SAVE THE DATE: Pingry's First-Ever Alumni Valentine's Challenge
Get ready for Pingry's first-ever alumni Valentine's Challenge
Wednesday, February 12 through Friday, February 13.
Pingry holds a special place in the hearts of many alumni, not just for the memories made in classrooms and on fields, but for the incredible people who shaped their journeys. For some, that meant meeting a lifelong partner right here on campus. For others, it was a teacher, coach, or mentor who left a lasting impact, shaping their lives in ways they’ll never forget.
In honor of Valentine’s Day, we celebrate the love and deep appreciation our alumni have for the people who made Pingry feel like home—whether that’s a classmate who became a spouse or a faculty member who became an inspiration.
Who was the teacher or coach who made a lasting impact on your experience at Pingry? Visit pingry.org/pingrylove or click below to show your appreciation and make a gift to The Pingry Fund in honor of a Pingry teacher or coach.
Park and Julianne Smith (Di Leo) ’06
When and how did you first meet?
In 7th Grade art class...Park was tasked with drawing Julie's shoe.
What do you love about Pingry?
We love the welcoming and supportive community we experienced as Pingry students and alumni, and now have the privilege to experience as parents.
Who was a teacher or coach who made a lasting impact on your experience at Pingry?
"As to the memorable teachers (or other people) in the Pingry family there are so many to be named who were instrumental in forming the psyche of the students. If I had to single out one person it would have to be Miller Bugliari with whom I shared those Lower School icons and many of those Middle and Upper School Masters. Whether as a coach, fellow alumnus, or more importantly as a life-long friend his influence on and off the athletic field was and has been unsurpassed."
-David Rogers ’61
Sana Sheikh & Colin McKinnon ’18
When and how did you first meet?
Colin came to Pingry freshman year (2014-2015), while I (Sana), had been attending Pingry since Kindergarten. We had one class together our freshman year, which was math with Mr. Leone. We didn’t really speak until junior year. After the first few weeks of school, he came up to me and asked me if I noticed that we were in all of the same classes, which I hadn't noticed until then!
What do you love about Pingry?
I love that Pingry was my first real home, as I was a lifer. I met so many important people that mean the world to me, along with life long friendships. I feel like I owe Pingry so much considering the fact that I experienced majority of my growth here and met my high school sweetheart here as well. As of March 17, Colin and I will have been dating for 8 years!
Quinn Portfolio & Brian Murphy ’07
When and how did you first meet?
We were in the same Peer Group in 9th grade and met during the first week of school. We were both new to Pingry and became fast friends. Admittedly, Brian would often help me with my biology homework and we spent a good portion of freshman year in the library. We eventually started dating during our sophomore year (February 2005).
What do you love about Pingry?
We love the Pingry community and feel so lucky to have met each other and lifelong friends. We've always loved learning and valued attending a school that celebrated intellectual curiosity, challenged and supported us academically, and promoted community engagement. The relationships, academic foundation, and values have shaped our personal and professional lives, and we're very proud to be Pingry graduates!
Laura Yorke & Sean Kulkarni ’98
When and how did you first meet?
We re-met at our 10-year reunion. Thought we did not know each other well in high school, within five minutes of talking with Sean at the reunion, Laura thought, "Wow! I wish I could marry him!" Two years, later after Sean decided to return from London, we went on their first date!
What do you love about Pingry?
We love the community, the people, the values!
Anna Butrico Conti ’14 & Hunter Conti ’15
When and how did you first meet?
We first met in Senor Nazario's AP Spanish Class, and were mostly acquaintances (Hunter and Anna’s sister, Holly, did student government together.) We met again at Vanderbilt during Tour Guide training. We started dating the summer of 2016, and have been together ever since!
What do you love about Pingry?
We love the community, the friends we’ve made, and the traditions that continue. We had a Pingry flag at our wedding in 2023 and were overwhelmed by the enduring support from our Pingry friends.
Who was a teacher or coach who made a lasting impact on your experience at Pingry?
"Deirdre O'Mara, my freshman year biology teacher, dispensed some true "tough love" by pushing me out of my comfort zone every day while still managing to put a smile on my face. I am so lucky to have had her as a part of my Pingry experience!"
-Jessica Westerman '08
Kathy Cowan & Kevin Manara ’95
When and how did you first meet?
Mrs. Grant’s English class in 8th grade.
What do you love about Pingry?
Amazing teachers, life long friends, premier education.
Brooke Conti Trousdale ’09 & Patrick Trousdale ’08
When and how did you first meet?
Well, we knew who one another were for quite a while, growing up near one another and attending Pingry at the same time for many years. Truth be told, we didn't truly connect until a few years after Pingry, serendipitously at the Starbucks in Summit.
What do you love about Pingry?
Gosh, so much. Many of our closest friends to this day are from Pingry. Seven of Patrick's best men at my wedding, two of Brooke's bridesmaids. It's just such a great community of smart, conscientious, and ambitious people who are always willing to help one another. There is always an instant bond and friendship with Pingry people that we have met in recent years.
Jane and Christian Hoffman ’94
When and how did you first meet?
Christian and I began dating during our junior year at Pingry. For Valentine’s Day that year, he gave me a gold heart necklace from a jeweler in Summit. Although we broke up and didn’t cross paths for the next four years, Pingry brought us back together when we were home from college over winter break and went out with our Pingry friends in New York City. We've been together ever since, and 32 years later, I still wear that necklace on Valentine’s Day as a reminder of our Pingry days together.
