The Alumni Board of Governors (BOG) comprises 16 dedicated Blair graduates who volunteer their time and talent to promote a strong, meaningful relationship between the School and its alumni body. This year, under the leadership of President Robert Van Stone ’69 and Vice President Kaitlin Maillet Matyasovsky ’04, BOG members have undertaken several initiatives that have brought alumni together in new ways and at new events, laying the groundwork for continued engagement—and exciting get-togethers—ahead.
The BOG kicked off its work for 2017-2018 with a mid-October, full-day session at Blair. In meetings with Head of School Chris Fortunato and the administrative team, BOG members, whose graduation dates span seven decades, gained insight into School operations and student life at Blair today. They also had plenty of time to share ideas about alumni involvement with Chief Advancement Officer Craig Hall and Director of Advancement Cara Mohlmann, both of whom are always looking for ways to engage alumni across generations and around the world.
As the year progressed, BOG members worked in tandem with Mrs. Mohlmann and Director of Alumni Relations Shaunna Murphy to bring several of the ideas they discussed to fruition. A Blair Alumni Chapter was established in New York City, and its first event—a December holiday happy hour—was a big success. In May, a group of alumni and their families met science teacher Rod Gerdsen at New York City’s Museum of Natural History for a guided tour of the new “Unseen Oceans” exhibit. Later this summer, Blair family members will enjoy one another’s company at a Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs baseball game, and more activities are in the works for the summer and fall.
“BOG members attended every school-sponsored alumni event this year, including multiple pre-Peddie Day gatherings, the New York City Young Alumni reception, the Yards Brewery event, the Mantegna Court dedication and the wrestling reception, and each was a great opportunity to get to know members of the Blair family,” said Mr. Van Stone. “Going forward, BOG members from each decade will assist class reps from their corresponding era with fundraising and outreach, and this will help us learn even more about how alumni want to be involved with Blair.”
2017-2018 Alumni Association Board of Governors
Robert Van Stone ’69, President
Kaitlin Maillet Matyasovsky ’04, Vice-President
Derek M. Peachey ’93, Trustee Liaison
Bruce D. Holenstein ’78, Secretary
Edwina O. Adrien ’06
Laura A. Covucci-Sacks ’84, P’20
Carl R. Cramer ’72
Anthony Z. Eu ’06
Carrie R. Giddins Pergram ’92
Carly E. Pearson Kaskel ’04
Quinn C. McKay ’11
Alex S. Motiuk ’08
James H.G. Naisby ’57
Daniel H. Smith ’09
Hobart D. Van Deusen ’54
Michelle M.Q. Wu ’15