PRESIDENT'S CORNER



Dear Bishop's Alumni,


Reunion & Homecoming Weekend was a great success! We welcomed the classes ending in threes and eights, plus many others, back to campus! There were a variety of events and activities that took place throughout the weekend, including the Homecoming BBQ and varsity football game, milk break, chapel, campus tours, "Bishop's Past Present and Future: A Conversation with Michael Teitelman and Ron Kim," a Reunion Lunch, the 15th anniversary of the dedication of the Michael & Marlene Teitelman Science Center, 50th Reunion Dinner for the class of 1973, and an incredible All-Class Happy Hour.! We welcomed back to campus four alumni from the class of 1953, celebrating 70 years! Over 200 alumni reconnected with classmates, coaches, staff, faculty and current students, sharing stories and memories. On behalf of the Office of Alumni Engagement and the Alumni Association, I want to thank you so much to those of you who joined us and to all of our volunteers. Next fall we will welcome reunion classes ending in fours and nines back to campus. We look forward to sharing the dates with you once they are confirmed - thank you for your patience. Please contact Ana if you would like to help coordinate with your class.


We continue to build connections and outreach locally and regionally. As we move into the new year, the Alumni Engagement Office and the Alumni Association will offer several in-person opportunities in March 2024. We will host the EBS Alumni Awards Celebration (March 9) and the Senior Career Day networking program on campus before spring break. Then we are incorporating alumni meet-and-greets into the annual Eighth Grade East Coast Expedition itinerary and hosting regional receptions. Alumni, you are encouraged to share any additional suggestions or ideas for future events and activities in your area!


For more information on how to stay connected, please reach out to the Alumni Engagement Office.


Warm Regards,


Melissa Alioto Murfey '97

President, Alumni Association

Homecoming and reunion weekend was filled with laughter, old friends and unforgettable memories. Everyone shared stories, rekindled friendships and connected with Bishop's spirit.


Thank you to everyone who attended! 

We look forward to welcoming those we missed back to campus soon!

Unable to join us on campus?

Watch Bishop's Past, Present and Future: A Conversation with Michael Teitelman and Ron Kim.

INTRODUCING | Zach Harris | Senior Director of Principal and Major Gifts

Zach Harris comes to Bishop's after 11 years in major gift fundraising roles in higher education, most recently at the University of San Diego. He started as USD's assistant athletic director for development in 2017 and became the director of development for university advancement in 2020. While Zach managed a portfolio of parents and alumni in key regional areas, he and his fundraising team raised more than $40 million last year.  In 2021, he completed his Ph.D. in higher education leadership.


Prior to his career in development, Zach spent three seasons in Major League Baseball, including working for the 2008 World Series Champion Philadelphia Phillies. In his free time, he enjoys boxing and traveling. He and his wife Katie reside in Santee with their daughter Nora.

KNIGHTS ACROSS THE GLOBE


Bishop's alumni engagement team caught up with Ronald Tamale '96 who shares his post-Bishop's experience from South Africa!


By Ana Graczyk, Alumni & Digital Engagement Coordinator

Ronald's inspiring journey is a testament to how education, hard work and meaningful goals can shape a person's life. From Edison Elementary to Wilson Middle School, The Bishop's School to Pomona and finally Stanford University, Ronald's path has been truly remarkable, culminating in a career dedicated to empowering African communities. Ronald's story began with his family's immigration to the United States from Uganda in the 1980s. His father's involvement with the Amnesty International Chapter in La Jolla played a crucial role in this move, setting the stage for Ronald's incredible journey.


His path took a pivotal turn at Bishop's. Despite nearly declining a scholarship for eighth grade, he recalls the overwhelming support and camaraderie that permeated the School, with every student supporting one another. "Everybody wants you to win," he says of his experience. Ronald's journey from Bishop's was marked by ambition and determination. He applied to 15 colleges and universities, charting a course that no one in his family had traveled before. His desire for a school similar to Bishop's - small, with a strong educational reputation and a comparable community - led him to explore Ivy League and similar institutions. However, the desire to stay close to home and continue playing football was also strong. Bishop's college counseling team pointed him in the direction of the Claremont Colleges, and he fell in love with Pomona College. He notes this decision shaped his future significantly.


"What matters to you most and why?" became a guidepost in Ronald's life. In his application to Stanford University Graduate School of Business, he discussed the significance of his African last name, Tamale, which means "one who never quits." The journey didn't stop at Stanford. He ventured into the world of finance, eventually landing a role with Goldman Sachs. Intrigued by what his Stanford classmates were doing in Africa, he embarked on a journey of exploration and discovery. Today, Ronald Tamale is based in South Africa, having co-founded Affirma Capital, a private equity firm with a profound impact across Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Humbly acknowledging the effect he has had in these regions, he emphasizes the importance of making a difference and leaving a lasting legacy.


Ronald has some valuable advice for current students. He wishes he had understood the power of networking while at the school, recognizing that building connections with fellow alumni, parents, and the wider Bishop's community can be as important as academics, athletics and community involvement. Today, the alumni engagement office proudly highlights alumni through a networking career program with the senior class - the perfect opportunity for students to interact with alumni. As Ronald shares, Bishop's was a key point in his personal journey and career path. 


Thank you Ronald for sharing your story. We look forward to welcoming you back home to Bishop's soon!

Young Alumni Achievement


Grace Sun, a graduate from the Class of 2023, recently received national and local recognition for her nonprofit organization, Melodies for Remedies. Her achievements include The Gloria Baron Prize for Young Heroes, PEOPLE Magazine's Girls Changing the World and a special honor at the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) Gala. Congratulations, Grace, we are so proud of you!

Did you know that Grace Sun '23 serves as a Class Agent for The Class of 2023? We thank all of our agents for helping our alumni stay connected to Bishop's!

Interested in serving as your class agent? Contact Ana today!


Class Notes (or updates from our alumni) are due soon! Do you have something fun to share with the community? Submit your class notes today!

Submit a Class Note

SAVE THE DATE

Young Alumni Sunset Gathering

Monday, Dec. 18

Welcome home from college!

Alumni from the classes of 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023 are invited to La Jolla Shores (on the grass area near Kellogg Park) to enjoy the sunset and burritos with your Bishop's classmates!

RSVP

February Month of Love

The alumni engagement office and alumni association are excited to show our love and appreciation for the Bishop's community. We are re-creating Carnation Nation for its second year and other fun surprises!


We also look forward to Baking with Bishop's, as Kelly Senyei Sibero '04 hosts this fun virtual event on Feb. 8.


More details to follow!

The Bishop's School is on the road! We look forward to connecting with our alumni in different cities. More information, including an invitation to RSVP, will be sent out separately. Update your information below to make sure we know what city you are in!

SAVE THE DATE

Where: TBA

When: 6 p.m.

Where: TBA

When: 6 p.m.

Where: Bar Deco

When: 6 p.m.

Where: The Standard

When: 6 p.m.

BISHOP'S TODAY

Curious how the uniform has changed?

The alumni engagement office is often asked about the dress code for students on campus.


Check out this amazing graphic created by senior Aster Jin '24 outlining the "rules" for the regular uniform at Bishop's today!


Although some aspects of the uniform may have changed, our office enjoys showcasing Bishop's clothing traditions throughout the years in displays on campus and at alumni events.

The Bishop's Singers in New York

Sunday, Feb. 19, 2024 | 8 p.m.


The Bishop's Singers will be performing in a concert version of the musical Children of Eden, by Stephen Schwartz (of Godspell, Pippen, and Wicked fame) at David Geffen Hall in Lincoln Center. Please contact Christine Micu with

any questions.

Purchase Tickets

Alumni Spotlight


Shane Walton '98 recognized as Chargers' Coach of the Week in Week Six!


Congratulations to Bishop's Head Football Coach Shane Walton '98 on this prestigious honor! For nearly two decades, the Chargers have collaborated with the NFL to host the team's High School Football Coach of the Week program. Annually, this program recognizes high school football coaches who have made a difference in the lives of their players through leadership, hard work and a special dedication to their scholar-athletes.


Shane wears both the hat of an alumnus and an employee of Bishop's. As the team had the opportunity to congratulate Shane, he reflected on his time at Bishop's through the years. Shane enjoys his time on the "other side" because "... of the messages sent to me here as a student I am hopeful that I can provide those same emotions for our students."

Submit an Alumni Spotlight

The Bishop's School is thrilled to announce a new chapter in its annual giving campaign. Unrestricted giving has been a top priority for Bishop's philanthropic activities for more than 70 years. This year, we renamed the Annual Fund to honor this tradition. We believe it's important to celebrate our legacy and continue to build upon the foundation of generosity established by our donors. Read more about The Bishop's Fund below!

Meet The Bishop's Fund
Make a Gift

Just for Fun!


Mimi Holman Test '61 celebrated her birthday with her Bishop's classmates!


Pictured left to right - Pam Frazer Kelly '61, Carol Weerts Beres '61, Marty Ensey Carnevale '61, Mimi Holman Test '61, Jamie Clinton Detweiler '61 and Vici Walter Willis '61.

WE NEED YOUR HELP!



Over time as alumni move, change jobs and enjoy new adventures, we find we are missing information for many of your classmates!

You can help us reach all of our Bishop's alumni by updating your information, reaching out to our missing alumni, or sharing this newsletter with a classmate!

Request a Class Roster
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