Alumni News Archive

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.

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.

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

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.

ESPN recently honored Chris Berman ’73 with a statue of Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse commemorating his 45 years with ESPN. This was the first statue presented for 45 years of service! Congratulations Chris! Chris is an American sportscaster and has been an anchor for SportsCenter on ESPN since 1979. Fun fact: Chris got his start calling football games for WHTR Hilltop Radio at Hackley. Click here to read coverage of the ceremony from SBL SPORTSBUSINESSJOURNAL. Photo courtsy of SBL.

Ryan Ruocco ’04, Hackley‘s 2024 Commencement speaker, was the lead play by play announcer for the Liberty’s Thrilling WNBA Championship. He and his partner, Rebecca Lobo, have called all the WNBA Finals games for ESPN since 2013. Ryan is also He is also a lead play-by-play announcer for WNBA, NBA, and women’s college basketball games on ESPN. Check out Ryan's podcast series, R2C2, with CC Sabathia on Apple Podcasts.

In this month’s blog post on Hackley Perspectives, Director of the Upper School Andy King reflects on the traditions — both “old” and “new” — that have shaped our history and elevate our sense of community. “The people participating in these traditions will change. The venues where these rites occur may also change as the campus evolves. What does not change is how these traditions celebrate and elevate Hackley’s core values and culture and bring joy and connection to our community.” Read the post here.

On Wednesday, April 24, Mr. Sykes’s Independent Study class, “Advanced Topics in Economics,” embarked on a field trip to New York City. Throughout the year, this class has learned about finance and the world of Wall Street, exploring such topics as the time value of money; discounted cash flows; investing basics; and the distinctions between hedge funds, investment banks and other fields within finance. Last week’s trip served as a culmination of their studies, providing the students with firsthand insight into the workings of our financial system.

This year, we celebrated the 15th anniversary of the Class Day Run, a tradition started in 2009, it was the brainchild of alumni Toby Zitsman ‘09. The run is an opportunity for faculty, staff, students, alumni, and parents to run together to campus the morning of Class Day. Since 2009, the 12-mile run has evolved from having two participants to over ninety running side by side. Pictured here are the 2024 Class Day runners.

In early June, Hackley welcomed college-age alumni back to campus to speak to the junior class about the college process and their experience attending college and taking gaps year. They provided invaluable insights and advice and it was fun to see them on the Hilltop, again. 

On Friday, April 24 Hackley’s Independent Science Research Program had the honor of hosting Dr. David Berry ’96. Students were inspired by Dr. Berry’s many lessons from his time starting a business while completing his M.D./Ph.D., to finding a reproduceable method to create successful companies.

Hackley alum Christine Gall ’08, manager of the Farm and Food Program at St. Michael’s College in Vermont, Zoomed with the Food and Power class to share her journey from Hackley to her current job.

Hackley alum Ian Rapoport ’98 stopped by the Hilltop this week to meet with Dial staff for the annual “Senior Sendoff.”

Hudson Scholars celebrated a monumental achievement in June: the high school graduation of the program's inaugural cohort!

Philip Johnson ’23 was an American architect who designed modern and postmodern architecture. The New York Times described his designs as being "widely considered among the architectural masterpieces of the 20th century".  Click here to read Parametric Architecture's recent article titled "Architectural Approach and 6 Iconic Works of Philip Johnson". 

On June 6, Hackley celebrated the retirements of Bill McNaugton '79 and Mike Quinones. Bill is retiring after 34 years as the technical director in the Bridges and Zetkov Theaters and Mike has been at Hackley for 26 years as part of the Building & Grounds crew. 

Doug Lasdon ’73, founder and executive director of the Urban Justice Center, a non-profit legal services and advocacy organization, hosts the podcast “Beyond the Box”. Doug’s latest episode, titled “What Does It Mean to be a Hero,” features him in conversation with United States Senator Cory Booker.” Click here to listen.

Avery Trufelman ’09 Zoomed with Mr. Loomis’ History of Media and Culture class this week to speak with the students about her podcast, “Articles of Interest,” and to answer their questions about podcasting in general.

Alums Dominique ’13 and Doug ’15 Alpuche spent a day back on the Hilltop on March 14 speaking with Mr. Sykes’ Economics classes and Ms. Tranchida’s PostAP Mobile App Design class, respectively, and meeting with Hackley “Lifers” to discuss the Hilltop Award and the Lifers’ Fund Endowment.

For Women’s History Month in March, New York Times bestselling author Allison Pataki ’03 shared her favorite book picks, all written by female authors, on the “Today Show.” She also promoted her new historical novel, Finding Margaret Fuller. Allison was Hackley’s Commencement speaker in 2017.

Mr. Sykes’ economics classes welcomed Erik Bostrom ’15 as a guest speaker on Friday, April 12. A former Hackley econ student himself, Erik pursued his bachelor’s degree in international studies and economics, followed by a master’s degree in international economics and strategic studies, both at Johns Hopkins University.

Award-winning director Andrew Jarecki ’81 recently appeared on “Good Morning America” to discuss his documentary series, “The Jinx − Part Two,” which has new episodes released weekly on Sundays on HBO and Max.

Hackley alum Jake Abraham ’21 got a shoutout recently from Haverford College for his "heroic performance in goal" during the men’s lacrosse team’s first victory over Franklin & Marshall since the 2013 season. Click here to read more about Jake’s impressive effort.

The Dial recently profiled Hackley alum Jason Campbell ’22, focusing on his journey from Pickert Field senior year to playing football for the University of Miami. Click here to read more in the piece by Features Editor Charlie Perlman ’25.

On Friday, April 19, Hackley welcomed back Mardi Fuller ’97 as this month’s Szabo Lecturer. Mardi, a former student of Kathy Szabo, has dedicated her career to advancing racial equity through her work in writing, public speaking and community engagement. 

This week, Hackley reached a key milestone in the construction of the Center for the Creative Arts and Technology as the last steel beam was placed on the building, completing the structural phase of the project. Members of the Hackley Community came together on Thursday, Feb. 1, to celebrate this milestone with a topping out ceremony.

Hackley’s Ali Kaminetsky ’12, Founder and CEO of Modern Picnic, is going to be on Shark Tank on Friday, February 2 at 8:00 pm on ABC.