forte et gratum - spring 2014

Forte et GratumColumbus School for Girls

New Beginnings

SPRING 2014

2 LETTER FROM LIZA LEE

3 SIGNIFICANTLY CSG

8 NEW BRANDING DEFINES THE ESSENCE OF ALL GIRL

10 CSG STATS YOU’LL LOVE TO SHARE

12 SNEAK PEAK: AN INSIDE LOOK AT CSG’S INCOMING HEAD OF SCHOOL

14 PYC CELEBRATES 20 YEARS AT COLUMBIA HOUSE

15 AN ALUMNA’S JOURNEY: MIDDLE SCHOOL SCIENCE TO MIT

16 CSG HISTORY MYSTERY CAPTIVATES LOWER SCHOOLERS

18 INAUGURAL SCHOLARS GALA A RESOUNDING SUCCESS

20 CSG ATHLETICS BREAKS RECORDS

21 PERFORMING ARTS COMPLEX SET TO OPEN

22 ALUMNAE BOARD FUNDS NEW MERIT SCHOLARSHIP

23 CLASS NEWS

33 CONGRATULATIONS AND SYMPATHIES

34 FACULTY/STAFF NEWS

35 LANDMARK CAMPAIGN UPDATE

36 END NOTES: THANK YOU, LIZA!

IBC ALUMNAE WEEKEND SCHEDULE

IN THIS ISSUESPRING 2014

Forte et Gratum

FORTE ET GRATUM • SPRING 2014 1

Columbus School for Girls

2 FORTE ET GRATUM • SPRING 2014

This issue of Forte et Gratum is a potpourri of exciting developments at the school. If there is a theme it might be called “new beginnings,” because we have so much to report on new programs, facilities, and people. One of the articles features a project our Form III girls undertook to explore the school’s history; it reminds us that schools are both repositories of historical records and creators of dreams.

We know that each new beginning starts from somewhere, and in this case our beginnings start with Miss Scott and Miss Kelley, who are not featured in the magazine, but who are the bedrock of all that is occurring now. They were women of “new beginnings,” founding a new school, with a new purpose, in a city that was somewhat new and sometimes raw. They began, however, with a dream that was elegant and refined. They wanted to start a school for young women that would not be a “finishing school,” but would set young women on a path that would develop them intellectually, physically, morally, and spiritually. It would prepare its students for lives of purpose and significance. There wasn’t an old model for this school; this school was a beacon for the future. They were preparing their girls for the world they were to enter— not the world in which Miss Scott and Miss Kelley had grown up.

CSG’s present is the outcome of this dream and is represented by the girls and young women whose activities are featured in these pages: girls and young women whose lives are full of purpose and meaning and who give promise of a brilliant future in every aspect of their being. In some ways they are the end of the founders’ dream. Yet they are beginning new lives that Miss Scott and Miss Kelley could not have imagined, in careers that in some cases didn’t yet exist. They carry with them a rich and principled past, and they are testament to CSG’s success in the present, yet at the same time they embrace an unknown future.

Now we are preparing for a new young Head, also featured in these pages, who will walk in the footsteps of those who came before her, but she will lead the school in new directions and help us dream new dreams. The interview with her is lively and exciting, but reassuring as well because her own values are so clearly supportive of our bedrock values.

The building that we feature, the new Performing Arts Complex, reflects the same adherence to our founders’ commitment to educational excellence for girls. It provides all that we can imagine for the performing arts so that we can support the dreams of our young thespians and musicians. To put it another way, the new building puts us in the forefront of the arts and opens possibilities for the future that are only dreams in the present. The architecture of the building itself, while a new beginning for CSG, looks back to the school building and blends with the early 20th century houses it adjoins.

The truth of the matter is that all beginnings have their roots in the past and that all beginnings end at a future time. Just as we know that our students will leave these new spaces for others as they move on in the world, we know that the school will move on to new projects inspired by new circumstances. T.S. Eliot said it most succinctly:

Time present and time past Are both perhaps contained in time future And time future contained in time past.

We at CSG are deeply grateful for all that has been, and say a resounding “yes” to the future.

Affectionately, Liza

DAG HAMMERSKJOLD

A LETTER FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL, LIZA LEE

For all that has been—Thanks!For all that shall be—Yes!


National Merit and National Achievement Honorees 2014In autumn 2013, 10 members of CSG’s Class of 2014 were recognized by the National Merit or National Achievement Scholarship Programs for their outstanding achievements in these elite academic competitions. Congratulations girls!

Girl RisingIn partnership with the Women’s Fund of Central Ohio and Columbus City Preparatory School for Girls (a public middle school), Columbus School for Girls was extremely proud to host a Dec. 10, 2013, public screening of Girl Rising, a powerful documentary showcasing the strength of human spirit and the power of girls’ education to change the world. Girl Rising tells the story of nine inspiring young girls from around the world who are united in their desire for education against all odds. More than 200 CSG faculty, parents, and students, as well as community members, turned out on a snowy winter evening to attend the event at CSG’s Agnes Shedd Theater. The 90-minute film moved all present with its compelling narrative about young girls struggling to obtain freedom, persevere through obstacles, and walk with strength and gratitude despite the

(row 1, left to right): National Achievement Honoree, Ciru Wainaina (Outstanding Participant); National Merit Honorees - Sophie Sugar (Commended Student), Cecilia Pesavento (Semifinalist). (row 2): Autumn Pu (Semifinalist), Meredith Meyer (Semifinalist), Grace Bolander (Commended Student). (row 3): Annalise Vaccarello (Commended Student), Olivia Beeson (Semifinalist). (row 4): Allyson Coble (Semifinalist), Emily Bichsel (Semifinalist)

“ I felt that Girl Rising was more than just an inspiring film, it’s a movement that I can be a part of.”

Briana Anthony ’18

challenges holding them back from an education and a better life.

Additionally, CSG hosted a private screening for eighth-grade girls from both CSG and Columbus Prep and their families. A follow-up lunch took place at Columbus Prep on Dec. 12 where 10 CSG Form VIII girls joined student leaders from Columbus Prep for thoughtful discussion about the issues surrounding girls’ education around the world.

CSG Middle School Director Cindy Trask noted, “The screening of Girl Rising provided an opportunity for

our shared communities to discuss the importance of education for all girls. The film itself was very moving, but the gathering later in the week at the Columbus Preparatory School for Girls allowed our students to have rich conversations about how they could respond to the message conveyed in the film. Hearing our girls wrestling with the issue of global education for girls and effective ways to reach out to those living in poverty was very powerful. Our students recognize that they can be agents of change in this movement and many spoke of their desire to take action in their own community.”

Significantly CSG


CSG was thrilled to be the subject of a feature article in the December 2013 issue of Columbus Monthly magazine. Go Girls, written by editor Kristen Schmidt, explored the many positive aspects of an all-girl education and included quotes from local alumnae Liza Kessler ’86, Dr. Sandra Kim ’86, Judge Laurel Beatty ’92, and Sophia Corna ’97. Thanks to our loyal alumnae for participating!

Photo courtesy of Columbus Monthly Magazine.

CSG featured in Columbus Monthly Magazine

The popular magazine is considered a must-read and boasts a 25,000-member subscriber base of central Ohio’s most influential readers. Our thanks to Kristen for a great article and for her interest in CSG! By the way, Kristen learned about CSG when she attended the school’s 2012 inaugural Women’s Leadership Network Breakfast (read the write-up about this year’s Women’s Leadership Network Breakfast on page 5).

To read the full Columbus Monthly article, visit the CSG website at www.columbusschoolforgirls.org.

Significantly CSG

ALL OF THE WOMEN INTERVIEWED SAY CSG HAD WELL PREPARED THEM FOR THE WORLD BEYOND HIGH SCHOOL AND FOR COLLEGE. EACH OF THEM CHOSE A PROFESSION THAT CAN BE CALLED ‘MALE-DOMINATED,’ BUT NOT ONE OF THEM SEEMS TO NOTICE.

KRISTEN SCHMIDT, COLUMBUS MONTHLY EDITOR, WRITING IN A DECEMBER 2013 FEATURE ARTICLE ABOUT CSG.


Top women leaders meet at CSGNearly 50 of central Ohio’s top women leaders, CSG representatives, and students participated in the school’s second annual Women’s Leadership Network Breakfast, held in the Ruch Dining Room on Tuesday, Jan. 14. A brainchild and initiative of CSG’s Board of Trustees’ Outreach Committee, the well-received event provided an intimate and unique opportunity for CSG Upper and Middle School young women of extraordinary leadership potential to connect with accomplished local female professionals, and for central Ohio’s women leaders of today to connect to CSG and the young women leaders of tomorrow. Head of School Liza Lee warmly welcomed back to campus Franklin County Common Pleas Judge Laurel Beatty ’92 as the keynote speaker, who delivered an inspirational address. Planning is already underway for next year’s event as we introduce CSG to more women leaders in central Ohio.

Franklin County Common Pleas Judge Laurel Beatty ’92 speaks about the importance of an all-girl education at the 2014 Women’s Leadership Network Breakfast.

Ciru Wainaina ’14 discusses her future plans with Robbie

Banks, Experience Columbus.

Students in Forms III through VIII work together to create a short video articulating what it means to be a “strong girl” during the International Day of the Girl activities at CSG.

Strong Girls Strong WorldIt was a fortunate coincidence that the International Day of the Girl fell on the same day as CSG’s annual Scholarship Walk: Oct. 11, 2013. Both events support the hopes and dreams of girls to gain access to education. Using the unifying motto “Strong Girls, Strong World,” girls from the Program for Young Children (PYC) through Middle School spent the afternoon of Scholarship Walk contemplating how education can make a person strong and learning about the barriers and unique struggles faced by 66 million girls around the world—girls currently denied the right to an education. Age-appropriate activities allowed even the youngest forms to participate. Forms I-II completed the sentence, “I am a strong girl because …” and illustrated their idea. They then visited the PYC girls to share their project and to make an art piece together that symbolized strong girls. Forms III-V read the book,

Nasreen’s Secret School: A True Story from Afghanistan, by Jeanette Winter. Following their reading and discussion of the book, they connected with Middle School students to create short videos reflecting on what it means to be a strong girl. It truly was a fun-filled day full of deep meaning, uniting our all-girl community! A Strong Girl, Strong World Council comprised of PYC through Middle School students now meets monthly to continue the discussions and collaboration that were rooted in the activities of the International Day of the Girl.

Significantly CSG


Middle School robotics team competes at state tournamentCSG’s Middle School FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) LEGO® League (FLL) robotics team, the Unibots, competed at the Ohio Championship Tournament on Feb. 8 and 9, 2014, at the Ervin J. Nutter Center in Dayton. The team of seven qualified for the state tournament by competing well against teams from across the state in both the regional and district events.

Each year, FIRST proposes a new challenge which is at the forefront of science, technology and engineering. To prepare for this year’s challenge, Nature’s Fury, the team designed and built an autonomous robot using MINDSTORMS® NXT, and programmed the robot using the MINDSTORMS software Inventions 2.1. At competition, the robot was given 2.5 minutes to complete as many missions (specific maneuvers on a defined course) as possible.

Additionally, each year a research component mirrors the challenge course. The Unibots chose to focus on earthquakes, choosing Niigata, Japan, as their specific community. For their project, “Beat the Quake,” the team developed an app to help educate children on how to prepare for an earthquake using Touch Develop,

(front row, left to right): Evelyn Stuntz ’18, Katrina D’Arms ’20, Vara Mehra ’20 (back row, left to right): Saba Mehra ’15 (US mentor), Raelina Yu ’19, Ali Maniace ’19, Tara Joshi ’18, Allison Gammons ’18, Coach Michael Vernier (doctoral student, The Ohio State University)

a website where users can make their own apps. The app allows the users to play a game that gets progressively more difficult as one navigates through it while simultaneously presenting information on how to be prepared for an earthquake.

The Middle School FLL program is coordinated by Form VII math teacher, Ann Marie McDonnell. Upper School students who are former members of the Middle School FLL team have been diligently mentoring this team including: Hannah Bloch ’17, CC D’Arms ’17, Natalie Keyes ’17, Saba Mehra ’15, and Olivia Yadav ’17. Robotics is an integral part of STEM initiatives at the CSG Middle School level.

It’s a great time to be a student in the Middle School at CSG! In autumn 2013, in addition to launching a Middle School 1:1 tablet program, CSG also introduced a new interdisciplinary humanities curriculum that links the study of English and history. The goal is to deconstruct the artificial barriers between the two disciplines and focus on the development of thinking skills common to both. The program supports CSG’s school-wide vision that students learn best by solving problems creatively and collaboratively while connecting knowledge across disciplines. These new courses are a careful blend of grammar and writing, literature, history, and geography, with a clear emphasis on skill development in critical thinking and writing, chronological reasoning, vocabulary development, primary source analysis, geopolitical relationships, and literary exposition. The curriculum is guided by state standards for history and the national Common Core standards for English.

Significantly CSG

Developing skills in critical thinking is a key component of the Middle School’s new humanities curriculum.

Middle School focuses on critical thinking


Annual Scholarship Walk sees changesOct. 11, 2013, marked another important fundraising event: CSG’s 42nd annual Scholarship Walk, which gives CSG students the opportunity to show their support for the Scholars Fund. This year, for the first time, Program for Young Children (PYC), Lower School, and Middle School students participated in Scholarship Walk activities during the morning, and then spent the afternoon celebrating the International Day of the Girl (see Page 5 of this issue of Forte to read more about the International Day of the Girl). While PYC students walked around the CSG campus and neighborhood, Lower School girls walked to Jeffrey Park where they participated in fun team-building activities. All Middle School students walked six miles at Highbanks Metro Park and then returned to CSG for lunch and afternoon activities. The perfect autumn weather, both crisp and clear, definitely added to the enjoyment of the day. All Upper School students walked 12 miles at Highbanks, where they were treated to a delicious food truck taco lunch. Congratulations girls, and thank you for raising $25,261.15 toward scholarships at CSG!

Allison Elia ’05

Helping CSG girls find their dream careersWhat did you want to be when you grew up? Think back to your days in the CSG Upper School and how exciting (and perhaps overwhelming) it was to contemplate choosing a career. “Lunch and Learn” is a new monthly series designed to help Form XI and XII girls do just that—find a career that’s right for them. With coordination from CSG’s Young Alumnae Council, “Lunch and Learn” will bring CSG alumnae of all ages back to campus to share their career paths, educational goals, and ideas on work-life balance. Invitations for presenters will be tailored to alumnae in specific careers in which the current Upper School girls have indicated interest.

Significantly CSG

Middle School girls walk at Highbanks Metro Park during CSG’s 42nd annual Scholarship Walk.

The first “Lunch and Learn” was held on Feb. 12, 2014, featuring Allison Elia ’05. Elia studied chemistry at Duke University, where she helped start an after-school program called “Females Excelling More in Math, Engineering, and Science” (FEMMES). Through this program, she went into community schools to lead hands-on STEM programs for at-risk girls in fourth through sixth grades. Her experience with FEMMES led her to join the 2010 Teach for America Corps in Charlotte, N.C. Elia currently works at After-School All Stars-Ohio, in Columbus, Ohio, where she is responsible for operations, finances, and program evaluation.

meet, eat, discover

LunchLearn&

At CSG, gender doesn’t have a role, so it never affects how we work, how we play, what we choose, or how we look.

At CSG, connections build close-knit communities, a nd enduring relationships grow into powerful networks.

At CSG,we are all adventurers,we are all pace setters,we are all game changers,

We are

CSG rolling out new branding


At CSG, gender doesn’t

have a role, so it never affects

how we work,

how we play,

what we choose,

or how we look.

At CSG, connections build

close-knit communities,

and enduring relationships

grow into powerful networks.

At CSG,

we are all adventurers,

we are all pace setters,

we are all game changers,

We are

Where we’ve been and where we are headedSince our founding in 1898, Columbus School for Girls has offered distinguished academics to girls and young women in central Ohio. While changes have occurred through the ensuing decades, CSG never wavered from its mission of providing girls’ intellectual, social, and ethical growth in a single-gender setting.

Today, CSG is again in the midst of change. Our campus facilities are undergoing a multimillion-dollar renovation and construction project that has already changed the complexion of our main campus. Technology increasingly has an impact on pedagogical methods. CSG embraces these changes, while at the same time honoring our school’s long-standing traditions and rich history.

Why new branding?In today’s increasingly loud and distracted marketplace, it has become more important than ever that CSG present itself with a single, authentic, and compelling voice. To that end, last year the CSG Board of Trustees and school’s leadership team decided to undertake a re-examination of our core message strategy.

During 2012-13, CSG contracted with Ologie®, a nationally recognized branding agency in Columbus, Ohio. The primary objective of the project was to create a brand and reputation campaign that will enhance CSG’s distinctive image in the central Ohio marketplace and tell its unique story. The entire scope of the perceptual branding work conducted by Ologie was graciously funded by an anonymous donor.

Ologie concluded a discovery phase in spring 2013, which entailed conducting focus groups or telephone interviews with selected current and past parents, current students, alumnae, faculty, staff, and board members. In addition, they conducted a thorough audit of CSG’s current messaging, including ads, website, admission materials, and historical documents. During summer 2013, Ologie crafted a new creative concept to graphically portray CSG’s refocused message strategy. The branding rollout began with news ads and a new viewbook in autumn 2013 and will continue throughout the coming year, eventually touching every aspect of CSG’s messaging, including the redesign of the CSG website.

The essence of CSG—All GirlCSG’s new message strategy and look crystalize the true essence of CSG—what we in the community have known for years—that CSG defines what it means to be an empowered girl who can discover her true voice and embrace her full potential. In our new promotional materials you’ll see the use of bold, empowering language, photos of our girls engaged in active learning, a personal and inviting tone, and the introduction of a vivid, subordinate color palette to accompany our traditional red and gold to energize our collateral.

The key attributes of this brand promise are CSG’s academic excellence, our all-girl environment, and the transformational experience CSG girls gain through their educational experience. The new tag line, “All Girl,” builds on CSG’s singularly unique attribute—our all-girl environment. At CSG, of course, “All Girl” carries within its deceptively simple character a deeper, richer message that perfectly aligns with CSG’s full message strategy and brand promise. “All Girl” does not simply describe CSG, it defines everything that we do. It is a both a rallying cry and a promise to transcend all boundaries of gender inequality.

Girls, get ready to shine.

Girls thrive in an all-girls environment. Believe it. This stuff is backed up by science.

80

60

40

20

Perc

ent o

f girl

s su

rvey

ed

Spend 11 or more hours on homework per week

Tutor other students Spend three or more hours per week with teachers outside of class

Study in groups

53

65

37

42 45

58

30

offered to the class of 2013

$6.2mmerit scholarships

total

of one student in the class of 2014

the

perfect act score

36

student-teacher ratio

8:1


62


Girls thrive in an all-girls environment. Believe it. This stuff is backed up by science.

Spend three or more hours per week with teachers outside of class

Are going to college to prepare for grad school

Chose a college based on grad school acceptance rate

Rate themselves in the top 10 percent academically

Rate themselves in the top 10 percent in math

All-girlsCoed

Source: Women Graduates of Single-Sex and Co-educational High Schools: Differences in Their Characteristics and the Transition to College, by Linda Sax et al.

71

45

81

4866

41

75

37

full-time faculty

6875%

hold advanced degrees

sister program

and the program continues today

was initiated in 1904 to build relationships between younger and older students

big little

each year csg holds

33student performances

an average of

our kirk campus hasa regulation track

8 tennis courtswooded running trails

4 playing fieldsand is situated on 70 acres

lower school girls

soccer/swimming volleyball/lacrosse

tennis/basketballfield hockey/running club

can participate in

average Upper School

class size

1212

6 honors courses

APcourses15

of girls from coed schools

(national average)

1.4%

13%

VS.

of csg grads study engineering

$810,059.53

since its inception in 1971

for the

Scholarship Walk

Our students have raised

of the class of 2012

from national merit and achievement programs

20%Over

earned recognition


WHERE DID YOU GROW UP?I grew up in Massachusetts, in a seaside town called Duxbury, which is just 30 minutes south of Boston.

WHAT WAS YOUR FAMILY LIKE?I come from a medium-sized family; I have two brothers and a sister. I am the oldest, and when most people learn that fact they say to me, “Oh, of course, you’re the oldest.” It doesn’t surprise them at all. So I guess I’m known to be a bit bossy.

WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU WERE A YOUNG GIRL?I wanted to be an orthopedic surgeon. One of my best friend’s father was an orthopedic surgeon, and I thought that being a bone doctor meant that I wouldn’t have to deal with blood, so I thought that I had hit upon a brilliant idea. Interestingly enough, I never planned to be a teacher or an administrator. After orthopedic surgeon, my dream was to become the editor-in-chief at Vogue. My mother is a teacher, so of course I wasn’t going to follow my mother’s career. But after graduating from college (she holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Wheaton College) I got a teaching internship while working on my Master of Arts in Teaching, which allowed me to teach full-time and go to school for my degree in the summer. I found that I absolutely loved teaching. The sense of purpose and meaning that being a teacher gave me was just wonderful, and I felt like I was doing a great thing in the world. As I neared the end of my internship, though, I was still planning to go and work at a magazine in New York City. After interviewing and not getting any magazine job offers, I said to the division head at the school, “Well, now you’re just going to have to hire me.” She replied, “We would love to hire you.” So, that was literally how I got my first permanent teaching job, and I’ve loved every bit of it.

WHAT IS ONE THING THAT PEOPLE WOULD BE SURPRISED TO LEARN ABOUT YOU?That’s a tough one, because I’m pretty much an open book. But if people don’t know me well yet they are sometimes surprised to learn that I am a synchronized swimmer. I was a competitive swimmer in high school, but the college I attended didn’t have a competitive swim team. They did, however, have a synchronized swim team, so I joined that and I loved it. I competed all through college and I went to nationals a few times. I’m really excited about CSG’s pool because I will swim!

Getting to know you: 10 questions for Jennifer Ciccarelli,

CSG’s incoming Head of School

Incoming Head of School Jennifer M. Ciccarelli sat down with CSG

Director of Marketing and Communications Suzanne Bressoud in early January 2014 for

an informal chat and a behind-the-scenes look at the woman who will occupy the

Mansion’s corner office come July 1, 2014. Ciccarelli is currently the Assistant Director/

Acting Director at The Winsor School, a highly regarded grade 5–12 girls’ school in Boston. She and her husband, Chad, and 3-year-old

daughter, Perry, are very much looking forward to their move to Ohio this summer.


10 questions for Jennifer Ciccarelli, CSG’s incoming Head of School

CAN YOU SHARE ONE THING YOU’VE LEARNED ABOUT OHIO?Well, of course, one of the first things I learned when I visited was that if you ever want to get anything done—get your haircut, go to the mall, get a great parking space—do it during an Ohio State game because no one else is out. So I’ve learned that. And also, I have to say that Ohio, and Columbus in particular, is one of the friendliest places I’ve ever been in my life.

WHAT IS ONE THING THAT YOU’VE LEARNED ABOUT CSG?I could say a million things about CSG, but let me note something that is fun, that I don’t think everyone will know. I was talking to Liza and asked her if she knew that a former head of the Winsor School (Ciccarelli’s current school), Carolyn McClintock Peter, grew up on Columbia Avenue in Bexley? She didn’t. Then, I went on to tell Liza that the sculpture on CSG’s campus called “Joy” (the bronze girl dancing near the Lower School on the Drexel side) came from Carolyn’s mother’s yard. When Carolyn’s mother was getting ready to sell the house, she said, “I know just where that sculpture should go, it should go to CSG.” And that’s where it still is today. I loved learning about this connection between my current school and new school.

WHAT’S CURRENTLY ON YOUR BEDSIDE TABLE?The Bully Pulpit: Theodore Roosevelt, William Howard Taft, and the Golden Age of Journalism, Doris Kearns Goodwin

Independent School magazine

A biography of Graham Nash

DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL WAY TO SPEND A SATURDAY.Spending time with Perry and Chad exploring a new place somewhere warm and sunny; probably a city. The day would start with a workout of some kind. There would have to be some reading involved because one of my dreams is to spend several hours or an afternoon just reading. We’d do some exploring, find a great restaurant and a great playground for Perry, and learn lots of new things and see great new sights.

DO YOU HAVE ANY HOBBIES?Reading is a huge hobby, and I love to exercise; I love to be active. I love listening to all kinds of music. I also have a list of hobbies I’m determined to take up again. For example, I miss playing a musical instrument. I played the clarinet extensively, but

whether it’s the clarinet or something new, I would love to play an instrument again. My grandmother taught me how to knit, so I’d also really like to take that up again. I love spending time with my extended family. They are warm, lovely, wonderful people; they are crazy, and loud, and spending time with them grounds me and makes me feel just wonderful. I don’t know if that’s a hobby, but that’s a way that I love to spend my time.

NAME ONE PLACE IN THE WORLD YOU WOULD LIKE TO VISIT.I think it has to be China. The diversity of the country is so extraordinary; I definitely want to tour some of the cities. But I’d need to wait until Perry is a little older so she can appreciate it with us. India, Australia, and New Zealand are also very high on my list of places I’ve never visited.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE FOOD?Hamburgers and french fries.

WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT?I’ve got two of them. One is certainly my family and Perry. I’d say another is when wonderful colleagues have said that I’ve mentored them and encouraged them to do their best work. I’m very proud of that.

Incoming Head of School Jennifer M. Ciccarelli, her husband, Chad, and 3-year-old daughter, Perry.

CSG’s youngest girls, the most recent group of inquisitive, bright, and articulate PYCers to inhabit the welcoming rooms of Columbia House, helped celebrate a milestone on Friday, Jan. 10, 2014—Columbia House’s 20th anniversary. Many younger alumnae will fondly remember their first days at CSG in the Program for Young Children (PYC) at Columbia House. With help from CSG’s Office of Development, four girls from the 4/5 class, Ellen Hines ’27, Soleil Cordell ’27, Natasha Lee ’27, and Mia Mazak ’27, planned a very special celebration for the entire PYC. All were treated to red or gold cupcakes (strawberry or carrot cake), and the festive atmosphere was completed with balloons, red and gold decorations, and a large assortment of unicorns, including the CSG mascot and a “real live unicorn” (perfectly sized for allowing PYC girls to pet its head). Special thanks to the Meuse family (Dr. Peter Meuse and Lisa Benson Meuse ’99, parents of

Emmy ’28 and Madelyn ’25), who delighted the girls by bringing the “real” unicorn as well as an additional

pony from their personal farm. CSG’s Assistant Director of Development, Alumnae Relations, Jordan Hilbrands ’07, who was a member of the first class to inhabit Columbia House, shared

her memories with the girls. Adding to the party was the performance of an original song written

by Ms. Jenny Morgan (After-Hours PYC teacher) and performed by the After-Hours girls to Morgan’s guitar accompaniment. It was a very special day for a very special place at CSG! To watch a short video of the birthday celebration, go to www.columbusschoolforgirls.org.

20!COLUMBIA HOUSE

IS


Caroline Gilani ’26 is shown in the foreground; Emmy Meuse ’28 is standing in the background by her dad, Dr. Peter Meuse.


From CSG to Ph.D.

“ I wanted to ask Mr. B to come

out for my Ph.D. defense because

I wanted him to know what a

difference he had made in my life.”

DR. ERIN SHEA ’98

“I wanted to ask Mr. B to come out for my Ph.D. defense because I wanted him to know what a difference he had made in my life,” said Erin Shea ’98. “I figured the best way to show him what a gift he had given me was to bring him out to see the results. A Ph.D. defense is a jumping-off point for the rest of one’s career, and I wanted him to be a part of that.”

Shea successfully completed the final hurdle toward her Ph.D. in Geology from the world-renowned research university in November 2013 with family members, and Burton, at her side.

“I was absolutely thrilled when Mr. B said he could come out,” added Shea. “I am so flattered that he took the time to make the trip all the way to Boston. It was an incredible honor for me and made the day even more special.”

For Burton, the trip was a singular highlight of his teaching career.

“This is the highest honor I’ve ever had in my life as a teacher,” he noted. “It was just incredible to see the realization of all of the things that I taught Erin about in Middle School at CSG—integrity, hard work, scientific rigor, and believing in yourself.”

Shea remembers many gifted teachers during her years at CSG, but noted that Burton’s expectation of excellence and his encouragement of curiosity truly changed the path of her education. After joining his class, Shea admits that she transformed from a young girl who thought she could never “do” math and science to a student facing a world of new possibilities.

“I think all of his students know that Mr. B does not accept second-rate work. He demands all that you have to give, and I really thrived under that,” added Shea. “He also has a holistic approach to science: we sang songs, we wrote papers, we gave presentations, we built inventions, we went on field trips. We were barraged with science, and that made it fun and interesting!”

For Shea, the world of science that opened up before her in Middle School became her passion. After CSG, she went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Physics from MIT and an Master of Science in Geology from San Jose State University. Shea’s doctoral thesis focused, in laymen’s terms, on understanding the “plumbing” of volcanic systems. Her research involved looking at how magma moved through the Earth’s crust in a 90-million-year-old volcanic system.

Shea links her success back to those invaluable lessons learned in a Middle School classroom at CSG.

“So much of being successful in STEM fields is about hard work,” added Shea, “not about being a super genius. Everyone thinks that you have to be a math whiz or science prodigy to do well, but really all you have to be is curious. The best scientists are the ones who ask the most questions, not the ones who know all the answers.”

Michael Burton with Dr. Erin Shea ’98 in Boston, Mass.

MICHAEL BURTON, LONGTIME CSG MIDDLE SCHOOL SCIENCE

TEACHER, WAS SIMULTANEOUSLY stunned, honored, and very moved

WHEN HE WAS INVITED TO ATTEND A FORMER STUDENT’S

DISSERTATION DEFENSE AT THE MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF

TECHNOLOGY (MIT).

Young students of Form III proudly say,Our history mystery we bring to you todayWe put on our white glovesAnd found what we’re made ofAmazed by the stories we heard along the way.

We went to the attic and found old artifactsTopknots and slides and report cards stored in stacksSchool changes we exploredBehind the Kibler doorsTraditions still live on 100 years and more.

We love tales of changes our school has been throughWe’ve had lots of fun bringing evidence to youFrom 1898To 2014From blazers to sweaters, and all that’s in-between.

We welcome young children from all around the world,To become part of history created just by girlsSome day we will be oldOur stories will be told

There’s no place like CSG—IN THE WHOLE WIDE WORLD!

A CSG History Mystery


SONG

SUNG TO THE TUNE OF FORTE ET GRATUM, A CSG SCHOOL SONG. LYRICS WRITTEN BY FORM III STUDENTS.


“I wonder if when we get older, will anyone look back in CSG’s history for us?” asked a Form III student after exploring the attic of Kibler House for the first time. “I wonder who the first people to come to CSG were?” asked another classmate. These students had just experienced their first taste of becoming archivists, traveling back to 1898, the year Miss Scott and Miss Kelly founded CSG.

Studying pictures of young women with topknots in the hallways and trying on archivists’ cotton gloves, the girls opened fragile hymnals from 1900 and began to sing the Invocation song we sing today. So began the CSG “History Mystery” for the class of 2023, which culminated in their Chapel performance where the school’s past was linked with the present through skits and songs written and performed by students themselves.

The girls’ curiosity steered their study. Middies, bloomers, blazers, yearbooks, and graduation dresses found their way from the Kibler House to Ms. Susan Dutton’s and Ms. Maureen Reedy’s classrooms. “I See, I Think, I Wonder,” thinking routines modeled after Harvard University’s Making Learning Visible project, became the foundation for deep inquiry, research and documentation. Students unearthed information about CSG at the Kirk Campus, Cynthia’s Woods, and the Columbus Public Library, as they followed their questions about the school’s evolution from 1898 to today.

Fascinated by the changes in Topknot yearbooks, students tracked down and interviewed alumnae from 30 to 100 years old. Captivated, the girls patched together timelines combining alumnae stories with artifacts in the form of photographs, uniforms, and files. Students sought information about the role CSG played in the city of Columbus in old maps and microfiche. Every story fed both their wonder and their sense of belonging to a century-old family of learners.

Authentic documentation displayed on Form III’s “Process Board,” in the form of student artwork, photos, and quotes, captured the girls’ questions and reflections. Student thinking documented on the process board became a vital resource for inspiring further research and writing. The CSG “History Mystery” chapel production was inspired, driven, and created entirely by the girls’ questions, their research, and stories gathered throughout the fall.

At CSG, our faculty members believe that making our students’ learning “visible” (capturing and holding on to student thinking), is at the heart of developing a deeper understanding of teaching and learning. These Lower School students delved deeply into discovering and determining what is important about CSG’s history, and together, created a Chapel production that in turn, taught others what they had learned.

“There’s no place in the whole world like CSG,” exclaimed a student, with her arms open wide, expressing what many of her classmates felt by the end of their journey. The magic of following their natural curiosity to discover a history they all share, became, for Form III, a celebration worthy of a school beyond compare, our Columbus School for Girls.

FORM III CHAPELWhile unraveling their CSG History Mystery, Form III girls pursued clues to the past, carefully inspected fragile artifacts, connected with primary sources, and portrayed their CSG predecessors. Whether it was exploring the Kibler House attic, interviewing alumnae at Kirk Campus, or sharing what they had learned while wearing period costumes, every element of the undertaking fed their sense of belonging to a century-old family of learners.

Young students of Form III proudly say,Our history mystery we bring to you todayWe put on our white glovesAnd found what we’re made ofAmazed by the stories we heard along the way.

We went to the attic and found old artifactsTopknots and slides and report cards stored in stacksSchool changes we exploredBehind the Kibler doorsTraditions still live on 100 years and more.

We love tales of changes our school has been throughWe’ve had lots of fun bringing evidence to youFrom 1898To 2014From blazers to sweaters, and all that’s in-between.

We welcome young children from all around the world,To become part of history created just by girlsSome day we will be oldOur stories will be told

There’s no place like CSG—IN THE WHOLE WIDE WORLD!


Of course, CSG has a long tradition of scholarship fundraising, and during the evening Kim Rice Wilson ’80 offered the crowd a warm look back on 20 years of Jubilee, which was retired in 2012 as The Scholars Fund principle fundraising event. Jubilee offered a gala and three days of marketplace shopping featuring fine clothing and home goods from dozens of vendors. During its life cycle, Jubilee was a fun and successful event; but after several years of reflection, the CSG Board of Trustees decided that the time was right to usher in a new era at CSG, with an event that could generate fresh excitement and bring the CSG community together to support scholarship.

At The Scholars Gala, past Jubilee chairs were recognized and honored with heartfelt applause from all present. Thanks to the many volunteers who worked tirelessly over the years in support of Jubilee and scholarships.

Looking ahead - The Scholars Gala 2015Plans are underway to move the event date from autumn to spring. Look for more info to come as plans are finalized for the next Scholars Gala, which will be held in spring 2015.

Columbus School for Girls inaugurated a new era in scholarship fundraising with the introduction of The Scholars Gala in October 2013. The one-night fundraising event benefiting the CSG Scholars Fund was held at the spectacular Ivory Room in downtown Columbus. Close to 400 CSG parents, board members, faculty, staff, and guests enjoyed a celebratory evening featuring live music, signature cocktails, fabulous food from Cameron Mitchell catering, and both a live and silent auction.

The evening’s success was evident: a total of $218,087 was raised to help make CSG’s outstanding educational experience accessible to girls from all economic backgrounds. To put the Gala’s impor-tance into perspective, it’s helpful to note that during the 2012-13 school year 24 percent of CSG girls received financial aid. Thanks to all who contributed to this all-important cause.

Scholars Gala Chair Sarah Balasky P ’14 happily presents a check for $218,087 to Head of School Liza Lee. Proceeds from the event will benefit CSG’s Scholars Fund.

Scholars Gala A huge success

$218,087RAISED

1993 NANCY JEFFREY1994 ANN PIZZUTI1995 MARGIE BARTON WILLIAMS ’571996 LAURA HEUMANN1997 DEBBIE ROSS ROUSE ’681998 CHRISTINE WITTMANN SNYDER ’691999 SALLY REYNOLDS

2000 ELLEN YEN2001 KAREN FIORILE2002 RHONDA MURNANE2003 LEE ANN HADLEY2004 MOLLY FANNING2005 KIM RICE WILSON ’802006 ANN BEESON

2007 ANGIE MCLARTY SEAMON ’942008 JILL LEVY ’702009 LYNNE SMITH2010 KATE CARLIN GILLER ’872011 JENNIFER WOOD2012 MARILU FABER, LEE ANN

HADLEY, AND LYNNE SMITH

THANK YOU TO ALL OF CSG’S PAST JUBILEE CHAIRS!


1 3

45

2

6 87

9

(All left to right): 1. Jessica Germain ’00, Angie McLarty Seamon ’94, Rhonda Knight; 2. Denise Glimcher, Gena Merkel, Michael Glimcher, Stephanie Lewin, Adam Lewin; 3. Andrea Sugar, Karin Yaffe Stump, Tess Kaufman; 4. Sarah Balasky, Thomas Boes, Penny Boes, Jamie Crane; 5. Jack Kessler, Matthew Smith, Sunny Ruanphae, Rhome Ruanphae; 6. Mary Pat Martin, Amy Whitson, Lisa Wolfe; 7. Wayne Henry, Linsey Skolds; 8. Derek Sharp, Allyson Sharp, Lynn Sweeney, Kevin Sweeney; 9. John Exline, Ann Exline, Parker Sinclair, Elizabeth Exline Sinclair ’00, Jessica Germain ’00, Jeff Price, Kim Germain, Steve Germain


Cross Country makes first appearance at state meet

Congratulations to the Upper School Cross Country team on making history! Not only did they win their first-ever Central Catholic League (CCL) championship, they also won the District Championship in October 2013. The win qualified the team for its first-ever Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) Division III state meet, where the Unies finished ninth. Eleanor Smith ’16, finished 17th as an individual runner and received All-State honors.

Golfer competes in state tournament

Megan Wong ’17 had a great season, culminating with an October 2013 appearance at the OHSAA state tournament where she shot a total of 172 and finished in 24th place.

Tennis sends two Doubles teams to state tournament

Paige Quinton ’15 and Marissa Madison ’17 played in the first round of the state tournament at OSU in October 2013. Mary Anne Click ’15 and Linda Yang ’15 made it to the second round of the state tournament and were named to the All-State second team for their efforts.

Swimming and Diving finishes sixth in state tournament

Upper School Swimming and Diving made CSG history in January 2014 by becoming the first CSG team to win the CCL Swim and Dive Championships. The team then went on to win their first DII Sectional tournament title, and followed that with a District II Division Championship, which they hadn’t won since 2001. They finished their amazing season with a sixth-place finish at the OHSAA state tournament. The 200 free relay team of Miranda Donley ’17, Eleanor Smith ’16, Erin Balasky ’14, and Rachel Politi ‘15 finished second in the state and set a new team record.

Upper School teams post record-breaking seasons

It has been a stellar year for CSG athletics, with four Upper School teams earning berths at state competitions! We are so proud of the hard work and dedication put forth by all of our student athletes and coaches. Here are the highlights!

Upper School Swimming and Diving

made GSG history!

FALL SPORTS

The 400 free relay team of Donley ’17, Smith ’16, Annie Moosavian ’16, and Politi ’15 placed fifth in the state. The 200 medley relay team of Gabbie Eismann ’16, Kirby Boes ’15, Moosavian ’16, and Balasky ’14 finished 14th in the state. Politi ’15 was runner up in the 100 butterfly and lowered her own team record and was seventh in the 200 freestyle. Donley ’17 was fourth in the 50 freestyle and fifth in the 100 freestyle to break the team record from 1988. Syreeta Palackdharry ’17 finished fourth in the state diving championship. Great job, Unies!

More Swimming and Diving highlights: Rachel Politi ‘15 was named The Columbus Dispatch Athlete of the Week for her swim performance from Dec. 9-15, 2013; Miranda Donley ’17 was named The Columbus Dispatch Athlete of the Week for her swim performance from Feb. 10-16, 2014; Swim Coach Stephanie Donley was named Central District Coach of the Year; 10 members of CSG’s Swimming and Diving team were named to the All-CCL team: Erin Balasky ’14, Maya Saar ’14, Kirby Boes ’15, Rachel Politi ’15, Charlotte Lennox ’16, Annie Moosavian ’16, Nicole Narcross ’16, Eleanor Smith ’16, Miranda Donley ’17, and Syreeta Palackdharry ’17.

Basketball building on successes

Upper School Varsity Basketball player Annie Parkhill ’16 was voted First Team All-CCL, and Upper School guard Myrial Holbrook ’15 was voted Second Team-All CCL.

Middle School Basketball had a great season, finishing the year 20-1!


Girls from CSG’s Program for Young Children giggled excitedly in spring 2013 as the ground next to Powell Avenue was cleared and leveled. Staff members working in Kibler House shuddered just a bit as the movements of heavy bulldozers shook the walls during the hot, quiet summer days of 2013. Finally, members of the CSG community eagerly donned hard hats to get their first glimpse behind the high glass walls of the beautiful new building rising on the south side of campus. CSG’s new 390-seat Performing Arts Complex was quickly becoming a reality.

The building, which mirrors the clean lines and open feel of its counterpart, CSG’s Wellness and Athletics Complex (completed in September 2012), will open on schedule in April 2014.

One of the highest priorities after completion will be for faculty and staff to complete training on how to operate the state-of-the-art theater’s technical equipment. To ensure the safety of all students, the theater department faculty will need to be well versed in operating the new technology, including the fly system and other mechanicals, lighting and sound.

While CSG will begin utilizing the building for internal events and gatherings immediately, the first school theatrical productions to be held in the new space will occur in autumn 2014. Additionally, plans are in process to hold incoming Head of School Jennifer Ciccarelli’s installation in the facility as well as a back-to-school gathering in August 2014. Of course, CSG alumnae can get one of the first tours of the completed building during Alumnae Weekend 2014, April 25 -26.

New Performing Arts Complex set to open

CSG ALUMNAE CAN GET ONE OF THE FIRST TOURS OF THE AGNES JEFFREY SHEDD THEATER DURING ALUMNAE WEEKEND 2014, APRIL 25–26.

Seats390


In December 2013, CSG was extremely proud to announce The Alumnae Board Scholarship, a new four-year merit scholarship for rising Form IX students. Two scholarship winners were selected during this inaugural year. One winner was selected from this year’s pool of rising Form IX applicants to CSG; another winner was selected from within the current CSG Form VIII class.

Each Alumnae Board Scholarship recipient will receive $15,000 per year for four years of Upper School. Scholarship awards will be renewed annually as long as the student remains in good academic and social standing. The Alumnae Board Scholarship will be funded by Galleria, CSG’s annual online auction hosted by the CSG Alumnae Board and National Alumnae Council.

The Alumnae Board Scholarship generated considerable interest from many highly talented girls not currently attending CSG. As a result, applications to CSG from girls entering Form IX doubled in 2014 over the previous year.

The Upper School Admission Committee determined a group of Alumnae Board Scholarship finalists based upon test scores, transcripts, recommendations, and an initial review of applications. This year’s finalists received notification on March 1, 2014, and were invited for a round of formal interviews with the Scholarship Selection Committee. Final decisions were made in mid-March.

The Alumnae Board strongly believes in the excellence of

education that CSG offers and is extremely pleased to

provide this merit scholarship.

The CSG Alumnae Board voted unanimously to redirect all income raised annually by Galleria to support The Alumnae Board Scholarship.

LAUREL “LOLLY” MARKS ’84 PRESIDENT, CSG ALUMNAE ASSOCIATION BOARD OF TRUSTEES

a year for$15,000

4years of Upper School

The Alumnae Board Scholarship


1928Class Rep. Needed

1931Libby Gill Kurtz

1932 Virginia Kurtz Ebinger


Sadly, Mary Peters Bolton passed away on Jan. 10, 2014, in Palm Beach, Fla.

1934Mary Ruth Essex Patton

80th Reunion!

1935 Class Rep. Needed

1936 Class Rep. Needed

1937Carolyn Barton Davis


It is with great sadness that we report that Louise Richards died on Oct. 7, 2013, in Oberlin, Ohio, where she was a resident at Oberlin Retirement Community. She was 93 years old.


75th Reunion! Sadly, the late Martha Heaton Masoner’s husband, Robert Masoner, passed away on Oct. 27, 2013.

1940Suzanne Kibler Morris [email protected]

1941Susan McIlroy Pierce [email protected]


With heavy hearts, we report that Sally Humphreys Contant passed away on Dec. 29, 2013.

1943Jane Mitcheltree Werum [email protected]

1944Marilyn Kent Hall [email protected]

70th Reunion!

Marilyn Kent Hall is looking forward to celebrating her 88th birthday this April! Although physical problems limit her activities, like driving, she believes that she was “born busy,” so she makes sure to keep busy with projects.



Harriet Moeller de Rosiere died peacefully in her home in Palm Beach, Fla., on Aug. 12, 2013.

1947Jane Maize Stone


The Gladden and Kelton Families came back to Columbus to celebrate the history and accomplishments of their relative, Alice Gladden. They visited CSG to see what had become of the amazing school Alice had run.

CLASS NEWS


Eight members of the class of 1954 got together for lunch in June. Nancy Sharp Schweiger, Annabette Rector Delong, Mary Jane Dawes Bolon, Sally Byers Sugar, Barbara Lang Tolley, Connie Aldrich Bodiker, Mary Jo Hogland Price, and Marjorie Kidd Meade all enjoyed each other’s company in preparation for their 60th reunion in 2014!

1955Bobbie Isaac Weiler [email protected]

The class of 1955 had its own reunion in Washington, D.C., this past fall. Myla Shisler Collier, Carole Kennon Easton, Marjory Wasserstrom Gross, Sylvia English Haller, Tucker Ayers Harris, Roberta Yenkin Krakoff, June Loving, Marcia Wilcox McHam, Ann Blake Parsons, Anne Johnston Redner, Esther Webster Summers, Rosamond Brown Vaule, Jane Peters Ward, and Bobbie Isaac Weiler all gathered and posed for a lovely photo to mark the occasion.

1956Andrea Smith Lorig [email protected]

Sue Andrea Brown, her husband, Hewitt, Andrea Smith Lorig and her husband, Bruce, went Down Under this past spring to explore Australia and New Zealand for three weeks. It was a great trip but they were exhausted by the time they reached a friend’s beach house on the North Island for a few days of R & R at the end. They’ve promised to do a Maori greeting for everyone at the next reunion! Then, there was the annual Lorig Mosquito Feed & Poison Ivy Fest at Elk Lake, Mich., over the summer. The Browns joined the Lorigs for several days of Bloody Marys and a mini-reunion with two children from the class of 1963, Betsy Kurtz Argo and Nancy Kauffman Sanford.

Julia Brooks Katz and her husband, George, visited Andrea Smith Lorig and Bruce at their Sequim Bay cottage. They’ve been threatening a get-together for years.

The class of ’55 gathers in D.C.

Suzanne Brubaker Allen ’53, Tana Sterrett Scott ’61 and Caroline Donnann ’71 in Middlebury, Vt.

Sue Andrea Brown ’56, Betsy Kurtz Argo ’63, Andrea Smith Lorig ’56, and Nancy Kauffman Sanford ’63.

Eight members of the class of 1954 got together for lunch in June.


65th Reunion!

1950Judith Gibson Stone [email protected]

1951Nancy Cottingham Johnson [email protected]

1952Barbara Swisher Kelly [email protected]

1953Suzanne Brubaker Allen [email protected]

Suzanne Brubaker Allen had a mini-CSG reunion in Middlebury, Vt.! Tana Sterrett Scott ’61 saw her name and Vermont address listed in Forte & Gratum as class representative and contacted her. They met for lunch and since then have both attended the excellent courses offered by the Middlebury Elderly Services College. While there, Tana introduced Suzanne to Caroline Donnan ’71, who is the very attractive and effective coordinator of these courses. The courses cover many different fields of interest and are frequently given by Middlebury College professors, retired professors, diplomats or other outstanding specialists in their fields. She says it “keeps our intellectual curiosity alive and well!”

1954Bette Abel Young [email protected]

60th Reunion!


1957Linda Gerstenfeld Cheren [email protected]

Sadly, Linda Johnson Zeigler’s husband, John Ziegler, passed away at the age of 80 on Dec. 28, 2013.


1959Monin Lopez Dreebin [email protected]

55th Reunion!Antoinette Farrar Seymour is looking forward to her class’ 55th reunion and hopes to see everyone on April 25 and 26!

Our condolences go to Suzanne Wenger Helfrich, whose mother, Jinsy Mader Wenger, died on Sept. 13, 2013. She was 101 years old.

1960Carolyn Thomas Christy [email protected]

1961Anne Kirsten Wilder [email protected]

1962Patty Tice Offenberg [email protected]

Sadly, we report that Mary Louise Briscoe Kahn passed away on Aug. 30, 2013, in the company of her family.

1963Betsy Kurtz Argo [email protected]

Doodie Gorrell Frank and her husband, Ted, took an amazing trip to the Galapagos Islands in 2013!

Aase Moller-Hansen and her husband, Wilford, spent a month in California celebrating Christmas and New Year’s Day. Their daughter Maiken came down from Seattle, Wash., for the occasion too. Aase and Wilford are using Skype to be an active part in the lives of their daughter and grandson, Troy. They have also made time to enjoy their retirement by taking vacations filled with golf to Mexico, Spain, Scotland, Austria, Germany, and of course,

Denmark. They have also spent time reading, going to the fitness center, spending time with friends and helping out in the golf club.

Betsy Kurtz Argo and her husband, Jimmy, spent Christmas in Asheville, N.C., with his grandchildren at Sara Saxby Bentley ’62’s house with Sara, and Annie Saxby Houle ’61.

Betsy also ran into some old CSG friends while out to lunch with her mother, Libby Gill Kurtz ’31, and Virginia Kurtz Ebinger ’32. They saw Caroline Krabach Ferrari ’96, who was visiting home on a break from working for the State Department in the Middle East, Caroline’s mother, Ruth Krabach, and Marilyn Kurtz Parker, former Director of the Lower School! Betsy has an original Ruth Krabach painting on her living room wall in Northern Michigan!

Sadly, we have to report that Melinda Masoner Hersey’s father, Robert Masoner, passed away on Oct. 27, 2013.


50th Reunion!It is with great sadness that we report that Linda Benua’s mother, June Smith Benua, passed away on July 14, 2013, at the age of 91. Our condolences go out to Linda’s family.


Barbara Bonner’s new book, Inspiring Generosity, will be coming out in February.

1966Kay Jeffrey [email protected]

Susie Shepherd Carr’s brother passed away unexpectedly on Oct. 20, 2013, in Eugene, Ore. He was engaged to be married to Peggy Lazarus ’65. We offer our condolences to both Susie and Peggy.

1967Carol Benua Major [email protected]

Nancy “Benny Alba” Benua has over 150 solo exhibitions to her name. This past year included a new show at the Jasper Rand Museum in Massachusetts, which Linda Benua ’64 attended. “We had a grand afternoon at the reception, a slumber party, and then spent the following day visiting a museum. How to make this artist happy!” says Benny. Other news is that an upcoming book surveying Benny’s career from 1963-2013 is on its way to the printing press. Benny writes that “It is dedicated to several female art ancestors, including CSG graduate Marjorie Benua and my great-great-grandmother; both painters of some accomplishment.”

It is with great sadness that we report that Carol Benua Major’s mother, June Smith Benua, passed away on July 14, 2013, at the age of 91. Our condolences go out to Carol’s family.


Rosalind Mercier came back to CSG yet again to give a lesson in Hollywood makeup to Upper School students. With Rosalind’s guidance, the girls created their own version of “The Walking Dead!”

1969Candace Corson [email protected]

45th Reunion!Meryll Levine Page, is living in St. Louis Park, Minn. She has a newly published book! Meryll and her sister, Leslie Levine Adler ’73, recently published their first book, a nonfiction work entitled: Jewish Luck: A True Story of Friendship, Deception, and Risky Business. The book recounts the intertwined stories of two women who, in their struggles against the anti-Semitism and patriarchy of the Soviet regime and the rebranded “New” Russia, succeed by creating their own luck.

Doodie Gorrell Frank ’63 (second from the right), husband Ted and friends in the Galapagos.

(left to right) Caroline Krabach Ferrari ’96, Marilyn Kurtz Parker, Ruth Krabach, and Betsy Kurtz Argo ’63.


You can learn more about the book on the web page, www.morejewishluck.com designed by CSG alumna Lisa Katz Shimoni ’86. The book is available on amazon.com. Leslie and Meryll enjoy conversations about the topics raised in the book and about what it’s like for sisters to work together, so if you want them to come to your book group via Skype or in person, let them know!

After living for six years in London, England, Connie Baker Lacaillade’s son, Nick, and his fiancé, Yasmine, packed their bags and moved to Columbus, Ohio, where Nick has joined Certified Oil Company, a business his grandfather started 75 years ago. The happy couple settled into German Village and quickly fell in love with the city and its people. They invited several new friends to their wedding in Antigua on Dec. 7, 2013. Sally Crane Cox ’75 was among the guests who made the journey. Connie is thrilled to have part of her family back in her hometown and hopes she can report back with news of little Buckeyes before too long! Connie’s email address is [email protected].

Susan Clatworthy’s dear brother, Bill Clatworthy, died on June 5, 2013. He was such a hopeful and optimistic man in the face of such difficult times. They took him back to Boone, Iowa, the birthplace and resting place of their mother. They are together, a blessing in itself!

Susan’s life is busy in New York City, N.Y., with Chanel, and she sent in her class news as she was getting ready to leave for Paris, France, for their couture show and leadership conference. She is figuring out how to be a “Susie” grandma to grandson Clinton; basically spoiling him rotten then turning him back over to Jim’s daughter Merricka.

We are saddened to mark the passing of Ann Joyce’s wonderful father, John B. Joyce, on Jan. 12, 2014. Here is a beautiful remembrance from Ann’s great posting about her Dad:

“Dad was an amazing guy in so many ways, and our family feels so lucky to have been a part of his life which spanned almost 88 years. Dad had a fantastic memory, excellent observational skills, and especially loved being outdoors in nature. He taught his children and grandchildren through storytelling while on many family hikes in the woods near their home. I think Dad would like it that we think that his humor is one of his greatest gifts to those around him. In good times and bad, he could put a virtual arm around you with a joke or light-hearted quip.” Ann’s address is 95 Brevoort Rd., Columbus, Ohio, 43214.

Sadly, Helen Drennen Nycz, too, lost her brother in September 2013. In November, they brought him home to Bexley, Ohio, so he is together with her parents and sister.

Helen has been on-the-go with the education assessment company and trips to visit family and friends. Her greatest joy is the time she gets to spend with her grandchildren. Susan Clatworthy’s plan is the best way to go—play, spoil, and give them back at the first sign of trouble, discomfort, or unhappiness. It is an amazing adventure to watch them grow. Helen’s granddaughter Olivia is in middle school, and she is left wondering “where did the time go?”

She hopes to make it back for reunion. CSG certainly did frame her world—so many amazing girls, ideas, and experiences!

1970Jill Levy [email protected]

Janie Aronson Baskin’s new adult novel, Paint Me A Monster, was published on Jan. 1, 2014. The Kirkus Review, an American book review magazine, awarded the novel a Kirkus Star. The Kirkus Star is one of the most prestigious designations in the book industry. Her protagonist in Paint Me A Monster attends a school similar to CSG, though the representation is fictional. Check out her website, paintmeamonster.com.

Gail Dorfman had a very busy 2012! She and Alan were married in June 2012. She says that it’s “proof that you can be a June bride at the age of 60!”

Sadly, classmate and friend Claire Coons Tamm passed away in her sleep on Oct. 4, 2013.

1971Teri Gockenbach [email protected]

Catherine Stephenson took a trip to Alaska last February to see the Northern Lights. They were really spectacular and the trip

was very cold! She spent much of this past year with family and friends, which has been wonderful and easier to do in semi-retirement. She is currently living in Chicago, Ill., which she calls a “cultural jewel.” Who knows what will happen in 2014?

1972Molly Lambright Sills [email protected]

Christine Davis came back to CSG this fall for the Davis Doubles Invitational held at Kirk Campus. The tournament is named after Christine, and she made time in her busy schedule as the Head Coach for Smith College’s Women’s Tennis Team to come back to the tournament to cheer on the Unicorns!

1973Marla Lumbert-Smith Cole [email protected]

Susie Bauer completed a long-dreamed-of retirement home on Orcas Island, Wash. Now all she and her husband, Steve Bernheim, have to do is retire! Their daughter, Lucie, works as a public defense attorney in Seattle, Wash. She spent a lovely pre-Christmas day with Janelle Jelliffe and Paula Lausa!

Anne Dilenschneider had a busy 2013! She has been teaching spirituality and leadership for pastors in California, the Dakotas and Iowa. She also participated in an international convocation in Sioux Falls, S.D., on contextual indigenous Christianity in October. Anne had an article published in The Northern Plains Ethics Journal, titled “An Invitation to Restorative Justice: The Canton Asylum for Insane Indians.” Her article can be read here: www.northnplainsethicsjournal.com.

It is with sadness we report that the husband of Dr. Martha Gallagher Michael, Dr. Kevin H. Michael, has passed away. His dedication to feminism and to the seniors at CSG and their intellectual growth was enduring, as they would travel to take his Philosophy classes at Columbus Academy in the mid-to-late 80s.

Sadly, we report that Karen Myers Riggs’ husband, Michael J. Riggs, passed away on March 6, 2013, following a brief illness.

1974Muffy Hamilton Parsons [email protected]

40th Reunion!

Christine Davis ’72 with members of the 2013 CSG Tennis Team!



1976Michelle Gockenbach Lewis [email protected]

1977Constance Staber [email protected]

Kay Bell Mason was recently named the Head of Lower School at Columbus Academy. Kay had been the interim head before accepting the position permanently. Kay has been teaching at Columbus Academy for 22 years. Congrats Kay!

1978Kate Estabrook Schoedinger [email protected]

1979Margaret Cunningham Basiliadis [email protected]

35th Reunion!

1980Martha Herrman McCarthy [email protected]

Lisa “Quincy” Sugarman, who passed away in 1994, was memorialized by her last employer, Oregon State Public Interest Research Group. In August 2013, OSPIRG dedicated their office building to Lisa in honor of her hard work and dedication. A plaque now hangs in the lobby of the building saying: “On August 23, 2013, this building was dedicated to honor her contributions to our state, country and world; and to ensure that new generations of activists and organizers who pass through these doors may learn about Quincy, be inspired by her, and aspire to be like her.”

1981Jenny Corotis Barnes [email protected]

1982Leslie Rogovin Fox [email protected]

1983Bridget Hart [email protected]

Courtney Rice Bosca and Betsy Carlin spent a day out paddle boarding in Harbor Springs Mich., over the summer. Looks like fun!


30th Reunion!

1985Robin Ives Canowitz [email protected]

1986Louise Davidson-Schmich [email protected]

Louise Davidson-Schmich continues to be class representative and would be happy to take class news updates at [email protected].

Katy Foley Coffey has a new job. She is the Coordinator for Children and Teen Ministries at the St. Thomas More Newman Center at The Ohio State University. She coordinates all religious education and activities that involve children through 12th grade. She is also a student at Ohio State, studying Middle Childhood Education. This is the best of many worlds; she gets to support and facilitate programs for all ages, which she loves. She does this while helping college students develop their own skills and interests for life

after college. Being in classes herself gives her a unique perspective on the challenges of current college students. Working with college student volunteers is very exciting. They are amazing, fun, and make her want to be like them when she grows up.

Don and Katy just celebrated their 24th wedding anniversary. Their older son, JD, is a freshman at The Ohio State University (Mount Leadership Society, Chemical Engineering and a member of the OSU Men’s Glee Club) and their younger son, Ben, is a sophomore at Westerville South High School preparing for his International Baccalaureate classes next year. Their youngest son, Josh, is in eighth grade at Walnut Springs Middle School and loves playing trumpet. Katy recently saw Barbara Allen Cordi ’88 perform improv at Wild Goose Creative. She is hysterical. Ruth Milligan and Pam Buesing Cole have also heard her snort laugh recently. Kelli Reavling-Cobb works down the street from Katy.

Sandy Kim moved back to Columbus, Ohio, in November 2012 after a more-than 26-year sabbatical from the Midwest. She joined The Ohio State University College of Medicine Department of Pediatrics as an Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Attending Physician in the Division of Gastroenterology. She is also serving as Medical Director for the Center of Pediatric and Adolescent Inflammatory Bowel Disease at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Recently, the hospital gave her an opportunity to participate in their annual holiday commercial to highlight the hospital and the children it serves, which meant a lot to Sandy.

More importantly, she is excited to be involved in the local central Ohio community! She loved her tour of the beautiful expanded CSG campus and has enjoyed meeting folks at work and at church who have CSG ties. Despite the colder weather, it has been nice to move back to Columbus and see how things have really changed; she recently purchased a place near the Arena District, which has been great. She also serves on the medical advisory boards for Flying Horse Farms (a camp for children with chronic medical needs/illnesses) and the Central Ohio CCFA chapter and has been involved at her new church (Broad Street Presbyterian Church) co-teaching Sunday School (second and third graders: her toughest volunteer job ever) and serving as a lay reader!

Becky Morosky Hoffman opened a fabulous new yoga studio last March called Bikram Hot Yoga Columbus! Becky says, “When your passion is your paycheck it’s like not even working at all—perfect for me!“ This miraculous yoga changed her life and she loves teaching and practicing it every day. It is so rewarding to see the wonderful ways it helps her students improve their lives. She especially loves seeing CSG faces in the hot room — Julia Falenski White ’85 is a regular! Come check it out. Namaste Unicorns!

Courtney Rice Bosca ’83 and Betsy Carlin ’83


Elizabeth Kessler was appointed to the Ohio Board of Regents in August 2013. The Board oversees the state’s public higher-education system. Congrats!

1987Susan Robinson Austin [email protected]

Melissa Aukerman Walther is still working as a family physician. She moved back to Fort Wayne, Ind., from Chicago, Ill., and has been there for the last year and a half.

Ann Louise Brown was married on June 15, 2013, to Thomas C. Heise. Congratulations Thomas and Ann Louise Brown Heise!

Jennifer Maxwell Chambers is now the proud owner of The Goddard School in Westerville, Ohio. It’s a private preschool for ages six weeks–six years. Jennifer reports that it’s been a big adjustment working 12-hour days but completely worth it. She says that it’s a big change from corporate America but that she loves it.

Wendolyn Holland reports that she began law school at Georgetown University in the part-time program this fall and is having a terrific time. She claims it is far easier to tackle law school at age 45 than it ever would have been at age 25. She’s keeping a full-time work schedule as a clean energy consultant, helping firms work with the federal government and address their Washington-related business concerns. She is still surprised when the boys in the class raise their hands and say something intelligent. Good luck, Wendolyn!

With great sadness, we report that Missy Ziegler Swope’s father, John Ziegler, passed away at the age of 80 on Dec. 28, 2013.

1988Sarah Hamilton Shook

1989Tammey Cheek Kessel [email protected]

25th Reunion!Jessica Sadar Ziegler’s father-in-law, John Ziegler, passed away at the age of 80 on Dec. 28, 2013.

1990Paige Conrad McIntosh [email protected]

Betsy Luper Schuster was appointed to the 10th District Court of Appeals in January by Ohio Governor John Kasich. Congrats Betsy!

1991Amy Cherup Curley [email protected]

Lynn Baubenspeck Casto graduated from Columbia University with a Master of Education in Private School Leadership from the Klingenstein Center at Teachers College in May. In June, she accepted the position as Head of Upper School at the Stanford School in Hockessin, Del. So far, they are loving the area and she and her sons love their new school!

1992 Elizabeth Zimmerman Donaldson [email protected]

Sadly, Kathy Ziegler Crane’s father, John Ziegler, passed away at the age of 80 on Dec. 28, 2013.

With great sadness, we report that Carolyn Fia Coleman’s father, Samuel Fia, passed away on Jan. 9, 2014, at the age of 79.

1993 Laura Julien Blust [email protected]

1994Brooke Brown Helmstetter [email protected]

20th Reunion!Sara Schwebel is now a professor of English at the University of South Carolina, where she teaches Children’s Literature.

Melissa Gerling Burch is the Executive Vice President of Commercial and Residential Development at Forest City Ratner. In 2013, Melissa was named one of New York’s “40 Under 40 Rising Stars” by Crain’s Business.

With deep sadness, we report that Alana Ralph’s mother, Lynda Zimmerman Ralph, passed away on Nov. 28, 2013.

1995Clare Willoughby Ceballos [email protected]

Cynthia Epler will return to Afghanistan for the fifth time this spring, as a senior military advisor. Once she has sorted things in Kabul, she looks forward to returning to her home in St. Petersburg, Fla., where she will reunite with her dog Fiona, friends and family.

Clare Willoughby Ceballos, has volunteered to take over class updates for a bit. She moved back to Columbus, Ohio, this past August with her husband, Michael, and their two children, Colin, 3, and Fiona, 9 months. They moved into a new home in Bexley, just around the corner from parents, and are loving being back in town and reconnecting with so many CSG alumnae.

Katie Piazza Matney had two big events in 2013. She began a new job as the Director of Development at the Women’s Fund of Central Ohio. She also moved into Grandview with her husband, Chris, and children, Maddy, 12, Ben, 6, and Sophia, 2.

Bernadette Kuhnsman Donovan welcomed Bexley Sibanda Donovan, her second baby, on Jan. 13, 2013. That’s right, homage to the hometown of CSG! All are healthy and happy. Bernie resides in Northern California with husband Todd, Quinlan, 3, and now Bexley. She works as a Nurse Practitioner. Clare and family had a wonderful visit in California with her family last summer and they agreed that Bernie will need to send Quinny to live with Clare so she can attend CSG.

Michelle Berger, her husband, Ian, and their daughters, Annabel, 6, and Sukie, 3, Carol Andreae ’63, Pam Cole ’86, Katy Foley Coffey ’86, Barbara Allen ’88, Ruth Milligan ’86,

Jennifer Nash Humphrey ’89, Karen Lurie Jones ’87, Jill Levy ’70


continue to live in Chicago, Ill., where Michelle has translated her improv skills, honed at Second City Theater, into the real estate world. Michelle hopes very much to catch her niece, Lily Berger ’18 in a school lacrosse game this spring at her old stomping ground, Kirk Campus. Clare and Michelle are always stunned by how the years go by - 33 years of friendship!

Lyndsey Fish Gelhaus, her husband, Josh, and their two sons, Quinn and Drew, just moved in September after waiting a long seven months for the house to be ready! They are living in the Brookside neighborhood, near Worthington. The boys are doing well and she is keeping busy with basketball and her photography.

Melissa Huffman, has been living in Dublin, Ohio, for the last year with her Labrador, P.O.T.U.S, and working as the Vice President of Public Affairs for Strategic Partners since 2011. Last September, she went to visit Stephanie Woodhouse Hughes, mom to her godson, and his two brothers. For Thanksgiving, she traveled to St. Petersburg, Fla., for the second year in a row to celebrate with Cyn Epler.

1996Sarah Sofia Knepp [email protected]

1997Julie Ferber Zuckerman [email protected]

1998Miranda Martin Warren [email protected]

Erin Shea defended her thesis at Massachusetts Institute of Technology in November. Before the big day, Erin invited CSG teacher Michael Burton to come out to Boston, Mass., and be there while she defended her thesis. She told Mr. Burton that there was “something about the way you taught that lit a fire, and I’ve been pursuing science ever since.” Congrats Erin!

After three years in Washington, D.C., Natalie Raabe moved back to New York City, N.Y., in January, joining NBC News as Vice President of Communications. Her email and cell phone remain the same ([email protected] and 202-746-0237), and she’d love to reconnect with any New York City-based alumnae.

Liz Zook is living in Maine with her husband, Keith, and their nearly 2-year-old daughter, Maeve. In May, they are expecting a boy! They couldn’t be more excited. Maeve will be a terrific big sister. Other than that, she has received her Doctorate in School Psychology

and is now a licensed psychologist and Board Certified Behavior Analyst-Doctoral (BCBA-D). Liz works at a special purpose, private behavioral health day treatment program for students with diverse abilities between the ages of 2-13. It is very fun and fulfilling.

1999Kate Ersly [email protected]

15th Reunion!

2000Erica Reaves [email protected]

Jessica Germain married Dr. Jeff Price (Worthington Kilbourne ’03) on April 27, 2013, at The Boulders in Scottsdale, Ariz. Following the wedding weekend, they took a weeklong honeymoon to Bora Bora. Jessica still runs Germain Honda of Dublin and Jeff is currently a third-year resident at The Ohio State University in the Orthodontics Program and will graduate March 2014. They reside in downtown Columbus.

Lindsay Saxe’s boyfriend, Adam Denver Griffin, proposed on Dec. 25, 2013. They met as federal judicial clerks for the United States District Judge Steven D. Merryday. They are planning a wedding for Nov. 15, 2014, at the Civulo Cubano de Tampa, the “Cuban Club,” in Tampa, Fla.

Victoria Davis had a busy spring/summer at the Davis/Glasnapp home. Victoria moved home to Virginia from Boston, Mass., and

graduated from Harvard Business School with a Master’s in Business Administration in May, and their daughter, Amelia Marie Glasnapp, was born four days later! Victoria is now working at Intelsat General Corp. in strategy and business development. Intelsat is the largest commercial satellite operator in the world. Victoria is happy to be back in Virginia and is enjoying family life.

2001Katie Logan [email protected]

Leah Schottenstein Schulman and her husband, Jon, welcomed their first child, a baby girl named Lucy Sylvia Schulman, on Oct. 17, 2013. Leah and Lucy got to spend time with a group of CSG girls over Thanksgiving when Kristen Orlando Ricordati, Wynne Campbell Lennon, Jamie Goldach, Annie Westwater, Katie Logan, Claire Murnane Adams, Sarah Mendelsohn, Gina Casagrande Forster, and

(front row): Sally Bullock ’94, Jessica Germain ’00, Jacquilyn Stavroff ’00, Jaquelyn Bitler ’00 (maid of honor) (back row): Sarah Benson ’97, Jennifer Good Skrobarcek ’00 (matron of honor), Elizabeth Seidler ’00, Sarah Resch Flower ’00, Annette Enlow Owili ’00, Elizabeth Exline Sinclair ’00

Jamie Goldach ’01 with Leah Schottenstein Schulman’s ’01, daughter, Lucy.


Claire Murnane Adams ’01 with husband, Charlie.

Nana Massie ’01, Justin, and their son, Sam.

Anna Leist ’01 and her fiancé, Kevin. Jeny Reynolds Kuss ’02 with her new daughter.

Amanda Peters got together for coffee in Bexley, Ohio.

Claire Murnane Adams married Charlie Adams in December 2013 at the Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs, W.Va.

Gina Casagrande Forster is now the Dining Services Dietitian at The Ohio State University. She also offers personal dietary consultations from her home on the weekends.

Renee Ransbottom just finished an austral summer on Ross Island, Antarctica, working for the United States Antarctic Program from November 2013 to February 2014. She had a blast checking a new continent off her list and searching for penguins, seals, and whales in her free time. Afterward, she’s planning on spending a few months traveling and working in New Zealand. If anyone has any connections in New Zealand, she’d love to hear from you! Her email is [email protected].

Nana Massie and her husband, Justin Goff, welcomed their first child, a baby boy named Sam Robert Massie Goff, on Nov. 22, 2013. They’ve since moved to Pittsburgh, Pa., and would always love to see any other CSGers in town.

Whitney Link Gibbs and her husband, Hosea, welcomed a baby girl, Kennedy Elizabeth Gibbs, last March. Whitney changed jobs in October and is working in metro Atlanta, Ga., at the Flint Circuit Public Defender’s Office, where she practices criminal defense.

Anna Leist is engaged to Kevin Weigand and planning a wedding for Sept. 6, 2014, in St. Michaels, Md. Anna and Kevin met in law school and both work at law firms in Washington, D.C.

Claire Kelley got engaged to Nathan Schneider

on Jan. 1, 2014, on a trip to India. The exciting moment happened in Udaipur, a beautiful city surrounding a lake. They are planning an end-of-summer wedding in Brooklyn, N.Y. Claire is the Director of Library and Academic Marketing at Melville House, an independent publishing house in Dumbo. Nathan is a journalist, and they will be traveling from San Diego, Calif., to Seattle, Wash., during the last two weeks of February for a series of library visits and to promote Nathan’s two books that were published by the University of California in 2013. Claire’s email address is [email protected].

2002Lauren Yen Leahy [email protected]

Jeny Reynolds Kuss welcomed her second daughter, Magnolia Clair Kuss, on Sept. 9, 2013, at 12:28 a.m., weighing 7 pounds, 5 ounces and 19 inches long.

Julie Kaye Dehne and her husband, Troy, welcomed baby girl Senna Elizabeth on Nov. 5, 2013. She is named after a famous Formula 1 driver due to the couple’s love of auto racing. Senna joins big brother, Thomas, who is now 18 months old. They have their hands full managing two under two but it is very rewarding. She continues to work from home for a small oil and gas equipment company doing both engineering and business development activities. They travel back to Columbus every so often as time allows. In their (very limited!) free time, they are slowly restoring a 1932 Plymouth Roadster which belonged to Julie’s grandfather. They entered a few car shows last year and took home honors at the Concours d’Elegance in Houston, Tex.

Rachelle Levin Van Vuuren and her husband,

Jurgen, welcomed their son, Hendrik Jonah Jansen Van Vurren, April 15, 2013, in the Grand Cayman Islands.

Jane Alexander Lopez’s daughter, Sophia Isabella Lopez, was born at St. Luke’s Roosevelt Hospital in New York City, N.Y., on Sept. 13, 2013 at 6:34 a.m. weighing in at 9 pounds, 3 ounces and 21.5 inches long. Jane and her husband, Cesar, are extremely happy!

2003Liz Liston [email protected]

2004Emily Kasler [email protected]

10th Reunion!Leigh Ann Osborne is currently working at the Guggenheim Museum in New York City.

2005Maria Dixon [email protected]

Shameem Balakrishnan returned to her alma mater, the University of Pennsylvania, to start a program in counseling and mental health at the Graduate School of Education. She will be testing to receive her Licensure in Professional


Counseling by May 2014 and plans on applying to Ph.D. programs for clinical psychology next fall. She is living in University City in West Philadelphia, and would love to meet up with fellow Unicorns passing through town!

Heather Daye is soaking up the sun in Los Angeles, Calif., where she works as a Pilates instructor and is in her second year as a member the LA Follies, an all-female jazz kickline dance company. In addition to dancing and teaching, she is beginning her fourth year of training at Cirque School Los Angeles with a wonderful circus “family” comprised of Cirque Du Soleil veterans from all over the world as her coaches!

Ariel Haytas has moved to Colorado to begin working toward an Educational Specialist degree in the School of Psychology at the University of Denver. While she is enjoying her new surroundings out West, she is currently completing an international practicum in Beijing, China. She is collaborating with international mental health workers to exchange knowledge between the two cultures. Ariel will have the chance to travel at the end of her program and is having a wonderful experience.

Chelsea Rauck graduated from the University of Cincinnati Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning School with a Master’s in Architecture this past spring. She now lives in Chicago, Ill., and is currently working on a few high-rise residential projects at an architectural firm downtown. She often meets up with fellow

Ariel Haytas ’05 on the Great Wall of China.

classmates Jillian Diamond Gliksberg and Talia Kayne to explore the city and try out new restaurants.

Madeline Yano McCrann married Patrick McCrann last October in Columbus, Ohio. In June they moved to The Woodlands, Tex., just north of Houston. Madeline teaches first grade at The John Cooper School and her husband is a commercial real estate broker.

Caitlin “Uli” Shanahan recently began working with the Ohio Environmental Council and is currently working to defend Ohio’s clean energy and renewable resources standards.

Samantha Parsons is living in London, England, and working as a sustainability consultant for FTSE500 companies. She is engaged to Michal Benedykcinski and would love to catch up with anyone passing through London!

Jillian Diamond Gliksberg married Gabi Gliksberg on Dec. 14, 2013. As of last spring, she is Bar certified in both Illinois and Florida. Congratulations, Jillian!

Theresa Bergner moved to Milwaukee, Wis., from New York City at the end of 2011, where she ran into an old OSU Robotics Mentor, Adam Smith, who worked with her sister, Kristin ‘07. Adam proposed this past summer and their wedding is scheduled for August 2014 in Milwaukee. Adam still volunteers with First Robotics and last May she got to see him and CSG compete at the Chicago regional. Hopefully, Theresa can cheer on the Unies again this year!

Julia Fout got jealous of all the letters her classmates were adding to the ends of their names (MD, JD, PhD, etc), so she went to graduate school to get a Master’s in Public Health and hopes to finish this spring. In addition to being a student, Julia is a research assistant for the Center for Health Disparities and also works at the university library providing research instruction to overwhelmed undergraduate students. She still lives in North Carolina and would love to reconnect with any alumnae in the area, especially if they can tutor her in SAS.

Olivia Nathan is a first-year pharmacy student at the University of California in San Francisco. UCSF is the number-one school of pharmacy in the country, as well as the “birth place” of Clinical Pharmacy. She is enjoying the city and her new classmates. Way to go, Liv!

2006Marielle Perrault McGregor [email protected]

Jeneé Gaskin received her Master’s in Business Administration and Juris Doctorate from Loyola University, and underwent her Bar Admission Ceremony in October. She is an official lawyer now! She was also recently inducted into Beta Gamma Sigma,

an international honor society for collegiate scholars of business. Congrats, Jeneé!

Heather O’Connell is looking forward to getting married in September! She recently graduated with her Master’s in Business Administrattion from the Ken Blanchard College of Business at Grand Canyon University. Heather is currently living in Phoenix, Ariz., and doesn’t miss the snow at all! If any CSGers are in the area she would love to catch up!

Marielle Perrault McGregor recently performed as the Ghost of Christmas Present in A Christmas Carol and celebrated a one-year wedding anniversary with her husband, Alex. She is now dancing with Zach Ingram of Alvin Ailey.

Christine Skobrak is living in Orlando, Fla., and working at Walt Disney World. She loves it!

Maura Weisenbach Gardner married Billy Gardner on Dec. 14, 2013, in Columbus, Ohio! This May she will graduate with a Doctorate of Physical Therapy from The Ohio State University.

Katherine Lin has had a great 2014 so far! She was offered a full-time teaching position at The Wellington School where she was teaching math part-time, and coaching the chess team. She is also getting married in June. Kat and her fiancé are looking to buy a house. Besides teaching and going to graduate school for math education, she enjoys playing chess, boxing, and making ridiculous bets with friends!

2007Kassie Ansley Czubik [email protected]

Mara Gruber was engaged to Nate Reese in July 2013. It was raining and he proposed on the steps of their 9-acre property in Hilliard, Ohio. They have two hairless cats together.

Zoe Van Dyke is in Israel with a group from her school, McCormick Theological Seminary. She will graduate with a Master’s of Theological Studies in May.

Susanna Kuppich is in the second semester of her accelerated nursing program at Capital University. With her free time, she teaches dance in Gahanna, Ohio.

Tali Levi is living in Columbus, Ohio, where she and her brother have started a health conscious business: The Wheat Grass Guy. They make and deliver shots of wheat grass all across Columbus, Ohio. Tali’s email address is [email protected].

Peyton Onda moved back from Dallas, Texas, in late summer of 2013 and took a job on the social media team at Resource. She helped start the Columbus Diaper Coalition, which provides diapers to local families in need, and


currently serves on the Board of Directors. She lives in Grandview, Ohio, with her sister, Taylor ’09, and her puppy, Tucker Ann.

Jordan Hilbrands is now the Assistant Director of Development—Alumnae Relations at CSG! She is loving being back at school and is amazed at how much has changed around the school, yet it still feels like home!

2008Caitlin Allen [email protected]

Melissa Erickson is currently living in Chicago, Ill., working as a process improvement engineer at BP.

2009Laura Raines & Patty Arehart [email protected] [email protected]

5th Reunion!Sarah Auld Myers was married to Justin Myers in June 2013. She graduated from Marietta College with a degree in Early Childhood education and is now a pre-school teacher in Columbus, Ohio.

Olivia Nesbit will be heading to Togo in June as a Peace Corps Volunteer. Good luck Olivia!

2010Molly Schissel [email protected]

Mara Vulgamore is looking to earn her yoga teaching certification in March.

After interning in New Hampshire at WISE Technology LLC this past summer, Kate Franks returned there over the winter break to help

test the ice rescue vehicle that the company is currently developing.


Samantha Allison-Ramey spent the fall semester studying abroad at the University of Westminster in London, England. She took classes focused on criminology and history. She enjoyed her time in the city and making new friends. She had the opportunity to visit York, Oxford, Bath, and Stonehenge. She will be returning to the United States for the spring semester of her junior year at McDaniel College, where she cannot wait to see her friends and sisters again!



Sarah Naguib worked with the Hands Along the Nile organization, CSG, and two schools in the Zaballeen community of Cairo, Egypt, to improve students’ access to quality education by collecting 100 laptops to send to the children in garbage-collecting communities.

Members of the class of 2007 Bizz Burns, Claire Chapman, Kenley Jones, and Emily Chory came back to visit the school this fall!

APOLOGIESIt was brought to our attention that there were some errors made in the last issue of Forte et Gratum’s class news section. We sincerely apologize for those mistakes and we can assure you that we are doing everything we can to make them right. If you would like us to republish a piece of news that was misprinted or not printed in the previous issue, please contact us at [email protected], and we would be happy to work with you to share your news.

We apologize to the class of 1956, who had several pieces of news left out of the August issue of Forte. We have included the missed updates in this edition under the Class of 1956.

We also apologize to Toni Seymour and Nancy Seymour Billington of the class of 1959, whose news was mixed up in the previous issue of Forte. It was Nancy Seymour Billington’s daughter who was interviewed by the Today Show for Baby Bella Photography.

Our apologies are also offered to Laura Dehlendorf and Lori Beckman Boehm, who were not acknowledged as Reunion Chairs in the last issue of Forte. We would like to thank them for their work on last year’s reunion!

We apologize for not including an announcement about Eileen Becknell’s retirement from CSG in previous issues of Forte et Gratum. Eileen Becknell, technical library assistant to the CSG Libraries, retired during the 2011-2012 school year after 20 years of service. Eileen was one of the few library employees who worked in all four divisions. Her many jobs were always accomplished with a calm, steady diligence. CSG and her colleagues sorely miss her, and the quiet, thorough underpinning her work provided to both libraries. Eileen is the mother of Kristin Becknell ’98. Eileen and her husband, Jerry, are traveling in retirement and strengthening commitment to their church, St. Alban’s in Bexley, Ohio. They are also enjoying visiting with their growing number of grandchildren.

Class Reps needed!

Contact the Alumnae Relations office 614-252-0781 x132 [email protected]

BIRTHS:

Bernadette Kuhnsman Donovan ’95 and Todd Donovan On the birth of their son, Bexley Sibanda Donovan Jan. 13, 2013 Joins big sister, Quinn

Victoria Davis ’00 and Christopher GlasnappOn the birth of their daughter, Amelia Marie GlassnappMay 2013

Leah Schottenstein Schulman ’01 and Jon SchulmanOn the birth of their daughter, Lucy Sylvia SchulmanOct. 17, 2013

Nana Massie ’01 and Justin Goff On the birth of their son, Sam Robert Massie GoffNov. 22, 2013

Whitney Link Gibbs ’01 and Hosea GibbsOn the birth of their daughter, Kennedy Elizabeth GibbsMarch 2013

Jeny Reynolds Kuss ’02 and Andy KussOn the birth of their second daughter, Magnolia Clair KussSept. 9, 2013 Joins big sister, Ella

MARRIAGES:

Gail Dorfman ’70Married AlanJune 2012

Jessica Germain Married Dr. Jeff PriceApril 27, 2013 Scottsdale, Ariz.

Claire Murnane Adams ’01 Married Charlie AdamsDecember 2013 The Greenbrier, Sulphur Springs, W. Va.

Madeline Yano McCrann ’05 Married Patrick McCrann October 2012 Columbus, Ohio

Jillian Diamond Gliksberg ’05 Married Gabi GliksbergDec. 14, 2013

Maura Weisenbach Gardner ’06Married Billy Gardner Dec. 14, 2013 Columbus, Ohio

IN MEMORIAM-ALUMNAE:

Mary Peters Bolton ’33 Jan. 10, 2014

Louise Richards ’38Oct. 7, 2013

Sally Humphreys Contant ’42 Dec. 29, 2013

Harriet Moeller de Rosiere ’46 Aug. 12, 2013

Mary Louise Briscoe Kahn ’62 Aug. 30, 2013

Husband, Douglas Kahn: 2249 Twin Islands Court Ann Arbor, Mich., 48108

Claire Coons Tamm ’70Oct. 4, 2013

CONDOLENCES:

Alana Ralph ’94, April Zimmerman Katz ’87, and Elizabeth Zimmerman Donaldson ’92 On the death of Alana’s mother, and April and Elizabeth’s aunt, Lynda Zimmerman Ralph

Nov. 28, 2013

Alana: 288 East Beaumont Road Columbus, OH 43214

April: 336 S. Columbia Avenue Columbus, OH 43209

Elizabeth: 116 Preston Road Columbus, OH 43209

Linda Johnson Zeigler ’57, Missy Ziegler Swope ’87, Kathy Ziegler Crane ’92, Jessica Sadar Ziegler ’87, and Anna Ray Ziegler ’19On the death of Linda’s husband, Missy and Kathy’s father, Jessica’s father-in-law and Anna’s grandfather, John Ziegler

Dec. 28, 2013

Linda: 5748 Jardin Place Columbus, OH 43213

Kathy: 52 Woodmont Road Upper Montclair, NJ 07043

Jessica and Anna: 5195 Hampsted Village Center Way New Albany, OH 43054

Suzanne Wenger Helfrich ’59On the death of her mother, Jinsy Mader Wenger

Sept. 13, 2013

Suzanne: 412 Edgewood Place River Forest, IL 60305

Melinda Masoner Hersey ’63On the death of her father, Robert Masoner

Oct. 27, 2013

Melinda: 815 Beechwood Drive Medina, OH 44256

Martha Gallagher Michael ’73On the death of her husband, Kevin H. Michael

Aug. 8, 2013

Martha: 715 Hawks Crest Lane Blacklick, OH 43004

Karen Myers Riggs ’73On the death of her husband, Michael J. Riggs

March 6, 2013

Karen: 5363 Amy Lane Worthington, OH 43235

Carolyn Fia Coleman ’92On the death of her father, Samuel Fia

Jan. 9, 2014

Carolyn: 6808 Brandywine Court Fairview Heights, IL 62208

Susie Shepherd Carr ’66, Peggy Lazarus ’65 On the death of Susie’s brother, and Peggy’s fiancé, Ross Miller Shepard

Oct. 20, 2013

Susie: 6088 Nicholas Glen Columbus, OH 43213

Peggy: 2770 Bexley Park Road Columbus, OH 43209

FORTE & GRATUM • SPRING 2014 33

Congratulations & Sympathy


Remember Columbus School for Girls with a deferred giftFor many, planning a deferred gift remains the most feasible way to make a substantial gift to CSG. A bequest to CSG is deductible for Federal estate tax purposes, and therefore, the gross reduction in assets of your estate is partially offset by the state tax savings. Additionally, you gain the satisfaction of providing a contribution to an institution that made a significant impact upon your future and now on the future of tomorrow’s young women.

To be included in the Order of the Golden Unicorn, Columbus School for Girls simply needs a letter from you stating that CSG will be included in your Will or Trust.

Remainder GiftsThrough a remainder gift, donors may contribute assets, such as securities or real estate, and retain for life the income from those assets for himself or herself, or his or her spouse, or both. A remainder gift permits the donor to take an income-tax charitable deduction for a portion of the value of the gift.

Furthermore, if the gift takes the form of appreciated securities or real estate, the donor does not pay capital gains tax on the appreciation.

If you have questions, or if we can be of assistance to you in determining your best giving options, contact the CSG Development Office at:

Erin G. Flynn, Director of Development and External [email protected] School for Girls56 South Columbia AvenueColumbus, OH 432091-800-486-0781, ext. 130614-252-0781

Contacts:

Erin Flynn Director of Development and External Relations

614-252-0781 x. 130 [email protected]

Kelly Lavelle Assistant Director of Development—Annual Giving


Jordan Hilbrands ’07 Assistant Director of Development—Alumnae Relations


Regan Mazak P ’27 Special Events Manager 614-252-0781 x. 301 [email protected] Yamamoto P ’18, ’21

Development Office Coordinator


Tracy Potter Database Coordinator 614-252-0781 x. 133 [email protected]

Welcome to new staff members in the Office of Development and External Relations!The Development and External Relations Office is the center for contributions and volunteer activities at Columbus School for Girls, and CSG is very excited to introduce to you this wonderful new development team. They are hard at work supporting the girls and young women who are educated in the halls and on the playing fields of CSG, and you’ll learn about some of the fruits of their efforts in this issue of Forte, including Scholars Gala. They are eager to hear from CSG alumnae and all members of the greater CSG community!

(front row, left to right): Jordan Hilbrands ’07, Assistant Director of Development - Alumnae Relations; Karlene Yamamoto P ’18, ’21, Development Office Coordinator; Tracy Potter, Database Coordinator; Erin Flynn, Director of Development and External Relations

(back row, left to right): Regan Mazak P’27, Special Events Manager; Kelly Lavelle, Assistant Director of Development - Annual Giving

FACULTY & STAFF NEWS PLANNED GIVING


LANDMARK CAMPAIGN UPDATE

Dear Alumnae, Parents, Faculty, Staff and Friends:

This is such an exciting time in the history of Columbus School for Girls. We are writing to you today to update you on our Landmark Capital Campaign. Our vision to build two brand-new, state-of-the-art facilities has become a reality: a Wellness and Athletics Complex on the Drexel side of campus, and a 390-seat Performing Arts Complex on Columbia Avenue. These two capital projects are additional assets that enable CSG to continue attracting and retaining the best and brightest girls in central Ohio. They allow us to implement truly innovative and exciting programs that fit the needs and desires of all our girls now, and those who will walk our halls in the future. Thank you for being part of this amazing time in CSG history!

We are happy to report that the second and final phase of our school’s Landmark Capital Campaign is soon coming to a successful conclusion. As you know, our Wellness and Athletics Complex opened over a year ago and the girls and community are using the facility to its fullest! Now, our new theater is nearing completion as well. This project is on time and budget with a community-wide grand opening being planned for autumn 2014. Prospective girls and families visiting the campus are realizing the depth and breadth of all CSG has to offer. How exciting!

As we begin to wind down the campaign, we hope each of you will reflect on CSG and consider it to be worthy of your support—both annually and for bricks and mortar. For those of you who have not had an opportunity to give, a campaign volunteer will be in touch soon either by phone or mail to touch base and ask for your participation. We hope that you will recognize the school as a place of both promise and distinction for girls and young women. CSG is blessed with the ability to offer unique programming in brand-new, top-notch, state-of-the-art facilities. We can do so, because people like you are willing to invest so dearly in the lives of the young girls and women here.

Please consider donating to our upcoming Theater Seat Campaign, or simply make an outright gift to the campaign and join the many hundreds of others who have participated. Every gift counts, and as we celebrate CSG as a place of promise and a place of distinction for girls in central Ohio, we hope you will choose to be a part of all the school has to offer—in whatever way you can. Your vote of confidence in CSG supports our belief that we have made meaningful, forward-thinking use of our resources and that our school is worth supporting today and long into the future.

Warm Regards,

Lavea Brachman ’80 P ’16 Webb and Liz Vorys P ’07, ’12President ChairsBoard of Trustees Landmark Campaign

COMING SOON! Be on the lookout this spring for Columbus

School for Girls’ “TAKE A SEAT” Campaign, an

online opportunity to have your name engraved

on a metal plate and displayed on the arm of

your favorite seat in the new Performing Arts

Complex. The legacy of your gift will be seen by

generations to come as they enjoy the produc-

tions and events made possible by your support.

Honor a classmate, pay tribute to the arts at

CSG, remember a loved one, celebrate a favorite

teacher, or congratulate a senior!

The idea of institutional loyalty runs deep at

CSG. We are challenging multi-generational CSG

families to make a collective gift of $100,000 or

more to the Landmark Campaign and be recog-

nized on Legacy Wall in the new Performing Arts

Complex. To date, there are 22 families who will

be listed! Interested? Call the Development Office

for details (614) 252-0781 or email Erin Flynn,

Director of Development, at eflynn@columbus-

schoolforgirls.org.

LEGACY WALL Challenging multi-generational families to give

I lo-

ve C

SG!

We lo-ve you, too.36 FORTE & GRATUM • SPRING 2014

To Liza, with our love:I hope, before Liza leaves us, that every member of the CSG community will have the chance to hear her say the phrase, “I LO-OVE CSG.” I suspect that many of you will know exactly what I mean: it is punchy and emphatic—less like a spoken phrase than a sudden burst of steam—a rush of concentrated warmth that commands your attention, hangs there for a while, and then settles in gently, comfortably around you, making you feel just a little bit better than you did before she said it. The first time I heard Liza say it was five years ago, when she decided to accept our offer to become the Head of School. She told me then that “She LO-VED the CSG girls,” so she was sure that she was bound to “LO-OVE” CSG. She was right, of course, and for the last five years we have enjoyed the benefits of her energies, her vision, her wisdom and, above all, her love for CSG and its wonderful girls.

When someone of Liza’s professional stature retires, it is tempting to recite a host of achievements and honors earned over a number of years. That would be easy in Liza’s case. She has indeed been an extremely influential, thoughtful national leader on the subject of girls’ education, and Liza’s legacy as an educator does not belong just to CSG. But in the brief space I have here to recognize Liza, I will be selfish, and use this occasion simply to thank her for all she has done to strengthen our school and open doors to an even better future for our girls.

I am sure that for many of us, Liza’s tenure at our school represents first and foremost the realization of a long-planned building initiative. Liza’s leadership was critical in bringing us a beautiful Wellness and Athletics Complex and the new theater—facilities that distinguish CSG and provide our students a sense of place as stimulating and satisfying as their experience in the classroom. But the changing campus is only part of the story. She has challenged the school to move forward in every sphere, from class schedules, to lunch offerings, to curriculum changes, always asking the same questions: How can we help prepare our girls for their future? How can we help them love learning? How can we help them be happy?

For all her accomplishments, I think Liza’s most enduring contribution to us lies in the spirit and passion with which she invigorated our entire community’s commitment to the mission of educating our girls. With wit, strength, grace and LO-OVE, Liza has helped us remember our strong foundation while embracing, with courage and excitement, the challenges of the future. Thank you, Liza. We L0-OVE you, too.

Susan Tomasky P ’13 Past Chair of the Board of Trustees Columbus School for Girls

We lo-ve you, too.

Friday, April 25:10:30-11:30 a.m. Optional tours of the school

11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Lunch in the Ruch Dining Room with students (Grace Notes perform)

50th Reunion Class and older: Lunch at Liza’s House

1-2:45 p.m. After lunch, everyone moves to the Agnes Jeffrey Shedd Theater for a CSG showcase!

2:45-3:45 p.m. CSG Today with Liza Lee and Division Directors (with a Q&A session)

4-5 p.m. 2014 Athletic Hall of Fame Induction and Reception

Friday night is open for individual class reunions— to be planned by each class’ reunion organizers

Saturday, April 26:1-4 p.m. Reunion Luncheon in the Ruch Dining Room Presentation and Induction of the Class of 2014 Alumnae Awards Alumna of the Year Award Reunion Giving Report Farewell to Liza Lee

4-6 p.m. Cocktail Party

CSG Reunion Weekend 2014

CSG Class of 1964 on the Senior Stairs. We look forward to welcoming back to campus members of the Class of 1964 as they celebrate their 50th reunion in April 2014!

ALUMNAE

Columbus School for Girls2014

April 25-26

Save the Date!

Columbus School for Girls 56 S. Columbia Ave.Columbus, OH 43209www.columbusschoolforgirls.org

ALUMNAE WEEKEND

Columbus School for Girls2014

April 25-26

NONPROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDCOLUMBUS, OH PERMIT NO. 153

forte et gratum - spring 2014

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