RE LOG Fall 2024

44 Ransom Everglades LOG FALL 2024 Campus RE velry Alumni gather for a fun-filled Alumni Weekend 2024 Alumni came back home for Alumni Weekend 2024, traveling from as far afield as London and as far back as the Class of 1962. Sharing countless hugs and handshakes, exploring old haunts, and reminiscing over meals, more than 325 alumni across six decades enjoyed a series of special events and activities on both campuses from April 19-21. The Friday evening Alumni Spring Reception at La Brisa’s Touzet Patio attracted alumni from various classes, and many returned to the Ransom Campus Saturday for a day of fun. Alumni sailed, played soccer and jumped in the pool for a water polo game. They also attended classes focused on artificial intelligence led by faculty members Luis Felipe and Adam Schachner. “We are delighted to see alumni from so many classes enjoying so many activities,” Head of School Rachel Rodriguez said. “We are thrilled to welcome back former faculty and faculty emeriti. It has been a pleasure and thrill to meet and reconnect with amazing members of the RE community.” Head of the Middle School Pete Di Pace and Associate Head of School John A. King Jr. joined the head of school for an engaging panel discussion at the Pagoda where they offered an update on admissions, college counseling and many other topics of interest. They were introduced by alumni board co-president Rachel Greer Narvaez ’99 , and the event was followed by a casual lunch on the Miller Quad. The happy REconnections officially began at Friday’s kickoff 50-Year Club Luncheon at Joe’s Stone Crab, which drew members of the Ransom and Everglades Classes of 1974 – and earlier – and was graciously hosted by the fourth-generation owner Steve Sawitz ’75 . Everglades alumnae also gathered for a Saturday morning breakfast in the Dell and a tour of the Everglades Campus led by members of the student group Women’s Empowerment. A Service of Remembrance in the Pagoda honored the 17 members of the RE community who passed away in the previous year, and science teacher Don Kappelman read each name aloud. Current faculty member Karen Thompson offered a remembrance of former Head of School John Cotton; faculty emeritus Doc Crabtree talked about faculty emerita Barbara Lester; John Stieglitz ’98 spoke about his father, Blackie Stieglitz ’54 ; current faculty member Joe Mauro reflected on former faculty member Steve Walach; and Louis Dessaint ’76 spoke about former trustee Hal Kendall ’54 . Kendall’s daughter Grace Kendall ’03 accepted a proclamation from the office of Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava – a former RE parent – declaring that Saturday, April 20, 2024, would be a “Day in Remembrance” in honor of her father.