The Storm King School Alumni Association

Alumni Council Members 2021-22

Sele Birchwood '09
Steve Bluth '83
Richard Broughton '54
Scott Cantor '73
Lynn Crevling '72, Secretary
Tom Delaney '58
Michelle Farber '83
Johnathan Flores '12
Madison Flores '14
Jodi Gerson '91
David Gilmore '61
Jermaine Miller '02
Jim Perlberg '70
Judy Romano '79
Lawrence (Larry) Spiegel '69
Monifa Tarjarmo '90
Lisa Veyka '83

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 $280,000 this year for The Storm King Fund.  Mr. Fogarty closed with key metrics and fiscal strategies for 2022, affirming that SKS remains strong by all measures.

In response to an inquiry by Monifa Tarjamo, Sarah Fulton reported that orders for about 35 bricks are ready to be submitted and installed yet this year.  Ms. Gerson inquired about giving a brick on behalf of others, which is possible.  Fred Sopher wished Dr. Cervantes the best of luck and said that he would be pleased to receive alumni who visit London.

New Business

Mr. Perlberg provided an update on the status of a schoolmate, Chet Neumann ’68, who was injured in a hockey game.  Mr. Perlberg shared an email address for well wishes to be sent.

Adjournment

With no further business to come before the SKS Alumni Council, President Bluth adjourned the meeting at 2:30 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Lynn Crevling ‘72

Alumni Council Secretary

The Storm King School Alumni Council and Association

Annual Meeting Minutes

June 12, 2021

The Storm King School Alumni Council and Association’s annual meeting was held on the above date via Zoom.  President Scott Cantor ‘73 presided, and Secretary Lynn Crevling ‘72 served as scribe.

The following Alumni Council members were in attendance: Steve Bluth ‘83, Richard Broughton ‘54, Tom Delaney ‘58, Johnathan Flores ‘12, Madison Flores ‘14, David Gilmore ‘61, Jim Perlberg ‘70, Judy Romano ‘79, Monifa Tarjamo ‘90 and Lisa Veyka ‘83.  Excused were: Jack Besterman ‘18, Sele Birchwood ‘09, Charles Cordero ‘92, Luke Sollami ‘08, and Larry Spiegel ‘69.

Tom Fogarty, Sarah Fulton ‘09, and Head of School Jon Lamb represented The Storm King School.

SKS alumni in attendance were Amy Bright ‘79, Chris Capers ‘74, Robert Chace ‘68, Bob Cohen ‘79, Bruce Dennison ‘68, Jody Gerson ‘91, Joe Phillips ‘85, Michael Pock ‘94, and Sarah Storrs ‘80.

President’s Opening Remarks & Minutes

President Cantor called the meeting to order at 11:35 am and welcomed members and guests. President Cantor then asked for a motion to approve the minutes for the January 30, 2021 Alumni Council meeting.

Action:            Upon a motion duly made by Mr. Perlberg and seconded by Mrs. Flores, the minutes were approved without exception.

Alumni Council 2020-2021 Year in Review

Mr. Cantor complimented the Council for their participation and leadership stating that, despite the challenges of the pandemic, in many ways it was a very good year for SKS.   The Council and its Committees met remotely; there were presentations to students by alumni; and there was strong participation in new events orchestrated by the Outreach and Development Committee

Ms. Crevling reported that the third and final phase of the SKS Alumni Survey was completed this spring. Final results will be published this year.  Over the course of this past year, nine new Alumni Speaker Series events were held that were attended by 144 people.  The traditional in-person Career Night became a virtual Career Week with 11 presenters from a wide range of fields.  A hybrid Career Week is under consideration for future years.  This year’s Career Week culminated with a keynote presentation made to SKS students and community by Amaha Kassa ’90, last year’s Humanitarian Award recipient.

Mr. Cantor reported that Alumni Council meetings include comprehensive updates on the SKS long range strategic progress in respect to admissions, academics, student life, finances, philanthropic support of The Storm King Fund, and the Capital Campaign for the new Academic Center.  He invited and encouraged all SKS alumni to attend these meetings, with meeting minutes available on the SKS website.  Mr. Cantor then invited Head of School Lamb to present the annual State of the School remarks.

 State of the School – Jonathan W.R. Lamb

Mr. Lamb provided context for the 2020-2021 year with information about the student body enrollment: one third of the student body was comprised of boarding students; one third consisted of day students; and one third of SKS students had attended remotely.  Overall, the hybrid year was a success with only a few periods throughout the academic year requiring quarantine and no instance of Covid-19 community spread.  Mr. Lamb pointed out that this spring, SKS was able to slowly and carefully begin to open up with the School’s spring musical held outside; a hybrid (live/remote) dance performance; and an outdoor graduation ceremony at which Council member Charles Cordero ’92 served as the 2021 commencement speaker.

Mr. Lamb reported that the School was able to operate successfully throughout the pandemic year because of its strong pre-pandemic financial position, as well as with the assistance from a Payroll Protection Program (PPP) loan and strict fiscal discipline including a, hopefully temporary, across the board salary reduction.  He indicated that the fiscal and enrollment outlook for the upcoming year is one of cautious optimism, with full recovery most likely seen in 2022-2023.  He commented that there continues to be a promising outlook for the School in the years ahead.  Mr. Lamb was also pleased to report that the Storm King Fund exceeded its goal for the 2020-2021 year with 100 new donors, purchased an adjacent property with a private home behind Stone Hall (Pine Tree Hill House) completing the campus oval, and resumed the Sesquicentennial Capital Campaign in support of the new Academic Center.

 Nominating Committee Report

Nominating Committee Chairman Bluth gave an overview of Alumni Council membership and leadership changes, thanking Mr. Besterman and Mr. Sollami ‘08 who have moved off the Council.  Three new members will begin their terms next year: Michelle Arginsky Farber ‘83; Jodie Gerson ‘91; and Jermaine Miller ‘02.   Charles Cordero ‘92 concluded his term and will become a member of the SKS Board of Trustees beginning October 2021.

Mr. Bluth cited the Council’s constitution that establishes terms for officers and that on June 30 the existing officers’ terms conclude.  He introduced the officers for 2021-2022 Council year:  Second Vice President – Jim Perlberg ‘70; First Vice President – Johnathan Flores ‘12; and himself as President.  President Scott Cantor ’73 will assume President Emeritus status with the thanks of the entire Council and SKS Alumni Association.   Mr. Bluth then played a touching video tribute thanking President Cantor for his more than ten years of SKS Alumni leadership service while presenting him with several gifts including an SKS academic chair that was delivered to his home.

President’s Closing Remarks

Mr. Cantor expressed his gratitude to the school for the opportunity to be of service and wished incoming President Steve Bluth all the best.

 Adjournment

With no further business to come before the SKS Alumni Council and the SKS Alumni Association, President Cantor gaveled the meeting to a close at 12:32 pm with his thanks.

Respectfully submitted,

Lynn Crevling ‘72

Alumni Council Secretary

The Storm King School Alumni Council

January 30, 2021

Meeting Minutes

 The Storm King School Alumni Council’s regular winter meeting was held on the above date via Zoom.  President Scott Cantor ‘73 presided, and Secretary Lynn Crevling ‘72 served as Recording Secretary.

The following Alumni Council members were in attendance: Steve Bluth ‘83, Richard Broughton ‘54, Charles Cordero ‘92, Tom Delaney ‘58, Johnathan Flores ’12, David Gilmore ‘61, Jim Perlberg ‘70, Judy Romano ’79, Madison Sergi ’14, Larry Spiegel ‘69, Monifa Tarjamo ’90 and Lisa Veyka ‘83.

Excused were: Jack Besterman ‘18, Sele Birchwood ’09, and Luke Sollami.

Tom Fogarty, Sarah Fulton ’09, and Headmaster Jonathan W.R. Lamb represented The Storm King School.

SKS alumni in attendance were Roger Auerbacher ’66, Robert Chace ’68, Bruce Dennison ’68, Colin Elgood ’71, Jody Gerson ’91, Spencer Jackson ’09, Bruce Hanson ’62, Michael Pock ’94, Gabriela Quartey ’17, Steven Sims ‘69, and Sarah Storrs ‘80

President’s Opening Remarks & Minutes

President Cantor called the meeting to order at 10:05 am, welcomed members, and congratulated members Mrs. Madison Flores and Mr. John Flores on their recent wedding.

President Cantor then asked for a motion to approve the meeting minutes of the October 12, 2020 Alumni Council Meeting.  On a motion duly made by Mr. Bluth and seconded by Ms. Tarjamo, the minutes were approved without exception.

Nominating Committee Report

Chairman Bluth reported that the Committee met on several occasions and brings a slate of nominations for the Alumni Council’s consideration and deliberations.

Chairman Bluth applauded Mr. Cantor’s extraordinary commitment to the SKS Alumni body over his ten years of service as the SKS Alumni Association President and his four years as the Alumni Council President.  Mr. Bluth announced that Mr. Cantor will become Alumni Council President Emeritus and will be welcomed to all future meetings in that capacity.

On behalf of the Nominating Committee the following slate of officers was brought forward for election to begin their terms in October 2021:

President – Steven Bluth ‘83

First Vice President – Johnathan Flores ‘12

Second Vice President – Jim Perlberg ‘70

*They were then excused pending vote of the Council

Upon a motion duly made by Nominating Committee member, Ms. Judy Romano, to elect the above slate to a two-year term and seconded by President Cantor, the slate was accepted unanimously by the Council.  Ms. Romano congratulated the newly elected officers upon their return to the meeting.

Chairman Bluth continued by introducing three candidates to fill term-concluding vacancies on the Council. He noted that the Nominating Committee had invited candidates’ interest and had vetted the following nominees prior to their consideration to serve their first three year term.  He referenced the previously distributed profiles on the candidates, remarking the Committee was pleased with the response they had received from the SKS alumni body.  He noted that an At-Large vacancy has not been filled. The following slate of candidates was considered individually.

1. 1980’s decade position: Ms. Michelle Arginsky Farber ’83. Upon a motion duly made by Chairman Bluth and seconded by Mr. Delaney, Ms. Farber was unanimously elected.
2. *1990’s decade position: Ms. Jodie Gerson ’91. Upon a motion duly made by Chairman Bluth and seconded by Ms. Romano, Ms. Gerson was unanimously elected.
3. 2000-2009 decade position: Mr. Jermaine Miller ’02. Upon a motion duly made by Chairman Bluth and seconded Ms. Tarjamo, Mr. Miller was unanimously elected.

* Ms. Gerson being present was excused during the vote.

Terms for the above slate will commence on July 1, 2021.  Chairman Bluth thanked the Alumni Council for their