But Greenhills never really leaves them.
That’s why so many return to Greenhills again and again for alumni reunions and faculty retirements, attend events across the country, and maintain meaningful connections to the school that last a lifetime.
Alumni Bettering the World
Sheri Horiszny ’85 is the director of the Melbourne Zoo in the state of Victoria, Australia. Prior to that appointment at the end of last year, Horiszny held leadership positions at the Santa Barbara Zoo, Oregon Zoo in Portland, Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle, and founded the Giraffe Conservation Alliance. Her personal mission is to “Inspire positive action for the planet by developing strong, collaborative teams with a culture of inclusivity, respect, gratitude, and fun.”
By Ben Cohen, Greenhills Choir Director Kate Soper was sitting to my immediate left in the first class I ever taught at Greenhills, and I noticed almost immediately that her contributions were extraordinary. She delivered not only beautiful singing but emanated an aura of sophistication and excellence. As the year went on her deep talent mixed with spirited enterprise and unusual compositional skill: she adapted a song from her song cycle for the choir, she wrote music for the Senior Shakespeare production of The Tempest, she took harp lessons for her senior project, culminating in a recital. That she has become one of America's more important, praised and sought-after composers is not surprising, but exciting nonetheless; it's buoying to think how Greenhills not only played a part in providing opportunities for her to discover her burgeoning compositional voice and the atmosphere of integrative thinking that so much powers her projects.
I treated Greenhills like a big stage. I took up any opportunity to perform. I danced every spirit week in the Walk-Off. I tried stand-up for the first time at ACTivate the Cure. I performed my Forensics piece at an all-school assembly even though it was so dorky to do. I think I was desperate to feel seen.
Unfortunately, Chang Che ‘13 won’t be able to travel back to Greenhills for his 10th reunion this June. He’ll be on deadline as usual in Seoul, South Korea. Che launched his journalism career in 2020 as a freelance writer in Shanghai, covering technology and politics in a region undergoing radical change. At the time, Che had completed a masters degree in philosophy at the University of Oxford and was considering moving onto a Ph.D. program.
The slogan for Ben Eisendrath’s home and restaurant grill company, Grillworks, is “Argentine Inspired, American Made.” His elaborate live-fire grills, which are manufactured in northern Michigan and have been featured in Bon Appetit and the New York Times, form the centerpiece of restaurants by such A-list chefs as José Andrés, Dan Barber, and Danny Meyer. In a conversation with the alumni office, Ben shared more about his path since Greenhills, how changing the way we grill became his mission, and his stealth foodie forays around the world.
Planet Money podcasts in Mr. Monte-Sano's Econ class piqued Ryan Perry's interest in economics, and now she's playing a role in economics at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago — and thriving. Listen to Perry talk about her work, how Greenhills prepared her to take challenges head-on, and what advice she would give to current students.
JOIN US.
We hope you’ll be able to attend one of our frequent alumni gatherings, either here in southeast Michigan or in cities coast to coast; serve as an alumni mentor; plan local alumni events in your area; and/or network with fellow Gryphons. In the meantime, please stay in touch through social media, and don’t hesitate to let us know how we can best support you as Greenhills alums.
As you know, our school is built on the close bonds that develop among students, and between students and faculty, and we are dedicated to fostering these ongoing relationships.
There are so many ways Greenhills alums can help the school maintain and strengthen its vibrant community. One key alumni role is class agent. These alumni volunteers assist with annual fundraising appeals to classmates, alumni event planning, and class communications.
If you're interested in serving as a class agent, please contact the alumni office.
Have you moved recently? Changed your email address? Please complete the form below to let us know of any changes in your contact information so we can stay connected.
There is a lot going on at Greenhills, including alumni events, speakers, performances, and more, and you're invited.
View EventsRead the most recent edition of The Forum (formerly known as The Alumni Forum) magazine:
Forum Magazine – 2022-2023
