Alumni returned to the Mountain in record numbers for Reunion 2025, eager to connect with old friends, meet Head of School Lisa Shambaugh, and celebrate shared milestones. From honoring community members to highlighting The Storm King School’s exciting future, it was a weekend filled with meaning, memories, and forward momentum.

The weekend began on Friday afternoon when several adventurous alumni embarked on a Hudson River kayaking excursion–a new activity this year. Later that evening, nearly 100 alumni boarded the Pride of the Hudson for the traditional river cruise. The Hudson was calm and the weather was beautiful, creating the perfect backdrop for an evening of lively conversation, food, and fun. The time passed quickly but the festivities continued as many alums gathered at Painter’s Tavern in Cornwall-on-Hudson for a post-cruise gathering that lasted until closing time.

Teacher Courtney Sutter, Adam Eisen ’80, PJ Cunningham ’80, Kim Rubens-Quiros ’92, her friend Amy, Dean of Faculty and teacher Tim Gillett, Yasmine LaBarca ’95, teacher Rob MacSwain, and Jonathan Babcock ’75

Rain on Saturday morning moved the Memorial Rock remembrance indoors to the lounge area of Ogden Hall, where a large crowd gathered. It was a heartfelt ceremony, filled with stories and memories that honored those no longer with us.

A barbecue-style lunch brought everyone back together before campus tours began. Three separate alumni groups were led by recent graduates Christine Sung ’25 and Nyla Anderson ’25, along with rising senior Emily K. ’26, who proudly shared the beautiful campus with returning alumni.

Later in the afternoon, the community gathered in the Walter Reade Jr. Theatre for the Alumni Awards. Michael Pock, 2nd Vice President of the Alumni Council, recognized council members, thanked Jack Liu ’11 and Paul Jerry ’69 for their service, and welcomed new members Ashley Cabrera ’19, Matt Fascaldi ’13, Kim Rubens-Quiros ’92, and Lilian Snyder ’14. Lauren Ferrara ’97 gave an update on the Outreach and Development Committee, which she chairs, highlighting efforts to build a private SKS alumni LinkedIn group as a supportive professional and social network. She praised Jordan Golding ’20 for leading the School’s first “What’s Coming Up?” program, which brought college-aged alumni back to speak with current students, and she spoke about the continued importance of alumni gifts in supporting these efforts.

Lisa Shambaugh made her first alumni weekend presentation as Head of School, centering her remarks on the theme of “community.” She celebrated the achievements of the recent graduating class and shared an important update on the New Academic Center, announcing that Storm King has received two transformational gifts toward funding the project. With planning approvals underway, construction is expected to begin in the spring. Ms. Shambaugh also shared highlights of the School’s new Strategic Plan through 2030, the result of an inclusive and thoughtful process to chart Storm King’s future.

2025 Awards Recipients: Mireille Lemaine for Uncle Frederick Lemaine (dec) – Margaret Clark Faculty Excellence Award; Chris Cavallo ’70 – Humanitarian Award; Jerry Carballo ’90 – Sports Hall of Fame; Andrew Holbrooke ’65 – Alumni Arts Award

The awards program that followed included many moving moments. The 2023 Margaret Clark Faculty Excellence Award was presented posthumously to Frederick Lemaine. Doug Burg ’71 explained that relatives couldn’t be found last year, but this year the School was delighted to welcome Mirielle Lemaine, a New York City artist and Mr. Lemaine’s niece, who accepted the award on his behalf.

Past faculty member Jason Steiker inducted Jerry Carballo ’90 into the SKS Sports Hall of Fame, recognizing his athletic skill, leadership, and generosity of spirit. Jim Perlberg ’70 presented the Humanitarian Award to his classmate Chris Cavallo ’70 for his life-saving work to prevent opioid deaths. Chris’s powerful speech served as a call to action and brought the audience to its feet in a standing ovation. Arts Committee member David Hartcorn ’73 and classmate Bruce Sloman ’65 presented the Alumni Arts Award to Andrew Holbrooke ’65, a photojournalist whose work has taken him to the frontlines of global conflict. A video of Andrew’s work accompanied the award, and Hartcorn noted the courage and responsibility that comes with telling the stories others cannot.

The Class of 1975 celebrated their 50th reunion with a special gathering at the Head of School’s residence, The Homestead, joined by spouses, partners, and former faculty. Elsewhere on campus, alumni socialized in Orr Commons, enjoying a mead tasting hosted by Cem Taviloglu ’19, founder of the Golden Horn Meadery.

Just before dinner, the community gathered on Ledoux Terrace for a special butterfly ceremony honoring the Class of 2020, who missed out on traditional commencement events due to the pandemic. Director of Development Sarah Fulton ’09 read Rudyard Kipling’s poem “If” before the butterflies were released—an emotional and memorable moment shared across generations of alums.

Dinner was held in a beautifully decorated Henderson Dining Hall, followed by a gathering around the firepit, donated by the Class of 2023. The evening ended with stories, laughter, and reflection around the fire, as alumni young and old enjoyed each other’s company well into the night.

Reunion 2025 was a great success, celebrating  friendships, accomplishments, and what lies ahead. The Mountain was alive with the energy of generations united by shared experience, and the sense of community that defines Storm King. As alumni departed, there was a shared feeling of gratitude—and excitement for all that’s still to come.