltimore, Sherita Gaskins is a doctor, coach, and health counselor whose first connection with boarding school was watching The Facts of Life. From the beginning, Andover was where she wanted to be. As Sherita says, Andover had her heart. In a theme that will come through in this podcast, like many of our classmates, she realizes she has a place at any table. As she said, we don’t hear these types of stories from other schools. We also touch on something most of our female classmates are going through these days, too. A native of Baltimore, Sherita Gaskins is a doctor, coach, and health counselor whose first connection with boarding school was watching The Facts of Life. From the beginning, Andover was where she wanted to be. As Sherita says, Andover had her heart. In a theme that will come through in this podcast, like many of our classmates, she realizes she has a place at any table. As she said, we don’t hear these types of stories from other schools. We also touch on something most of our female classmates are going through these days, too.

]]> 2270 yes Michael Deyermond An artist from Upstate New York living in California, Michael Deyermond almost died in Rome a few years ago and attributes his class connections to helping pull him through. From T.S. Eliot inspired tears on the squash court to keeping wide eyed wonderment and a full syllabus of books at all times, Michael echoes what many of our classmates say that we’re the most incredible community he’s ever been around. Our very own Lazarus, his curiosity and willingness to keep learning saved his life. Wed, 02 Apr 2025 01:04:00 -0000 full Andover Class of 1990 An artist from Upstate New York living in California, Michael Deyermond almost died in Rome a few years ago and attributes his class connections to helping pull him through. From T.S. Eliot inspired tears on the squash court to keeping wide eyed wonderment and a full syllabus of books at all times, Michael echoes what many of our classmates say that we’re the most incredible community he’s ever been around. Our very own Lazarus, his curiosity and willingness to keep learning saved his life. An artist from Upstate New York living in California, Michael Deyermond almost died in Rome a few years ago and attributes his class connections to helping pull him through. From T.S. Eliot inspired tears on the squash court to keeping wide eyed wonderment and a full syllabus of books at all times, Michael echoes what many of our classmates say that we’re the most incredible community he’s ever been around. Our very own Lazarus, his curiosity and willingness to keep learning saved his life.

]]> 2404 yes Anna Ivey Half German, half American, Anna Ivey lived in Germany as a young child then moved to Boston in middle school. Anna and I were in Stimson together during our Lower year. With her parents moving back to Germany, they gave her the option to stay in the US, going to boarding school. The freedom to use the bathroom pushed her over the edge in favor of PA. Later a law school dean and educator and consultant, Anna recalls her time in Pearson and Bullfinch. We discuss Competence, which was way more hardcore than we thought at the time. Anna confirms what everyone else has: college was an anticlimax for most of us and we had incredible classmates. Wed, 02 Apr 2025 01:02:00 -0000 full Andover Class of 1990 Half German, half American, Anna Ivey lived in Germany as a young child then moved to Boston in middle school. Anna and I were in Stimson together during our Lower year. With her parents moving back to Germany, they gave her the option to stay in the US, going to boarding school. The freedom to use the bathroom pushed her over the edge in favor of PA. Later a law school dean and educator and consultant, Anna recalls her time in Pearson and Bullfinch. We discuss Competence, which was way more hardcore than we thought at the time. Anna confirms what everyone else has: college was an anticlimax for most of us and we had incredible classmates. Half German, half American, Anna Ivey lived in Germany as a young child then moved to Boston in middle school. Anna and I were in Stimson together during our Lower year. With her parents moving back to Germany, they gave her the option to stay in the US, going to boarding school.


The freedom to use the bathroom pushed her over the edge in favor of PA. Later a law school dean and educator and consultant, Anna recalls her time in Pearson and Bullfinch. We discuss Competence, which was way more hardcore than we thought at the time. Anna confirms what everyone else has: college was an anticlimax for most of us and we had incredible classmates.

]]> 2247 yes Joe Bae A native of South Korea, Joe Bae moved to the US with his family in 1974. Joe grew up on Long Island and came to Andover via librarian’s recommendation. Joe Bae discusses Andover lessons of resiliency, adaptability, and being able to fit in anywhere, even as a fish out of water. Joe admits that he probably would not have been willing to establish his business’s Asian headquarters in Hong Kong without his Andover education and instilled curiosity. Admitting that sometimes it could be intimidating to be around our classmates, Joe is intimidated no longer. He attributes the late great Tommy T Lyons as a huge influence. Wed, 02 Apr 2025 01:02:00 -0000 full Andover Class of 1990 A native of South Korea, Joe Bae moved to the US with his family in 1974. Joe grew up on Long Island and came to Andover via librarian’s recommendation. Joe Bae discusses Andover lessons of resiliency, adaptability, and being able to fit in anywhere, even as a fish out of water. Joe admits that he probably would not have been willing to establish his business’s Asian headquarters in Hong Kong without his Andover education and instilled curiosity. Admitting that sometimes it could be intimidating to be around our classmates, Joe is intimidated no longer. He attributes the late great Tommy T Lyons as a huge influence. A native of South Korea, Joe Bae moved to the US with his family in 1974. Joe grew up on Long Island and came to Andover via librarian’s recommendation. Joe Bae discusses Andover lessons of resiliency, adaptability, and being able to fit in anywhere, even as a fish out of water. Joe admits that he probably would not have been willing to establish his business’s Asian headquarters in Hong Kong without his Andover education and instilled curiosity. Admitting that sometimes it could be intimidating to be around our classmates, Joe is intimidated no longer. He attributes the late great Tommy T Lyons as a huge influence.

]]> 1632 yes Hamlin O'Kelley Not our first podcast rodeo, it’s easy for me to talk to Beaufort, South Carolina, native Hamlin O’Kelley. Like most of us, Hamlin knew he needed to go to school at Andover the moment he set foot on campus. There’s a shrewdness he describes with our classmates. Due to our exposures, and surviving the place, we can be dropped off anywhere in the world and be just fine. He confirms that Andover was the formative educational experience of his life and that we are his favorite people. As he said, “Unless you lived it, it doesn’t ring true.” Wed, 02 Apr 2025 01:00:00 -0000 full Andover Class of 1990 Not our first podcast rodeo, it’s easy for me to talk to Beaufort, South Carolina, native Hamlin O’Kelley. Like most of us, Hamlin knew he needed to go to school at Andover the moment he set foot on campus. There’s a shrewdness he describes with our classmates. Due to our exposures, and surviving the place, we can be dropped off anywhere in the world and be just fine. He confirms that Andover was the formative educational experience of his life and that we are his favorite people. As he said, “Unless you lived it, it doesn’t ring true.” Not our first podcast rodeo, it’s easy for me to talk to Beaufort, South Carolina, native Hamlin O’Kelley. Like most of us, Hamlin knew he needed to go to school at Andover the moment he set foot on campus. There’s a shrewdness he describes with our classmates. Due to our exposures, and surviving the place, we can be dropped off anywhere in the world and be just fine. He confirms that Andover was the formative educational experience of his life and that we are his favorite people. As he said, “Unless you lived it, it doesn’t ring true.”

]]> 2181 yes