The Storm King School Alumni Association
The Storm King School Alumni Association is governed by an Alumni Council that oversees all Storm King Alumni engagement activities. Everyone who has attended The Storm King School for at least one term is considered an alumnus/a of the School and a SKS Alumni Association member. Currently, the alumni association consists of approximately 3,000 former students and graduates.
The Alumni Council, made up of 14 elected members representing each decade of SKS classes, governs the Storm King School Alumni Association. The Alumni Council/Association President serves as an ex officio member of the SKS Board of Trustees.
Three times a year, the School invites the Storm King Alumni Council and all members of the SKS Alumni Association to campus to hear from the School’s leadership and receive an in-depth look into the ongoing life of The Storm King School. Working through committees, the Alumni Council focuses on projects that help strengthen alumni engagement and philanthropy including Alumni Awards, Career Night, Reunion Weekend, Senior Class Luncheons, and The Storm King Fund.
Alumni Council Charter Statement:
The Storm King School’s Alumni Council is a volunteer body with representation from each decade of classes. The mission of the Council is to partner with the Office of Alumni and Development to build and perpetuate an alumni community of support for the school. The council meets three times per year (Fall, Winter, and Spring) and works through committees focused on alumni philanthropy and engagement.
To be considered for Alumni Council membership, please contact Lynn Crevling ’72, Director of Alumni Relations at lcrevling@sks.org or at 845-458-7517
Alumni Council Members 2022-23
Sele Birchwood '09
Steve Bluth '83, President
Richard Broughton '54
Scott Cantor '73, President Emeritus
Lynn Crevling '72, Secretary
Tom Delaney '58
Michelle Farber '83
Johnathan Flores '12
Jodi Gerson '91
Paul Jerry ‘69
Yiqi “Jack” Liu '11
Dominique Manpel ‘79
Jermaine Miller '02
Jim Perlberg '70
Michael Pock '94
Lisa Veyka '83
| Name | Class Year | Fiscal Year Ending 7/1/2023 | Fiscal Year Ending 7/1/2024 | Fiscal Year Ending 7/1/2025 |
| Alumni Council Members (three year terms) | ||||
| Sele Birchwood | 2009 | 2nd term | ||
| Richard Broughton | 1954 | 2nd term | ||
| Tom Delaney | 1958 | 2nd term | ||
| Michelle Farber | 1983 | 1st term | ||
| Jodie Gerson | 1991 | 1st term | ||
| Paul Jerry | 1969 | 1st term | ||
| Yiqi "Jack" Liu | 2011 | 1st term | ||
| Dominique Manpel | 1979 | 1st term | ||
| Jermaine Miller | 2002 | 1st term | ||
| Michael Pock | 1994 | 1st term | ||
| Lisa Veyka | 1983 | 1st term | ||
| Total | 4 | 4 | 3 | |
| Alumni Council Officers (two two-year terms) | ||||
| Steve Bluth, President | 1983 | 1st term | 2nd term | |
| Johnathan Flores, First Vice President | 2012 | 1st term | 2nd term | |
| Jim Perlberg, Second Vice President | 1970 | 1st term | 2nd term | |
| Total | 3 | 3 | ||
| Alumni Council President Emeritus | ||||
| Scott Cantor | 1973 | |||
The Storm King School Alumni Council
January 15, 2022
Meeting Summary
The Storm King School Alumni Council met on the above date via Zoom. President Steve Bluth ‘83 presided, and Secretary Lynn Crevling ‘72 served as secretary.
The following Alumni Council members were in attendance: Sele Birchwood ’09, Steve Bluth ‘83, Scott Cantor ’73, Tom Delaney ’58, Michelle Farber ’83, Johnathan Flores ‘12, Madison Flores ‘14, Jody Gerson ‘91, Jim Perlberg ‘70, Michael Pock ‘94, Larry Spiegel ’69, and Lisa Veyka ‘83. Absent were Richard Broughton ‘54, David Gilmore ’61, Jermaine Miller ’02, Judy Romano ’79 and Monifa Tarjamo ’90.
Alumni in attendance were Board President Roger Auerbacher ’66, Michael Merry ‘65, and Fred Sopher ‘58.
Tom Fogarty, Sarah Fulton ‘09, and Head of School Jon Lamb represented The Storm King School.
President’s Opening Remarks and Minutes
President Bluth called the meeting to order at 12:30 pm and welcomed members and guests. He invited participants to introduce themselves with one word reflecting how they felt and began by expressing the word “grateful” for achieving a personal career goal to own a summer camp. He said that he recently closed on the purchase of Camp Southwoods. Other alumni responded with the words happy, rejuvenated, great, appreciative, community, excited, freedom, and love.
President Bluth then asked for a motion to approve the minutes for the October 9, 2021 Alumni Council meeting.
Action: Upon a motion duly made by Ms. Gerson and seconded by Ms. Veyka, the minutes were approved without exception.
School Update
Development Director Tom Fogarty reported that projections made in the fall for new student enrollments have come to fruition. Even with additional students, SKS’s budget will be slightly short of breaking even this year due to the student mix. There are more day student enrollments and not as many boarding student enrollments due to the COVID pandemic. Mr. Fogarty reported that a tuition increase was approved for next year at a recent Board of Trustees’ meeting, which was accompanied by an increase in financial aid to keep SKS accessible for a diverse student body. Mr. Lamb added that SKS makes these decisions by taking into account many factors, including consideration of the tuition of other schools in our cohort.
Nominating Committee Report
Acting Nominating Committee Chair Lynn Crevling ‘72 identified the alumni members of the Committee who oversee Council membership and terms: Mr. Delaney, Ms. Farber, Ms. Flores, and Ms. Romano. Ms. Crevling reminded participants that alumni on the Council serve a three-year term, which may also be extended for a second term by vote of the Council.
Actions presented for new Council members for a term beginning next fiscal year (July 1, 2022) follows:
1970s decade representative: Dominique Manpel ’79, an attorney in Beacon NY and presenter at a recent Career Night.
Action: Upon a motion duly made by Mr. Perlberg and seconded by, Mr. Pock, Ms. Manpel was approved without exception as a member of the Alumni Council for a term starting next year.
2010 – 2019 decade representative: Yiqi “Jack” Liu ’11, a business entrepreneur in Jersey City, NJ and participant in an alumni basketball game and Career Night.
Action: Upon a motion duly made by Mr. Perlberg and seconded by Ms. Farber, Mr. Liu was approved without exception as a member of the Alumni Council for a term starting next year.
Outreach and Development Committee Report
Outreach and Development Committee Chair Jim Perlberg reported that we are about 50% through the current fiscal/school year and that approximately 50% of Alumni Council members have made a gift so far this year. He encouraged those who have not yet made a gift to do so sooner rather than later. Gifts made earlier in the fiscal year help the Alumni and Development Office with planning and projections.
Mr. Perlberg reported that Committee member Lisa Veyka brought the idea to use alumni quotes for the mailed fundraising appeal and collected them from a diverse group of alumni. The quotes she solicited were provided to the Director of Annual Giving and Special Events, Sarah Fulton ’09, who incorporated them into a design for both a mailed and electronic appeal. Ms. Fulton said that there was a good response in both gifts received and with positive comments about the appeal. There was also discussion about encouraging gift matching from employers.
Mr. Perlberg stated that Jodie Gerson is the lead volunteer for the Alumni Conversation Series and referred members to a handout identifying topics for February (a mid-‘80s-‘90s Alumni chat); March “Whole Person Health”; and April (LGBTQ+ Alumni Connect). As in the past, students will be invited to some of these Zoom conversations. Mr. Cantor commented that student participation, in consultation with the school, supports the goal of offering alumni support and building community.
Mr. Perlberg reported that he, Mr. Spiegel, Mr. Birchwood and Mr. Pock are working on preparing for the launch of an Alumni LinkedIn Group.
Mr. Perlberg presented a proposed LinkedIn charter for the Council’s consideration for approval.
Action: Upon a motion duly made by Mr. Bluth and seconded by Mr. Birchwood, the charter for a SKS Alumni LinkedIn page was approved without exception.
Awards Committee Report
Awards Committee Chair Johnathan Flores thanked Awards Committee members: Mr. Broughton, Mr. Gilmore, Mr. Miller and Ms. Tarjamo. He also thanked the Ad Hoc Arts Committee volunteers: John Carruthers, Visual Arts Director; Paul Connors, Music Director; Anne Fulton, Performing Arts Director; Richard Grossman ’79; David Hartcorn ’73; and Gary Springer ’72.
Mr. Flores presented the recommended recipient of the 2022 Alumni Art Award: Gary Springer ’72 an actor and publicist with international involvement in theater and film.
Action: Upon a motion duly made by Ms. Gerson and seconded by Mr. Bluth, Mr. Springer was approved without exception.
Mr. Flores presented two candidates recommended for induction into the SKS Sports Hall of Fame together:Joseph Austin ’72 and Wray Farmin ’72, both founders of competitive skiing as a varsity sport at SKS and both with a history of competition and working to advance their sport after graduating from SKS.
Action: Upon a motion duly made by Ms. Gerson and seconded by Mr. Bluth, Mr. Austin and Farmin were approved for induction without exception.
Mr. Flores presented a recommendation for a second induction into the SKS Sports Hall of Fame: Jennifer Hudson ’02, the 2002 Athlete of the Year and a professional golfer with significant recognition and awards in her sport.
Action: Upon a motion duly made by Ms. Gerson and seconded by Mr. Perlberg, Ms. Hudson was approved for induction without exception.
Mr. Flores presented a recommendation for the recipient of the 2022 Humanitarian Award: David Hartcorn ’73 who, as a volunteer, has made 20 trips to El Salvador to provide assistance such as building homes, infrastructure, and cultural and humanitarian assistance.
Action: Upon a motion duly made by Mr. Bluth and seconded by Mr. Perlberg, Mr. Hartcorn was approved without exception.
Mr. Cantor and Mr. Bluth encouraged the school to let the students know about the alumni awards and alumni accomplishments.
Mr. Bluth thanked the Committees for their work to date. Mr. Bluth added that individuals may have differing opinions and may disagree. He asked that majority-based decision-making of the Committees and Councils be accepted and respected as we each bring our diverse points of view. He continued that we all share the same goals to engage alumni and to support SKS.
Storm King Fund Report
Ms. Fulton thanked the Outreach and Development Committee and Ms. Veyka’s leadership with supporting the needs of the school via The Storm King Fund. This year’s Storm King Fund goal is $280,000. To date, SKS has received 150 gifts totaling $130,340, almost halfway to the goal. Gifts this year have surpassed all past year’s giving, with the exception of last year when several Capital Campaign gifts were given to the Storm King Fund to assist during the pandemic. She also reminded participants that new gifts will be matched one-for-one up to $20,000 by a generous alumnus. Ms. Fulton reported that plans going forward include an “insider’s newsletter” to be sent by Mr. Fogarty; more appeals incorporating the theme of Storm King Magic; and beginning to promote Reunion 2022.
Capital Campaign Report
Mr. Fogarty echoed that the Council is producing work that makes SKS shine and thanked the volunteers. He reported that the campaign is still moving forward and shared the latest rendering of the new academic center from the architect. In response to a question from Mr. Pock, Mr. Lamb explained that Dyar Hall and the classroom trailer would be removed.
New Business
There was no new business.
Adjournment
With no further business to come before the SKS Alumni Council, President Bluth accepted a motion to adjourn made by Mr. Pock, seconded by Mr. Bluth, and approved unanimously. The meeting was adjourned the meeting at 1:45 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Lynn Crevling ‘72
Alumni Council Secretary
The Storm King School Alumni Council
October 9, 2021
Meeting Summary
The Storm King School Alumni Council met on the above date via Zoom. President Steve Bluth ‘83 presided, and Secretary Lynn Crevling ‘72 served as secretary.
The following Alumni Council members were in attendance: Sele Birchwood ’09, Steve Bluth ‘83, Richard Broughton ‘54, Johnathan Flores ‘12, Madison Flores ‘14, Jody Gerson ‘91, Jermaine Miller ’02, Jim Perlberg ‘70, Judy Romano ‘79, Larry Spiegel ’69, Monifa Tarjamo ’90, and Lisa Veyka ‘83. Excused were Tom Delaney ’58, Michelle Farber ’83 and David Gilmore ‘61.
SKS alumni in attendance were Board President Roger Auerbacher ’66, Robert Chace ‘68, Michael Pock ‘94, and Fred Sopher ‘58.
Nicole Cervantes, Tom Fogarty, Sarah Fulton ‘09, and Head of School Jon Lamb represented The Storm King School.
President’s Opening Remarks and Minutes
President Bluth called the meeting to order at 12:30 pm and welcomed members and guests. He invited participants to introduce themselves and briefly say what led them back to SKS to participate in the Alumni Council. Following the comments, Mr. Bluth said he was pleased to know everyone better.
President Bluth then asked for a motion to approve the minutes for the June 12, 2021 Alumni Council and Association meeting.
Action: Upon a motion duly made by Mr. Flores and seconded by Mr. Perlberg, the minutes were approved without exception.
Nominating Committee Report
Acting Nominating Committee Chair Lynn Crevling ‘72 introduced members of the Committee and reported that this committee oversees membership, terms, and the election of officers. A brief orientation for new members was held immediately prior to this meeting and she welcomed Jodie Gerson ’91 and Jermaine Miller ’02. New member Michelle Farber ’83 was unable to attend today due to a family medical emergency.
Action: Upon a motion duly made by Mr. Broughton and seconded by Mr. Bluth, Michael Pock ’94 was approved without exception as an at-large member of the Alumni Council for a term starting this year.
Ms. Crevling indicated that the Committee will be in touch with members whose terms will conclude this year for actions at the next meeting in January 2022.
Outreach and Development Committee Report
Outreach and Development Committee Chair Jim Perlberg introduced three projects that the committee will be involved with this year.
Alumni and Parents LinkedIn Group – The Committee will bring suggestions and ideas for the creation of a private career/job focused LinkedIn group for employers, prospective employees and career mentoring and advice. Mr. Perlberg will lead this initiative with participation by Committee members Larry Spiegel, Sele Birchwood and Michael Pock. They will suggest a charter for the new LinkedIn group. SKS staff will be the administrator(s) of the group.
SKS Mailed Fundraising Appeal – Mr. Perlberg thanked Alumni Council members for 100% participation in giving to the Storm King Fund last year (year ending June 30, 2021). He encouraged Council members, who haven’t done so already, to give early this fiscal year. Mr. Perlberg also reported that an alum has generously offered a 1:1 match for all new donors this year. Mr. Perlberg introduced Lisa Veyka as the lead for the mailed fundraising appeal project using the theme “Storm King Magic” established in the case for support for 2021-2022. Ms. Veyka is collecting quotes from a diverse group of alumni to be presented with an SKS photo and a current photo. These alumni will be personal examples of the impact and magic that SKS has had on people’s lives.
Alumni Speaker Series – Mr. Perlberg reported that Jodie Gerson, with support from Lisa Veyka, will take the lead to suggest content for the Alumni Speaker Series starting in January. Ms. Gerson reported that she looks forward to bringing ideas for a robust series.
Awards Committee
Awards Committee Chair Johnathan Flores introduced the members of this Committee and reported that the Committee met in August for an annual review of the awards criteria. He stated that the Committee recommends opening nominations for awards early in the fiscal year to capitalize on the freshness of the energy and experience from the reunion in June. He also reported that alumni athletes of all college divisions would be given consideration for the Sports Hall of Fame. Mr. Flores reported that nominations have been slow to come in so far, which is not uncommon at this point in the year, but the Committee will be looking at how to facilitate the receipt of strong candidates for the awards given at Reunion Weekend 2022. There was discussion that the process does not need to be entirely nominations-driven and that inductees may be considered based upon other criteria of excellence.
Mr. Bluth thanked the Committees for their work to date.
Academic and Student Life
Mr. Bluth warmly welcomed guest Dr. Nicole Cervantes, the new Athletic Director. Dr. Cervantes thanked everyone for the opportunity to listen to and learn about SKS from the comments, testimonials and reports by alumni. She said that she looks forward to working with Admissions and others to build upon what was already a strong athletic department. She noted the benefit of lessons in mutual reliance and accountability that come from participating in athletics. Head of School Jon Lamb commented that SKS is fortunate to have Dr. Cervantes, who brings involvement in the Positive Coaching Alliance and shares many of our values. She is currently spending time organizing our athletics program, with consideration being given to adding coaching to her responsibilities next year.
Storm King Strategic Progress Report
Mr. Fogarty presented enrollment trends, noting that the current enrollment of 174 students is comprised of more female than male students for the first time in the school’s history. Student to teacher ratios remain strong of 5:1. Day student enrollment of 69 students is an all-time high, resulting in 91 students from the United States and diverse representation from other countries with the highest numbers from China and Mexico at 23 and 20 students, respectively. The school’s financial aid budget has risen significantly at $3.7 million this year, with sources that include The Storm King Fund. Mr. Fogarty credited the Board and Business Office for managing the school well through a global pandemic by remaining in the black, with projections for a healthy budget scenario again for this year. Mr. Fogarty shared the latest schematic design for the new Academic Center and its fundraising to date. He emphasized the important goal of increased giving in 2021-2022 from $254,000 last year to $280