ACADEMIC FREEDOM STATEMENT IN ACTION
Teachers Discuss its Significance in New Video
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Over the summer, McDonogh School drafted a statement that articulates its position on academic freedom and civil discourse. It is derived from the belief that an independent school classroom should serve as a marketplace of ideas where students can engage in respectful civil discourse and debate. As Board of Trustees President Rob Young '86 shared in his message in the latest issue of McDonogh Magazine, “McDonogh is a place where everyone truly belongs. It is a place where students are taught how to think, not what to think, and where we thrive by doing good together. The Board of Trustees and I call this The McDonogh Way."
McDonogh supports faculty in their efforts to ensure classrooms are safe for free expression and respectful of civil discourse through professional development that includes, but is not limited to developing common definitions about free expression; strategizing responses to situations when civil discourse breaks down; utilizing pedagogical practices that engage a range of perspectives around topics of study.
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FIRST COMMUNITY CONVERSATION: NOVEMBER 18 |
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Understanding and learning from McDonogh School’s complex history is an important part of our ongoing institution-wide work to ensure our school is a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community—one where everyone has a true sense of belonging. McDonogh Voices: One School. Many Perspectives—a multi-year series of learning and discussion opportunities designed to give stories about our past a greater voice in McDonogh’s present and future—is integral to this work.
The series is being developed by a group of McDonogh alumni historians and scholars working in partnership with administrators, staff, and trustees. During the inaugural year, McDonogh Voices will focus on our understanding of history.
Please join us in person or via Livestream on Thursday, November 18 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. for the first session: History and the Inclusion of New Voices. Event details and a link to register can be found below.
The second session in January will cover American slavery and the life of John McDonogh; the third session will take place in March and will examine the history and creation of the Memorial to those Enslaved and Freed created by Oletha DeVane. The year will conclude with the dedication of the Memorial. Stay tuned for more information.
To complement these community conversations, McDonogh Voices will feature a special guest exhibit in the Tuttle Gallery from November 15 to December 15 (see details below). Additionally, Nile Russell '00 has been commissioned to lead a dance performance that contends with the past and the dichotomy and complexity of McDonogh (the person and the School).
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Athletic Hall of Fame Ceremony
Friday, November 5 | 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.
The following individuals were inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2020 and will be celebrated on November 5 for bringing recognition, honor, and excellence to McDonogh's athletic programs. Read about them in the Summer/Fall 2021 issue of McDonogh Magazine and tune in to view the Livestream.
- Christopher K. Agorsor ’08
- Kristen A. Brown ’10
- Raymond M. Faby ’49 (posthumously)
- Justin M. Gross ’10
- Curtis M. Holmes ’09
- Amanda C. Kimbers ’09
- Giles P. Smith ’09
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105th McDonogh-Gilman Football Game
Saturday, November 6 | 2:00 p.m.
This year’s big rivalry game will take place at Gilman, and alumni are invited to stop by the McDonogh hospitality tent for snacks and swag. If you can’t cheer on our Eagles from the stands, please join us online.
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McDonogh Voices: History and the Inclusion of New Voices
Thursday, November 18 | 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Upper School history teacher John Wood; Jessica Levy ’04, Assistant Professor of History at Purchase College, SUNY; and Nadine Knight ’95, Associate Professor of English at College of Holy Cross, will provide an overview of how history is understood and communicated to a broader public, and how various institutions and their disciplines have evolved in their understanding of the stories they tell about people who have been overlooked or deliberately erased. Register here or view the event via Livestream.
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McDonogh Voices: Gallery Exhibit Featuring Artist Akea Brionne Brown
Monday, November 15 through Wednesday, December 15 | Weekdays, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Tuttle Art Gallery, Edward St. John Student Center
In addition to the community conversations, McDonogh Voices will feature a commissioned gallery exhibit by artist Akea Brionne Brown—a photographer, writer, curator, and researcher whose personal work investigates the implications of historical racial and social structures in relation to the development of contemporary black life and identity within America.
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Young Alumni Open House
Friday, November 26 | 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Ritter Terrace, Edward St. John Student Center
Now on the day after Thanksgiving, alumni from the Classes of 2007 through 2021 are invited to mingle with old McDonogh friends over coffee and doughnuts at a Young Alumni Open House. Register here.
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Young Alumni Lacrosse Game and Lunch
Friday, November 26 | 11:00 a.m.
W. Boulton Dixon Turf Field
Lacrosse alumni from the Classes of 2007 through 2021 are invited to scrimmage with current McDonogh players in the annual odds vs. evens Young Alumni Lacrosse Game. Lunch to follow. Register here.
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Young Alumni Happy Hour
December 22 | 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Fells Point Location TBD
Alumni from the Classes of 2007 through 2021 are invited to reunite in Fells Point. Details will be sent out soon. Please save the date.
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Please review the policies for attending athletic events on the COVID-19 page of the website.
Information regarding ways to enjoy the performances in person and online is forthcoming.
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FINALLY...A 50TH REUNION CELEBRATION |
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After one canceled Reunion Weekend and one virtual Reunion Weekend, members of the Class of 1970 were finally able to celebrate their 50th reunion on campus on Friday, September 10 and Saturday, September 11. Classmates enjoyed a campus tour, a picnic at Roots Farm, and a festive dinner at the home of Stiles Colwill ’70. See more.
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CLASS OF 1965 DEDICATES NEW FLAGPOLE COURT |
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In the years when McDonogh was a military school, students began and ended each day with the raising and lowering of the flag. On Friday, September 3, the Upper and Middle School communities experienced this ritual including the playing of "Reveille," the firing of a small cannon, and a rendition of "Call to Colors" as the flag was raised. It was all part of a ceremony to dedicate the newly refurbished Flagpole Court on the Finney Senior Quad, made possible with the generous support of the Class of 1965. During the ceremony, four members of the Class of 1965—Ken Waller, Bruce Baggan, Larry Husfelt, and Ted Severe—shared their memories of the daily routine. See more.
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The entire school community and more than 30 special guests gathered at Childs Memorial Terrace for the Dedication Day ceremony on Friday, October 15. During the annual service, memorial wreaths were placed in honor of and with gratitude to the individuals and groups whose stewardship, labor, philanthropy, dedication, and sacrifice helped to establish, create, and enrich McDonogh School. The ceremony was also an opportunity to remember the 46 members of the McDonogh Family who passed away since last year’s event. As each name was read by Alumni Association President Josh Thomas ’06, a bell tolled in Tagart Memorial Chapel and Alumni Association Vice President Caitlin Xenakis ’07 and Secretary Meghan McGuire McGee ’02 placed a flower in an urn in remembrance. See more and view the recording.
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The first Distinguished Service Award (DSA) was presented in 1960, and since then, 154 individuals have received this honor. On Friday, October 15, more than 50 guests convened in the Klein Lyceum to celebrate five new recipients and recognize their devotion, time, and effort on behalf of McDonogh students. After a reception in Rogers Lobby, Head of School Dave Farace ’87 and President of the Board of Trustees Rob Young ’86 presented awards to Emily MacGeorge Clark ’90, Anita E. Hilson, Mike MacGeorge ’61, Doug Silber ’76, and Debbie Thacker. View the recording.
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The McDonogh Family mourns the passing of the following members of the community:
Camille Gustus, former Upper School Visual Arts Department Chair and faculty member, passed away on August 26, after a battle with cancer. Camille, or "Q" as she was affectionately known, worked in the Upper School Visual Arts department for 15 years and was an incredible advocate for McDonogh's arts students and program.
Howard S. Klein '76 passed away on September 11 after a battle with cancer. Howard was a member of the Board of Trustees from 2004 to 2019 and served as President from 2017-2019. He was a recipient of the 2009 Distinguished Service Award and a 2021 Circle of Philanthropy honoree. Through the years, Howard devoted his time and resources to furthering McDonogh’s mission.
Lucy Martin, a retired Middle School Learning Specialist, passed away on September 29. Lucy was McDonogh’s first “Learning Resource Person,” and went on to serve as the Middle School Learning Specialist for 19 years, retiring in 2016. She had a deep love for children and always looked for the best way to help students understand their own learning.
Tyler Groton, Assistant Manager for the Burck Center for the Performing Arts, passed away on October 6. Tyler joined the McDonogh Family as Theatre Manager in 2011 and quickly became an integral part of the staff, both behind the scenes and as the director of several plays. Tyler’s presence in the arts community was impactful, and he was known for having a strong connection with students.
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VIEW THE 2020-2021 PHILANTHROPY REPORT
Thank you to all of the alumni who made a gift to McDonogh during the 2020-2021 fiscal year! Visit mcdonogh.org/philanthropyreport to view giving lists, read donor spotlights, and learn about the incredible impact of your generosity. Thank you!
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SAVE THE DATE FOR REUNION WEEKEND |
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The Office of Alumni Engagement is looking forward to welcoming all alumni back to campus for Reunion Weekend 2022! Save Friday, April 29 to Sunday, May 1, 2022 for a weekend of festivities and an opportunity to reconnect with fellow classmates. Special celebrations will be held for reunion year classes ending in 2 and 7 on the evening of Saturday, April 30. More information will be posted on the website soon.
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MCDONOGH GOLF CLASSIC MOVES TO MAY |
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The 46th Annual McDonogh Classic is now a spring event. Join the McDonogh Alumni Association for a day of fun on the links at Hayfields Country Club on May 16, 2022. Learn more about the annual outting and how you can participate as a sponsor at mcdonogh.org/golfclassic.
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YOUNG ALUMNI AWARD NOMINATIONS |
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Do you know a young alum (Class of 2007 through 2021) who is making a positive impact in their community or who has distinguished themselves as a leader among their peers? Nominate them for the Young Alumni Award! Please submit your suggestions by Friday, December 3, 2021. Recipients will be honored at a ceremony during Reunion Weekend 2022. Information about the award and a nomination form can be found here.
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SUBMIT A CLASS NOTE FOR MCDONOGH MAGAZINE
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Help us build the Class Notes section of the winter 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 Wednesday, December 1. 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).
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UPDATE YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION |
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Fellow Eagles can’t find you when your information is out of date! Please visit connect.mcdonogh.org to update your contact details or create an account. You can also use this resourceful tool to post or view job opportunities and internships, offer mentoring to students and recent graduates, and promote your business to other Eagles. For more detailed instructions on joining McDonogh Connect and downloading the mobile app click here.
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JOIN THE ARTS ALUMNI NETWORKING GROUP |
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In the spring, Arts faculty members Ruthie Griffith ’09, Kara Zimmerman, and Match Zimmerman ’02 announced a new way for visual and performing arts alumni to connect. The all-new Arts Alumni Network 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 part of this network, simply sign in (or create an account) at connect.mcdonogh.org and select “Groups” in the menu on the left. From there, select Visual and Performing Arts Alumni Network to join. For more detailed instructions on joining McDonogh Connect and downloading the mobile app click here.
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HELP US COLLECT ALUMNI STORIES |
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The Office of Alumni Engagement is looking for volunteers to help capture personal stories from fellow alumni in preparation for an important 150th anniversary project (the 150th anniversary will take place during the 2023-2024 school year). If you are interested in helping, please complete this form. It’s a great way to learn more about the McDonogh community while connecting with other alumni.
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THE OFFICE OF ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT IS HIRING |
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McDonogh's 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.
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