Alumni Newsletter

February 20, 2024

Winter Greetings from Pam Farmer

Assistant Director of Development

for Alumni Engagement

Dear St. Andrew’s Alumni,

I hope you are all staying warm and enjoying the winter season! It is so busy here between sports, clubs, and students working hard on their projects for IB. This past December, I had a wonderful opportunity to join the Renaissance Florence class in Italy with Mrs. Sue McGann, Mrs. Amy Tinagero, and Ms. Lisa Goniprow. I am sure those of you who have gone have such happy memories. Mrs. Tinagero is bringing back the EF Educational Tours this March Break, and she will be assisted by Mr. Ray Cross ‘04. They are headed to London and other places in England. This program is so close to my heart and I am thrilled it is coming back after the pandemic. If you ever want to go on a more upscale adult trip, please let me know. I now run them for adults and have alumni on all the trips. This year is Spain and Portugal in April, Greece and Rome in May 2025, and Scandinavia and Iceland in 2026. 

Are you interested in helping your decade have a reunion? The ‘10s and the ‘60s had them last year and they were very successful. Joe Siegling ‘88 is looking for others to help put an ‘80s reunion together. He can be reached at siegling22@gmail.com. We will be able to help guide you and assist you along the way. 

I would like to thank all of those who donated to St. Andrew’s GivingTuesday campaign. Thanks to the alumni matching gift challenge from Ben White ‘08 through the White Family Foundation, we far exceeded our overall goal. It is amazing when all of those gifts come in, big and small, and to see what a difference it makes in the lives of our students. Thank you for always paying it forward.

If you have not yet given to the St. Andrew’s Fund this year and you would like to donate, you can support the school for our upcoming 401Gives campaign on April 1. It is participation that counts on this one and we appreciate every gift. If you have never donated to the school before, you could give even $5 or $10 and see how good it feels. More event info below.

We are also looking for auction items for the Saints Gala that we are having on April 25 at Five Bridge Inn, which is owned by alumni parents Harold and Ann Messenger, parents of James and Michael. Many of you have generously donated items, experiences, artwork, and more before, and we hope you will again. The online auction will open on April 10. More event info below.

Did you fall in love at St. Andrew’s? Although Valentine’s Day has passed, we are looking to feature alumni couples on social media and would love to include you. There are so many that we are aware of but I know I must be missing some of you love birds. Please let me know at pfarmer@standrews-ri.org if you married a fellow Saint.

A Florida get-together with Sue McGann and Kerrie Donahue, director of development, will be at the American Social Bar & Kitchen in Boca Raton on Sunday, March 3, at 6:00 p.m. RSVP to me at pfarmer@standrews-ri.org if you can attend.

Thank you for all that you do and the love you show St. Andrew’s and your fellow Saints!

Warmly,

Pam Farmer

Assistant Director of Development for Alumni Engagement

pfarmer@standrews-ri.org

P.S. Follow our Alumni Facebook page for news and announcements.



Ashley Taber '02, St. Andrew's Wolf Academy Faculty

As I walked into my family's small business, I noticed my grandfather was on the phone; he silently motioned me into his office to sit down. He hung up the phone, looked at me, and said, “Everyone deserves a second chance, and sometimes we need a third, fourth, and fifth chance… and that's what St. Andrew’s does. It gives kids those chances.”

This was my first memory of ever hearing about St. Andrew’s. Long before, I knew the profound effect this school would have on my life in every way possible. My grandfather, Jeff Taber, or as I was lucky enough to call him, Gramps, served on the Board of Trustees for 20 years. Being involved at St. Andrew’s was one of his greatest passions. He loved this school, the faculty, and the staff dearly. Little did I know this interaction would set the stage for my life in all the ways possible.  

After my freshman year, I knew I wanted more from my education. I remember yearning for a more diverse setting of peers. I recall my curiosity and love of learning being squashed for having to prove my mastery of content in rote ways. I vividly recall looking at my parents in our kitchen and saying, “I want to go to St. Andrew’s,” and they looked shocked. After I pitched my case, they simply said, “Call your grandfather.” Seconds passed, and I eagerly picked up the phone and recited the same desires to him and my grandmother. I went on a campus tour with my grandfather and was accepted for my sophomore year.  

After attending St. Andrew’s for only a few months, it felt evident the school looked at each student holistically. Education was not about simply finding correct answers to questions or memorizing formulas needed to pass a test. The process and developing solid academic skills were always more important than the product and, above all, to do so with integrity. These ideals were expected in the classroom, art studio, or athletic fields. This combination of high expectations academically, socially, artistically, and athletically, while giving students the freedom to find their strengths and provide seemingly endless support for areas of need, gave me the confidence to tackle life after high school. I went on to graduate from Rhode Island College with a Bachelor of Science in Special Education. I knew I wanted to support students in the same comprehensive way St. Andrew’s supported my development and education.  

In addition to the many faculty and staff who nurtured me in every way possible, former Headmaster John Martin remained a fixture in my life. He would check in about my grandfather, who had developed Alzheimer's and was no longer able to continue to support the school as he once had. I would keep John updated on my life, professionally and personally. As John's final year at St. Andrew’s was coming to a close and my grandfather's Alzheimer’s had progressed, I wanted to honor my grandparents and John Martin, whose compassion and support allowed me to attend St. Andrew’s.

With the generosity of my family and community members, The Joan and Jeff Taber Scholarship was founded and given to the first recipient on John's last Awards Night he served as Headmaster. Days leading up to Awards Night, my parents and I visited my grandfather at the facility where he was receiving care. As I choked back tears of joy and pride, I told him, “There is a school that you loved very much, people donated in your name, and because of you, a student will get to keep attending this school you love.” While I knew he didn’t understand what I was telling him or even who I was, he looked at me with a huge smile and said his signature, “Isn’t that neat?” I am beyond proud that the ninth recipient of the Joan and Jeff Taber scholarship will be granted this spring. Every year, I know he looks down with his grin, saying, "Isn’t that neat?”  

As my son was approaching sixth grade and I was witnessing the shifts in education due to COVID-19, more than ever I saw the need to support students holistically. I saw the importance of a nurturing environment that doesn’t compromise academic rigor while building character. Around this same time and in a moment that felt serendipitous, I learned of the addition of the Wolf Academy to the already robust Learning Support Program at St. Andrew’s. After several years of supporting complex learners, especially those on the autism spectrum in clinical and educational settings, I now felt it was the perfect time to return to St. Andrew’s. I was lucky enough to join the faculty and staff for the 2022-2023 school year as my son was starting sixth grade and becoming a Saint too. St. Andrew’s has always felt like “home,” however in the fall of 2022, the campus officially became home to my son, daughter, and myself as I became one of the dorm parents for Bill’s House. Being a dorm parent has allowed me to further support students' social, emotional, and academic needs. I feel lucky to add “parent, teacher, and dorm parent” to my “alumnus” connection to St. Andrew’s. Often, I can’t help but think, in the words of Gramps, “Isn’t that neat?”



The “Bad Boys of the ‘60s” got together for an amazing reunion on campus. These gentlemen have been getting together for years off campus and it was the first time many had returned to campus. As Tom Manson ‘66 said, “This is my Thanksgiving, we are family.” What camaraderie! A good time was had by all and we look forward to October 2024 when they return. Much thanks to Charlie Knowles ‘67 for putting it all together.

Aaron Colaluca ‘92 stopped by to check on the boiler that we were having installed in Sage Gym, and made sure to visit his name on the King Medal Recipient Wall in Gardiner Dining Hall. Aaron is the president of Smithfield Plumbing Supply Company. He and his family also opened Colaluca Family Campground in Foster, RI. Great seeing you on campus, Aaron! 

Soohuen Ham '99 stopped by Mrs. McGann’s Personal Finance Class to share real-world scenarios in the financial world. Soohuen is a lawyer specializing in employee benefits with the law firm Hanson Bridgett in San Francisco where he lives with his wife Josephine and their daughter Valory. Thank you for connecting with our students, Soohuen!

Colin Yin ‘10 came back to school for a visit with his former teachers including Mr. Hill. So great to see you again on campus!

Sean Fogarty ‘14 (pictured with his mother) was in town from New York City to cheer on his brother at St. Luke's annual Trot Off Your Turkey races. Great having you part of this event!

Jules Bibonimana ‘15 (pictured with Jon and Liz Conklin) came back to take in a basketball game during St. Andrew’s Holiday Classic. So nice to see you on campus!

Jake Couto ‘15 and Shannon Couto welcomed baby Fallon Linda in November (pictured with baby Levi Coyle on the left, son of Jimmy Coyle '16). Congrats, Jake and Shannon!

Austin Chabot ‘16 stopped by the campus for lunch. He is working at Twin Rivers in security. Great having you back on campus!

Owen Greene ’18 was inducted into the Massachusetts National Guard. Congratulations, Owen!

Felix Huang '18 and Taff Wadda ‘16 came back for the Holiday Classic basketball tournament. So nice to see you both!

Jesse Chen '20 stopped by campus with a friend to visit with Ms. Park. Great to see you!

Leela Ballah '08 and Ms. Goniprow got to cheer on college basketball athletes Emma Arcà '23, Cadence Johnson '23, and Thalia Shepard '23. Keep it up, Saints!

Ava Bowman '23 and Talya Traub-Cooper '23 visited campus and spent time with Mrs. McGann. Lovely to see you both!

Meg Donovan '23 visited campus to see friends and teachers. Good to see you, Meg!

Emelia O'Gilvie '23 and Alana Scott '23 stopped by to spend time on campus. So nice seeing you and having you ring the Chapel bell!

Sydney Luna ’23 stopped by during winter break from Conn College with her parents. She is the secretary of the chess club, member of the student refugee alliance, and member of Conn’s Choir and Orchestra. She’s also had a piece of research published in an online book called “Being Ukraine: An Introduction to Europe’s Eastern Vanguard” and made deans highest honors for her first semester. Well done, Sydney!

Keith Tucker ‘74

401Gives is April 1

St. Andrew's teachers and caring adults are many things to our students — they are mentors, advocates, coaches, dorm parents, and lifelong supporters of their learning. They inspire and empower. Above all, they are always there for our students.

St. Andrew's is participating in 401Gives again this year, a state-wide day of philanthropy on April 1. Join us on this special day in celebrating our extraordinary faculty and staff by making a gift in their honor. Whatever the size, your gift will make an immediate impact on the essential work our teachers do inside and outside of the classroom. When you make your gift in honor of a member of our professional community, you can write them a note and we will share your message with them. Your participation as alumni matters!

Learn more at givebutter.com/SAS401Gives.

Saints Gala on April 25

On April 25, St. Andrew’s School will host its biggest fundraiser of the year, the Saints Gala: A Night of Shining Stars. This year we are honoring three generations of the White Family and their contributions to St. Andrew’s. Ben White ‘08, King Medal Winner and current Vice President of our Board of Trustees, will be honored along with the rest of the White Family. Starting with Ben’s grandparents, Happy and John Hazen White, Sr., the White Family has been an essential part of supporting St. Andrew’s through their volunteer time and leadership and also their generous funding of the arts program and all major capital campaigns. 

The gala will take place at Five Bridge Inn in Rehoboth, MA, owned by another alumni family, the Messengers! The evening will feature a cocktail reception, student performances, a sit-down dinner with fresh, local, seasonal ingredients by Easy Entertaining, an online and live auction, a raffle, and a tribute to the White Family. It’s going to be a great night! 

We are always thrilled to celebrate and witness the successes of our alumni and are also grateful for their generous support of our school. Below are a few ways that you can support the Saints Gala and your school as we honor the White Family:

• Donate to our online auction and raffle (restaurant gift certificates, themed baskets, unique experiences)
• Purchase tickets - on sale starting February 28
• Sponsor or underwrite a portion of the night

To learn more or help out, please contact Manager of Development Events and Engagement Tracy Reilly at treilly@standrews-ri.org or 401-246-1230 ext. 3036 or visit standrews-ri.org/gala.



Postgraduate Internship Program

As part of the postgraduate (PG) year during the spring semester, these students participate in an internship program with local businesses and organizations. Our five postgrads this year are interning with the RI Secretary of State, Mott & Chace Sotheby’s International Realty, RE/MAX, RI Tennis Academy and Rhode Island Country Club, and Barrington High School and St. Andrew’s Athletics Departments. We are thrilled to partner with these organizations! This internship and growth opportunity gives our PG students hands-on experience with careers they are interested in pursuing, to see if it’s the right fit for them.

If you or your company would be interested in participating in St. Andrew’s Postgraduate Internship Program next school year or in the future, please reach out to Pam Farmer so she can connect you with the coordinators. You would provide our postgrads with an invaluable learning experience while also increasing your company’s outreach throughout the Barrington and local community.



Newsletter Reminder

We love to hear from you! Please update Pam Farmer on your happenings to be included in the upcoming Alumni Newsletter. Thank you!