Important Message from Alumni Association President Brian Davidson '89
Dear CUSTOMFIELD1,
I hope this issue of the Fenn Alumni Newsletter finds you and your loved ones safe and healthy during this pandemic and emerging from a summer of rest and relaxation.
As President of the Alumni Association, my goal is to ensure that the events and programs we sponsor meet the needs of our entire alumni community and that these opportunities feel welcoming and inclusive to all of our members, regardless of race, religion, ethnic background, etc.
The reactions across the country and world to the death of George Floyd last spring forced many of us to take a closer look at who we are and whether we truly embody Fenn's core values of honesty, respect, empathy and courage as they relate to issues of diversity and equity. While diversity, equity and inclusion issues are front and center in the life of the School, it is a topic that we wish to discuss more deeply at Alumni Council meetings. In the first meeting of the year, we plan to explore ways to ensure that the Association is addressing these issues with the entire alumni community. We also seek to improve our outreach and programming so that it reflects the diversity of our full constituency.
As one of our first steps in being more open and inclusive, we held a Zoom gathering for the School's alumni of color on July 15th. Retired Director of Diversity Tete Cobblah joined Headmaster Derek Boonisar and me in hosting the event, where we had an open discussion about race, racism, and how the Fenn experience affected the almost 30 alumni attending. Those participating included Black, Asian, Latino, and multi-racial alumni from the classes of 1972 to 2020.
We spent almost two and half hours discussing the reality of being a person of color at Fenn, ways that the School could improve that experience for future students, and how we can all be allies in the fight for racial equality. Those alumni who shared their experiences in breakout sessions reported back to the entire group and were remarkable in their openness and candor. They described a sense of isolation and loneliness on campus, and the lack of mentors and role models who mirror their racial diversity.
Many of the alumni participating in this gathering also expressed appreciation for their Fenn education and noted the importance of the long lasting friendships they formed with both their peers and faculty members. Younger alumni mentioned the ways in which the Student Diversity Committee played a crucial role in their Fenn experience, providing a platform to express themselves, to work toward self-identification, and to discuss and debate current issues surrounding race and inclusion with other students of color, as well as White allies. Others appreciated the way in which the Cultural Arts Festival gave them an opportunity to showcase their heritage and learn about other cultures.
All participants strongly encouraged the School to continue its efforts to increase the diversity of the student body and Fenn's faculty/staff. They also hoped the School would continue to assess and enhance the curriculum to include the history, culture, and experiences of people of color. Derek Boonisar assured the gathering that this is among his goals for Fenn.
One thing was clear to me: Fenn is sincerely committed to being a leader in the fight for racial equality, and an ally for its students and alumni of color. In the near future, the Alumni Association will host a broader Zoom conversation open to all alumni on the topic of race and equality. We are eager to have our alumni share their own experiences as a means of encouraging a sense of connection, understanding, and appreciation of our differences.
As the year progresses, I invite you all to reach out to me or to the Alumni and Development Office to let us know how we can best serve and support you as you seek to connect (or reconnect) with Fenn.
Best wishes,
Alumni Association President
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Here's what you can look forward to this fall and winter. Our program will continue to offer multiple ways to connect with the School and your fellow alumni; it will just come in different forms this year. Keep an eye on Fenn's Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn pages to see updates on events and alumni stories.
As our communications over the spring and summer have mentioned, our community and country are constantly looking for ways to stay engaged despite health restrictions created by COVID-19. We hope to be offering a variety of virtual gathering options until it is safe to get together in person.
Remember that alumni@fenn.org is always accepting, and hoping for, updates about how you are doing! Do not hesitate to reach out to me directly with any questions or just to chat.
All the best,
Acting Alumni Engagement Officer
ALUMNI NEWS
Bill Hudson '66 Takes Part in A Most Beautiful Thing
Bill Hudson is a lawyer by trade but, as a Fenn graduate, he is also multifaceted and cares about the well-being of others. He has recently been involved as an executive producer in a film project titled A Most Beautiful Thing about the nation's first black high school rowing team. The feature-length documentary, narrated by Academy Award-winning songwriter and rapper Common, was recently featured on the Today Show and was released for free OnDemand through NBC's new Peacock network. Based on Arshay Cooper's inspiring true story, the film explores the lives of a most unlikely band of brothers that form a family through the sport of rowing. It showcases the bridges they built in their own community despite the prevalence of violence in their home city of Chicago. It is a story about how unity, understanding, and teamwork can change lives. In times as turbulent as those our nation faces today, it is important to highlight stories like these. A rower himself, Bill hopes that the Fenn community has an opportunity to watch this deeply moving film. Check out the film's website to watch the trailer, to find out how to view the documentary, and to learn more about the impetus behind the film, as well as the fund created to promote access to the sport of rowing in underserved communities across the country. The film's Facebook page features great posts that chronicle the making of the documentary. Thank you for sharing this inspiring story with us, Bill!
Henry Amoah '06 Starts Graphic Design Company
It is always great to highlight the entrepreneurial spirit of Fenn alumni, and we recently learned that Henry Amoah started his own company, Amoah Design. The business is going into its second year, and Henry wanted to give Fenn an update on how it all came about. A self-described "artist turned designer," Henry credits Fenn art teacher Tete Cobblah as being a catalyst for his creative interests. "He was my first art teacher and he instilled in me the practice of balance and composition in arts."
Henry not only earned a bachelor's degree from Holy Cross in visual arts but studied graphic and website design at the Massachusetts College of Art and Design. Henry has carried the principles taught by Mr. Cobblah into his business today. He describes his firm as a "marketing and branding agency that brings balance to businesses through effective website, graphic and content design...crafting a cohesive brand identity that reflects our client's business, elevates their brand and invites human engagement." Check out Henry's website here or in the link above. Keep up the good work, Henry!
UPCOMING EVENTS
Virtual Reunion Celebration - Friday, October 2, 2020
Zoom begins at 6:00 p.m.
All alumni are invited to celebrate Fenn's reunion classes ending in 5's and 0's. Alumni will have the opportunity to learn about the latest initiatives on campus and enjoy socializing over Zoom. Register now to receive Zoom information!
Alumni and Parents of Alumni Tailgate Zoom - Saturday, October 3, 2020
Zoom begins at 4:00 p.m.
During Homecoming weekend, we invite all Alumni & Parents of Alumni to the Virtual Tailgate featuring country artist and songwriter Chris Ruediger '14, voting for the #Fennsbestburger Contest, and other surprises!
Become a Virtual Fenn Host!
We are looking for alumni to be hosts for virtual events! We had many gatherings planned that have all been moved to virtual platforms, including NYC Networking, San Francisco Alumni Event, and multiple "Pub Nights." With so many talented Fenn alumni out there, this would be a great chance for us to showcase a variety of different content. If you or an alumnus you know would be interested in being a Fenn Host, please let us know and we can make sure you have everything necessary to make it happen! We have received a few ideas from Fenn alumni and area peer schools, but we are open to any thoughts on how to further connect in this virtual landscape!
Possible Hosting Opportunities
- Webinars (Career or Industry Related)
- Virtual Tastings - Food or Drink
- Class Happy Hours
- Trivia Night
516 Monument Street • Concord, MA 01742 • (978) 369-5800
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