Annual Auction and Celebration
Date
October 16
Time
6:00 pm
Location
Farmen Hall
Details and Item Donation
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The fields are green again, the days are longer, and Rumsey is alive with the energy of a community in full stride. Welcome to the Spring Edition of The Rumsey Bell.
In this Issue:
Feature Stories
Teaching History for a Changing World
In his first year as History Department Chair, Sean Kinsella is bringing history off the page, from the halls of Congress to a Torrington courtroom, and asking students to look longer, think harder, and see the people inside the systems that shape our world.
Faculty and Staff Explore AI Through Shared Summer Reading
Faculty and staff are reading of Irreplaceable: How AI Changes Everything (and Nothing) in Teaching and Learning this summer as part of an ongoing conversation about AI in education. The book will guide professional development during Faculty and Staff Orientation in August, when co-author Peter Nilsson will visit campus as a keynote speaker.
A Gallery Moment for Rumsey Artists
Rumsey student artists stepped into the spotlight this spring as their work was featured in a local gallery exhibition at the Judy Black Memorial Park and Gardens Gallery in Washington Depot. For many, it was a first chance to see their art beyond the classroom, on display for the public, alongside work from other young artists in the region, and recognized as part of a broader creative community.
Winter Recap
From beloved winter traditions and festive performances to snowy days on campus and spirited afternoons in classrooms, gyms, and gathering spaces, winter at Rumsey was a season of warmth, wonder, and connection. Students and faculty came together to learn, create, compete, and celebrate the joy of the season. Explore the gallery below for moments that captured the magic of winter at Rumsey.
Swipe
The Bodling Academic Center Opens Its Doors
This spring, Rumsey welcomed a significant addition to campus: the Bodling Academic Center, made possible through the generosity of numerous donors, including lead donors: The Bodling Family (Dr. Kevin Bodling P’30, Trustee; Mrs. Gina Bodling P’30; and Victoria Bodling ’30).
The Center is now home to Rumsey’s English program, housing four flexible classrooms built for discussion and collaborative learning. The building also includes a new girls locker room with improved access to the athletic fields and two new faculty residences, critical additions that serve both the academic and faculty residential life of the School.
A distinctive feature of the Center is its gallery installation of black and white photographs by William Helburn (1924–2020), an American fashion and advertising photographer, known for work published in Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue, Life, and many other magazines. The photographs were generously donated by Hardy V. Helburn ’94, Brooke H. Helburn ’99, and their family. Personally selected by Head of School Brooke Giese from a larger collection dating from 1958–1967, the portraits bring an added layer of curiosity and creativity to a building devoted to English. Their presence invites students and faculty to pause, observe, and consider the stories, expressions, and perspectives captured in each image.
To learn more about supporting projects that shape the student experience at Rumsey, please contact the Advancement Office.
Alumni Spotlight: Ben Lee '24
“Put Yourself Out There”
Ben Lee ’24 traces his path to student body president at Choate Rosemary Hall back to the habits, confidence, and sense of purpose he built at Rumsey. From clearing tables and asking questions to taking risks and stepping into leadership, Ben’s story is a reminder that small actions can add up to something much larger.
Class Notes
The Class Notes section offers updates from alumni across the decades, sharing news of professional achievements, personal milestones, and community engagement. We are proud to highlight the many ways Rumsey graduates continue to make an impact in their fields and in the world. We welcome you to share your own news for inclusion in a future issue.
Send us a Class Note
During this year’s swim test for Rumsey’s crew team at Kent School, several proud Rumsey alumni were spotted! L-R: Caroline Stern ’24, Tegan Hunter ’26, Xavier Sanchez ’23, Ende “Eldon” Liu ’25, and Carter Minton ’25
Alumni laced up and hit the ice for a favorite winter tradition: the Annual Alumni Hockey Games on January 18, 2026. It was a great day of friendly competition, Rumsey spirit, and reconnecting on campus. L-R: Addy Perreault ’24, Arielle Mnuchin ’25, Stephanie Proteau ’15, Evelyn Croasmun ’26
Upcoming Events
Jay Przygocki Farewell Celebration
Date
June 12
Time
6:00 pm
Location
Solley House
For 50 years, Jay Przygocki has helped shape the Rumsey Hall community through …
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126th Commencement Exercises
Date
June 6
Time
11:00 am
Location
Rumsey Hall School
The Ceremony will take place under a tent on the P. Lincoln Cornell Athletic Fi…
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