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.
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.
Check Out Past Editions
Featuring the stories on this page and much more
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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.