Alumni News

List of 12 news stories.

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  Alumni Fundraiser for Hudson Scholars Program

  In February, young alumni came together in New York City for City Nights, Hudson Lights—a special evening of celebration, reconnection, and philanthropy in support of Hackley’s Hudson Scholars program. Organized by the Hudson Scholars Alumni Mentor Network, Director of the Hudson Scholars Program Dave Sykes, and the Alumni Office, the event was filled with camaraderie, nostalgia, and a shared dedication to empowering the next generation of scholars. Through their generosity and enthusiasm, attendees reinforced the lasting impact of the Hudson Scholars program and the strength of the Hackley alumni community. Click here to learn more about Hudson Scholars. 
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  Musician Peter Smith '91 lastest album

  Jazz musician and composer Peter Smith ’91 releases his latest album, "Smitty Straightens Out", on April 11, 2025. This vibrant collection blends his signature sound with fresh, innovative stylings, further cementing his place in the jazz world. Click here to listen to tracks from the album, and visit Peter’s website to learn more about his music and upcoming projects. 

  Be sure to check out a feature on Peter, written by Annabel Hardart ’24, in Class Notes 2025, coming out in mid-May!
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  Oren Tirschwell ’20 class visit

  In January 2025, Oren Tirschwell ’20 returned to campus to visit Dr. Rigby’s seventh-grade orchestra class, where he played alongside students and shared insights from his journey as an accomplished cellist and musician. During his visit, he also had the chance to explore the Center for the Creative Arts and Technology, immersing himself in the school's vibrant creative spaces.
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  Tim Kubarych ’06 class visits

  Vice President of the Hackley Alumni Association Tim Kubarych ’06 spent some time on the Hilltop in December speaking with Mr. Sykes’ Economics class and Mr. Lobko and Ms. Siviglia’s Advanced Creative Writing class (pictured). Tim spoke about his role as a partner and deputy director of research at Harding Loevner with the Economics students, sharing valuable insights into finance and investing through his unique perspective grounded in behavioral science and real-world experience. He discussed decision-making, critical thinking, collaboration and reflection in a way that felt universally relevant, offering lessons that extend far beyond the world of finance. Also a poet, Tim helped the writing students consider questions about how to find an audience, what writing on a regular basis looks like, how to build up the resilience that a writer’s life requires and more!
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  Emily Colwell '88's new book

  Emily Colwell ’88, MSSW, ND, shares insights from her 30-year career as a therapist and physician in What If You’re Right?, challenging the constant pursuit of self-improvement. Through her own experiences with chronic illness, cancer, shifting sexual orientation and childhood trauma, she discovered that feelings of anxiety, fear and fatigue aren’t wrong — they’re messengers of wisdom. Her book helps readers embrace curiosity over self-judgment, update their relationship with challenges, and find relief by trusting themselves.
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  Andrew Burstein ’70's book

  Author and historian Andrew Burstein ’70 explores the inner lives of early Americans in his latest book, Longing for Connection: Entangled Memories and Emotional Loss in Early America. Spanning from the Revolution to the Civil War, the book delves into how poetry, fiction, humor, and biography shaped their experiences in an anxious, five-mile-an-hour world.
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  Alumni Holiday Reception 2024 photos

  It was wonderful to see many of our amazing alumni and faculty at the annual Alumni Holiday Reception at the Harvard Club of NYC. Click here to view photos from the event. 
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  ISRP Alum Vinay Bijoor ’18 Shares Research Experiences With Current ISRP Students

  The Independent Science Research Program had the pleasure of welcoming back its first ISRP graduate, Vinay Bijoor ’18, on Thursday, Nov. 21. During his visit, Vinay described the various research projects he has been a part of since leaving the Hilltop, including analyzing soil samples from the ocean floor to understand climate change, simulating RNA folding, and utilizing medical imaging to predict patient outcomes.
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  Alumni Class Visit: Eduardo Cue '69

  Eduardo Cue ’69, an international journalist and communications expert, visited the Hilltop on October 18. A resident of France, he in the United States to attend Alumni Day and his 55th Hackley Reunon. Eduardo met with editors of the Dial and attended AP Spanish and Modern European History classes. He also met with families to share his reflections on "the Hackley of his youth," which he is incorporating into his memoir. Click here to read more about Eduardo in the Hackley Review summer edition.
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  Two Distinguished Alumni Speak at Veteran's Day Assembly

  In honor of Veterans Day, on November 8, Hackley hosted an inspiring event for juniors and seniors, featuring Bret Lowry ’93 (in person) and Col. Trevor Hill ’93 (via Zoom). Both veterans shared their experiences serving their country and spoke about the significance of Veterans Day. Bret and Trevor discussed why they chose to serve, the challenges and rewards of their service, and the deep meaning of leading and serving alongside others, including those who are no longer with us. They also reflected on their time at Hackley and how it helped shape their leadership skills. The discussion, moderated by a Hackley junior and senior whose grandparents served in the Vietnam War, provided students with an opportunity to reflect on the importance of honoring those who have served to are currently serving in the military.
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  In the news: Takao Hensch '84

  Takao Hensch '84, a professor of Molecular and Cellular Biology at Harvard since 2006, has recently received Japan's Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon for his contribution in promoting the exchange of international science students and interns with Japanese universities and research institutions. The Order of the Rising Sun was established in 1875 and was the first national decoration awarded by the Japanese government.  It is awarded to people who have rendered distinguished service to the state in various fields.  Dr. Hensch is a former Hackley cum laude society induction keynote speaker. Click here to learn more about this award
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  Jonathan Small '85's new book

  Write About Now by Jonathan Small '85 is a collection of origin stories and conversations drawn from his podcast interviews with renowned writers and creatives. The book features some of the most successful writers working today, including Jonathan's Hackley classmate Ben Ratliff '85.
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