Austerity & Ornament
Co-founded in 2013 by Alexandra Burr ’00, AlexAllen Studio creates high-end lighting and furniture, as well as architectural designs. Based in Gowanus, Brooklyn, the firm is a partnership between Burr and Allen Slamic (also her partner in life), who met while getting master’s degrees at Yale School of Architecture, after Burr graduated from Middlebury College. They describe their designs as “looking for the fine line between richness and restraint,” something perfectly illustrated by their Chord Cluster lamp, at left—a modern interpretation of the chandelier that comes in different sizes and finishes. Find out more at alexallenstudio.com or on Instagram at AlexAllenStudio.
“Some people might hear my story and believe I got lucky, but someone once told me, ‘Luck doesn’t just happen to people—we all have the power to create our own luck.’ I hope that my story inspires everyone in this room to genuinely work towards their goals, even if they may seem a little crazy.”
—Justin Frometa ’16, during his keynote speech at the 2024 Cum Laude Society induction ceremony. Hear his full remarks at youtube.com/@willistonnorthampton.
Sports Shorts
The No. 12 jersey of Patrick Rissmiller ’97 now hangs in the rafters of the rink at the College of the Holy Cross. In February, Rissmiller, already a Williston Athletics Hall of Fame inductee, became the first-ever Holy Cross player to have his jersey retired. A former player for the New York Rangers, among other teams, Rissmiller is now retired from the NHL.
Tyler Thomas ’19 proved he was one of the best basketball players in the country this season, taking home the Coastal Athletic Association men’s basketball Player of the Year honors. In addition, Thomas was an All-CAA First Team selection and set a conference single-season record with 123 3-pointers. Thomas even had a game-winning shot against Hofstra’s archrival Stony Brook University featured on SportsCenter’s Top 10 Plays.
It’s 600 career wins and counting for G.P. Gromacki ’89, Head Coach for the Amherst College women’s basketball team. Gromacki, a national championship-winning coach, led the Mammoths to a 19-6 record on the season, hitting that 600th win with a victory over Connecticut College in February.
Natalie Stott ’22 continues racking up honors and awards. For the second year in a row, the Amherst College sophomore was named a First Team All-American by the American Hockey Coaches’ Association after another stellar campaign for the Mammoths.
Marielle McHale ’18 capped off her final game for the Syracuse women’s hockey program with a new record. McHale now holds the mark for most games played in program history, setting the mark in her 165th—and final—game on February 17 against Mercyhurst.
After 28 years as the Head Coach for the Springfield College baseball team, Mark Simeone ’83 passed a coaching milestone as he notched his 500th career victory. At the conclusion of the season he was inducted to the Western Massachusetts Baseball Hall of Fame. Congratulations, Mark!