MAY 2021
SEE WHAT YOU MISSED DURING REUNION WEEKEND
While we would have preferred to convene on campus, McDonogh’s first-ever Virtual Reunion Weekend (April 22-24) provided a great way for alumni across the world to connect! The nine Reunion Weekend events and 18 milestone year class parties (including those classes that could not celebrate last year) were attended by hundreds of alumni and guests, representing most graduation years from 1950 to 2020. If you missed any of the weekend’s programming, you can find links to the recordings within this reunion wrap-up
 
Please mark your calendars for Reunion Weekend 2022, April 22-24, including parties and gatherings for milestone reunion classes ending in 2 and 7.
MIDDLE SCHOOL WELCOMES NEW STUDENTS
After years of planning and 19 months of construction, the Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Middle School building is now complete! Students and teachers were thrilled to start using the state-of-the-art space on Monday, April 26. The building, which follows today’s best practices for organizing a Middle School, brings all fifth through eighth grade programs under one roof and is specifically designed for LifeReady learning. Each grade has its own dedicated wing—or Learning Commons—that features classrooms, science labs, lockers, and space for the entire grade to gather, and there is an abundance of open areas for group work and community building. Take a virtual tour and view photos from the first day!
ALL DIVISIONS BACK ON CAMPUS FIVE DAYS A WEEK
Thanks to McDonogh’s strong health and safety protocols and the additional 67,000 square feet of new Middle School space, students in every division were welcomed back on campus together five days a week on Monday, April 26. The buildings and greens are filled with excitement! 

The return to campus also means the return of cherished traditions, in person, albeit with limited numbers and COVID guidelines in place. Recently, we celebrated Head of School Day, the Upper School Awards ceremony, and Art Pop-Up Day, and soon students will participate in the Cardboard Boat Race, Prom, closing ceremonies, and Commencement.
GREATEST GOOD MCDONOGH NAMES DIRECTOR
Head of School Dave Farace ’87 recently shared that the previously announced Greatest Good McDonogh initiative was back on track after the pandemic halted the School’s hiring plans. The signature service-learning program aligns with LifeReady and is designed to empower students to make a difference in communities locally and globally through real-life applications. David Rothschild ’82 and the Rothschild Foundations committed the lead gift to make this program possible, and Bridget Collins ’90, The Charles W. Britton Director of Character and Service, has been appointed Director of Greatest Good McDonogh.

Read the full story here.
TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION WORKING GROUP FORMS
During Reunion Weekend, guests tuned in to learn about McDonogh’s 50-year journey to full integration and to hear the experiences and perspectives of a handful of Black alumni (Norman Parker ’73, Kim Chambers ’82, Kimberly Warden Lewis ’91, and Mike Smith ’15 ) representing four decades. 

Prior to the start of the conversation, Head of School Dave Farace ’87 announced the creation of a Truth and Reconciliation Working Group. The purpose of the group is to engage alumni, parents, faculty, and staff in understanding how the racial history of the United States, the Baltimore region, and McDonogh has shaped our current conditions. The programming, which will launch in fall 2021 will support ongoing community dialogue to promote healing and action toward equity. The group will also provide a space and framework for highlighting the many identities reflective of McDonogh today.
ARTS ALUMNI NETWORKING GROUP ANNOUNCED
During Virtual Reunion Weekend, Arts faculty members Ruthie Griffith ’09, Kara Zimmerman, and Match Zimmerman ’02 announced a new way for visual and performing arts alumni to connect with the all-new Arts Alumni Network. The group aims to support current students by coordinating alumni artist workshops, conversations about arts careers, and other events; developing opportunities for arts alumni to showcase their work and collaborate; and establishing a hub for arts alumni to share current happenings and stories about their time in the arts program. If you are interested in becoming a part of this network, please complete this form.
A CONVERSATION WITH...AMY THOMAS DRUMMOND ’93
The fourth installment in the Alumni Association’s A Conversation With... series on March 8 featured Alumni Association president Josh Thomas ’06 and prekindergarten teacher Amy Thomas Drummond ’93.

After sharing her post-McDonogh graduation journey from pursuing a master's degree in French language and civilization to becoming a member of the McDonogh faculty, Amy discussed the challenges and rewards of teaching McDonogh’s littlest Eagles both pre- and mid-pandemic.

In case you missed it, view the conversation here.
BOMBAS FOUNDER SHARES SECRETS OF SOCK SUCCESS
Members of the McDonogh Fund’s Signature Societies were treated to an exclusive interview with Randy Goldberg ’96, Co-Founder and Chief Brand Officer of Bombas—a popular, socially-conscious sock brand. During the March 24 event, moderator Josh Jones-Dilworth ’98 dove into Randy’s entrepreneurial career path, the inspiration behind Bombas, and the secrets of its success.

Read the story here
SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM CELEBRATED
Upper School students, donors and mentors, Living Legacy Society members, trustees, faculty and staff, and special guests gathered virtually on Monday, April 19 to celebrate scholarship and McDonogh’s exceptional students and alumni. Head of School Dave Farace 87, a former scholarship student himself, spoke about the importance of the program; featured speakers Lexy Apostolou Pierce 01 and Destiny Wiggins 21 shared their reflections on the power of relationships and the impact of their McDonogh education. View the recording here.
MCDONOGH MAGAZINE WANTS TO HEAR YOUR NEWS
Help us build the Class Notes section of the summer McDonogh Magazine by submitting your updates and photos! If you have news to share with the McDonogh community—career updates, educational accomplishments, geographic moves, births, weddings, or interesting stories—please upload your submission (including pictures) here by May 23. Photos will be published based on quality and available space. Please be sure to identify everyone pictured. Digital images are preferred and should be at least 2 megapixels (1600 x 1200 pixels).
MCDONOGH’S OFFICE OF ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT IS HIRING
The Office of Philanthropy is seeking a Director of Alumni Engagement to provide innovative leadership, oversight, and strategic direction for McDonogh’s Alumni Engagement program. 

McDonogh is a great place to work. The School was named a Top Workplace by The Baltimore Sun for six consecutive years, earning high marks for encouraging autonomy in the classroom, providing professional development opportunities, and supporting the pursuit of advanced degrees. Employees are part of a welcoming and inclusive community. 

Read more about the position, and view other employment opportunities at McDonogh here.
SHARE YOUR WELL-WISHES WITH RETIREES
At Head of School Day on Friday, April 30, students gathered in person and virtually to celebrate long-term employees and retirees. Throughout their McDonogh careers, the following individuals have made an impact on countless students and employees in meaningful ways, both large and small, and will be retiring at the end of the year: Lottie Benyard, Elaine Bind, Jon Detwiler, Lucy Duke, Leigh Friedman, Beckie Lamborn, Rick Landsman, Nicolas Loyo-Rivera, Ceil Millar, Sue Newton, Barbara Robins, and Jeff Sanborn. If you would like to express your appreciation or wish them well in their retirement, please share your sentiments by Friday, June 11. The messages will be compiled and shared with each retiree. See the Head of School Day photo essay here.
ENJOY THE 2021 STEWART RECITAL
The Stewart Senior Honors Performance Award was established by parents of alumni, Jim and Brenda Stewart, in appreciation for the school's outstanding programs in music, dance, and theatre. The 2021 recipients—seniors Emily Adams (dance), Maycie Blaire (voice), Abby Lawson (dance), and Olivia Miller (voice)—auditioned and were selected in their junior year and are each notable contributors to the performing arts at McDonogh. The 28th Annual Stewart Senior Honors Recital will be available to view on the McDonogh Media Hub on Saturday, June 5. 
MCDONOGH CONNECT BUSINESS DIRECTORY
Join more than 800 of your fellow alumni on the McDonogh Connect networking platform. The more Eagles who join, the more powerful the tool becomes! You can find former classmates, make professional connections, post or view job opportunities, and offer mentoring to current students and recent graduates. Alumni can now also promote their business within the McDonogh Connect Alumni Business Directory: simply sign in (or create an account), choose “Business Directory” from the menu, click “Start Posting” on the right sidebar, enter your business information, and get the word out!
MEDICAL STUDENTS ELIGIBLE FOR SCHOLARSHIP
Each year, the Dunloggin Medical Scholarship Fund provides grants to McDonogh alumni who are currently enrolled in medical school in the United States. To be eligible, a student must have completed the first year of medical school. Scholarships are granted for one year and may be renewed twice, providing for three successive years of scholarship support. For more information and to apply by September 1, 2021, click here.
ANNUAL MCDONOGH GOLF CLASSIC MOVES TO SPRING
The 46th Annual McDonogh Classic will be held in the Spring of 2022 at Hayfields Country Club. While this treasured tournament will have a new date and location, the good times shared on the course will remain the same. Stay tuned for more information in the coming months.
CAMPUS ACCESS RESTRICTED DUE TO COVID
We love seeing our alumni in person, but due to the pandemic, access to campus is currently limited to students, faculty, essential personnel, and those involved with school-sanctioned events. We look forward to seeing you as soon as the restrictions are lifted. Thank you for your understanding as we do our best to keep everyone safe and healthy.