More than four hundred alumni, friends and family members are expected for the 2009 Alumni Weekend at George School. Open to all parents, students, and alumni the weekend starts with Flashback Friday–an opportunity to attend classes just like you were a George School student–and a Friday night Open Mic event, showcasing George School talent. Everyone will enjoy the opportunity to participate in non-stop events right through Sunday’s Meeting for Worship.

This year’s Alumni Award Recipients are David Rutstein ’74 and Karen Callaway Williams ’84. David is recognized for his strong and abiding dedication to service in general and for providing health care to underserved populations in the United States and internationally. Karen is recognized for professional accomplishments in the rare and wonderful field of tap dancing and for her commitment to serving and educating young people through dance.

In addition, George School will award the first Distinguished Service Award during Alumni Weekend to Carolyn Waghorne whose son Carter, a member of the George School Class of 1999 died suddenly of meningitis in the spring of his junior year. The award honors people who are not GS graduates for their distinguished service both to the George School community and the world as a whole.

Saturday’s activities include a faculty reception, athletic events, children’s activities, an all-student art show, lunch with friends, and reunion photos. At 9:15 A.M. the Smith and Streets Houses, two new twin homes for faculty members, will be dedicated. All in all, it’s not only a weekend to reconnect with George School but also a time to renew old friendships and undoubtedly forge new ones.

Master Classes and Discussions, Saturday, May 9, 2009

9:15–10:00 a.m.

Dedication of Smith and Streetz Houses
Join June Smith, wife of the late Richard O. Smith ’36, and former faculty member John Streetz and his wife Jackie for the ceremonial dedication of these two new twin homes. Located on George School’s campus between Brown House and the football field, these two energy-efficient residences were built to provide greater faculty presence at the center of campus.

Kickin’ and Clickin’ Workshop
Tap dancer Karen Callaway Williams ’84 will lead you through a fun combination of clapping, snapping, and tapping. This class is open to tap dancers of all levels, as well as people who would like to try tap dancing for the first time. Tap shoes are optional. Dancing will be followed by a question-and-answer period.

Theory of Knowledge
George School English teacher Ralph Lelii, coordinator of the school’s International Baccalaureate (IB) Program, will offer a brief introduction to the goals and aspirations of Theory of Knowledge, a central course in the IB Diploma Program. The course encourages critical thinking about knowledge itself, with discussion of religious, moral, aesthetic, and ethical questions.

Writing Memoir: Making the Private Public
Based on her experience writing The Plain Language of Love and Loss: A Quaker Memoir, Beth Taylor ’71 will lead a discussion about the challenges and surprises of writing from one’s own life. Subtopics include research, interviews, revisions, ethics, and marketing. Beth teaches in the Nonfiction Writing Program at Brown University.

10:05–10:50 a.m.

Public Health: Population-Based Healthcare
Public health navigates the world between clinical medicine and politics, using research, disease surveillance, policy development, regulations, communications, and the provision of clinical services to members of vulnerable populations. David Rutstein ’74 will share how the U.S. Public Health Service plans and deploys for worldwide disasters.

From Tragedy to Accomplishment
Carolyn Waghorne, parent ’99, will speak about her work with the National Meningitis Foundation, which raises awareness of the disease and its prevention and works to pass legislation requiring vaccination. Carolyn is the first recipient of George School’s Distinguished Service Award.

Food and Sustainability
Jonathan Snipes ’78 will speak about the founding of the not-for-profit Farm School at Snipes and its educational farm-to-school partnerships, including one that brings fresh naturally grown produce to the George School dining room.

Estate Planning Open House
Have questions about estate planning in today’s turbulent economic times? Wondering about tax laws that are rumored to change? Drop in on this open house to talk with Director of Planned Giving Stephanie Daniels and learn how you can still make a difference.