FALL 2024

The Campaign Issue

Williston Builds was the most ambitious fundraising initiative in Williston Northampton’s 183-year history. Our goals were simple. To elevate the school in four key areas: Community, Access and Belonging, Academic Excellence, and Momentum. Eight years, 5,677 donors, and $86 million later, we’ve been able to build far more than we ever dreamed.

 

IN THIS ISSUE


Strengthening Our Community

Creating Access & Belonging

Investing In Our Teachers

Building Financial Momentum

From the Head of School

“These past eight years have seen Williston become stronger by every measure, from admissions and college outcomes to endowment and faculty recruitment.” 

From the Chief Advancement Officer

“This campaign was about more than just reaching a number; it was about celebrating what’s best about this community and laying the foundation for Williston’s next great chapter.” 


Zoë Bakes Cookies

In her 10th cookbook, author and baker extrordinaire Zoë (Neal) François ’85 serves up spectacular cookie recipes that are rich with practical tips and deep personal history

Memory in Focus

“Slightly unnerving and a bit spooky.” That’s how longtime visual arts teacher Ed Hing ’77 describes the process of recreating his father’s stories by blending AI and self-portraits.

Powering Change

Brendan McCartney ’08 is using his finance background to help accelerate the shift to clean energy


A Front Row for Victory

Brittany Glenn ’07 has worked her way up with the Celtics en route to winning banner 18

Doing Hard Things

Betsy Assoumou ’05 finds a new calling—and connects with fellow alumna Cherie Holmes ’75—as a medical resident

The WilliList

A by-the-numbers look at recent alumni highlights

On the Ascent

For Kaden Green ’23 and Caleb Boyko ’23, the idea for their high-flying start-up dates back to an unusual spot: the Williston library

moment of glory

All of Wildcat Nation—and much of the world—was focused on U.S. Olympic sprinter Gabby Thomas ’15 as she took her place at the starting line at Stade de France last August 6 for the finals of the 200-meter event. Just 21.83 seconds later—and she had won the first of her three gold medals (victories in the 4x100 and 4x400 relays would follow). Her expression—fierce exuberance blended with elation at realizing a long-pursued dream—had all of Williston sharing in her glory. In an extra-meaningful moment of Wildcat magic, one of the first to congratulate her after the race was her Williston track coach, Martha McCullagh.


Around the Quad

Hitting the Ground Running

Jade Morris takes over as the school’s first female Athletic Director

Mapping the Wild

Six students put their science skills to work documenting the ecology of a remote Alaskan wilderness

In Their Own Words

At the school’s 184th Convocation ceremony, senior class President Isabel Baxter-Paris ’25 explored the legacy of women’s education at Williston Northampton. 

Snapshots from Campus

Seniors Gabi Bobiak ’25 (right) and Pearl Rungrotkitiyot ’25 came to Williston from opposite ends of the planet: New Hampshire and Thailand. Now roommates in Emily McFadon Vincent House, they have a closeness that only dorm life can bring. “She knows more than any one of my friends—I tell her everything,” says Bobiak. “Having that level of support when you get to your room is so nice—like, perfect.”

Snapshots from Campus

Students at a “white-out” game cheer on the varsity football team, which has been on a tear this fall. As of press time, the team was 7-1 for the season, and headed for a bowl game. Go, ’Cats!

Snapshots from Campus

The end of each academic year is celebrated with our Willy Gras celebration, and the 2023-24 theme was a riff on Nintendo’s popular Mario franchise. One new event: a Wildcat version of Mario Kart. Students competed in a tricycle relay race around the Main Quad loop, completing objectives along the way. There were no banana peels to foil racers—but wipeouts still brought cheers and laughter.

Snapshots from Campus

Williston’s boys track and field team—including relay member Sokichi Sullivan ’25, shown here—continued its impressive run of success, with the 2024 team finishing 17-1, the ninth straight winning season. Over the last two seasons, the progam has amassed an impressive 32-1 record.

Snapshots from Campus

The Williston community welcomes new students from the moment they arrive on the Main Quad, literally with open arms. Welcome Days help set the tone for a successful year—and this year’s festivities were marked by warmth and joy.

Snapshots from Campus

A Convocation highlight was the keynote by Christina Djossa ’10, award-winning writer and audio producer for The New York Times. Read her speech at williston.com

Snapshots from Campus

The photo booth at the first dance of the year was a popular spot for friend groups reunited after the summer apart.

Snapshots from Campus

In preparation for the Fall play, Sofia Oblomkova ’29 develops outfits in the costume shop.


Alumni Events

Celebrating the Conroys

After 48 years of combined service to Williston, Mark and Monique Conroy retired from their positions at Williston this June. Deeply beloved and respected, Mark served as Director of Athletics and head football coach, and Monique as math teacher and soccer coach, among many other roles. But from the reflections sent in by alumni upon their retirement, it’s clear that the Conroys were so much more to students and colleagues. At a campus party in June, two of their longtime colleagues and co-coaches—Matt Sawyer and Jen Fulcher—shared tributes to Mark and Mo. You can read an excerpt from Sawyer’s speech here and one from Fulcher’s speech here.

The Art of Memory

In conjunction with his 20th Reunion, Ted Caine ’04 recreated a show of his late mother’s Williston portraits and reflected on her enduring vision

Alumni Awards

Among the many celebrations at Reunion are the recognition of alumni who have achieved remarkable things. This year, six distinguished individuals received Alumni Awards for their loyalty, exceptional service, and achievement, and we also inducted two memorable teams, one legendary Director of Athletics, and five accomplished athletes into the Athletic Hall of Fame. You can see videos and read more about Alumni Award winners here, and do the same with Athletic Hall of Fame Winners here.

Reunion 2024!

Reunion 2024!

Reunion 2024!

Reunion 2024!

Reunion 2024!

Reunion 2024!

Reunion 2024!

Reunion 2024!

Reunion 2024!

Reunion 2024!

Reunion 2024!

Reunion 2024!

Reunion 2024!


Check Out Past Editions

Featuring the stories on this page and much more

Not Getting the Bulletin?

Make sure we have your most up-to-date contact information by filling out the form below. We’ll let you know about events on and off campus​​​​​​, and keep you posted on the latest alumni news.

Read Class Notes

See the Class Notes for the Fall 2024 Bulletin on Issuu. Submit a class note here.

Submit a Class Note

Submit news and updates for the upcoming issue of the Bulletin by filling out the class notes form.

Stay Connected

There’s a network for every Wildcat, no matter where you are in the world! Check out our LinkedIn page and our LinkedIn alumni group to start building up your network.

Like to meet face-to-face? Williston is hosting networking events, and recently dozens of Wildcats in an array of professional fields gathered in New York City. Learn more about this event here.