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 is 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
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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Retired Faculty and Staff Luncheon
Friday, October 29 | 11:30 a.m.
Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Middle School and Roots Farm
Join fellow retired employees for a special tour of the new Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Middle School building at 11:30 a.m. Then, learn about school life from Head of School Dave Farace ’87 over lunch at Roots Farm. RSVP to Michele Little.
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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 you 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.
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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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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JOHN T. GREGA TEACHING CHAIR AWARDED |
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Funded in 2003 by Vernon Wright '61 and his family, the John T. Grega Teaching Chair recognizes John’s role as the moral and spiritual leader of the McDonogh Family for many years. On August 23, during the opening faculty and staff meeting in the Horn Theatre, this award was presented to Colby Gill—a 40-year member of the McDonogh’s grounds crew—for his quiet leadership, dedication, and demeanor. Read 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 Hilson, Mike MacGeorge ’61, Doug Silber ’76, and Debbie Thacker. View the recording.
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COMMUNITY MOURNS FOUR MEMBERS |
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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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VISIT THE RETIRED EMPLOYEE HUB ON THE WEBSITE |
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In September, McDonogh launched a section of the website just for retired faculty and staff. Please visit www.mcdonogh.org/community/retired-employees to read 10 years of retiree tributes, see upcoming events, and update your contact information.
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VIEW THE 2020-2021 PHILANTHROPY REPORT
Thank you to all of the retired faculty and staff members 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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UPDATE YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION |
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Over the summer, we upgraded our Google agreement, and we can now only provide licensed McDonogh email accounts to current faculty and staff. As a result, after December 31, we will no longer be able to allow retired employees (or alumni) the use of a school email address. Please use this form to update your information and provide a non-McDonogh email address so we can stay in touch.
If you need help creating a new account or migrating your contacts and files, please consult this step-by-step transition guide. One-on-one consultations with a member of McDonogh’s Technology Department will be available in Allan Building throughout October for anyone requiring assistance. You may schedule an appointment here.
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SAVE THE DATE FOR REUNION WEEKEND |
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The Office of Alumni Engagement is looking forward to welcoming alumni and retired employees 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 community members. More information will be sent out soon. |
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MCDONOGH GOLF CLASSIC MOVES TO MAY |
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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 outing 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. 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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HELP US COLLECT STORIES FROM COMMUNITY MEMBERS |
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The Office of Alumni Engagement is looking for volunteers to help capture personal stories from alumni and other members of the community 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 McDonogh while connecting with others in the community.
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