WE DID IT! - Thank You B'yachad, together, we ignite possibilities
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2020-2021 ANNUAL REPORT
WE DID IT!
Thank You
B ’y ac h a d , to g e th e r, we i gn i te possi bi l i t ies
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FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL
Dr. Dalia Hochman, Head of School, greets Gann families at 2021 Commencement
DEAR FRIENDS
I
n Jewish tradition, the notion of a Brit or covenant is one that is central to our tradition but an idea that might
be harder to access for all students. This year, as part of Gann’s approach to keeping the school open during
COVID-19, we asked our students to co-develop a Community Brit. The Brit required members of our
community to agree to limiting certain individual behaviors for the sake of the health and welfare of the whole.
Some wondered if we would be able to keep a school full of teenagers open in person safely. However, our
students adhered closely to the rules of our Brit, by masking, distancing, and refraining from out-of-school
activities.
As a result of our community’s commitment to one another, I am proud to report that we were one of the few
high schools in the state that was able to keep our doors open to our students full-time, continuously, with no
interruption.
The Jewish tradition is replete with ideas that help provide meaningful frameworks and important values to our
21st century students. What makes Gann Academy so special is that we are able to make Judaism come alive by
connecting beautiful and ancient ideas with their lived realities.
The stories in this annual report provide a glimpse into the countless ways our community turned the challenges
of this past year into educational opportunities. I invite you in, to explore how students, faculty, parents, and
supporters, came together in this most extraordinary of years. As we approach our 25th anniversary, I am
pleased to report that our school is stronger than ever. And it is with tremendous gratitude to you—our
donors—that we celebrate this important milestone and continue to plan for the future.
L’Shalom,
Dalia Hochman, Ph.D.
Head of School
Gann’s award winning a cappella group, The ShenaniGanns, perform Gann graduates, Class of 2021
the National Anthem at Fenway Park
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FROM OUR PRESIDENT
DEAR GANN COMMUNITY
In a time of unprecedented challenges, I’ve been truly awed by how the school’s
leadership, faculty, and staff have made good on our mission to educate, inspire, and
empower. The faculty showed up fully for our kids despite all the unknowns of the
pandemic and the real fear about their own personal safety. School leadership
reconfigured courses and classroom layout. A board member and generous donors
raised a tuition support fund for families facing financial setback due to the pandemic.
And the school improvised over and over: when a heat wave threatened orientation
week, hundreds of golf umbrellas and popsicles kept students hydrated and happy.
At every turn, our community delivered.
The list of what I’m proud of goes on. This fall, we will welcome the largest class in
our history while ensuring our program remains accessible by providing more financial
support than ever before and keeping our tuition increase at a historic low.
This past year has me thinking about a quote from Benjamin Disraeli, the United Kingdom’s first and only Jewish
prime minister: “Success is the product of unremitting attention to purpose.” Because of Gann’s unremitting
attention to our purpose and mission, we are able to look back on this year as one of tremendous success.
None of this was easy. Tens of thousands of hours of attention, creativity, trust, and persistence were needed at
hundreds of stressful twists in the road. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I want to express our deepest gratitude
to our amazing faculty, staff (a special call-out to school nurse Jacqui Pernisie), parents, students, medical advisors—
Drs. Kotton and Agus—, and most notably our head of school, Dr. Hochman. What you have done so well this year
will echo for years and years to come.
With best wishes,
William Foster
President
Board of Trustees
G A NN AC A D E MY A N N UA L REP ORT 2021 1
Gann student blows a COVID-19 safe shofar for the New Year
N E W D E PA R TM E N T W I L L I N T E G R AT E
ALL THINGS
JEWISH
Gann graduate, Class of 2021, shares their Israeli pride
2 GA NN ACAD EMY A N N UA L R E PO R T 2021
W
ith the hiring Orthodox, feminist, and fluent in four languages,
of three new Rabbi Brawer was born in Italy and educated in Jerusalem,
staff members, New York, and London. She has a BA and MA from the
Gann begins the evolu- University of London and received her rabbinic ordination
tion of its new approach from Yeshivat Maharat, the first Open Orthodox
to Jewish education. yeshiva in North America to ordain women. Rabbi Brawer
will lead an effort that will determine how Jewish learning
This fall, Jewish Studies, and experiences will be transformed in coming years,
Jewish Life, Hebrew balancing what should be core to every student’s experience
language, and Israel with the need for choice. “For example, are there certain
Rabbi Dina Brawer, Assistant Head Education will come skills every student should have when it comes to prayer?”
of School for Jewish Education
together under the newly asked Golden. “Now, students can choose between a
formed Department of minyan and a more discussion-based experience.”
Jewish Education. Two other multi-disciplinary departments
have been created in the school-wide restructuring: STEAM Rabbi Brawer said she was drawn to Gann because of its
(science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) and reputation as a highly innovative, pluralistic high school.
Humanities. “The thinking is that having bigger teams will “To engage with other denominations and ways of living
allow for more interdisciplinary possibilities in course work Jewishly enriches all of us and gives us a deeper
and coordination,” said history teacher Dr. Jonathan Golden, understanding of our own practices,” she said.
who is also the Israel Curriculum Coordinator. The changes
are part of the self-assessment every high-quality
educational institution does periodically, added Golden. “To engage with other
Heading up the Department of Jewish Education is denominations and ways of living
Rabbi Dina Brawer, who comes to Gann in the newly created Jewishly enriches all of us and
position of Assistant Head of School for Jewish Education.
“We did a national search to find the right candidate,” said
gives us a deeper understanding
Golden. “Rabbi Brawer, like our two other new staff of our own practices.” — Rabbi Dina Brawer
members, has had a fascinating Jewish journey.”
One way of exposing students to the richness and diversity
of Jewish expression is through Z’man Kodesh, sacred time,
which Rabbi Brawer has been tasked with reimagining for
ninth graders. The goal is to introduce every student to
different ways to connect with prayer and spirituality—
whether that be through liturgy, communing with nature,
creative movement, or meditation, to name a few.
Joining the Department of Jewish Education are Rabbi
Vanessa Harper, as Reform Rabbi in Residence, and Simon
Luxemburg, as Strategy and Innovation Manager. Rabbi
Harper is also a member of the clergy team at Temple Beth
Elohim in Wellesley, which will deepen Gann’s relationship
with the synagogue, according to Golden. Luxemburg was
director of programming at Camp Ramah. “Having that
background is invaluable,” said Golden. “Jewish camps
represent the best of informal Jewish education.”
Gann students and faculty celebrate Yom Ha’atzmaut
(Israel’s Independence Day)
G A NN AC A D E MY A N N UA L REP ORT 2021 3
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FINANCIAL REPORT 2020-2021
(July 1, 2020 - June 30, 2021)
Grants Other Income
Annual Fund & Gann Cares REVENUES:
Revenues
Tuition $ 10,180,750
Annual Fund & Gann Cares $ 1,527,618
Tuition
Tuition $10,180.7
Grants $ 223,670
OtherAnnual
Income Fund + Gann Cares
$ $1,527.6
67,798
Total Grants
Revenue $223.7 $ 11,999,836
Other Income $67.1
Capital, PPRRSM & Other Reserves
Direct COVID-19 Costs
Expenses
EXPENSES:
Institutional Compensation & Benefits $8,452.0
Advancement Costs Compensation & Benefits $ 8,417,794
Administrative Costs
Occupancy $1,070.1
Occupancy/IT/Food/Transportation $ 1,296,577
Educational Educational
Educational Programs Programs $344.8 $ 343,703
Programs
Administrative Costs $ 286,1 15
Administrative Costs
Institutional Advancement Costs
$502.8
$ 264,883
Occupancy/IT/ Institutional
Direct COVID-19 Costs Advancement Costs
$ $243.3
614,789
Food/Transportation
Capital, PPRRSM
Direct & Other
COVID Reserves
Costs $600.4$ 1,191,363
Direct COVID Costs $600.4
TotalCaptial,
Expenses PPRRSM & Other Reserves $1,200.2
$ 12,415,224
Compensation & Benefits
• T uition is reported net of financial assistance. Gann’s accessibility programs provided more than $4 million in tuition support in 2020-2021. This was
an increase of $994,170 from the previous year. We are very proud to be able to support the needs of our community in our continued quest to make
a Gann education accessible to all families.
• 2
020-2021 was an anomalous year due to the pandemic. We are grateful to have been open for in-person learning the entire year, but we had to make
many sacrifices. Gann was not able to run an Israel class trip, have a normal athletics program, host Shabbatonim, or run our usual foods services
program. We regret the loss of these programs and services, and look forward a more normal 2021-2022.
• Gann was unable to rent out our facilities in 2020-2021 to the community which is a meaningful source of income for Gann during “normal” years.
• T he gap between revenue and expenses was covered primarily through the PPP loan that Gann received in April of 2020. All PPP loan disbursements
were made in accordance with the program’s guidelines for eligible expenses, and therefore, Gann’s PPP loan was fully forgiven in April of 2021.
• Capital Expenses were higher than normal due to necessary upgrades to the facilities to make the school safe to be used during the pandemic. This
includes a large allocation to Gann’s PPRRSM (Reserve for Property Maintenance) account to bring our fund balance in line with industry standards.
Please note the numbers reported in this financial statement are unaudited and not final.
4 G A NN ACADEMY A N N UA L R E PO R T 2021
We recognize and honor those who have made a legacy commitment by including Gann Academy in their estate
L’DOR V’DOR plans. If you would like to make a legacy commitment, please contact our Advancement Office. We apologize for
any errors or omissions.
Joyce and Michael Bohnen Elizabeth and Daniel Jick
Arlene and Haldon Bryer Amelia and Joshua Katzen
Lisa Popik Coll and Arieh Coll Alan Lobovitz and Lisa Rosenfeld
Janine and Rabbi Jevin Eagle Cynthia and William Marcus
Dr. Gerald Entine z”l Dorie Alexander Mufson and Mike Mufson
Shira Goodman and Rabbi Wesley Gardenswartz Stephen Richmond
Rose K. Hurwitz z”l Lisa and Neil Wallack
BUILDING GANN ’ S ENDOWMENT FOR THE FUTURE
M
any of the ways the pandemic changed Gann Academy’s
operations were quite visible this past year—staggered
attendance, masks and social distancing, and grade-level
cohorts, to name a few. But less obvious were the substantial
pressures these numerous adaptations put on the school’s finances. Gann
is very thankful for the outpouring of generosity from families and other
community benefactors, which ensured that health and safety always
came first and that our mission to educate, inspire, and empower Jewish
students went uninterrupted, no matter the cost.
“Dalia Hochman and her team did a great job navigating the pandemic
and associated uncertainties. The Board is now focused on building upon
the school’s strong foundation to ensure the long-term sustainability of
the Gann community,” said trustee and parent Adam Koppel. “This will
enable the school to continue providing its singular, integrated secular and Jewish curriculum; attract and support
world-class faculty; and make a Gann education accessible to all who desire it. We want this school to be here for
generations to come.”
Like any young school, Gann has just begun growing its nest egg so it may receive
short- and long-term benefits. One way to build a stronger financial foundation is by
growing the school’s endowment and other aspects of its ever-evolving advancement
program. Currently the Gann endowment fund has about $9M in assets, and the goal
is to grow that amount significantly over the next 5-10 years. This endeavor takes hard
work and a vision for the school. “Dalia has an exciting vision for the future of Gann,
and the Board has total confidence in what she is trying to accomplish for our students
and our school,” said trustee and parent Michelle Black. “This requires a level of
financial flexibility we hope to be able to build through the coming years.”
“As we approach the school’s 25th anniversary, we aim to provide the economic
foundation enjoyed by the 100-year-old independent schools in our market,” added
former board president and alumni parent Scott Cohen. “This year has shown us
how Gann can innovate and thrive through the most challenging circumstances.
As stewards of its future, we are committed to ensuring its long-term stability
and success.” Gann student participates in class
G A NN AC A D E MY A N N UA L REP ORT 2021 5
EXPERIENTIAL EDUCATION
PERSISTS DESPITE THE PANDEMIC
Humanities 9
Asks Students to Wrestle
with the Big Questions
Gann’s new Humanities 9 course, a requirement
for every ninth grader, has ambitious goals:
to teach students how to think critically,
communicate clearly, and wrestle with basic
questions of human existence. They also learn
how to appreciate the literature and history of
other cultures in order to better understand
themselves.
The class replaces ninth grade English and World
History, melding some of the learning that takes
Gann students working on the Gann Farm place separately in those courses to lay a firmer
A
foundation for upper level courses. “English
lthough social distancing and other precautions made experiential and history are two very distinct disciplines that
activities more challenging, Gann was still able to provide students often teach skills—like close reading of texts
with some unforgettable hands-on learning experiences, thanks and essay writing—differently,” said Director of
to the ingenuity of the staff. Humanities Dr. Marion Menzin. “Humanities
9 emphasizes the common elements of these
Associate Dean of Jewish Education for Jewish Life Akiko Yonekawa said foundational skills.” Then beginning in 10th
the pandemic revealed how much students value the school’s Jewish life grade, students will learn the unique approaches
programming, which is heavy on the experiential. “It turns out that a lot of English and history bring to building those
Jewish life programming is core to our students’ Gann identities,” she said. competencies, according to Menzin.
“It was tough for the kids not to have the Shabbatons, for example, which
are very important to grade-level bonding.” The course teaches students about various
literary genres and interpretive techniques,
So the school improvised: Shabbatons were shortened to five-hour mini-tons. against the backdrop of some of the most
And while students missed sleeping at the school, the Friday mini-tons significant cultural shifts and transformational
provided the same opportunity to bond with classmates, play games, do ideologies that shaped the modern world:
Shabbat-themed art projects, and just have fun. Ninth graders were also democracy and authoritarianism in Ancient
treated to a tiny-ton—a Thursday after-school experience featuring a Greece; the rise and spread of early modern
scavenger hunt, which allowed students to venture into wings of the school Islam; and the Protestant Reformation.
they had never set foot in before. “The course encourages students to consider
enduring questions about the human
Gann’s beloved purim carnival was missed, but s’mores-making in each condition,” explained Menzin.
grade’s outdoor zone helped make the holiday feel festive. So did the
Zoom-based reading of the Megillah and the hilarious spiel, featuring lots One example is the unit on the play Antigone
of COVID-19-themed jesting. by ancient Greek dramatist Sophocles. The plot
revolves around the eponymous heroine, who
One of the most successful out-of-the-classroom experiences this year was defies the authorities and buries her brother—
the election program. A committee of teachers and administrators created considered an enemy of the state. “The play
a model to help students process the Presidential election and its brings up all kinds of questions about authority:
aftermath, knowing emotions would run high. Some of the programming What is the source of authority? How do we
was didactic—an all-school Zoom assembly explaining how the electoral decide which authorities we will follow? Should
college works, for example. But much of it was small group, in-person one follow their conscience, which Sophocles
processing—which took place outdoors. “The kids were engaged with equates with divine authority?” asked Menzin.
the elections in a way I’ve never seen them engaged with anything,” said
History Department Chair Yoni Kadden. “They were in halls, checking the Humanities 9 teacher Casey Beyer said the
election results. I would come to class thinking I would help them process course asks students to engage with wide-
what was happening in, say, Arizona and they already knew more than ranging beliefs, values, and experiences, which
I did.” The “crisis response” model worked so well it is now being used to in turn “provokes nuanced, thoughtful, and
help students understand and process other polarizing events. challenging reflection on their own beliefs —
because the questions they grapple with are
“While there were certainly experiences that were greatly missed this year, so relevant and compelling, the students are
we made innovations where we needed, but held on to the traditions and genuinely excited to learn.”
customs that our students have come to love,” said Yonekawa.
6 G A NN ACAD EMY A N N UA L R E PO R T 2021
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GANN FUND 2020-2021
Every day at Gann, students are inspired, empowered and passionately engaged. The Gann Fund supports each student’s journey,
providing the critical skills, tools, and connections they will need to succeed in the world. This list represents annual donations
received between July 1, 2020 and June 30, 2021. We apologize for any errors or omissions.
$100,000+ Julie Altman and Alex Sagan $2,500 - $4,999
Combined Jewish Philanthropies Hope and Adam Suttin Jill and Marc Baker
Joseph and Rae Gann Charitable Foundation Lisa and Neil Wallack Claire and Daniel Caine
Beverly and Donald z”l Bavly Andria and Eric Weil Ilana and Isaac Edry
Rita and Herbert Gann Janis and Michael Weilheimer Barbara and Mike Epstein
Shirley Saunders Daniel Romanow and Andrew Zelermyer Estate of Barbara Feinberg
Nicole and Joshua Gann
$50,000 - $99,999 $5,000 - $9,999 Shira Goodman and
Barbara and Ellis V. Morris Anonymous Rabbi Wesley Gardenswartz
Barbara and Frank Resnek Susan and Aron Ain Rabbi Leslie Gordon and David Goodtree
Ruderman Family Charitable Foundation Shelley R. Baker Lisa Fishbayn Joffe and Jonathan Joffe
Irina and Mark Barrocas Sarah Perry and Tony Kingsley
$25,000 - $49,999 Benevity Causes Lauren and Aaron Lapat
Anonymous Joel Berkowitz Elizabeth Waksman and Darren Orbach
The Beker Foundation Arlene and Haldon Bryer Mindy and Max Peckler
Kathleen and Scott Cohen Century Bank Rabbi Ruth Langer and Jonathan Sarna
Combined Jewish Philanthropies— DAJER Charitable Foundation Wendy and Yakir Siegal
Boston Haifa Connection Dorit Harverd and Richard Dale Alexandra and Jody Simes
Combined Jewish Philanthropies— Terri and Solomon Eisenberg Sheila Sydney
Transportation Grant Karen Bressler and Scott Epstein Chrysanthi Gikas and David Wihl
Randy Gollub and Jon K. Hirschtick Ann and Myron Falchuk Elizabeth Van Ranst and Jerry Zuriff
Rachel and David Fine
$18,000 - $24,999 Jeannette and Marco Finkielsztein $1,000 - $2,499
Noamit and Izhar Armony Rachel and William Foster Anonymous (4)
Michelle and Darren Black Linda and Michael Frieze Lisa and David Abotbool
Julie Greenberg and Ronald Chaney Lori and Michael Gilman Geraldine Acuña-Sunshine and
Gisele and Andrew Ellis Sylvia and Mitch Haber Gabriel Sunshine
Robin and Matthew Freeman Danielle Remis Hackel and Michael Hackel Justine Levin-Allerhand and
Laurie and Robert Gervis Lynn and Sheldon Hanau Paul Allerhand
Diana K. Lloyd and Jordan D. Hershman Helaine Hartman— Susan L. Ansin
Kann Family Alisa and Todd Ente Dr. Dina Hirshfeld-Becker and
Janice S. Gross and Stephen Klar Noah Ente ’18 Ronald Becker
Cynthia and William Marcus Jonah Ente ’21 Lucy Goodhart and Gordon Bennett
Mark Rosenzweig Michelle and Ronald Herzlinger Wendy and Seth Berger
Jill D. Smith and Randy Ross Jim Joseph Foundation Gay Binswanger
Sonya and Sean Wilder Claudia Davidoff and Joseph Kahan Diane and Chester Black
Rita J. and Stanley H. Kaplan Family Marc J. Bloostein
$10,000 - $17,999 Foundation Dr. Cindy Spier and Dr. Les Brail
Cindy and Mark Blotner Stephanie Karger Chelsea Hebrew Free School
Joyce and Michael Bohnen Gayle and Jerry Klusky Endowment Fund
Lisa Popik Coll and Arieh Coll Emily and Stan Kotler Carol and Stephen Cohen
Leslie and Alan Crane Marcy and Adam Kramer Sarah Abrams and Allan Cole
Merilyn and Joseph Geisberg Marcia and Alan Leifer Elizabeth and Scott Cooper
Winnie and Steven Grinspoon David E. Moeser Trust Brenda and Jerome Deener
Leslie and Richard Jarbeau Sara Schutzman and Joshua Margolis Nanci and Stephen Dephoure
Elizabeth and Daniel Jick Stephanie and Michael Mitzenmacher Educating for Impact
Amelia and Joshua Katzen Bonnie Orlin and Rabbi Abraham Morhaim Frances Elovitz
Dr. Brenda Haynes and Dr. Adam Koppel Marla and Robert Rosenbloom Rena Gray Fein and Robert Fein
Lizbeth and George Krupp Jonathan Savitz Penny and Roy Feldman
Louis & Ida Selib Memorial Fund Abraham Shapiro Charity Fund Nanette and Jose Fridman
Deborah and Mark Lovich Sharon and Rony Shapiro Zelda and Elkan Gamzu
Susan K. Patkin Aaron Spencer Laurie and Richard Gliklich
Bonnie and David Rich Takeda Pharmaceuticals Elizabeth Brody Gluck and Ronald Gluck
Dr. Deborah Sanders-Zilberman and The Irving & Edyth S. Usen Family Edith Goldman and Morton Hoffman
James Rosenfield Charitable Foundation— Sharon and David Goldstein
Lisa and Jonathan Rourke Judith Usen Larry and Beth Greenberg
Shira and Jay Ruderman Ronney Traynor Valeriya and Asaf ’05 Greene
Todd Ruderman Pamela and Allen Weiss Linda and David Greenseid
Wendy and Allan Williams Continued on page 9
G A NN AC A D E MY A N N UA L REP ORT 2021 7
Pictured left to right: Elisa Deener-Agus, Eytan J. Deener-Agus ’15, Kobe Deener-Agus ’21, Noah G. Deener-Agus ’17 and Michael S.
Agus celebrating Commencement 2021
THANK YOU FROM A GRATEFUL MOM
Elisa Deener-Agus is the mother • A music teacher who reaches deep into his
of three Gann alumni. She recently student’s soul to push him to find his voice
through his instrument.
shared why she considers Gann a • An English teacher who provides scaffolding for
partner in raising her children. an essay writing assignment, then carefully
removes that support, piece by piece, over the
Her remarks are condensed. school year as the student becomes more
independent as a thinker and writer.
Our boys received stellar educations at Gann and
the depth and breadth of the extracurricular • Jewish studies teachers who are passionate about
offerings are remarkable. their subjects and help bring Judaism alive and
make it relevant.
When our second son was applying to Gann, the
admissions director at the time said that we might
• A Frisbee coach, doubling as an advisor, who
sees the whole child, and shepherds his growth in
think we know Gann because of our eldest, but that
school and on the field.
we would see a whole different school with our
middle son. It was true. The education is tailored to
each child’s strengths and challenges. Although Gann faculty members bring a diversity of
styles, experiences, and talents to their jobs, they all
There are many teachers who made a difference— communicate a common message: Our kids matter.
too many to recount, but here are a few: Their learning matters. Their ideas matter. And with
that simple yet profound gift, our children go out
• Learning Center teacher who is a brilliant
A into the world with grace and confidence.
educator, fierce advocate, and guardian angel.
8 G A NN ACAD EMY A N N UA L R E PO R T 2021Lorem ipsum
GANN FUND 2020-2021
Continued from page 7
Kimberly Kaplan-Gross and Deborah and Jonathan Forman Kenneth Berman
Michael Gross Jane and Edward Foster Wendy and Jonathan Bernays
Maria and Alexander Gurevich Brenda and Harvey Freishtat Arlene Bernstein
Zona and Martin Hoffman Anna Gilman and Benji Joelle Ruth and David Bernstein
Josh Hoffman-Senn ’09 Jill and Jason Glashow Gloria Bernstein
Leora and Hazzan Jesse Holzer ’00 Lillian and Richard Gray Barbara Becker and Jonathan Bilmes
Sharon Waller and Al Hyman Pamela and Jeffrey Gurock Dr. Deborah Block
Rachel and Michael Kesselman Allison Cook and David Hirsh Gloria Bloom
Dr. Barry Kislowicz Carol and Michael Hirsh Sally Bock and Rabbi Ira Korinow
Lori B. Silver and Peter M. Lefkowitz Yael Hurwitz-Lange and Steven A. Lange Victoria Campos and Dr. Paul Bogorad
Emily Beck and Jon Levisohn Debby and Ron Iken Marcia and Tamir Borensztajn
Susan and Kurt Linden Rabba Claudia Marbach and Sageet Bar-Yum Braha and Dan Braha
Jillian Erdos and Joseph Lipchitz Daniel Jackson Rita Braun and Dr. Henry Isaiah Braun
Stephanie and Yair Listokin Diane and Robert Jaye Lorraine Bressler
Lisa Rosenfeld and Alan Lobovits Andrea and Jonathan Kamens Miriam Bronstein
Sandi and Nathaniel Margolis Trudy and Barry Karger Brotherhood Temple Ohabei Shalom
Beth and Daniel Marx Jennifer ’01 and Ari Kaufmann Miriam Jaffe and Martin Browne
Sara Wolfenshon and Neil L. Mayle Amy and Carl Kruglak Sondra Busch
Jennifer Brown and Adam Medros Dr. Lisa Lehmann and Lee and Larry Buxton
Dorie Alexander Mufson and Rabbi Daniel Lehmann Craig Byer
Michael Mufson Roslyn and David Levine Erica Cabag
Beryl Niewood Jean and Leonid Lipchin Kirsten Cadot
Peter Olsberg Ruth and Edward Medros Jane and Dennis Carlton
Gail and Jay Pearlstein Marla and Simon Olsberg Heidi Chait
Dr. Jacalyn Rosenblatt and Alan Peterfreund Tehila and Ian Cherubino
Dr. Benjamin Raby Margaret and Armand L. Petersen David I. Citron
Barbara and Joel Renbaum Diane and Martin Richler Louise G. Citron
Lauren E. and Mark H. Rubin Deborah and Marc Schwartz Alexandra and Brian Cohen
Tamar and Craig Schneider Miriam Sheftel James A. Cohen
Mindy and Eric Sherbet Cynthia B. Shulman Pamela and Leonard Cohen
Harriet and Stuart Sherman Alison and Peter Slater Yael Miller and Stuart Cole
Robyn and Bruce Shoulson Rose-Jane Sulman Susan Cook
Gary Shub Deborah Reck and Arthur Unobskey Madeline S. Cooper ’12
Jennifer and Jason Skolnick Joan and Robert Weiner Saul Cooper
Toby M. Sloane Ruth Weinrib and Paul Weiss Lori Corriveau
Susan Pruyn and Dr. Avrum Spira Michele and Jonathan Wolfman Talia Weisberg and Evan Crane ’12
Heather Hill and Jon Star Lorel and Arnold Zar-Kessler Bonnie and Steven Croopnick
Michelle Barmazel and Kevin Steinberg Jo Ann David-Kasdan
Dr. Abby Zanger and Dr. Roy B. Tishler Up to $499 David Davidson
Jennifer Slifka Vidal and Luis Vidal Anonymous (9) Sherri and Ira Davoudgoleh
Jennifer and Amiel Weinstock Marjory A. Aarons Karen and Robert Dinon
Leigh Weiss Lynn and Brian Abrams Marcus A. Dodyk ’09
Deanna and Sidney Wolk Mara and Stephane Acel-Green Caitlin Dong
Rebecca Peterfreund and Bil Zarch Jane Akiba Madelyn and Bruce Donoff
Shoshanah and Yitzhak Zaritt Julie and Laurent Amouyal Micki and Walter Dore
Seymour Andrus Rosa and Mark Drapkin
$500 - $999 Charlotte Bailey Rahel ’05 and Yitzi Ehrenberg
Anonymous Roberta and Malcolm Barach Ruth and Barry Ehrlich
Elisa Deener-Agus and Michael S. Agus Dr. Rebecca Barron ’02 and Marcia and Monroe Elbrand
Beth and Matt Barach Dr. Tovy Kamine Judy and Rabbi Joshua Elkin
Susan and Carl Blanchard Shelley A. Barron and Spencer Ackerman Dena and Gary Elovitz
Jess and Mike Carroll Shirley and Victor Becker Malka and Menachem Engel
Rhoda Clamen and Dr. Allen Clamen Ifat Rubin-Bejerano and Yaniv Bejerano Nancy Falchuk
Penny and Roy Feldman Melissa and Cary Berger Irina and Michael Feinberg
Erica and Josh Fine Susan and Barry Bergman Jennifer and Adam Feldman
Renee and Steven Finn Judy and Murray Berk Joanna Feldman
Marilyn and Gerald Fishbone Mitzi F. Berkelhammer Melleta Marx and Joshua Fertik
Helen Tager-Flusberg and Martin Flusberg Brett and Eric Berkman Ellenjoy Fields and Herbert Morse
Continued on page 11
G A NN AC A D E MY A N N UA L REP ORT 2021 9History of AIDS Course Debuts
AGAINST THE BACKDROP OF THE PANDEMIC
Gann students explore politics and social history
T
he idea for a class on the history of AIDS had been percolating in teacher Matt Conti’s mind for years. He
had no idea that COVID-19 would make The AIDS Crisis in America, a course he conceived and designed
pre-pandemic, uncannily relevant. It was signature Gann: a class that made the past come alive by surfacing
themes that resonated loudly in the present.
“What’s been interesting is that I haven’t needed to draw parallels between coronavirus and AIDS, the kids are doing
it themselves,” said Conti, a Jewish studies teacher who took a small detour this year to teach a senior history elective.
“They’ve made all sorts of connections between the two, including the stigma associated with both diseases and the
fact that they hit certain populations harder than others.”
The course examines the political and social history of AIDS, beginning with the first report of the disease in a 1981
Centers for Disease Control publication. Students studied the activists who forced the medical establishment and
politicians to pay attention; the development of antiviral drugs that transformed AIDS from a death sentence to a
chronic illness; the art the epidemic inspired; and much more.
“This course has hit them deeply and I think partly because many of the people who died were not much older than
they are,” he says. “And the pandemic has given them a new sense of loss. It’s made these losses from decades ago
resonate for them in a way I don’t think it would have before. This was the best class I have ever taught.”
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GANN FUND 2020-2021
Continued from page 9
Rebecca Raub and Rafi Finegold Shira Hoffer ’20 Rita Cusack and Dr. Deborah Margolis
Joy Fish Hinda and Victor Hoffman Susan and Benjamin Margulies
Carolyn and Steven Flammey Benjamin Jacobson ’19 Burton Marks
Benjamin Flax Dale Smith and Steve Jacobson Roberta Tovey and David Marks
Leiba and Marshall Frankel Robin and Jerold Jaeger Judith Marmor
Beth and David Franklin Laura and Geoff Jarbeau Deborah Wollheim and Betsey Martinez
Rabbi Beth Naditch and Barry Freedman Aviva Jezer and Jeff Rothschild Susan and Michael Marx
Howard Freedman Olga Kagan Anne Meirowitz and
Dr. Ellen F. Friedman Rhoda and Sylvan Kamens Rabbi Richard Meirowitz
Wendy Drexler and Herbert Friedman Jill and Ken Kams Caroline and Amit Menipaz
Rebecca and Michael Friedman Dr. Jodi Hoffman and Amir Karger Barbara and Stephen Merlin
Sharon Walach-Gale and Elon Gale Steffi Aronson Karp and Eric Karp Beth Byer and Fred Mermelstein
Jonathan Gale ’07 Benjamin N. Kasdan ’10 Carolyn and Arthur Merovick
Robin and Tyler Gannon Helen and Bert Katz Molly and David Micley ’06
Lori and Steven Gans Shari and David Katz Carol and Daniel Milewich
Jody and David Gastfriend Charlotte Ross and Matthew Katz Roberta and Glenn Minkovitz
Rosalie Gerut Mindy and Irving Kempner Ashley Morris ’21
Cynthia and Richard Gilman Caren and Dan Kimball Samantha and Joshua Neudel
Wendy G. Gilman Abraham Kirby-Galen ’12 Jennifer and Joel Newman
Barbara and Robert Gold Alan Klevan Andrea Hanssen Olitzky ’01
Amy and Fredric Gold Isaac Kohane Sara and Michael Onufer
Sandra and Howard Gold Galit and Yoel Konstantine Tovia and Michael Paris
Heidi Gold and Rabbi Neal Gold Susana and Hernan Kopcow Lisa and Dr. Barry Paul
Arthur Goldberg Elana ’00 and Doron Korinow ’00 Aviel ’07 and Daniel Peaceman
Nancy Glazer Pearl and David H. Goldberg Deb Frydman and Robert Koritz Marla Peckler
Robin Goldberg Brenda and David Korn Beverly Siegal and Richard Peiser
Gayle and Robert Golden Alisa and Laurence Kotler-Berkowitz Raylea and Bernard Pemstein
Caron and Frederick Golder Benjamin Kotton ’19 Dvora and Joshua Pemstein
Avigail Goldgraber ’02 Barbara and Bernard Kotton Rabbi Leora Perkins ’05
Anita Rabinoff-Goldman and Camille and Darrell Kotton Janet Strassman Perlmutter and
Ken Goldman Wendy and Daniel Kraft Joel Perlmutter
Robin and Wayne Goldstein Sharon and Hermano Krebs Bryce Q. Petersen
Alla Gordon Dr. Sharon Krefetz Ruthy and Ralph Philosophe
Gali Gordon ’11 Annette Lakein Laura and Judson Pierce
Barbara S. Gottfried Orit Kent and Meir Lakein Miriam Newman and Michael Pinnolis
Spencer A. Gould Millicent Lapkin and Dr. Benjamin Lapkin Candace and Scott Plotkin
Batya and David Greene Rochelle and Helmut Lecke Bella and Joseph Porath
Judith and Gary Greene Mary and Dr. Benjamin Leder Aliza Arzt and Meredith Porter
Nancy Nozick-Grodin and Michael Grodin Lynda Fink and Maury Lederman Meryl Post
Claudine and Adam Grossman Rebecca Leffell Koren ’04 Mary Collins and Wesley Potter
Jill and David Grossman Rozi and George Lehner Inbal and Zori Rabinovitz
Stacy Grossman Cynthia Levin Elan Radbil ’12
Liliya and Boris Groysberg Marsha Levin Sherryl and Uri Radbil
Sheri and Eli Gurock Laurie Jacobs and Steven Levine Arlene and Lawrence Rand
Howard E. Guthermann Reva Levitt Adrienne Raskin
Rabbi Joshua Gutoff Ann G. Levy Raytheon Technologies
Alexandra Haber ’09 Debka Janak and Eli Levy Judy and Jeffrey Remz
Jill Jacobs and Frederic Haber Tammi Levy-Cantor and Michael Cantor Janet and Jonathan Rhodes
Susan and Eric Hailman Aaron Tillman and Shira Lewin Stephen Richmond
Yonina Eisenberg Havivi ’09 and Sue and Joel Lewin Rabbi Michelle and Mike Robinson
Nadav Havivi Bonnie Marmor and Benjamin Linden Ziva Mann and Ezra Robison
Rana and Reggie Hebert Marcie and Bruce Lipsey Ilana Rosenberg and Ramel Rones
Hebrew Helpers Larry and Ellen Lodgen Lori and Mark Rosen
Esther Hecht Luba and Ben Loewenberg Civia and Irwin Rosenberg
Dr. Marina Livshits and Michael Hiam Julie Plaut Mahoney and Tim Mahoney Jean Remmer and Marvin Rosenbloom
Helen and Peter Hiam Gloria and Dmitri Mamokhin Laura Miller and Kenneth Rosenstein
Dr. Richard Hochman and Margot Mann Dr. Rebecca Rosenstein
Esther Hochman Anya Manning ’03 and Elie Lehmann ’04 Nancy Rosenzweig
Continued on page 12
G A NN AC A D E MY A N N UA L R EP ORT 2021 11Lorem ipsum
GANN FUND 2020-2021
Continued from page 11
Beth and Michael Ross Rachel and Jeremy Sohn Nyna Urovitch and David Williams
Marilyn and Robert Ross Susan and Stanley Sokoloff Jesse Wolf ’05
Brenda and Larry Rubin Judy Katz and Dean Solomon Alex Woogmaster ’05
Mikki ’03 and Ezra ’01 Samet Tova and Ken Sperber Joan and Steve Woogmaster
Lori Barnet and Jeffrey Savit Shira and David Starobinski Ofer Eyal-Yahalom and Rafi Yahalom
Daniel Saxe ’07 Lauren and Alan Starr Jessica ’01 and Efraim Yudewitz
Ellen Schachter Paula Stern Denise Zami
Nancy and Robert Schachter Arthur Stolow Debra Zane and Max Gould
Sharon and Jerald Schindler Debbie and Joel Sussman Janet and Matthew Zanger
Sarah Schneider ’13 Shelley Stevens and David Tabachnik Heidi Lack and Michael Zell
Gail Schulman and Robert Sullaway Sandy and David Tall Joel D. Ziff
Ruth and Dr. Ari Schwartz Janice Teller-Levy and Danny Levy Vivien Singer and Howard Zilber
Deborah and Cary Schwartz Ben Tepfer ’08 Barbara and Henry Zoob
Heni Schwartz The New England Friends of the Deena and Brian Zuckerman
Judith D. Powsner and Eric Scribner March of the Living Jeanine and Jeffrey Zwicker
Marlene and David Sheena Tifereth Israel Congregation
Sandra Sheiber Rabbi Raphael Kanter
Leslie and Alan Sherman Elisa and Stephen Tobin
Sue and Joel Sherman Jill Weiner and Bruce Todtfeld
Zachary Sherman ’19 Erika ’01 and Patrick Torbert
Naomi and Richard Shore Jill Stanton and Bruce Trager
Talia Landau and Arnon Z. Shorr ’01 Deborah Turney
Margery Sokoloff and Jeffrey Shoulson Randy and Steven Ugent
Wendy Berland and Steven Simon Perry M. Wallack ’17
Leeta Sinrich Rochelle Weil
Deborah Gonsalves-Sinrich and Joseph J. Weinstein
Scott Sinrich Joan and Robert Weinstein
Heidi and Rabbi Joel Sisenwine Shelley and Steven Weinstock
Ronni and Paul Skerker Bess and Andrew Weiskopf
Linda and Ira Skolnik Patricia Weiss and Rabbi Loel Weiss
Julia and Dmitry Skuratovsky Candice Wesson and Mark Handy
Alison and Peter Slater Deborah and Jeffrey Wesson Celebrating Sukkot in a one person Sukkah
Rachel S. Boyar and Michael Smookler Janice and John Wilder
Lorem ipsum
GANN SENIOR CLASS GIFT CLASS OF 2021
Thank you to the Class of 2021 for leaving a lasting legacy. It is a unique opportunity for families to make a donation in honor of
their time at Gann. This gift will enable essential upgrades and infrastructure at the Gann Farm. We are thankful to the following
donors to the Senior Class Gift Campaign.
Anonymous (2) Lauren and Aaron Lapat Wendy Berland and Steven Simon
Beth and David Franklin Carolyn Langer and Leonard Lilly Deborah Gonsalves-Sinrich and
Nanette and Jose Fridman Jillian Erdos and Joseph Lipchitz Scott Sinrich
Rebecca and Michael Friedman Rita Cusack and Dr. Deborah Margolis Jennifer and Jason Skolnick
Carol and Donald Gleklen Sandi and Nathaniel Margolis Ronit and Alex Smolyar
Bina Carr and Cantor Jamie Gloth Tova Mirvis and Bruce Cohen Heather Hill and Jon Star
Amy and Fredric Gold Stephanie and Michael Mitzenmacher Shira and David Starobinski
Nancy Glazer Pearl and David H. Goldberg Dvora and Joshua Pemstein Sharon Stein
Michelle and Ronald Herzlinger Julie Altman and Alex Sagan Jennifer and Amiel Weinstock
Dr. Marina Livshits and Michael Hiam Mindy and Eric Sherbet Felice and Mark Whittum
Dale Smith and Steven Jacobson Leslie and Alan Sherman Sonya and Sean Wilder
Rachel Kalikow and David de Graaf Harriet and Stuart Sherman Ofer Eyal-Yahalom and Rafi Yahalom
Charlotte Ross and Matthew Katz Jennifer and David Shevitz
Camille and Darrell Kotton Margery Sokoloff and Jeffrey Shoulson
12 G A NN ACADEMY A N N UA L R E PO R T 2021ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT MITZVAH PROJECTS
ARIANA ABADIAN-HEIFETZ ’08 Turn February Vacation into
a Chance to Do Good
G
ann alum Ariana Abadian-Heifetz recently wrote about the
impact Gann has had on her life since graduating in 2008. She
is a 2012 graduate of Carleton College, where she majored in
political science and international relations and is now studying for a
master’s degree at NYU Gallatin School of Individualized Study.
I felt deeply loved, held, and valued as an individual at Gann, which has
given me a sense of courage and self-respect as I’ve made my way in
the world. Teachers made time for me, cared about my voice, and
made space for me as I sometimes pushed back and rebelled. Gann’s
culture is one in which students engage deeply in debate, construct
evidence-informed ideas, learn from unexpected voices, and explore
our own ethical blind spots. And then, most importantly, we try to
apply our insights to our daily actions.
There are several Gann teachers who have had a profound impact on
my life, starting with history teacher Yoni Kadden. We studied the
Holocaust and I came to understand that it was made possible by a
series of choices everyday people made. That understanding led to our
examination of how in our own lives we are complicit in upholding
Gann students gathering materials for February
systems of oppression, injustice, and violence. I carry that responsibility break project
with me every day, as I continue to learn how to show up more justly in
the world.
As a board member of the Gann Parent Association,
For the last three years, I worked in Delhi, India as the head of Alisa Kotler-Berkowitz is always thinking about ways
social-emotional learning for a school with more than 3,000 students. to build community among parents, students, and the
One of my responsibilities was facilitating experiential workshops for school. With so many school vacation plans put on hold
thousands of high school students on interfaith dialogue, gender this year, she mused, why not turn one more pandemic
equity, and caste-based discrimination. I have incorporated many of disappointment into an opportunity?
the lessons from Mr. Kadden’s class.
“One of the reasons we send our kids to Gann is to
Laila Goodman taught me biology in a way that encouraged me to see learn how to be mensches,” said Kotler-Berkowitz,
the natural world and the human body with a deep sense of awe and whose twins Lev and Sivan are rising juniors. “Why not
reverence. When I taught menstrual health in Indian communities, help busy parents give their kids an experience during
I liked to think I was channeling some of Laila’s wisdom as I tried to pass February vacation when so many other experiences
on the same sense of awe as a means to combat the shame and stigma have been taken away?” She landed on the idea of
surrounding menstruation. helping out nonprofits with projects families could do at
home. The February break mitzvah projects were born.
Kotler-Berkowitz partnered with Cradles to Crayons,
which provides clothing, book, and toys to children
living in poverty, and Desk Mates, a new organization
that builds desks for students who lack a place to do
remote schooling. Akiko Yonekawa, Associate Dean of
Jewish Education for Jewish Life, coordinated things on
the school end.
Kotler-Berkowitz said she wasn’t sure how many families
would take part, but the response was “overwhelming.”
“It showed that Gann is a place where there is an ethos
of caring, it’s just in the water,” she said. By the end of
the week, 20 families had sorted 80 55-gallon bags of
children’s clothing and built 17 desks.
“The Gann Parent Association and the school are
committed to engaging our families in doing good in
the world and it was my goal to make this as accessible
as possible,” said Kotler-Berkowitz. “We don’t know
what next year will bring, but we’ll continue doing this
work in one form or another.”
G A NN AC A D E MY A N N UA L REP ORT 2021 1 3Lorem ipsum
F A C U LT Y & S TA F F G I V I N G 2020-2021
By any definition, the commitment of the faculty and staff to Gann is unwavering. We extend our deepest gratitude to the employees listed
below for both their generous support of both the Gann Fund and the many special projects and needs at the school.
Anonymous Valerie Giebel Melissa Sydney and Dr. Dalia Hochman and
Efrat Amiri Dr. Jonathan Golden Dr. Adam Kolman Marshak Dr. David Schidlow
Lauren Avalos Rabbi Gavriel Goldfeder Alexandra S. Lahr Ellen Seaward
Lynda Bachman Lindsay Goldstein Michelle Langwieder Christopher Heap-Senhouse
Brad Ballinger Laila C. Goodman Trine and Tedd Lustig Abby Shapiro
Camila Barta Nati Golan Julia and Scott Mabuchi Leah Spellberg
Seth Battis Lily Rabinoff-Goldman and Sheila MacDonald Naomi Bilmes and
Shulamit Ben-Natan Rabbi Hillel Greene ’00 Kerry Maher Noah Slovin ’05
Casey Beyer Jaime Guarnaccia Jeffrey Molk Stephanie Truesdell
Shahar Colt Dr. Joshua Gutoff Elena C. Morgan Maya Wainhaus
Wendy Falchuk Stephanie Hoffman Amy Chandler-Nelson Mark Wilkins
Sarah Feldman David Hubbard Curtis Nelson Noah Weinberg
Seth Finkle Brian Infante Brenden O’Donnell Shlomi Zan
Lindsay Flammey ’11 Cindy Jacobs Jacqui Pernisie
Rachel Frenkil Alison and Isaac Judd Kelsey L. Petersen
Cathleen Gallagher Gregory Kee Michelle Poirier
Sherri L. Geller Sarah Rogers
GANN’S YEAR BY THE NUMBERS
150
Attendees at Gann’s
“Who Knows One”
Game Show Night
3 New
Jewish Education
Professionals
14 GA NN ACADEMY A N N UA L R E PO R T 2021Lorem ipsum
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
2 02 0-2 02 1
OFFICERS Danielle Remis Hackel
Joshua Hoffman-Senn ’09
William Foster, President
Jonathan Joffe
Michelle Black, Vice President
Adam Koppel
Jill Smith, Treasurer
Nicole Lieberman Gann
Elizabeth Cooper, Secretary
Diana Lloyd
Sheldon Hanau, Clerk
Deborah Margolis
Joshua Margolis
TRUSTEES Ellis Morris
Michael Bohnen Jay Ruderman
Jessica Carroll Leigh Weiss
Scott Cohen Sean Wilder
Lisa Popik Coll Bil Zarch
Talia Engelhart
Janice Gross
Michelle Herzlinger
2 02 1-2 02 2
OFFICERS Joshua Hoffman-Senn ’09
Jonathan Joffe
William Foster, President
Adam Koppel
Michelle Black, Vice President
Justine Levin-Allerhand
Danielle Remis Hackel, Vice President
Nicole Lieberman Gann
Jill Smith, Treasurer
Stephanie Listokin
Gann students gather for the last day of school assembly Sheldon Hanau, Clerk
Diana Lloyd
Joshua Margolis
TRUSTEES David Micley ’06
Michael Bohnen * Ellis Morris
Jessica Carroll Jay Ruderman
Scott Cohen * Sean Wilder
Lisa Popik Coll Bil Zarch
Rachel Dixon
Janice Gross
Michelle Herzlinger
H ON ORARY TRU S TEES
Carl Blanchard Frank Litwin *
Alan Crane * Alan Lobovits *
Solomon Eisenberg Cynthia Marcus *
Josh Elkin Shari Redstone
Linda Greenseid * Shira Ruderman
Bonnie Hausman * Jonathan Sarna
Elizabeth Jick * Leo Sprecher *
Joshua Katzen * Sidney Swartz
George Krupp
* Past President
Gann students give a thumbs up for the end of a great semester G A NN AC A D E MY A N N UA L R EP ORT 2021 1 5Lorem ipsum
NEW TRUSTEES BIOS 2021
The Gann Board of Trustees is pleased to welcome the following new members:
RACHEL DIXON is a member of the Board of Trustees at The Rashi STEPHANIE LISTOKIN practiced law for 15 years in the areas of
School, where she serves on the Governance Committee. She is active litigation and trusts and estates in New York City, Chicago, New Haven,
on multiple committees at Rashi, including admissions and teacher and Newton. She ran her own law firm after working in large and
appreciation. Rachel is also a member of the Board of Advisors at Beth medium-sized law firms. Stephanie is an active member of the Newton
Israel Lahey Health, focusing on patient experience and fundraising. Center Minyan. She has served on the board of Boston’s Jewish
Rachel volunteers at Horizons for Homeless Children, working with Community Day School, where she co-chaired the school’s strategic
pre-kindergarten children in an academic setting. planning effort. She is the incoming President of the Gann Parent
Association.
Before becoming a stay-at-home mother, Rachel was a nationally-
ranked sales representative for Pfizer, Inc. She covered several of the Stephanie lives in Newton with her husband Yair and their two children.
largest and most prestigious hospitals in New York City and Boston, Their son is a rising senior at Gann. She has a B.A. from Harvard College
playing a key role in the launch of cardiovascular, urology, and smoking where her studies focused on modern Jewish history. After college,
cessation products. Prior to her time at Pfizer, Rachel was a change Stephanie spent a year studying Israeli politics at Hebrew University
management consultant. Rachel received her B.A. in economics from in Jerusalem, and also took courses at Pardes and the Conservative
Hamilton College. She lives in Newton with her family and their Boston Yeshiva. Stephanie earned her J.D. from the University of Pennsylvania
terrier, Enzo. Law School.
JUSTINE LEVIN-ALLERHAND is Chief Development Officer and DAVID MICLEY ’06 is the Director of Sales and Client Relations at
Chief External Relations Officer at the Broad Institute of MIT and Floating Point Group, a cryptocurrency startup. He previously worked
Harvard. A scientist by training, she has diverse experience in raising at Bridgewater Associates, an asset management firm in Connecticut.
funds for basic science and biomedicine. At the Broad, Levin-Allerhand Previously, David worked as a teacher and Director of Recruitment at
leads the Institute’s efforts to develop and steward philanthropic Prozdor, the high school of Hebrew College; a fundraiser at Combined
partnerships. She also oversees the communications department and Jewish Philanthropies; and the Director of the TAMID Fellowship in
manages the Institute’s board of directors. Israel, where he lived at the time. He received his B.A. from Emory and
MBA from MIT Sloan School of Management. David is a 2006 graduate
Previously, she was Deputy Director for International Fundraising of Gann and spent a gap year in Israel after high school. He and his wife
at Yale University and the Director of Science and Engineering Molly live in Newton where they are raising two daughters.
Fundraising for the Yale Tomorrow campaign.
Justine earned a B.A. from Barnard College and a Ph.D. from The
Rockefeller University. She also serves on the Board of Trustees of
Solomon Schechter Day School of Greater Boston. She lives in Newton
with her husband Paul and two children. The oldest, Tomy, is a recent
Gann graduate.
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F I V E Y E A R M AT R I C U L AT I O N L I S T 2017-2021
Gann Academy graduates enroll at a range of top colleges. Our two full-time college counselors work closely with each student
to find the school that is the best “fit.” Gann alumni have attended over 180 colleges and universities and participated in over
25 gap year programs. The matriculation list for the Classes of 2017-2021 is below. Bold indicates multiple students.
American University Elon University Northeastern University University of Florida
Babson College Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Northwestern University University of Hartford
Barnard College Emory University Oberlin College University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Bates College Endicott College Old Dominion University University of Maryland
Berklee College of Music Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering Pennsylvania State University University of Massachusetts Amherst
Boston College George Washington University Princeton University University of Miami
Boston University Georgia Institute of Technology Quinnipiac University University of Michigan
Brandeis University Gettysburg College Roger Williams University University of Minnesota
Brown University Goucher College Ryerson University University of New Hampshire
Bryn Mawr College Hampshire College Santa Clara University University of Pennsylvania
Carleton College Harvard University Simmons University University of Pittsburgh
Carleton University IDC Herzliya Skidmore College University of Rochester
Carnegie Mellon University Indiana University Smith College University of Southern California
Chapman University Ithaca College Syracuse University University of Vermont
Clark University Jewish Theological Seminary of Temple University University of Virginia
Colby College America/Columbia University The University of Edinburgh Ursinus College
Colgate University Johns Hopkins University The University of Tampa Vassar College
College of Charleston Lafayette College The University of Texas at Austin Washington University in St. Louis
College of William and Mary Lehigh University The University of the Arts Wellesley College
Colorado College Macalester College Tufts University Wesleyan University
Columbia University Manhattan School of Music Tulane University Wheaton College
Connecticut College Massachusetts Institute of Technology Union College Williams College
Cornell University McGill University United States Military Academy/West Point Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Dartmouth College Merrimack College University of California, Los Angeles Yale University
Dean College Mount Allison University University of Chicago Yeshiva University
Dickinson College Mount Holyoke College University of Colorado Boulder
Drexel University Muhlenberg College University of Connecticut
Duke University New York University University of Delaware
16 GA NN ACAD EMY A N N UA L R E PO R T 2021Lorem ipsum
COMMITTEES & VOLUNTEERS 2020-2021
GOVERNANCE HEAD OF SCHOOL SUPPORT Cynthia Marcus
Michelle Black, Chair Scott Cohen Ellis Morris
Jess Carroll William Foster Mindy Peckler
Scott Cohen Deborah Margolis Harriet Sherman
William Foster Jill Smith Stuart Sherman
Nicole Gann Leigh Weiss Sandy Tall
Danielle Remis Hackel Lisa F. Wallack
Michelle Herzlinger RECRUITMENT AND Sonya Wilder
Jonathan Joffe OUTREACH COMMITTEE
Jay Ruderman Linda Skolnick, Chair INVESTMENT WORKING GROUP
Jess Carroll Sheldon Hanau, Chair
FINANCE Ilana Edry Arieh Coll
Jill Smith, Chair Jillian Erdos Josh Friedman
Scott Cohen Rachel Foster Adam Koppel
Arieh Coll Sharon Goldstein Jill Smith
Alan Crane Laura Jarbeau Adam Suttin
Mike Epstein Rachel Kesselman
Jules Fried Joanna Ravina POLICY COMMITTEE
Janice Gross Beth Ross Adam Koppel, Chair
Sheldon Hanau Leslie Sherman Joshua Margolis
Adam Koppel Danielle Remis-Hackel
Frank Litwin GANN ALUMNI PARENT Jill Smith
Ellis Morris ASSOCIATION Andrea Weil
Adam Suttin Michelle Barmazel
Andrea Weil Julia Feldman SENIOR GIFT CO-CHAIRS
Sean Wilder Wayne Goldstein Alan Sherman
Ron Iken Malka Engel
GANN FUND Vivien Singer
Ilana Edry, Chair Joni Schockett FACULTY AND STAFF CAMPAIGN
Ellen Berk Judith Sydney CO-CHAIRS
Lisa Popik Coll Sharon Winn Sarah Feldman
Nicole Lieberman Gann Shlomi Zane
Michelle Herzlinger GANN PARENT ASSOCIATION (GPA)
Joshua Hoffman-Senn ’09 Deborah Margolis, President POSSIBILITIES AND PERMANENCE
Ron Iken Stephanie Listokin, Vice President CAMPAIGN CO-CHAIRS
Ellis Morris Jill Baker Michelle and Darren Black
Mindy Peckler Ron Becker Kathleen and Scott Cohen
Harriet Sherman Alisa Kotler-Berkowitz Brenda Haynes and Adam Koppel
Stuart Sherman Ruth Bernstein
Sonya Wilder Jen Block IT COMMITTEE
James Cohen Robert Rosenbloom
AUDIT David deGraaf Jill Smith
Ellis Morris, Chair Gisele Ellis Nancy Viner
Jules Fried Malka Engel
Jill Smith Rachel Foster SENIOR LEADERSHIP TEAM
Adam Suttin Lucy Goodhart Dr. Dalia Hochman, Head of School
Claudine Grossman Rabbi Dina Brawer, Assistant Head of
STRATEGIC PHILANTHROPY Beth Marx School for Jewish Education
COMMITTEE Mindy Peckler Wendy Falchuk, Assistant Head of School
Michael Bohnen, Chair Nancy Rosenzweig for Enrollment Management and
Lisa Popik Coll, Chair Leslie Sherman Student Success
Darren Black Rachel Sohn Jenny Gomeringer, Director of Marketing
Michelle Black Margery Sokoloff and Communications
Scott Cohen Isaac Judd, Chief Financial and
Ilana Edry CAMPAIGN VOLUNTEERS Operating Officer
William Foster Joel Berkowitz Trine Lustig, Chief Advancement Officer
Nanette Fridman Michelle Black Lily Rabinoff-Goldman, Assistant Head of
Danielle Remis Hackel Michael Bohnen School for Teaching and Learning
Adam Koppel Scott Cohen
Frank Litwin Lisa Popik Coll ADVANCEMENT DEPARTMENT
Cynthia Marcus Alan Crane Trine Lustig, Chief Advancement Officer
Ellis Morris Ilana Edry Camila Barta, Advancement and Events
Lisa F. Wallack Nicole Lieberman Gann Manager
Amiel Weinstock Joshua Hoffman-Senn ’09 Adam Cucchiara, Research and Database
Bil Zarch Ron Iken Analyst
Shira Lewin Seth Finkle, Senior Development Officer
Susan Linden Kelse Petersen, Advancement and Alumni
Frank Litwin Relations AssociateThe Mission of Gann Academy
is to educate, to inspire, and to empower intellectually
confident, passionately engaged, ethically
responsible Jews who, through critical
thinking and the contribution of their unique voices,
will create a vibrant Jewish future and build
a better world where human dignity will flourish.
SAVE THE DATE:
GANN’S 25th
ANNIVERSARY
CELEBRATION
NOVEMBER
2022
GANN ACADEMY • 333 FOREST STREET • WALTHAM, MA 02452 • (781) 642-6800 • www.gannacademy.orgYou can also read
