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Fall 2024 Alumni Newsletter
Greetings from Pam Farmer
Assistant Director of Development for Alumni Engagement
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Dear St. Andrew’s Alumni, | |
Happy Fall! We hope this message finds you well and thriving! As we embrace the beautiful fall season, I hope you have memories of the gorgeous colors that appear on our center campus. This is always my favorite time of the year at St. Andrew’s because it is the most beautiful. We are excited to share our latest news from campus and our wonderful alumni. | |
Recently we hosted our “Bad Boys of the 60s” reunion. These gentlemen filled the boardroom with nostalgia from their days here at St. Andrew’s. When they get together it is as if time has stopped and they enjoy all of the old stories of their time on campus. The group is brought together by Charlie Knowles ‘67. We had 15 men attend in person and a few on Zoom, including their ‘old’ teacher Bill Hutchinson. Of course, a trip across the street to Danny Kariuki’s grave is a must with memories of his large personality and the pride of winning the annual rope pull across the pond that used to be there beside his grave. | |
We had such a phenomenal Golf Classic this past August. It was a beautiful day and we had more than 20 alumni play and volunteer. It is wonderful to see alumni play together from different years and compare notes on old teachers and St. Andrew’s lore. Save the date for next year’s tournament on Monday, August 11, 2025, at the Rhode Island Country Club. | |
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This summer we did some beautiful renovations to Perry Hall. Sue McGann took charge of this project and her expertise was vital. Perry now has new flooring, fresh paint, and a renovated bathroom put in by Russ Ferreira ‘90. The students love it! Perry offers that old-time warm boarding school atmosphere that its residents love.
Everyone got to participate in the Edward C. Barrett ‘31 Memorial Pie Race to kick off Fall Family Weekend recently. His daughter Jan Barrett made six pies for the winning runners in the Middle School, Upper School, and the faculty. It was so wonderful to have her and other Barrett family members at the event. This year we added a new category of most spirited for two participants who won gift cards to the School Store. Pal the dog, our unofficial animal mascot, even made an appearance and won one of the prizes.
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Have you watched Fridays with Farmer? It’s on Instagram and Facebook every Friday in the summer and monthly during the school year. This is a feature where I speak about the history of St. Andrew’s. You can watch them here on Vimeo.
We have had many alumni stop back on campus this fall and we look forward to seeing you soon. Please let me know if you would like to visit.
Warmly,
Pam Farmer
Assistant Director of Development for Alumni Engagment
pfarmer@standrews-ri.org
P.S. Get involved! Please read below on ways you can give back to St. Andrew's and provide your feedback about the school in an alumni survey.
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Michael Carter-Williams '11 | |
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Michael Carter-Williams graduated from St. Andrew’s in 2011. He had a stellar career here and went on to Syracuse University. He had an impactful career there as well, which led him to be selected 11th overall in the NBA draft by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2014. From there he went on to play for the Milwaukee Bucks, Chicago Bulls, Charlotte Hornets, and the Orlando Magic. While Michael has always been known for his defensive prowess, versatility, and hard work, he is now embarking on another passion in his life: mental health and athletes. Michael has always been someone we have admired, and now so more than ever. Read this article from The Players’ Tribune to learn more.
Here’s a message from Michael:
"Hey everyone from my St. Andrew’s family! I wanted to catch up with you on how everything is going in my life. My two beautiful children are now 6 and 3! Charleigh, my baby girl, is doing so well in school, basketball, and Jujitsu. My son Redd is active as ever, playing basketball and looking forward to his first Jujitsu tournament on November 16. My wife and I have our hands full but we are loving every second of it.
I recently retired about a year and a half ago and I’m on the course of figuring out what is next. It seems like I’m doing a million and one things, but things have been great. I started my own real estate company called Special Teams real estate, and things are going really well. I’m also really involved in the mental health side of things for student-athletes. I recently wrote an article about my struggles with mental health (see link above) and it seemed to really make an impact. I’m now partnering with a company called NDUR, who is on a mission to really help student-athletes take care of their mental health. It’s important for me to give back to these athletes because I know the struggles we go through. I still have the itch to stay in the game, and beginning in January I am going to start broadcasting for ESPN! I’ll be doing ACC college basketball and I’m really looking forward to that.
Other than that, I’ve just been enjoying family time. My wife and I have been traveling a bit, enjoying each other's company. Being a dad and a husband has been my favorite part of retirement. I hope everyone in the St. Andrew’s community is doing well. Miss and love you. Don’t be afraid to reach out, I’m always here!"
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Andy Robinson ‘60 was at Terrificon at Mohegan Sun in August, where he and Pam Farmer caught up. They had great conversations about his time at St. Andrew’s. Andy has a lot of fans out there from his days as Garak the Tailor, HellRaiser, and Scorpio Killer in Dirty Harry (view full acting bio). | |
Charlie Knowles ‘67 came by to help out with one of the Fridays with Farmer episodes, and was also at the reunion for the "Bad Boys of the 60s." | |
Andy Saftel ‘77 stopped by over the summer and is working with our yearbook team to design the cover for this year's book. We have seen an early design and can’t wait for you all to be surprised by his beautiful work. He is pictured here with one of his works that he painted for Pam Farmer. | |
Joe Kersey ‘84 couldn’t wait to see his team’s banner on the wall. He was MVP in 1984. | |
Phil Morais ‘91 was knighted by the Portuguese Royal House and the Catholic Order of St. Michael. This honor recognizes a significant contribution to the Portuguese Royal House or the promotion of devotion to St. Michael. | |
Stephanie Oster Wilmarth ‘95 is a shining example of Father Chapin’s legacy with all of the wonderful community involvement work she does with BayCoast Bank. Read more here from her visit on The Rhode Show. Pam and Joe Farmer also caught up with her in Newport. | |
Dale N. Capellanio ‘96 came by campus and rang the Chapel bell. Dale is an amazing artist and he used to bring the Big Nazo puppets to campus! Check out his website. | |
Taylor Stevenson Schmelz '00 and Pam Farmer were twinning at the Newport Folk Festival! It’s always so fun to catch up with alumni everywhere we go. | |
Yvonne Yiyao Xiao ‘14 came by with her fiancé Wen and had a wonderful visit with Pam Farmer, Pete Blanchet, and Mrs. Berry! Mrs. Berry was particularly happy and proud because Yvonne went into writing for apps. She now writes for Uber. | |
Owen Greene ‘18 just finished 24 weeks of boot camp for the National Guard down in Georgia. He visited with Kelly Bourk and other teachers. | |
Philip Hu ‘20, Matthew Xu ‘21, and Felix Huang ‘18, came by to visit David Bourk and Mike Hart and celebrate Sarah Bourk on her high school graduation. | |
Monica Neema ‘18 graduated from Providence College and is now living out in Washington State. She is appreciative of the education St. Andrew’s gave her, and she is so excited to start the next phase of her life out west. | |
Christina Xu '21, Cherry Chen '21, and Lucy Li '22 came by to visit Liz Park. | |
Riley Sprague ‘21 and Syanne Mohammed ‘21 had lunch with Sue McGann. Riley is a senior at Wheaton College and Syanne is a senior at Goshen College. | |
Holly Cobery ‘22 was on Sue McGann’s flight in August — Sue is spotting alumni everywhere! | |
Shelby Green ‘22 and Soraya Fanion ‘22 came by to ring the Chapel bell and visit old friends and teachers. | |
Ari Steinberg ‘24, Moro Rufai ‘24, and Soraya Fanion ‘22 stopped by the soccer games on October 19 during Fall Family Weekend. | |
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Albert Longo ‘03 came to the soccer game and caught up with his former advisor Andy Schirber. Albert is still working with the U.S. Postal Service and trying to take pictures when he can.
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Ted Terhune '04, AJ Elson '22, and Al Elson '83 got together to celebrate Al Elson’s 60th birthday! | |
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Jamison “Jaima” Albritton ‘04 has a new song on Spotify! Listen here — let’s make him famous!
Ray Cross ‘04 received the 2024 Changemaker Award from the Enrollment Management Association. The Changemaker Award is given to a distinguished educator of color who reached above and beyond to contribute to the enrollment management field in the admissions arena. Ray makes such a difference in the daily lives of our students and faculty. He notices things we would never think of and guides us to make better paths in all we do. We are so proud of him and the commitment he has to make the world a better place. Ray truly models the Chapin Tradition for all of us. Congratulations, Ray!
Bonzie Colson ’14 is playing in Turkey for Fenerbahce in the Turkish Basketbol Super Ligi. Here is a great article about when he played in Israel.
Cole Swider ‘18 is now playing for the Detroit Pistons! We can’t wait to see him soar to great heights.
Faith Santos ‘19 had a visit with her beloved grandmother Sue McGann. Faith is currently living in Camarillo, California, working at Trader Joe’s, and exploring her options in the field of Fire Science.
Megan Bodziony ‘20 had lunch with Sue McGann recently. She is a recent graduate of Bryant University and is currently doing her fifth year studying and playing basketball at LeMoyne College in Dewitt, NY.
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Welcome to our littlest Saints — congratulations, alumni parents!
Jabin Read ‘19 and Debbie Pires welcomed Emerie-Lynn.
Bonzie Colson ‘14 welcomed a baby.
Joslyeen and Mike Accaoui ‘09 welcomed their daughter Amara.
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Alumni participation in the St. Andrew’s Fund is important in strengthening the programs that define a St. Andrew’s education and supports our new mission: St. Andrew’s empowers students to discover their unique value and embrace their full potential. Our mission is a promise to our students, that they will be supported in their journey to realize their best selves.
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Philanthropy is a powerful catalyst that helps us turn our vision for the school into reality. We invite you to participate in the St. Andrew’s Fund to support our students and programs. Together we’re strengthening a community where our students can thrive.
Ways you can give:
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Online at standrews-ri.org/donate
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Venmo @standrews-ri
- Text SAINTS to 202-858-1233
- Mail a check to the Development Office, St. Andrew’s School, 63 Federal Road, Barrington, RI 02806
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If you have any questions about the St. Andrew's Fund or if you would like to make a pledge, please contact Assistant Director of Development for Annual Giving Paola Martinez at pmartinez@standrews-ri.org. Thank you for your support!
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Alumni Survey
We have engaged Independent School Management (ISM) to conduct an Alumni/ae Survey to gather your valuable input for the school’s future. Your feedback will help St. Andrew’s provide the best possible experience to alums and current students, and play a role in our strategic planning process throughout the course of this school year.
ISM sent you a personalized email on Wednesday, October 16, with a survey link. Please note that the survey link below is uniquely created for you and can only be used once. Sharing the link will prevent the original recipient from being able to take the survey. If you need help finding your survey or resetting your link, please email surveys@isminc.com for assistance.
We encourage you to invest about 10-15 minutes to share your feedback. You’ll have a chance to rate important school aspects and programs, list school strengths and areas to improve, share additional comments, and more. Your responses will be 100% anonymous.
This survey has been extended to close at 11:59 p.m. next Wednesday, November 6.
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Newsletter Reminder
We love to hear from you! Please update Pam Farmer on your happenings to be included in the upcoming Alumni Newsletter. Thank you!
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