Each year Reserve event attendance grows!

To host an event. If you would like to plan and host an event for your area, please contact Greta Rothman in the Alumni & Development Office by e-mail at rothmang@wra.net or by phone at 330.650.5862. We will be happy to help with all of the planning details.

RECENT EVENTS:

Women-to-Women Event - April 4, 2008
Reading Room, Wilson Hall
On Friday, April 4, seven alumnae and over 30 female students participated in Reserve's annual Women-to-Women event.

The program has been designed to provide a relaxed forum for alumnae to share their experiences and insights from their years at Reserve and beyond with the current junior and senior girls. One strong basis of the program is the hope that the girls benefit from the friendly and informal interaction with women who have experienced many of the same things our current students might expect to occur.

Dean of Student Life Elizabeth Wirtz and Director of Special Events Greta Rothman worked together with a team of students to make the event a success. Other faculty and staff in attendance were Midge Karam, Donalee Ong, Marie Fiedler, Rachel Garzarelli and Dean of Admission Britt Flanagan.

Also on hand was Renee Wright, mother of panelist Danielle Wright '00 and class of '98 graduate Derrell Wright. She was able to supply wonderful insight as the parent of two WRA alumni and the group was most appreciative of her comments and advice.

Callie Gruman '08 served as the moderator with enthusiasm and humor, and she had many questions prepared ahead of time in case there was a lull in conversation. There never was, as the discussion lasted from 7:30 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.

The main topics that were discussed included the following: favorite memories of Reserve, senior pranks, choosing a college and should the choice be based on atmosphere or prestige, choosing a major and the best time to decide a career path, balancing school with extra curricular activities and to join or not to join sororities. This much-anticipated event was enjoyed by all attendees.

East Side Cleveland Alumni Gathering - February 28, 2008
Canterbury Golf Club, Beachwood, OH
The Canterbury Golf Club in Beachwood was the perfect setting for an intimate alumni dinner party on February 28, 2008. Twenty-five alumni and guests congregated in the Chaucer dining room for a wine and beer reception followed by a thoroughly enjoyable sit-down meal. Before dinner commenced, Dean of Admission Britt Flanagan gave a brief and heartfelt speech regarding her planned departure from WRA in June.

Skip could not attend the event so Britt thanked the group on his behalf for their support and dedication to the school over the years. Special thanks to club member and alumnus Bob Perry '86 for sponsoring this alumni event for a second year.

Naples Area Alumni Gathering - February 17, 2008
The Club at Barefoot Beach, Bonita Springs, FL
On February 17, 2008, alumni parents Bill and Gail Cordier hosted another terrific event at The Club at Barefoot Beach in Bonita Springs, Florida. This was the sixth such event the Cordiers have graciously hosted for local alumni and parents in the Naples area.

The Reserve crowd met on the top floor of club overlooking the beach. There they were treated to an ample buffet of shrimp, beef and salmon plus salad and fresh fruit followed by key lime pie. A full bar featured standard brunch beverages including bloody marys, mimosas and wine. Gail went the extra mile and made all of the fresh flower centerpieces. Both Skip and Britt Flanagan were on hand to say a few words about their many years at Reserve and to chat with individuals. The Cordiers were thrilled with the turnout of more than 50 guests. The event started at 11:00 a.m. and ended when the last visitors departed at 2:15 p.m.

Young Alumni Holiday Party - December 26, 2007
Winking Lizard, Peninsula, OH
On Wednesday, December 26, 2007, a record number of young alumni gathered to celebrate the holidays with their classmates. For the third consecutive year, the Winking Lizard was the site for this popular event. The evening offered area young alums on break from colleges and universities across the country a chance to catch up with old friends and favorite faculty. Nothing could compare to the energy in the air as graduates recognized classmates, shared hugs and smiles and talked about the past and present.

This event was sponsored by the Alumni Association Board, and board member Rob Becker '04 enthusiastically represented the organization as he worked the room taking photographs. Alumni & Development Office staff in attendance were Director of Alumni Relations Ray Murphy '81, Director of the Annual Fund Lisa Sabol and Director of Special Events Greta Rothman

Faculty masters on hand to visit with former students included Pat "Smitty" Smith, Sarah Horgan, Jim Fraser, Bob Czup, Kevin O'Brien and Mat Wilson '01.

Hunt Club Holiday Party - December 6, 2007
Chagrin Valley Hunt Club - Gates Mills
The annual holiday party at the Chagrin Valley Hunt Club saw a new record number of attendees this year. On Thursday, December 6, 2007, there were 234 alumni and parents decked out in their holiday best and ready to mingle and ring in the holiday season at this much anticipated event. The weather also cooperated in a way that it hasn't in the last several years which helped encourage an impressive turnout.

Skip and Britt Flanagan addressed the crowd wishing them warm holiday greetings and a heartfelt thanks for the years of love and support. WRA's longtime headmaster then introduced next year's incoming head of school, Chris Burner '80, who was present with his wife, Alison, to chat with guests.

Akron, Canton and Youngstown Area Holiday Party - December 5, 2007
Portage Country Club
It has been a tradition this time of year to host one holiday gathering at the Chagrin Valley Hunt Club for WRA's Northeast Ohio area alumni. However, this year the decision was made to hold two parties...one at the Portage Country Club for the Akron/Canton/Youngstown alums and the longstanding Hunt Club gathering for the Cleveland area and Hudson crowd.

We felt two gatherings would give more alumni an opportunity to visit with Skip Flanagan prior to his retirement and also give party goers an opportunity to congratulate Chris Burner '80, WRA's new head of school.

The plan worked, and over 100 guests arrived at the Portage Country Club on Wednesday, December 5, 2007, to greet Skip and Britt Flanagan and welcome Chris and Alison Burner. Skip made a beautiful speech about his time at Reserve and congratulated and welcomed the Burners.

Alumni and parents alike were pleased with the opportunity to spend time with WRA friends and family. A shorter trip to the event location was a definite plus. In past years, the drive to the Hunt Club in Gates Mills has proven a bit dicey given the area's unpredictable weather this time of year. We'll take a careful look at using a similar approach when we consider ideas for next year's holiday gathering. If you have some thoughts, let us know!

Boston Area Alumni Gathering - November 29, 2007
The Union Club
There was a record turnout in Boston the evening of November 29, 2007, to see the Flanagans and visit with fellow alums. The Union Club, adjacent to Boston Commons, offered a great setting for the 90+ guests who attended the gathering. A tree lighting on the Commons added to the holiday atmosphere. Skip and Britt were happy to be present at the event to chat with guests and discuss how very much they have enjoyed their 26 years at Reserve.

Charlotte Area Alumni Gathering - November 15, 2007
Providence Café
The vibrant Providence Café in the exciting Old Town district of Charlotte, North Carolina, was the site for delicious appetizers and generous drinks as alumni from the greater Charlotte area greeted one another on Thursday, November 15, 2007. Warmly welcomed by the Alumni & Development Office's Ruth Andrews and retired faculty members John and Chris Breuker, graduates spanning six decades mingled and renewed ties to their alma mater.

Washington, D.C. Area Alumni Gathering - November 15, 2007
District ChopHouse and Brewery
Over 50 alumni and friends crowded a private room in the District ChopHouse and Brewery in downtown Washington, D.C. Thursday evening November 15, 2007. The venue provided a perfect setting for guests to mix and mingle. Headmaster Skip Flanagan and Dean of Admission Britt Flanagan were on hand to greet old friends. Representatives from the Alumni & Development Office included Director of Planned Giving Jack McKee '64, Director of Alumni Relations Ray Murphy '81 and Director of Special Events Greta Rothman.

Washington, D.C. Area Young Alumni Dinner - November 15, 2007
RFD Washington
Following the larger Washington, D.C. area alumni gathering the evening of November 15, 2007, a small group of young alumni headed a few blocks away for a cozy dinner. RFD Washington was a perfect location to sit back, sample great beer and visit with old friends. Sponsored by the WRA Alumni Association Board, this dinner was open to alums who graduated between 1993 and 2003. Kerry Kirk '94 represented the AAB and was joined by Director of Alumni Relations Ray Murphy '81, Director of Special Events Greta Rothman, Dean of Admission Britt Flanagan and Headmaster Skip Flanagan.

Atlanta Area Alumni Gathering - November 14, 2007
Capital City Club
The elegant Capital City Club in downtown Atlanta, Georgia, provided ideal atmosphere for an area alumni gathering on November 14, 2007. Stan Kryder '75 was a gracious host; superb food and drinks were available; and Ruth Andrews from the Alumni & Development Office as well as retired faculty members John and Chris Breuker were on hand to welcome those present. See the guest list link below for a roster of attendees.

New York Area Alumni Gathering - October 25, 2007
Craftbar, New York City
On Thursday, October 25, the place to be was the cozy basement room at Craftbar in New York City. Over 75 alumni and guests came out to visit with fellow classmates and mingle with WRA representatives who were in town for the occasion.

President of the Board of Trustees Mark Tercek '75 was on hand to welcome everyone and give introductory remarks about Skip and Britt Flanagan. Skip addressed the crowd regarding his post-Reserve plans and encouraged guests to continue to support their alma mater. Delicious hors d'oeuvres were served including fresh oysters that were graciously donated by Sarah Burnham Malinowski '74.

Along with Skip and Britt, Director of Academy Advancement Helen Gregory and Director of Special Events Greta Rothman also were at the event.

New York Area Young Alumni Gathering - October 25, 2007
Hill Country, New York City
Immediately following the large gathering of New York City area alumni earlier in the evening, over 35 alums who graduated between 1993 and 2003 were invited to a young alumni dinner courtesy of the Alumni Association Board and the Alumni & Development Office. The location for the dinner was a newly opened restaurant, Hill Country, in the Union Square area. Guests were led downstairs where they were entertained by live banjo and fiddle and some good ol' country style eats! Helping to host the dinner were Greta Rothman, director of special events for Alumni & Development, and Skip and Britt Flanagan.

Chicago Area Alumni Gathering - October 9, 2007
University Club
Alumni and parents turned out in numbers for a mid-fall Reserve gathering in Chicago on Tuesday, October 9, 2007. Thanks to Board of Trustees member Jason Wortendyke '94 for arranging to hold the event at the University Club in downtown Chicago. The atmosphere was warm, the food fantastic, and best of all everyone was glad to visit with Skip and Britt Flanagan who spoke briefly to the group. The Flanagans expressed their appreciation to the crowd and talked about their years at the Academy and how much that time at Reserve has meant to them.

Alumni Touch Football - October 6, 2007
Clark Fields in Tremont
Although we have yet to win a game, a determined and fun-loving group of alumni have been doggedly taking on all opponents in the Cleveland Plays Recreational Touch Football League. Our team, Still the Pioneers, gathers each Saturday during the season for a fun hour of football in Tremont. Although some members of the team played on the gridiron at "Dear old Reserve", others have little or no experience in the game beyond watching the Buckeyes or the Browns. What we lack in expertise we make up for in perseverance!

If you would like to join us for the fun and excitement (and to help us win the remaining games) contact Ray Murphy '81 at murphyr@wra.net. It is a co-ed league and all are welcome. It is sponsored by the WRA Alumni Association so there is no cost to play. You won?t regret it!

Homecoming 2007 - September 29, 2007
WRA Campus
The weather was absolutely perfect for WRA's Homecoming 2007 celebration. Starting with the traditional bonfire on Friday evening, September 28, students made their way through campus with torches and headed to the hockey pond where a huge bonfire, donuts and cider awaited the crowd. Cider was provided by the Alumni Association Board, and a number of board members were in attendance at the event.

Homecoming events resumed the next morning with an alumni forum in the Chapel where the senior class heard from a group of younger alums about their experiences at Reserve and advice for life after graduation. Chase Aiken '02, Rob Becker '04, Chris Good '03, Kerry Kirk '94, Alana McClanahan '02 and Lorraine Debose '93 participated in the discussion and fielded questions from the Class of 2008.

The panel was followed by a tailgate picnic on the back lawn of the Murdough Athletic Center. The Homecoming theme of "Reserve Spirit" was reflected in the decorations. A banner contest challenged each of the current WRA classes to capture "Reserve spirit" in a banner design, and those entries were displayed nearby for all guests to see. As alumni signed in at the registration table, they were encouraged to fill out a ballot to vote for their favorite banner.

The banner contest results were announced at half-time in the football game, and the junior class took the prize!

Homecoming Weekend 2007 came to a close with a mixer for alumni, faculty and students on the patio and field area behind Morgan Hall. Students enjoyed pizza and beverages and danced the night away to a variety of music provided by Rock the House DJ.

Los Angeles Area Alumni Gathering - September 20, 2007
Hyatt Hotel, Irvine
Despite the fact that the traffic in and around Los Angeles is always a challenge, alumni and parents from the L.A. area were able to join Skip and Britt Flanagan and Director of Academy Advancement Helen Gregory at the Hyatt Hotel in Irvine on September 20, 2007. Enjoying an evening on the patio of the hotel's 6ix Park Grill were alumni ranging from the Class of 1947 (Phil Tarr who made the drive up from Rancho Santa Fe) to the Class of 1998 (Kristin Piccirillo who is pursuing an M.B.A. at USC, and Michelle Wong '98 who has launched a skin care products company - Timeless Secret). Alumni parents Gary and Sharon Grimes shared stories with Yolanda Alejandre, the mother of Alexander, a freshman at Reserve. Board of Visitors member Lauren Anderson '97 has recently moved from New York to take a job in development for NBC, and Michael Goodhue '85 is now working for Northrop Grumman.

In addition to the cocktail party, Helen Gregory and Skip and Britt Flanagan decided to host a last minute lunch in Beverly Hills for alumni who were unable to make the trip to Irvine. Hank Leukart '97 recently left Microsoft for a "Devil Wears Prada" position at CBS. Amy Oswick '92 moved to the L.A. area to take a job with GE in banking and absolutely loves the location. And Paul Jacques '84 shared stories about his band called HonkyStomp.

San Francisco Area Alumni Gathering - September 18, 2007
Hyatt Hotel, San Francisco
On Tuesday, September 18, 2007, alumni from San Francisco and Oakland, as well as those from as far away as Los Altos and Mill Valley, joined Skip and Britt Flanagan and Helen Gregory for a fun evening of good talk and good food at the Hyatt Hotel in downtown San Francisco. Attendance was excellent and alumni of all ages mixed comfortably.

Ali Long '86 and husband Keith Davis are expecting their second child in December; they enjoyed running into John Rehling '86 who recently earned a Ph.D. in cognitive science. Katie Scherbel '02 is working in urban planning for the city of Berkeley while Ankur Khandelwhal '01 has taken a job with Intel.

It was amazing to hear of the great diversity of talents and careers in the room - from Jim Greer '90 in music to Chip Little '77 who is building guitars, and from John Heinneckel '94 who remains active in computer programming to Bob Karol '55 who is a forensic specialist for motorcycle accidents. Everyone agreed that San Francisco is a great place to be, and the view of San Francisco Bay from the 36th floor where the event took place only confirmed that.

London Area Alumni Gathering - September 12, 2007
Rock Garden Restaurant, Gardening Club
Ami Martinez '95 recently organized an alumni gathering in London that coincided with a visit to England by Headmaster Skip Flanagan. Ami writes the following:

Everyone had a great time and we ended up staying much longer than anticipated. We all had different stories as to how we came to live in London (work reasons for the likes of Jasmine Bailey '99 and me, personal reasons for Oliver Everett '62 and Nicholas Jarrold '65 who are both from England, and reasons like Craig Smith's '70 "I came for a little while and stayed").

It was fun to see just how international Reserve is - Jasmine's parents now live in Switzerland (Wilbur Bailey IV '76), and Jasmine also ran into Ruth Andrews (of the Alumni & Development Office) at the Sydney airport in Australia last year. By coincidence, a Macy Gray (Natalie McIntyre when she attended Reserve in the '80s) song was playing in the restaurant so we talked about her for a bit and all of us shared stories of international travels that we'd experienced.

We all hope to be able to get together with more London-based alums soon!

Summer Barbecue - August 3, 2007
Seymour House
At Seymour House on Friday, August 3, 2007, the Alumni & Development Office hosted a casual barbecue for local college-aged alumni. Although an early evening rainstorm drove the event indoors, the crowd enjoyed a late summer feast of burgers, hot dogs and watermelon, plus a chance to get together and relax before heading back to school this fall.

Two recent college graduates, Katie Engelhardt '03 and Charles Boebinger '03, shared their post-college plans with a group of guests that also included a mix of faculty and staff -- Director of Alumni Relations Ray Murphy '81, Skip and Britt Flanagan, College Guidance Director Geno Thomas '68, Hal and Sue Donnelly, Emily McKee '97 from the Admission Office and her husband, K.C. McKee, from the Deans' Office.

Lions and Tigers and Dinosaurs, Oh My! - June 30, 2007
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
There is something for everyone at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, and on Saturday, June 30, 2007, a group of alumni decided to take full advantage of the gorgeous weather and all that the zoo had to offer. The Alumni & Development Office invited alumni in Northeast Ohio to bring their families down to the zoo to take in the sights and enjoy some picnic favorites. The Waterfowl Lake Tent, nestled between a beautiful lake and the life-sized animatronic dinosaurs exhibit, was the ideal setting for a family gathering.

Guests spent the day visiting the zoo's many attractions and at 12:30 p.m. they gathered with Alumni & Development staff members Ray Murphy '81 and Greta Rothman for hot dogs, hamburgers and lemonade in the shade of the Waterfowl Lake Tent. Britt Flanagan, Reserve's dean of admission, was on hand as well for the fun. The day was a huge hit, and for those who missed the day's outing, be sure to keep an eye out for other family events scheduled for the upcoming school year.

Youngstown Area Alumni Gathering - April 18, 2007
D.D. and Velma Davis Education & Visitor Center
The opening of the magnificent D.D. and Velma Davis Education & Visitor Center nestled in the MetroParks and Fellows Riverside Gardens provided a beautiful backdrop for a Youngstown area alumni gathering the evening of April, 18, 2007. With a scenic view of Lake Glacier, the crowd on hand vowed to schedule a future alumni event at a time when the weather would be warmer and everyone could move outside to enjoy the spectacular park area and the adjoining gardens. Still, given a cool April night, the room was warm and lively as alumni, current parents and alumni parents stood -- glasses of wine in hand -- chatting with friends. A terrific local caterer provided a delicious spread to accompany the beverage selection.

Cincinnati Area Alumni Gathering - April 11, 2007
McFadden's Restaurant and Saloon
"It was a dark and stormy night..." BUT the inclement weather kept only a few Cincinnati area alumni from making their way downtown to McFadden's Restaurant and Saloon the evening of April 11, 2007. Those who survived the wet and windy trek were greeted warmly by retired faculty master John Breuker, who was in the Queen City for a classics conference. A cheery, blazing (gas) fireplace made for a cozy gathering, and guests enjoyed a nice selection of appetizers and drinks.

East Side Cleveland Alumni Gathering - March 7, 2007
Canterbury Golf Club, Beachwood, OH
On Wednesday, March 7, 2007, 55 alumni and guests attended an East Side Cleveland Alumni Gathering at the Canterbury Golf Club in Beachwood. As guests checked in, they were asked to enter a prize drawing for a set of glasses etched with the school seal by dropping their business card in a bowl. The winner of the drawing was Matt Ottaway, husband of Tiffany Lewis Ottaway '93.

Representing current and past faculty were John and Chris Breuker, Jim and Isabel Fraser and Hal and Sue Donnelly. Skip was in attendance, along with Headmaster's Office staff member Fran McHugh and husband Jim McHugh. The Alumni & Development Office was also well represented by Ray Murphy '81, Lisa Sabol, Greta Rothman and Ruth Andrews.

The club gave the Reserve contingent a private room set with a beautiful buffet that offered a little something for everyone. One table displayed Greek vegetarian favorites such as stuffed grape leaves, hummus and pita, while the meat lovers in the group could choose from artisan sandwiches just out of the oven, pizza rolls and a terrific "meat bread."

Special thanks go to Canterbury Golf Club member Bob Perry '86 for serving as event host and to "guest photographer" Chris Breuker whose photos of the evening's festivities can be viewed using the link provided below.

Women-to-Women - February 23, 2007
Reading Room, Wilson Hall
Senior seminar term papers and other looming deadlines did not deter a wonderful student turnout for the annual Women-to-Women event on Friday, February 23, 2007. Junior and senior girls gathered in Wilson Hall to meet with 10 alumnae who returned to campus to share stories of their Reserve experiences and life after. Faculty in attendance included Christine Breuker, Irma Thomas, Midge Karam '79, Christine Borrmann '84 and Marie Fiedler. The crowd munched on sandwiches and then everyone settled in chairs and sofas around the room to begin discussions.

Certain students had been asked to contact a guest panelist ahead of time and those who had introduced their guests. Britt Flanagan welcomed everyone and then moderated a dialogue among students, faculty and panelists that touched on everything from balancing home and work to functioning as a strong leader in the work place, especially in predominantly male careeer paths.

Panelists for the event were: Carey Martin '94, Eliza Park '94, Abbey Swegan Baker '94, Khalila Thomas '97, Lorraine Debose '93, Ali Day, '92 Meredith Walker '98, Jessy Smith '01, Amy Andrews Swegan '97 and Vanessa Estonina '99. Cheryl Waddle Wear '82 was also on had as a representative of the Alumni Association Board's Women's Initiative Committee.

Cleveland Area College-aged Alumni Dinner - February 2, 2007
Trattoria on the Hill, Little Italy
On February 8, 2007, the Trattoria on the Hill in Cleveland's Little Italy provided the perfect atmosphere for catching up with a group of WRA alumni attending college in the area. Despite the sub-freezing temperatures that gripped the region, Chris Reed '04, Chris Deighan '06, Greg Gasbarro '03 and Tyler Mullinax '06, all students at Case Western Reserve University, braved the elements to join Dean of Admission Britt Flanagan and Alumni & Development Office staff members Ray Murphy '81 and Greta Rothman for dinner. It was an ideal night for an off-campus dinner at a cozy local restaurant. Che vita!

Canton Area Alumni Gathering - January 25, 2007
Ida Saxton McKinley House, Canton
A post-holiday crowd of very enthusiastic alumni and alumni parents met at the historically significant Ida Saxton McKinley House for tasty food and drink the evening of January 25, 2007. Through the good graces of former WRA Library Director Martha Regula (who now directs the Education and Research Center of the National First Ladies' Library located immediately adjacent to the McKinley House), the McKinley House ballroom served as an excellent setting for this social event. Volunteer docents in period dress were stationed throughout the beautifully restored residence to greet and educate the guests. Skip and Britt Flanagan, Fran McHugh, Ray Murphy '81, Greta Rothman and John Breuker were on hand to discuss campus matters and chat with past and current parents and alumni.

Young Alumni Holiday Party - December 26, 2006
Winking Lizard, Peninsula
The holidays present the ideal opportunity to get together and reminisce with friends. Perhaps that's one of the reasons the annual Young Alumni Holiday Party has become one of the most anticipated and best-attended events of the school year. An enthusiastic 140 guests (consisting of faculty and staff, as well as alumni from the graduating classes of 2000 to 2006) shared holiday cheer at The Winking Lizard in Peninsula on Tuesday, December 26, 2006.

For several hours the crowd mixed and mingled at the family restaurant while enjoying the tavern's signature appetizers such as Lizard Lips and potato skins. Faculty masters Hal Donnelly, Sarah Horgan, Pat Smith and Bob Czup were on hand to greet former students and accept kind words about the important role Reserve faculty play in shaping young lives.

Chicago Area Alumni Gathering - December 11, 2006
Red Light (Randolph Street Market District)
On the evening of Monday, December 11, 2006, Reserve was fortunate enough to secure the entire upstairs of the popular Chicago restaurant Red Light. Over 40 alumni, WRA staff and current parents chatted in the restaurant's warm atmosphere. On the walls were big, handsome black and white framed photos, and the restaurant was decorated with the red holiday lights that inspired the restaurant's name.

For two hours guests mingled and dined on a variety of hors d'oeuvres. It was wonderful to see so many alumni of all ages together in one room, sharing stories of their days at Reserve and comparing notes on life in Chicago.

Special thanks go out to alumna Jessica Andrews Bartlett '95 for suggesting the perfect venue for this memorable evening.

Northeast Ohio Alumni Holiday Party - December 7, 2006
Chagrin Valley Hunt Club
This annual holiday party at the Chagrin Valley Hunt Club has become such a favorite that, no matter what the weather, WRA alumni come out in droves. This year was no exception. The skies had been clear all week in Hudson, and then wouldn't you know it...a complete white-out the day of the party. We had many people calling to ask if the event would be held as scheduled, and we enthusiastically said, "Yes!" A few chose not to risk it, but 185 alumni, faculty and staff made the drive to Gates Mills for another wonderful evening at this charming and historic site.

Guests filled three beautifully decorated rooms and spent several hours with fellow classmates and with past and current faculty catching up on campus and non-campus news. After a delicious buffet featuring potato pancakes and a variety of wonderful cheeses, and after much socializing, guests gathered their coats, gloves and hats, only to discover that the snow had stopped, making for a relaxed departure and a safe drive home. For those unable to attend this year's event, we hope to see you next December, and we wish all a Happy New Year!

D.C. Women's Luncheon - December 1, 2006
University Club
Eleven alumnae from the '80s and '90s attended a women's luncheon at the University Club in Washington, D.C. on December 1, 2006. Hosting the event for the school were Dean of Admission Britt Flanagan and Alumni & Development Office representative Lisa Sabol.

Britt was excited to hear what each alumna had been up to since last year's gathering. The group was comprised of more then a few new moms, so conversation included its share of stories involving diapers and bottles. There were also plenty of pictures to share, great reflections and lots of laughter.

D.C. College Dinner - November 30, 2006
Clyde's in Georgetown
Thursday, November 30, 2006, alumni from Washington, D.C area colleges met for dinner at Clyde's in Georgetown. Ray Murphy and Lisa Sabol, both members of the Alumni & Development Office, along with Fran McHugh from the Headmaster's Office, Headmaster Skip Flanagan and Dean of Admission Britt Flanagan, were on hand to share in the many stories told over a great meal. The event was a wonderful opportunity for alums to reconnect with one another and with the school. It also offered a chance for guests to find out what has happened on campus since graduation. Four of the group shared something in common: all are midshipmen at the Naval Academy.

D.C. Young Alumni Holiday Party - November 29, 2006
McCormick & Schmick's
On November 29, 2006, 23 young alums from the D.C. area and their guests gathered for a dinner at McCormick & Schmick's sponsored by the Alumni Association Board and the Alumni & Development Office. Director of Alumni Relations Ray Murphy '81 and two Alumni Association Board members, Drew McKechnie '00 and Chuck Mullins '65 (AAB president), were there to help the crowd kick off the holiday season.

Grads from 1992 to 2002 were in attendance and the Class of 1995 had a mini-reunion with six attendees representing that group. The event was scheduled for two hours, but everyone was having such a wonderful time catching up and sharing stories that the party stretched another hour. Special congratulations to Imi Zaidi '98 who just passed the bar exam and to Erin Graham '02 who just started a new job.

New York Women's Luncheon - November 10, 2006
Harvard Club
A group of 23 alumnae met at the Harvard Club on November 10, 2006, and had a wonderful couple of hours sharing stories -- past and present. This year, two current parents, Wanda Stratton (Anthony Voss '09) and Cornelia Spring (Peter Spring '08), joined us. Spring commented on how much she enjoyed having the opportunity to talk to so many Reserve graduates. We also were delighted to welcome alum parent Iris Harvie, mother of Kate Harvie '92.

Betsy Jones '83 and Page Preston Growney '81 hadn't seen each other for about 10 years and were thrilled to catch up one another. Betsy recently had a little girl, Alexandra, and currently lives in the Philadelphia area where she has a fabulous job at Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins. Ruth Andrews loved seeing all the young women from the '90s and chatting with Jessie Smith '01. Jessie has her own all-female dance company which recently performed at Joe's Pub in Greenwich Village. Joe's Pub is affiliated with the Public Theater and is a well-known venue for up and coming artists. Jessie has agreed to come to campus later this year to be part of the Women to Women Panel and share her career expeience with current students.

Thanks to Kara Bingham '99 for taking the photographs we're sharing with you here.

Hudson Area Alumni Party - November 9, 2006
Leonard Residence
With all of the traveling the Alumni & Development Office does to visit alumni in other cities, the office thought it would take this opportunity to hold a gathering for those right in WRA's own backyard...literally.

The home of Liz and Nat Leonard '82 located on College Street across from the Headmaster?s residence was the perfect setting for this Hudson Area Alumni Party on the evening of November 9, 2006. Folks from the '70s, '80s, '90s and even a representative from the Class of 2001 gathered for cocktails, conversation and a delicious spread of appetizers created by WRA's very own Larkin Rogers '76. Headmaster Skip Flanagan strolled across the street to attend the festivities along with four members of the Alumni & Development Office: Director of Special Events Greta Rothman, Director of Alumni Relations Ray Murphy '81, Director of the Annual Fund Lisa Sabol and Director of Major Gifts Ruth Andrews. In addition there were several alumni in attendance who also happen to be past and present Reserve faculty masters.

Chicago Women's Luncheon - October 20, 2006
The Fortnightly Club
A group of 10 Reserve alumnae met for lunch at The Fortnightly Club in Chicago on October 20, 2006. Cynthia Van Osdol '77 was kind enough to host the event, and Helen Gregory and Ruth Andrews from WRA's Alumni & Development Office represented the school.

Stories were shared, e-mail addresses exchanged and the two-hour luncheon went by quickly. Amina Bennett '99 was delighted to catch up with Kate Liebelt '00, and Cynthia was pleased to chat with Amy Iwano '80 who heads up the Chicago Chamber Musicians. Daphne Clessuras Shoemaker '81 made a plea to the group to let her know of any people who might be interested in Reserve. She was planning a Reserve admission evening in Chicago later that month. Nicolle Clessuras '83 is enjoying living in Mt. Bluff and sees her sisters Daphne and Alexis often, so it was fun to have all three of them at the luncheon.

After the event, Ruth Andrews sent a list of Reserve alums in the Chicago area to the attendees hoping to encourage everyone to keep in touch. Unfortunately the camera was left behind, but keep an eye out for next year's luncheon pictures.

Homecoming & 1000th Game Soccer Celebration - October 7, 2006
WRA Campus
A cloudless blue sky, mild temperatures and an early display of fall color greeted alumni for Homecoming on Saturday, October 7, 2006.

Homecoming festivities included a luncheon in the Murdough Athletic Center followed by a full slate of athletic contests. The beautiful weather encouraged many to stroll from game to game, including the historic 1,000th boys varsity soccer game.

Refreshments were served on the patio of Morgan Hall throughout the afternoon and a post-game reception sponsored by the Alumni Association in the Murdough Athletic Center drew those wishing to prolong a most memorable day.

80th Birthday/1000th Game Soccer Celebration

Dozens of soccer alums spanning the years 1957 to 2005 arrived Homecoming weekend to celebrate Reserve's 1000th boys soccer game and 80th soccer birthday. Coming from California, New York, Cleveland, Atlanta and places between, alums delighted in conversing with long-time coaches Dale Conly and Phil Hogarth. About 30 attended Friday evening's cocktail party at the Hudson Country Club where Dale and Jeanne Conly, Phil Hogarth, Herb and Margaret Haller and John and Christine Breuker as well as former Hudson High School coach Tim Patterson and his wife helped foster conversation and camaraderie.

On Saturday morning, about 20 alumni participated in a spirited contest on the "hallowed pitch." The familiar voices of DC, Hogie and JB rang across the field with constructive (!!) commentary and encouragement. Then it was off to lunch and the 1000th boys varsity game. All soccer alumni spectators were invited by Coach Haller to share in the pre-game circle and soccer prayer. Then the Pioneers defeated the University School Preppers 2-0.

A large crowd gathered at the Hudson Holiday Inn that evening to celebrate. Special guests included former Brecksville coach Tony Nicoli; 40-year veteran soccer official and player Rick Hanna; and Peggy Clewell, Priscilla Graham and Nancy Waite, three women whose husbands were long associated with the soccer program.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Not able to attend this special soccer event? Coach Haller would like to keep in touch with Reserve soccer alums, so please forward your contact information (e-mail and phone number) to hallerh@wra.net.

Hudson Area College Alumni Barbecue - July 27, 2006
Seymour House, Western Reserve Academy
On Thursday, July 27, 2006, a small group of local college aged alumni gathered outside Seymour House for a casual barbecue. The event was hosted by the Alumni & Development Office as a way of getting Reserve's younger Akron, Hudson and Cleveland-area alumni together before returning to school this fall. Ruth Andrews, Ray Murphy '81, Lisa Sabol and Greta Rothman represented the Alumni & Development Office, while Skip Flanagan and faculty members Pat "Smitty" Smith and Sarah Horgan also joined the group for hamburgers, hot dogs and chicken.

Despite the threat of rain and some temporary technical difficulties with the grill, those in attendance seemed very happy to have the opportunity to visit with friends and share stories of summer jobs and plans for the coming school year.