Alumni News

William Weeks Sr. ’44 and his son, William Weeks Jr. ’79, are celebrating their 75th and 40th reunions, respectively, during Reunion Weekend, June 14-15. Although Milton experienced many changes in those thirty-five years, one thing remained the same: inspirational teachers left a lasting impression on both of them. Learn more about this father and son’s meaningful Milton connections.

JB Pritzker, Class of 1982 and the 43rd governor of the state of Illinois, will serve as Graduation day speaker on June 7, 2019. “JB Pritzker is an extraordinarily generous spirit who has made an immeasurable difference in the lives of countless people throughout his community and beyond,” said Head of School Todd Bland. “Humble despite his huge influence, he is intelligent, relatable, and a kind-hearted leader—qualities to which we should all aspire. I am delighted to welcome him back to campus.” Read more.

Alumna Alison Fitzgerald Kodjak ’87, the health policy correspondent on National Public Radio’s Science Desk, was inducted as the new president of the National Press Club by Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer P ’87, whose daughter, Chloe, is a classmate of Alison. One of the most respected organizations for journalists, The National Press Club is a vigorous advocate for freedom of the press worldwide. Ali speaks fondly of her time on campus, learn more.

Edward “Ned” O. Handy, Jr. ’47 always loved writing and sharing his work with his family, many of whom were Milton alumni. Before Ned passed away, his son, Seth Handy ’85, helped him publish Christmas Farm, a children’s alphabet book inspired by Bunny Merrill’s ’79 Elmore Mountain Farm. Interested in celebrating the holidays with a Milton touch? Learn more or purchase the book.

J.B. Pritzker ’82 is the newly elected governor of Illinois, defeating Republican incumbent Bruce Rauner in the general election. Pritzker is assembling his new administration, which will take office January 14. At Milton, Pritzker boarded in Hallowell House and was active with the Milton paper, the speech team, and drama. After graduating from Milton, he graduated from Duke University with a bachelor of arts degree in political science and earned his law degree from Northwestern University. He is an attorney and a member of the Illinois State Bar Association and the Chicago Bar Association. Congratulations, Governor-Elect Pritzker!

Barrett Takesian ’09 is making a name for himself as a coach, mentor and role model through innovative squash programs. Takesian was recently honored by the US Olympic Committee for his work with junior athletes. Learn more about his Coach of the Year award, and read more about Portland Community Squash, an after-school urban athletic program he founded after graduating from Bowdoin.

Independent documentary filmmaker Sarah Colt has dedicated her career to creating character-driven documentaries, from chronicling the traditions of the Amish, or understanding the motivations of larger-than-life figures such as Henry Ford and Walt Disney. Her recent project, The Gilded Age, was created for PBS’s award-winning series American Experience and was broadcast nationwide in February 2018. Congratulations, Sarah!

On December 31, 2017, Connie turned 100! She celebrated with more than 40 of her friends and family members in her hometown in Maine, including her youngest great-grandchild, Athlea, born in September — there are nearly 100 years between them! If you know of any Mustangs who are in the 100 club, share it with us by emailing alumni@milton.edu.

This past November, BostInno recognized its “50 on Fire” winners for 2017. Nick Dougherty ’07 was named in the Health & Medicine category for his role as a program director at PULSE@MassChallenge. The list recognizes the 50 innovators in Boston. Nice work, Nick!