Dear Blair Community,
I write to you just having recently returned from Blair travels that took us to four cities in Asia, and it was wonderful to see how many parents, past parents and newly admitted families were excited to connect and wave the Blair flag with us. The fact that there is so much support and deep care for our institution among the extended Blair family is truly inspiring and we are grateful to everyone who took the time to meet individually or attend a reception. Hearing stories about how the hilltop impacted people’s lives is among the best parts of leading the School forward and I am grateful to have the opportunity to listen and also share the latest updates from Blairstown.
As the school year came to a close, there was a great deal to experience on campus, including the Film Festival, Student Art Exhibition, Senior Public-Speaking Contest, Science Poster Expo, spring play, and Advanced Curriculum portfolio presentations for juniors and seniors. In mid-May, we welcomed to campus our Blair Bridges college counseling advisory board, which this year included deans or admission directors from Brown University, Chapman University, Grinnell College, Middlebury College, Northeastern University, Stevens Institute of Technology, UC Berkeley and University of Miami. In the days that followed, Commencement Week began in earnest and we welcomed many of you at Sharpe House for the festivities leading up to another beautiful graduation on May 22.
Having started the year with a charge to our students to remain curious and to suspend judgment—one of the Five Fundamentals of living and learning at Blair Academy—we couldn’t be prouder of how our community delivered on this. The power of connection and being a presence in one another’s lives continues to define the Blair experience and build relationships that are transformative and lifelong. Students come to Blair for high school because of the unique blend of our academic rigor and powerful sense of community; they soon discover that the Blair family is one they will always belong, no matter how many years have passed since their graduation.
Blair’s 177th year has been a memorable one and we were excited to come together last week with graduates of all class years as we celebrated Alumni Weekend and the close of the All In campaign. It was wonderful seeing so many of you on campus again and commemorating all that this historic fundraising effort has accomplished. The Grooveline, the incredible band headlined by alum Jon Williams ’89 which helped us mark our 175th anniversary in 2023, certainly brought the house down and made the campaign close extra special.
Until we gather again on the hilltop, I wish you a terrific and restful summer with your loved ones and send you all the best from Blair until we start again in the fall!
Intersession Opens New Pathways for Learning
By Ashley Taube
Artists flooded the streets of Havana, outdoor enthusiasts trekked the Appalachian Trail, bakers discovered the universal language of food and rockstars performed a dazzling cover of “Let It Be” to a sold-out audience in DuBois Theatre that Sir Paul McCartney might have even heard about from across the pond. If this all sounds too good to be true, just know—during Intersession at Blair, anything is possible.
Formerly known as J-term, this year’s newly revamped Intersession took place during the week leading up to Spring Break, offering students and teachers alike the opportunity to step out of their comfort zone and the regular schedule to participate in an immersive learning experience outside of the standard curriculum, with faculty and students they might not otherwise learn with throughout the year. The shift from a January to late-February start allowed for more opportunity to engage with travel, Intersession coordinator and Director of Vocal Music Ryan Manni-Brennan explained. Without the uncertainties of peak-winter weather, three international trips to Cuba, Puerto Rico and Kenya were able to take flight, and the time shift made it possible without interference with classes or spring athletic training trips.
“This year’s Intersession also came on the heels of Headmasters’ Societies Games,” Mr. Manni-Brennan, in his first year coordinating the program, shared. “The increased community energy carried right through Intersession and kept the engagement flowing.”
This year, well-loved courses like “Current Events Forum in Washington, D.C.,” “Inside the Mind of Man’s Best Friend” and “Keep Calm & Guard On” were once again offered, giving students the opportunity to venture outside the classroom to visit the nation’s capital, learn more about the habits of our furry friends and become certified lifeguards. Another returning course, “Life Is Like a Box of Thank-Yous,” brought students into the world of stewardship, with Blair’s advancement directors-turned-teachers Courtnay Stanford ’95 and Emma Barnes O’Neill. Students learned the impact of philanthropy and had the opportunity to visit with Princeton University advancement associate Christy Burkart ’97.
“This course really taught me the importance of stewardship at Blair,” Kate Brandt ’26 said after sharing her final project, a video thanking donors for their support of the School, “and our trip to Princeton was fun and informative.”
Mrs. Stanford and Mrs. Barnes O’Neill weren’t the only ones to reach out to the extended Blair network during their course. English department chair Jim Moore, Hon. ’93, and science teacher Dr. Michael Sayers tapped Blair’s Trustee Emeritus and former chief financial officer of Berkshire School John Alden ’63 for their class on renovating and revitalizing Clinton Hall, the heart of humanities at Blair. Mr. Alden offered architectural advice as students developed plans to update Clinton’s bathrooms, accessibility, and heating and cooling systems.
“That’s why this program is so amazing and truly unique to Blair,” Mr. Manni-Brennan noted. “It takes a village, and it is a team effort in every sense of the word. From the faculty teaching and the staff supporting to the alums and parents offering expert knowledge, I’m grateful our community comes together for this student-centric mission.”
Delivering on the student-centered experience, Mr. Manni-Brennan plans to continue incorporating student feedback on courses to develop the catalogue again next year. After last year’s J-term, students noted an increased interest in food-related courses, and Intersession delivered with four tantalizing culinary experiences. Those seeking balance and hoping to add tools to their mindfulness toolbox took part in the first meditation retreat offered to students at Blair through self and society department chair Cency Middleton and English, mindfulness and yoga teacher Sarah O’Neil’s course.
“The experience was transformational for our students in a number of ways,” Ms. O’Neil shared. “To be completely tech-free for three whole days is not easy, but they embraced the challenge and learned a lot about themselves in the process. The students created deep bonds with one another, and they came away with tools for managing stress and tapping into a peaceful and powerful sense of self that is always there beneath the chaos.”
Keep scrolling or click the button below to see our collection of photos from this year's Intersession.
Blair’s Senior Seminar Series—Preparing for Life Beyond the Hilltop
One of Blair Academy’s most cherished traditions, the annual Senior Seminar Series, offered seniors an engaging lineup of experiences designed to equip them with essential life skills before they step into the next chapter of their journeys. Through four dynamic events spanning the winter and spring, Blair seniors gained practical knowledge, engaged in meaningful discussions and, of course, had some fun along the way.
Building Bridges: Networking with the Head of School
In February, the series kicked off with a networking session led by Head of School Peter G. Curran P’27 ’27. Networking is a crucial skill for high school seniors, setting the foundation for future academic, professional and personal success. Topics covered included resumes, interviews, and building and cultivating your network, as well as tips on amplifying connections via platforms like LinkedIn. Noting that the latter is a space where Blair hopes to remain connected to its graduates, Mr. Curran outlined strategies for developing meaningful professional relationships—connections that could open doors for years to come.
Dollars & Sense: Financial Literacy Workshop
Next up, Associate Head of School Ryan M. Pagotto, along with history and language teacher David Facciani and math teacher Latta Browse, hosted a financial literacy workshop designed to demystify personal finance in April. Covering crucial topics such as budgeting, saving, investing and credit management, this hands-on session armed students with the knowledge they need to make informed financial decisions. Through interactive discussions and real-world scenarios, seniors learned how to manage money wisely, avoid common financial pitfalls and set themselves up for long-term success.
Passions & Perspectives: Faculty-Led Explorations
In May, students had the chance to dive into faculty-led sessions on a wide variety of topics, showcasing their teachers’ passions beyond the classroom. Whether it was debating “The Impact of Comic Books on Society (and vice versa),” learning strategy in “Mastering the Board Game” with English teacher Tom Parauda (who has even designed and marketed his own game), or getting a taste of adulthood in “Dinner Party Etiquette,” seniors enjoyed an afternoon of exploration and discovery. Aspiring college athletes also gained insights in “What It Means to Be a Collegiate Student-Athlete,” rounding out a day filled with curiosity and excitement.
Reality Check: Preparing for the College Social Scene
On the Sunday before graduation, as seniors prepared to leave Blair, the self-and-society department led an honest and insightful discussion on the challenges and temptations of college social life. During the session, a team of faculty members tackled important topics like peer pressure, safety and making responsible choices in a new environment. Afterward, seniors unwound with a night of bowling and fun, savoring their final days together before graduation week.
As the Class of 2025 stands on the threshold of new beginnings, the Senior Seminar Series ensured that they leave Blair not only with memories and friendships but also with real-world knowledge that will serve them for years to come.
Blair’s Sixth Summit Focuses on the Future of Finance
By Adele Starrs
Launched in 2019, Blair’s annual Finance Summit attracts leaders from across the financial industry. The most recent summit, held in Manhattan in January, continued this tradition, bringing together some of the industry’s leading thinkers and portfolio managers to discuss timely topics.
The program kicked off with a warm welcome from Head of School Peter G. Curran P’27 ’27, followed by a discussion and Q&A with moderator Drew Litvin ’14, vice president at BDT & MSD Partners, and panelists Will Pemberton ’16, investment banking associate at J.P. Morgan, and Quinn Kennedy ’13, vice president at Golub Capital.
Changing Markets
The panel explored several issues at the forefront of analysts’ minds, beginning with the anticipated shifts in U.S. financial markets. Drew noted how changes in federal leadership and a series of executive orders following the presidential inauguration will likely bring industry-wide changes.
“In the financial market, a lot of new factors will shape both the traditional and alternative asset class landscape going forward,” he said. “This is a good place [for the discussion] to start.” Those changes may include, Will predicted, more favorable interest rates, fewer hurdles to merger-and-acquisition approvals and deregulation across the board.
The Power of Networking
Along with offering insights about the future of finance, panelists also shared the importance of building strong professional networks, which have played pivotal roles in their careers.
Will recounted a critical moment in 2018 when he met Doug Kimmelmann P’12 ’13 ’15 ’22, former Chair of the Blair Board of Trustees and senior partner of Energy Capital Partners (ECP), at the dedication of the School’s basketball court. At the time, Will was studying finance at Lehigh University and was uncertain about what form his career would take. He saw an opportunity to find clarity. “Right before the game, I introduced myself to Doug, asked for his business card and said, ‘I want to be you one day,’” Will shared. Doug responded graciously, Will recalled, and spoke with him at length after the game, getting to know him and offering needed guidance. “After that conversation, I started applying for jobs,” Will told the audience. “The only reason I’m doing investment banking is because Doug Kimmelman was kind enough to encourage me and give me a blueprint.”
Quinn also stressed how valuable network events, like the Finance Summit, have been for her in making new connections and exchanging ideas with peers. “If someone is coming to this event, they already want to network,” she advised. “Take advantage of it. I’ve become close friends with Blair alumni who I knew in high school but wasn’t friends with and they just so happen to work in finance. It’s a great way to expand your network. I bounce ideas off them.”
Mr. Curran reinforced the centrality of relationships to the Blair experience, telling the audience, “These events are exactly what we are all about. At the core of Blair is relationships. Relationships matter, and they extend far beyond your time on the hilltop.”
As the financial industry continues to evolve, Blair’s Finance Summit remains a valuable avenue for the Blair community to make connections with industry experts, learning from their wealth of experience and knowledge, as well as exchanging ideas about recent trends. The School looks forward to continuing this tradition next year.
Grandparents’ Day Fills Blair with Love
Despite an unusually chilly day, excited grandparents packed the hilltop for Blair’s annual Grandparents’ Day celebration. It was a unique opportunity to catch a glimpse of their grandchild’s life at the School and enjoy time together. The schedule was filled with class visits, musical performances, games and practices, and meeting the faculty and friends who shape their students’ experiences.
“It was wonderful to welcome so many grandparents to campus for Grandparents’ Day,” said Director of Parent Engagement Anna Andrasek P’24 ’26. “Their presence brought excitement and warmth to campus, and it’s always a joy to see our students sharing the magic of Blair with their biggest cheerleaders.”
Below, please enjoy just a few of the highlights of the day, captured by Director of School Photography Tyson Trish. View more photos from Grandparents' Day 2025 on Blair's PhotoShelter.
Blair Writes for Amnesty International
Members of Blair’s Amnesty International organization put pen to paper in an effort to make the world a more just and compassionate place. Through the global Write for Rights initiative, the group challenged the school community to live the Blair value of being global citizens contributing to the greater good. Collectively, the Blair community worked together to draft and deliver more than 100 letters to governments, leaders and decision-makers to shine a light on critical issues and advocate for change.
“Students either wrote hopeful messages to individuals or urgent, call-to-action letters to their government officials to demand justice for those whose human rights are under threat,” Naomi Limann ’26 explained. “We hope that through this campaign, we gave students experience in activism and using their voice for good.”
To encourage participation, Naomi—along with classmates Ella Poliquin ’27 and Elise Israel ’25—created a dorm competition on campus, offering prizes to the dorms submitting the most letters. But the team didn’t stop there. They hosted a bake sale during lunch with letters being the currency of choice, exchanging brownies and cupcakes for two letters. The trio went one step further by partnering with students in Blair’s Human Rights course, led by John Redos ’09, to collect letters for extra credit. Naomi, Ella and Elise, who took the class last year, were motivated by the subject matter.
“Mr. Redos was an incredible teacher, and throughout the course, we learned, discussed and advocated for various human rights issues,” Elise said. “Inspired by the experience, we wanted to continue taking action, so we decided to establish an Amnesty International chapter at Blair to create opportunities for proactive efforts in protesting human rights violations.”
Amnesty International reports that the international letter-writing campaign has made a monumental impact. Of the 10 human rights violation cases they focused on this year, two have already seen positive outcomes. In January, 32-year-old Ana da Silva Miguel, aka Neth Nahara on TikTok, was released from prison after Angola’s president announced a pardon for the social media influencer, who had been detained for more than a year for criticizing the country’s leader.
The success of the Write for Rights campaign shows just how powerful the collective voice can be. As Amnesty International continues to report real and positive outcomes, it continues to spark hope in Blair’s young activists. “We hope to continue to evoke a sense of passion in our peers through petition signing, more friendly competitions, and open discussions about human rights issues on our podcast, ‘Voices for Change,’” Ella shared.
Brendan Schaffer ’07 Crafts ‘Wicked’ Snow Sculpture
Do you want to build a snowman? Sculptor Brendan Schaffer ’07 set his sights even higher during a snowstorm this winter, daring to defy gravity!
Eagle-eyed faculty and alumni may have recognized the former Buc when he appeared in a segment for Action News on 6ABC in Philadelphia, showcasing his vibrant snow sculpture of Elphaba from Wicked. When he isn’t working as the leader of the Wildwood Public School’s after-school program, Brendan crafts remarkably detailed snow sculptures outside his home in Villas, New Jersey, for all to enjoy.
“I started with my dad when I was young,” Brendan explained during the broadcast, “just building fun little snowmen and creatures outside of our house….Now we’ve evolved into: every time it snows, I have to come out and make something awesome.”
Brendan’s passion for sculpting has brought him both local and national acclaim. In 2014, Brendan’s work gained national attention when ESPN featured his Super Bowl snow sculpture on Facebook. His five-foot Vince Lombardi Trophy—flanked by the Seattle Seahawks and Denver Broncos logos—caught the eye of the NFL, which requested permission to use his photo. But Brendan’s talents extend beyond snow. He’s a celebrated sand sculptor, having won competitions across the country, including three championships at Michigan’s prestigious Blue Water SandFest. In 2023, he made headlines for a sand sculpture supporting his beloved Philadelphia Eagles ahead of the Super Bowl on the beaches of Cape May. This year, Cape May commissioned him again to honor another Eagles playoff run.
Whether working with sand or snow, Brendan’s eco-artwork pieces are true labors of love. Each piece takes between 10 and 18 hours to complete and can disappear just as quickly, depending on the weather. Brendan estimates that he’s been sculpting at this level for a decade. When it comes to snow sculptures, his primary goal is to brighten people’s spirits during cold, dreary days.
“All of my experiences have taught me that you’ve got to make life fun,” Brendan shared. “I just try to bring joy. It’s my gift to the community. They love it, and they look forward to it every time it snows, which brings me joy.”
‘Mean Girls High School Version’ Is so Fetch
Get in, Blair—we’re going to the theatre! On February 20, 21 and 22, Mean Girls High School Version took center stage at DuBois Theatre. The musical, based on the iconic 2004 film, was nominated for an astonishing 12 Tony Awards, with the book by Tina Fey, lyrics by Nell Benjamin and music by Jeff Richmond. The Blair Academy Players agree….It’s SO fetch!
Nothing can prepare new student Cady Heron, played by Penny Wardwell ’27, for her fierce new high school in the United States, where she must face The Plastics. The frenemies trio rules the school, led by their queen bee, Regina George, played by Cheyenne Joachim ’25. Guiding Cady through the high school drama are her new friends and comedic duo Damian, played by Luke Arbogast ’27, and Janis, played by Téa Vukosavljevic ’25.
The ensemble cast flooded the stage with song and dance for catchy numbers like “Apex Predator” and “Meet the Plastics.” Audience members quickly slipped right back into their high school days—if they weren’t there already—and enjoyed a fun night reminiscing about teen friendships, love and angst.
The Players ranged from new ninth-graders to Blair seniors counting down the days until graduation. “I’ve done the musical all four years,” Genesis Medina ’25 explained. “My first year, I thought it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but now I’ve been here every year making a whole new family with each cast.”
As is tradition, many soon-to-be-graduates came out for the winter musical for the first time this year. The Senior Class Council had an impressive six members in the cast, staying true to the year’s challenge that began at Convocation: be curious and suspend judgment. The theme resonated with Buccaneers of all ages this year, with many new students joining the cast as well.
“It’s my first show,” Juliette Novasack ’28 shared. “It’s been so wonderful getting to know everyone.”
Society of Skeptics Brings the World to Blair
Every Tuesday night at 7 p.m., speakers from the political, social, scientific, economic and literary arenas come to campus to share their unique perspectives with students, who are encouraged to engage with presenters, ask questions and debate points of view. Below are just a few of the speakers who have shared their wisdom with Blair students this year.
Blair Wrestling Assistant Coach Receives Lifetime Service Award at National Preps
Current assistant Blair wrestling coach Edward Russell was been awarded a Lifetime Service Award at the 2025 National Prep Tournament at Lehigh University.
Mr. Russell previously coached at Blair from 2003 to 2008 and returned in 2023, bringing a lifelong dedication to the sport as an athlete, coach and parent. He wrestled in high school in Carteret, New Jersey, before continuing his collegiate wrestling career at Brevard College in Florida and Kean University back in his home state. Mr. Russell completed his undergraduate degree at Kean University and went on to earn a master’s degree. His passion for wrestling extended into coaching, where he served as the head wrestling coach at Ridge High School and as an assistant coach at Voorhees High School.
Beyond his high school coaching career, Mr. Russell took time off to coach his son, Kellen ’07, who went on to wrestle at the University of Michigan, becoming a two-time national champion. His dedication to developing athletes wasn’t limited to wrestling—at Ridge High School, he also coached girls’ cross country and girls’ track and field, demonstrating his commitment to fostering athletic excellence in multiple sports.
Mr. Russell retired in 2017 after a 30-year career as a physical education and health teacher in the Bernards Township Public Schools, where he instilled his passion for fitness and competition in countless students. His legacy in wrestling continues, as his son, Kellen, is now the associate head wrestling coach at Cornell University.
Mr. Russell and his wife, Maria, live in High Bridge, New Jersey. They have three grown children, Jessica, Shannon and Kellen, and two granddaughters, Laurel and Ella.
Blair’s Morgan Celley ’25 Claims Second Individual State Ski Title
Ending the winter season, senior Morgan Celley ’25 made school history by earning her second individual state championship title in the giant slalom event in the past three years. In late February, Mountain Creek in Vernon, New Jersey, hosted the NJISRA State Championship, where Morgan helped the Blair squad to a second place overall team finish in the giant slalom, as well as non-public state champions.
Morgan placed second in the GS race, with a time of 1:29.09, followed by a first-place finish in the slalom race with a time of 1:04.05, winning both the slalom race and overall title. After returning from an ACL tear that forced Morgan to miss her junior season, she came back to claim her second individual state championship, making Morgan the first Blair skier to win two individual state championships.
“While her results can speak for themselves, I cannot put into words how talented of a ski racer Morgan is,” said Haley Chrobock-Palanca ’15, Blair’s head ski coach. “Watching her practice and race puts me in awe, and I cannot wait to see the incredible things she will continue to accomplish as she intends to pursue skiing after her time at Blair.”
“This title was sweeter than the one I won as a sophomore for two reasons,” said Morgan. “First, I had to fight back from a severe injury to achieve it. Second, and more importantly, I got to share the podium with my teammates who won the private school championship and placed second overall. I’m grateful to everyone who helped me return to competitiveness—coaches, trainers, teammates, faculty and my parents.”
Congratulations to Morgan on an impressive season and becoming the first skier to claim two individual state titles!
Lauren (Makar) Haley ’93 Returns for Alumni Roundtables
By Paula Hong ’16
Seasoned lawyer Lauren (Makar) Haley ’93 opened her Roundtable discussion by reflecting on how Blair “profoundly changed the trajectory of my life”—from guiding her toward a different academic path to introducing her to a friend who would eventually lead her to her future husband. Ms. Haley came prepared with not only anecdotes of her time at Blair, but also turning points in her life that paved the way for a successful legal career.
The event continued Blair’s Alumni Roundtables, a series that brings graduates from a wide range of industries back to campus to share their professional and life experiences with current students.
Upon leaving Blair, Ms. Haley graduated from the University of Rochester with a bachelor of arts degree in health and society in 1997 and her juris doctorate degree from Seton Hall University School of Law in 2002. Her first job out of law school was at a trade association, where she primarily focused on government affairs. It was there that she developed an important professional relationship, an experience that underscored one of her key pieces of advice: to make genuine professional and personal connections. That connection led to a job in government, where she realized just how passionate she was about wanting to make a positive difference in the country’s healthcare policy.
Today, Ms. Haley serves as the general counsel and corporate secretary for Spring Health and sits on the Board of Directors for the Women’s Resource Center, a local nonprofit whose mission is to end domestic violence in Newport, Rhode Island. Over the years, the tenacious alum has held positions at institutions such as the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, McDermott Will & Emery, and Magellan Health. After many years working in Washington, D.C., she and her husband moved their family to Newport, Rhode Island, a location she describes as “an idyllic place to raise [my] teenage boys.”
As the evening drew to a close, more students stepped forward to ask for advice on how to get their foot in the door in law, especially the competitive world of “big law,” after leaving school. Ms. Haley eased their concerns and reiterated how her path hadn’t always been linear and that the important thing to keep in mind was what the students felt passionate about.
“If you want to study law, begin thinking about an area you want to study. For example, there is civil and criminal litigation, property law, health law, corporate law, etc. You can go to a small, medium or big firm. You can be in-house counsel at a company working as their lawyer or you can work as a government lawyer. In general, think about the topics you enjoy and consider how to apply a legal framework around that topic as a career,” she advised.
Roger Gershman ’82, P ’25 Brings Financial Wisdom to Campus
By Paula Hong ’16
Blair students had the opportunity to connect with veteran finance and wealth investment advisor Roger Gershman ’82, P ’25, who came to campus prepared with anecdotes of key moments in life that set him up for success. The event supplemented Blair’s Alumni Roundtables, a series that brings graduates from a wide range of industries back to campus to share their professional and life experiences with current students. The event, hosted by Head of School Peter G. Curran P’27 ’27 at Sharpe House, featured a conversation centered on the financial sector, followed by a Q&A session.
With over 37 years of experience in finance, Mr. Gershman had plentiful advice and stories to share. Starting with memories of being stuck and not knowing what he wanted to do to then getting his first job on Wall Street at the renown Hambrecht & Quist, who brought public companies such as Apple Computer, Adobe and Amazon, Mr. Gershman laid out his professional timeline, teasing out the key lessons he learned along the way.
“Working in Wall Street, I realized that there are always folks who will be smarter, faster, stronger, more connected than you; there will always be colleagues who outperform you,” he shared early in the discussion. “But the important lesson is not to get caught up by them and focus on yourself. Ask yourself ‘What is your secret sauce to be better?’”
Beginning his career at Hambrecht & Quist more than three decades ago, Mr. Gershman rose to the role of senior vice president in only three years. Over more than 14 years there, he built and managed one of the largest wealth management practices. He later brought his expertise to UBS, serving as a senior vice president of wealth management, where he was recognized as a private wealth advisor–part of an elite task force entrusted with advising UBS’s elite clientele.
Thereafter, moving his practice to the high-caliber boutique Credit-Suisse, Mr. Gershman decided to form his own company. Gershman noted, every big bank he’s worked for has been sold, which begs a lesson: Do not rely on any firm to make your career—It is only you who makes your career, your clients and your reputation.
After explaining the intense and unforgiving work environment that is often associated with corporate life on Wall Street, Mr. Gershman explained how a change of perspective helped keep him afloat, while many peers let the negativity weigh them down.
“Working in sales or finance, you learn a lot. You especially learn how to accept rejections. And changing your perspective to take each rejection positively will be a great strength, for you never know when a rejection will eventually turn into approval. You have to keep fighting and not take things so personally.”
That mentality has continued to help him in his current position today as the founder and CEO of two companies, The Gershman Group and CEO of WealthGuard, Inc., the nation’s premier protection agency for high-net-worth investors seeking background checks, ratings and rankings. The firm matches investors’ unique requirements to financial advisors. After serving 25 years as a financial advisor for a who’s who of investment firms, Mr. Gershman acted on a dramatic need for a service that gives investors more transparency on Wall Street by creating WealthGuard, Inc., in 2012. He was recently also selected to be a contributing editor to Forbes, where he writes two blogs each month focusing on investor protection. He also runs The Gershman Group, which is one of the nation’s top recruiting companies focusing on the elite multi-billion dollar asset managed financial advisory groups who move from bank to bank, or bank to RIA.
A 1986 graduate of Syracuse University, Mr. Gershman is a member of the elite Syracuse University Professional Advisors Network and remains a supporter, though his main philanthropy is Blair Academy. He is the proud father to two daughters, Sasha ’25 and Alexandra.
As the evening drew to a close, more students found the confidence to ask for advice on how to get their foot in the door after leaving school. Mr. Gershman eased their concerns and reiterated, “It is through failing and repeating and building relationships that are yours to own that you will do well. Keep fighting, have a great work ethic and believe in yourself that you will succeed.”
The Blair Fund is one of the School's most important fundraising initiatives. Providing day-to-day support for many aspects of Blair including: academics; athletics; arts; campus life; Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB); and scholarships, the Blair Fund strengthens and ensures a robust Blair experience for today's students and faculty.
Any gift, no matter the size, enhances the Blair community.