Office of Development and Alumni Relations News

Television and film producer Betsy Beers ’75 has long credited Milton with opening her world—helping her discover her passions, confidence, and voice. Now, she and her husband, Bruce Cormicle, are opening doors for future generations through the newly established Elizabeth Sabine Beers Scholarship Fund, created in honor of Betsy’s mother and her belief in the transformative power of education. Look for the full story in the next issue of Milton Magazine to learn more about the scholarship and the inspiration behind Betsy’s meaningful gift.

Milton warmly welcomes six new members to its Board of Trustees (pictured clockwise from top left): Yvonne Hao P ’27, Molly Ladd ’92 P ’22 ’25 ’30, Jean Liu P ’28, Ted M. Maloney ’96, Kevin Prussia P ’32 ’34, and Diana Vogel ’86 P ’21 ’23 ’25. Their wide-ranging experiences and strong connections to the Milton community will help guide the school as it continues to grow and thrive. We are delighted to have them join the Board and look forward to their contributions.

Milton reunion alumni have less than two weeks left to come together to earn $50,000 in challenge dollars for the Milton Fund!

Every reunion gift and 100% of the challenge dollars earned directly support Milton’s next generation of changemakers, problem solvers, and leaders.

Make your gift count by December 2!

When Peggy Byers Wood ’49 recently visited Head of School Alixe Callen ’88, she carried a piece of Milton history: a photo from her 1949 Graduation featuring an extraordinary speaker: former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. Peggy’s visit sparked stories of friendship with her girls’ school classmates, family, and leadership that connect Milton’s past and present—and remind us how deeply alumni shape the school’s enduring spirit and joyful community. Read More.

Milton alumni recently gathered in Boston for Milton Connect, a new networking series created just for graduates. Hosted by Trustee Ted Maloney ’96 at MFS Investment Management, the event paired a reception with roundtable discussions led by accomplished alumni across industries and career stages. Thank you to our roundtable hosts (pictured with Head of School Alixe Callen ’88), Anisha Chakrabarti ’10, Juan G. Fernandez ’93 P ’25 ’27, Pernell T. Reid ’99 M.D., M.H.A., M.S., Alex Rodman ’06 Ph.D., and Ted Maloney ’96 for sharing their insights and guidance. View photos from the inaugural event, and stay tuned—Milton Connect is coming to more cities soon!

Brooks English ’12 and Luke B. Macdonald ’14 paired up to guide the Milton Fund into the future of giving. Mutual Milton friends connected these two around various overlapping interests including their professional work in cryptocurrency. Together Brooks and Luke nudged Milton Academy to take a bold step forward by asking “What will it take to make Milton crypto-ready?”  Next, they backed it with leadership support to open the door. Thanks to their pioneering vision, Milton can now accept Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Tether—expanding the ways our community can fuel opportunity for today’s students. Now their question is: “Who’s ready to join us?” Click here to make a gift with cryptocurrency or explore other ways to give.

Students walking across the quad from the Farokhzad Math Center to the Art and Media Center (AMC) this year will have the pleasure of viewing Go Figure, a collection of four bronze sculptures by alumnus Walter Horak ’66. Horak’s work serves as the centerpiece to our 2025-2026 Nesto Gallery outdoor installation, on view through June 15. Horak is a contemporary figurative sculptor whose work explores the human form with a balance of classical design and expressive immediacy. Learn more about him and his work. Alumni from class years ending in 1 and 6 are invited to a special reception during Reunion on May 16 to reconnect and honor the work of Horak and Tad Hills ’81. View the 2025–2026 exhibition schedule for Nesto Gallery.

The rivalry we wait for all year—Milton vs. Nobles—returns on Saturday, November 8. And this year, you can cheer on the Mustangs from anywhere! Wear your orange and blue, rally your friends, and show your Milton pride—on Centre Street or from home. Click here to view the schedule and register to attend Milton-Nobles Day in person. Watching from afar? Click here on November 8 to stream the games live. Go Mustangs!

Milton’s Alumni Survey is an opportunity for you to share your thoughts about what matters most to you as a Milton graduate. From Reunion and networking to connecting with classmates and current students, we want your feedback and perspectives on how we can best support and celebrate the Milton alumni community. Keep an eye on your inbox for the survey link. We can’t wait to hear from you!

Planning a wedding or special event with Milton classmates? Let us know! Email alumni@milton.edu to request a Milton banner and capture the perfect photo that shows your Mustang pride!

Congratulations to Diana Birkett Rakow ’95! Alaska Air Group recently announced that Diana will become the first female CEO of Hawaiian Airlines, effective October 29. Birkett Rakow succeeds Joe Sprague, who will retire after a distinguished aviation career. Birkett Rakow will be based in Honolulu and will be responsible for the long-term performance and advancement of the Hawaiian Airlines brand and Alaska Air Group’s business in Hawaii, supporting the company’s guests and over 6,600 employees across the islands. Read more.

In the 2024–2025 fiscal year, support from alumni powered some of the most meaningful moments on campus: record-breaking Reunion attendance, inspiring guest speakers, and bold new leadership helping shape Milton’s future. From financial aid and academic innovation to lasting connections across generations, your generosity makes it all possible. The 2024–2025 Impact Site celebrates the people and philanthropy driving Milton’s momentum. Discover how donors and volunteers are shaping what’s next—and how you can continue to be part of the impact.

Calling all class years ending in 1 and 6! Mark your calendar. Connect with friends. Make your next Milton memory by joining us Friday, May 15, through Saturday, May 16! Because Reunion is happening early this year, students will still be on campus, giving you a wonderful opportunity to experience the vibrant energy of a Milton school year. Details and registration information to follow.

Milton is buzzing as students return, and the Milton Fund is powering it all—from financial aid and faculty excellence to hands-on learning and athletics. Fueled by gifts from our entire community, this flexible annual giving keeps Milton dynamic and ready to develop today’s engaged citizens and tomorrow’s bold leaders. Learn more about the Milton Fund and our goals for the year ahead!

Couldn’t join us on campus this spring during Reunion? Check out the recordings of Milton Talks presentations from Alexis Greeves ’90, Dan Tangherlini ’85, Elaine Apthorp ’75, and Jamie Forbes ’85, an alumni spotlight program featuring author Emily Franklin ’90 P ’17 ’22 ’25 in conversation with Lisa Baker P ’20 ’21 ’28, a panel program with current students, and school leadership symposium with Head of School Alixe Callen ’88 and Board of Trustees President Claire Hughes Johnson ’90 P ’24 ’27.

School may have been out, but Milton alumni and current families have still found time to gather this summer. On August 3, alumni, parents, and friends joined former trustee Dottie Weber ’60 P’04 for Milton at Tanglewood. Attendees enjoyed a festive luncheon and an extraordinary all-Beethoven concert featuring world-class musicians. Just a few days later, on August 7, a group of Milton’s generous donors gathered on Cape Cod for a lovely evening hosted by Todd F. Bourell and Brooke C. Bailey P ’23 ’26. Guests connected with each other and Head of School Alixe Callen ’88 over cocktails and conversation. Together, these events reflected the strength and vibrancy of the Milton community.

Stay in the loop with all things Milton! Whether you’ve just started college and have a new email address or recently moved, make sure your contact information is current—including your seasonal address. Update it today at www.milton.edu/update and never miss out on campus news or event invites.

Before arriving at Milton as a new sophomore, Christopher Lewis ’15 didn’t know much about American boarding schools. Leaving his home and family in Jamaica was a daunting prospect. A deciding factor was Chris Kane, then a counselor in the Upper School Office of Admission and Lewis’s eventual soccer coach. Now Lewis and Kane—the school’s director of financial aid and the boys’ varsity soccer head coach—are colleagues, both in the admission office and on the soccer pitch. Read more.

Thank you to all the 0s and 5s who joined us on campus for Reunion 2025! With 782 alumni and guests attending over 20 events, this year marked our highest Reunion attendance ever! It was incredible to see Milton alumni return to campus and celebrate the lifelong bonds that make our community so special. Watch the highlight video and view photos from the weekend at milton.edu/reunion. Classes ending in 1 and 6, it’s your turn next! Mark your calendars for Reunion 2026: Friday, May 15, and Saturday, May 16, 2026.

Join us in congratulating Arnie Macdonald ’77 of Bernstein Shur, who has received the prestigious 2025 Muskie Access-to-Justice Award for his extraordinary pro bono work in Maine. After stepping back as a partner to focus full-time on legal aid, Arnie has helped secure asylum for over 40 clients and earned multiple honors from the Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project. He has also played a key role in strengthening Maine’s legal service infrastructure through leadership with ILAP, the Maine Justice Foundation, and the ABA’s IOLTA Commission. Read more.

Your classmates want to hear from you! Whether it’s a new job, a big move, a creative project, or a growing family, we’d love to include your updates in the next issue of Milton Magazine. The deadline has been extended to Monday, July 21—don’t miss the chance to be included in the Fall 2025 issue! Submit your news using this form. Pictured: Kellie Quinn ’16 married her college sweetheart, Greg Krisberg, on August 17 with fellow Milton 2016 grads, Hannah Wolfberg ’16, Cassidy “Cassie” Warwick ’16, Emily Grace ’16, Eleanor “Elly” Vaughan ’16, and Anna Digravio ’16 by her side as bridesmaids.

Milton alumni and parent volunteers play a vital role in building community, supporting students, and advancing the school’s mission. Whether you’re mentoring students, hosting events, or encouraging philanthropic support, your time and talents make a real impact. If you’d like to explore ways to stay connected and give back in the coming year, please take a moment to complete this form. Pictured: Trustee Osaremen Okolo ’13 speaking at an Upper School assembly about how staying engaged—through volunteerism and giving—has deepened her connection to Milton. Read more.

This June, we’re asking the Milton community to step up and give back to the Milton Fund. Your support directly benefits the people, programs, and initiatives that help Milton students grow into confident, curious, and critical thinkers who dare to lead from the classroom to the athletics field to the stage. The deadline to make your gift is June 30; please make your gift today!

Thank you to all the 0s and 5s who joined us on campus for Reunion! It was incredible to see Milton alumni come together to celebrate the lifelong bonds that make our community so special. We didn’t want it to end—and it doesn’t have to! We’d love to see your Reunion moments. Share your photos and videos on Instagram by tagging @miltonacademygrads and using #MiltonReunion2025 and #MAclassof[YourClassYear]. Be sure to follow the page to catch highlights from this unforgettable weekend—and stay tuned for a full Reunion recap coming soon.

On June 6, 183 seniors received their diplomas and joined the Milton Academy alumni community. This year’s commencement address was given by Alison Fitzgerald Kodjak ’87 (pictured). Alison is an award-winning journalist and author, and currently serves as the assistant managing editor for national news at ProPublica. She encouraged graduates to keep doors open. “I am urging you to keep yourselves open to possibility. The world is big, and varied, and beautiful, and there is a lot to do,” she said. Click here to read all event speeches, watch the ceremony in its entirety, and flip through photos from the day.

Milton is proud to honor four retiring faculty and staff members— Darlene “Dar” Anastas, Paul Coughlin, John Delaney, and Tom Berry for their years of dedicated service. From transforming stages and supporting student-athletes to keeping our campus running smoothly and solving complex systems challenges, these individuals have shaped Milton through creativity, care, and commitment. We also extend our gratitude to Trustees John McEvoy ’82 and Peter Kagan ’86 as they rotate off our Board. They have offered invaluable leadership and insight during pivotal moments, and we are so thankful for all the ways they’ve each made Milton a better place. Pictured clockwise from top left: Darlene “Dar” Anastas, Paul Coughlin, Tom Berry, Peter Kagan ’86, John McEvoy ’82, and John Delaney. 

Your classmates want to hear from you! Whether it’s a new job, a big move, a creative project, or a growing family, we’d love to include your updates in the next issue of Milton Magazine. Submit your news by July 18 using this form. We’re now gathering updates for the Fall 2025 issue of Milton Magazine—don’t miss the chance to be included! Pictured: Marte “Molly” Krause ’08 and Henri Neuendorf, who welcomed a daughter, Philippa Corinne Krause Neuendorf (“Pippa”  / “Pip”), in September.

Hello from Centre Street!

It’s been a whirlwind of a first month at Milton, getting to know new colleagues, visiting with the Board of Trustees at their May meeting, and even traveling to California to spend time with some amazing West Coast alums.

Already, being at Milton has been such a meaningful experience. I want to thank everyone who has welcomed me so warmly! It’s been inspiring to hear your stories and feel the deep connection each of you has to Milton. I’m excited to keep the momentum going and meet even more alumni and friends in the weeks and months ahead—especially at Reunion in June. Whether near or far, your engagement and support shape the future of this school, and I’m thrilled to be part of it.

I look forward to more opportunities to connect and get to know all of you better.

With gratitude,

Kelly DeGregorio
Chief Advancement Officer

As part of the 2025 DEIJ Speaker Series, Tonantzin Carmona ’08 shared her inspiring journey from Chicago’s Little Village to the White House. The first Latina special assistant to the president for economic policy, she spoke about growth, resilience, and purpose. Now a Brookings fellow, Carmona credits Milton for shaping key skills in public service. From creating Chicago’s first municipal ID to working on Elizabeth Warren’s 2020 campaign, she has prioritized community voices. Urging students to lead with purpose, she reminded them: “The future can be shaped by the actions that you take today.” Read More.

This year’s Class of 2025 Senior Gift Campaign was a great success! The seniors achieved a staggering 60% participation, exceeding their ambitious 55% participation goal, and earned $10,000 from challenger Michael Lee ’09, for the Milton Fund’s financial aid priority. The Senior Gift Campaign was led by a committee of 10 dedicated volunteers (pictured), including Senior Gift Committee Co-Chairs Becca ’25 and Oliver ’25. Learn more about the Class of 2025 Senior Gift Campaign.

The Class of 2025 has invited longtime journalist and author Alison Fitzgerald Kodjak ’87, to be its graduation speaker. Currently assistant managing editor for national news at ProPublica, Alison is an award-winning journalist whose work has spanned three decades and all media. Alison started out reporting at The Patriot Ledger, a daily newspaper in Quincy, Massachusetts, and went on to work at The Associated Press and Bloomberg News before becoming an on-air correspondent at NPR. We are looking forward to welcoming her and celebrating with our graduates on Friday, June 6! Learn more.

As part of the 2025 DEIJ Speaker Series, Black-ish writer and producer Robb Chavis ’94 returned to campus to encourage students to share their stories—especially the ones they tell about themselves. Chavis, a former attorney turned Emmy-nominated TV writer, spoke about the power of persistence, creativity, and collaboration in the writers’ room. He emphasized that storytelling can shift perspectives and that every voice is unique and worth sharing. “Don’t let history write your story for you,” he urged. Chavis also reflected on his winding career path, encouraging students to keep doors open and embrace life’s unexpected turns. Read more.

In the 15 years since Samantha Barkowski ’09 became a Fenway Ambassador, her responsibilities at Fenway Sports Group have changed dramatically. One thing that hasn’t changed, however, is her focus on the fans. Read more.

It’s time to reconnect, reminisce, and reignite your Milton pride! Reunion 2025 takes place June 13–14 and will celebrate classes ending in 0 and 5 with a weekend full of unforgettable moments. Enjoy inspiring “Milton Talks,” savor the flavor of the city at our All-Class Party, and bring the whole family for fun at the Family Festival. From campus tours to classroom hangouts, this is your chance to rediscover Milton and make new memories with old friends. Don’t miss this incredible weekend—head to milton.edu/reunion to register and learn more. Get ready to celebrate all things Milton!

Whether on the page or the stage, poetry at Milton is thriving—empowering students to find meaning in every word. In honor of National Poetry Month, Milton is spotlighting its vibrant poetry scene—students are not only writing and workshopping original pieces but also performing poetry with passion. Some students are even earning national recognition for their efforts. Lyla Tanzi ’26 and EmmaRose Zilla ’26 have earned regional recognition for their poetry, and Hugh Kramer ’27 was a semifinalist in the Poetry Out Loud competition. Read more.

Our 10th annual Giving Day was a tremendous success! Over 1,200 donors came together to contribute more than $1.1 million to Milton in just one day. We are so grateful for the energy our entire community brought, from early morning Peloton riders with Head of School Alixe Callen ’88 to volunteers encouraging participation across the globe to our students, faculty, and staff getting in the spirit in Giving Day HQ—Milton pride was overflowing on March 12! We are still crunching our numbers, so stay tuned for our final Impact report, which hits inboxes on March 27; until then, enjoy some scenes from Giving Day in the Student Center.

Following a highly competitive national search, Milton has chosen Kelly DeGregorio as our next Chief Advancement Officer. We look forward to welcoming her to our amazing community next month! Learn more.

Acclaimed novelist Rebecca Makkai spent two days on campus as this semester’s Bingham Visiting Writer, encouraging students to embrace reading as a tool for understanding history. She visited creative writing classes, workshopped student writing, and spoke at an Upper School assembly, where she shared insights on storytelling, time shifts in fiction, and the impact of theater on writing. Read More.

Jamie Mittelman ’06, a former triple-varsity athlete at Milton, is amplifying the voices of female athletes through her media company, Flame Bearers. Founded in 2020, Flame Bearers shares the stories of Olympians and Paralympians, focusing on issues such as pay equity, racial justice, and disability bias. Invited by SAGE (Students Advocating for Gender Equity) to speak for Women’s History Month, Jamie emphasized the power of media to drive change and ensure underrepresented women in sports get the recognition they deserve. Read more.

The Massachusetts Art Education Association (MAEA) has named Ian Torney ’82 the 2025 Independent Schools Art Educator of the Year. A dedicated artist, educator, and curator, Ian has taught Visual Arts for over three decades. Since returning to Milton in 2012, he served as department chair for 10 years and now directs the Nesto Gallery. His passion for arts education and exhibition curation has had a lasting impact on our community. Read more about Ian and this accomplishment here.

We are Milton, and for our 10th Annual Giving Day on March 12, we are shining a spotlight on the people, places, and programs that make up this incredible school. From engaged student leaders to exceptional teachers, your support on Giving Day helps fuel the next generation of Milton changemakers. This year, thanks to Milton Academy Trustee Patrick Tsang ’90 P’27 P’27, when we reach 1,000 donors, we will unlock $100K for the Milton Fund. Please save the date and learn more at https://give.milton.edu/giving-day-2025.

Young people should commit to deep learning and understanding—even as artificial-intelligence tools deliver efficiency and make information more accessible, renowned mathematician and social entrepreneur Po-Shen Loh told the Milton community. Loh visited Milton to share ideas about how we can continue to “Dare to be true” in the era of ever-evolving AI. AI tools must be combined with critical thinking, curiosity, and ethics in order to have effective and positive impacts in the world, he said. Read more. 

To celebrate Black History Month, Upper School students had the opportunity to participate in four enriching sessions honoring Black excellence and joy. They could engage in a Poets’ Corner with January Gill O’Neil and Nathan McClain, experience the vibrant rhythms of African drumming and dance with Malian musician Joh Camara and his award-winning Troupe Sewa, explore careers in science and technology through a STEM panel featuring Rachel Atkinson (surgery fellow, Brigham and Women’s Hospital), Compton Bowman (distribution design engineer / AI robotic technician), Caleb Levy (Ph.D. candidate in physics, Harvard University), and Castella Edward (nurse and clinical faculty member at New England Baptist), or join a fireside chat with Jeff Chandler and Reginald L. Jackson, African American master artists-in-residence at the Institute of Contemporary Art. It was a powerful celebration of creativity, culture, and achievement.

Ten Milton alums are back on campus, this time as coaches, sharing their love for sports with the next generation. With a deep connection to Milton and plenty of experience on and off the field, they’re here to inspire, motivate, and pass on the traditions they once lived as students. It’s a homecoming that celebrates teamwork, mentorship, and the unbreakable bond of being part of the Milton community. Read more.

Full Circle Moment: In 1986—the year the United States first observed Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a federal holiday, Lamont Gordon ’87 was a student listening to Milton’s first-ever MLK speaker. On Tuesday, Gordon returned to campus as Milton’s 2025 MLK speaker. Read more. 

Our community celebrates a half century of fine art on the Milton Academy campus with the 50th anniversary of the Nesto Gallery! The Nesto opened on January 10, 1975, and has since brought scores of professional artists from New England and beyond to the gallery, offering the community access to accomplished works of painting, photography, sculpture, and much more. The gallery’s presence on campus also enriches Milton’s visual arts program, giving students opportunities to meet and learn from a diverse range of talented creators. To learn more about the Nesto Gallery and to see a full schedule of upcoming events, visit the gallery’s website.

Stay in the loop with all things Milton! To ensure you’re always in the know about campus news and invites to events, make sure your contact information is up to date. Update it today at www.milton.edu/update and never miss out on what’s happening.

Your gift to the Milton Fund, our school’s unrestricted current-use fund, by December 31 is the BEST way to support the many people, programs, and communities that cultivate the competence and character in today’s Milton students. Please do your part to support our Milton community during this season of giving, and make your Milton Fund gift today at www.milton.edu/donate.