Publications & News

Amid Cold War tension in 1970s Washington, D.C., the Department of Defense secretly contracts four scientists to develop a supercomputer. Work ensues—as does subliminal manipulation—and as the project nears completion, the scientists begin to question the federal government’s motives and worry that the computer may not be used in the best interest of humanity.

Blair’s annual Young Alumni Skeptics has become one of the most-anticipated events of the year, as recent graduates are invited to share their experiences as collegians and young professionals. On March 2, project manager for KIND Jenna Catalano ’10, bioastronautics doctoral candidate Annika Rollick ’14,  Navy Lt. Stephen Pantane ’09 and investment banking analyst William Pemberton ’16 will join the Blair community virtually via Zoom for the 2021 Young Alumni Skeptics.

February marks the celebration of Black History Month in the United States, and, this year, Blair community members are commemorating the event during the week of February 21 by participating in a wide range of student-crafted and student-led seminars. The seminars are designed to provide students with experiences that acknowledge the richness and importance of stories of being Black in America—the struggles as well as the successes, resilience and joy—in order to deepen community understanding of our nation’s history.
 

A decade into his career as a singer, songwriter and musician, Anthony D’Amato ’06 shared thoughts on “A Life of Music” at the Society of Skeptics on February 23. 

Bill Baroni served in a number of roles during his years in public service, including as a New Jersey Assemblyman, State Senator and as Deputy Executive Director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey under former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie. While at the Port Authority, his involvement in “Bridgegate” led to federal conviction, incarceration and, finally, a reversal of his conviction by the U.S. Supreme Court.

Two students wondered why Blair Academy didn’t have a club for women interested in business, so they started one. Katie Schultz ’22 and Megan Donaghy ’22 were inspired to create the Blair Women in Business Club after realizing the benefits a women-based business club would provide for students on campus.  

Social and emotional learning (SEL) has intrigued Blair faculty member Sharon Merrifield since the start of her decades-long career in education. Over the years, she has delved into the topic through graduate coursework in school counseling, as a certified K-5 public school teacher, and, more recently, through a yearlong course in mindfulness and a weeklong course in emotional intelligence.

On February 2, the Society of Skeptics was excited to welcome speakers from The League of Women Voters Berkeley Heights, New Providence & Summit (LWV-BHNPS).

In an unprecedented year, senior class members Dominique Darius ’21 and Olivia Miles ’21 enrolled in college early and will play on the national stage this college basketball season at UCLA and Notre Dame, respectively. Due to the pandemic affecting the number of athletes on team rosters all across college basketball, and both student-athletes accumulating enough credits to graduate, both Dom and Olivia are able to begin their college basketball careers.

We are excited to welcome students back to campus in late February and continue the experience of living and learning together on our beautiful hilltop. Much like the fall, masks will be ubiquitous, and we will remain attentive to keeping distance and not gathering in close quarters. At the same time, we will enjoy the opportunity for play, for practice, for making art and for making music together.