The Enduring Legacy: Famous Alumni of The Frederick Gunn School

Founded in 1850 by Frederick William Gunn and his wife, Abigail Brinsmade Gunn, The Frederick Gunn School, formerly known as The Gunnery, stands as a testament to a strong tradition of excellence. Located in the bucolic town of Washington, Connecticut, the school has, since its inception, emphasized character development, curiosity, and independent thinking. This philosophy has fostered an environment where students are encouraged to excel, not only academically but also as individuals ready to make a meaningful impact on the world. Over its long and storied history, The Frederick Gunn School has produced numerous accomplished alumni who have distinguished themselves across various fields.

A Foundation Built on Principles

Frederick Gunn's legacy extends far beyond the physical buildings of the school. His philosophy of education, with its emphasis on character development, curiosity, and independent thinking, remains relevant today. What was regarded as iconoclastic at the time has proven to be universal. Gunn, an educator, prominent abolitionist, and outdoorsman, instilled a sense of social responsibility and intellectual rigor that continues to shape the school's mission.

The Hall of Fame: Recognizing Excellence

The Frederick Gunn School Hall of Fame serves as a platform to celebrate the achievements of its prominent alumni, providing a source of inspiration for current students, faculty, staff, and fellow alumni. To be considered for the Hall of Fame, alumni must have graduated at least ten years prior to their nomination, while faculty and coaches must be either retiring or retired. The selection process involves a dedicated committee composed of faculty, administrators, alumni, and staff who carefully evaluate the nominees' contributions and accomplishments.

Notable Alumni and Their Achievements

While a comprehensive list of all notable alumni would be extensive, here are a few examples that highlight the diverse range of fields in which Gunn graduates have excelled:

Athletics

The Frederick Gunn School has a strong tradition of excellence in athletics, particularly in ice hockey. The Boys' Ice Hockey program, since its inception in 1918, has competed at the highest level with success. The program reached its pinnacle in the late 1980s and early 1990s (1987, 1988, 1990) when the Highlanders captured three New England championships in four years, followed by an official move to Division I status in 1995. The team recently carved out a rare niche in the prep school hockey world as an elite level program with a small school experience. Most all other top New England programs also find themselves categorized as 'large' based on student body population. Frederick Gunn provides a personalized, 'small' school experience with elite level hockey.

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Several alumni have gone on to play professional hockey, including:

Ryan Dmowski (LW/C): Currently playing for HC Slovan Bratislava in Slovakia.
Mike Lee (D): Playing for the Belfast Giants in the EIHL.
Robert Cronin (C/RW): Playing for the Maine Mariners in the ECHL.
Alex Jefferies (LW/RW): Playing for the Bridgeport Islanders in the AHL.
Nate Sucese (LW/C): Playing for the Shanghai Dragons in the KHL.
Marc Gatcomb (C/RW): Playing for the Bridgeport Islanders in the AHL.

These athletes exemplify the dedication and skill fostered by the school's athletic programs.

Business and Entrepreneurship

The Frederick Gunn School has also produced successful entrepreneurs and business leaders. One notable example is:

Ben Krall ’06: The founder of Urban Umbrella, a company that designs and builds premium sidewalk scaffolding solutions in the U.S. and Canada.
Dan Barker ’12: Classmate of Freeman, whose best friend from home had moved to New York City around the same time.

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Jaren Taenaka ’12: Runs the CSM team at Ramp.

Finance and Technology

P.J. Freeman: Spent three years at Gunn and played for the Boys Varsity Hockey team, which earned Elite Eight New England Tournament appearances in his junior and senior years. He went on to earn a degree in economics and play D1 ice hockey at the University of Delaware. He started his career in finance, working as an analyst for UBS in New York, and then as a sales development representative and account executive at Namely. Six years ago, at the height of the global pandemic, he learned about Ramp through a classmate.

These alumni demonstrate the school's ability to cultivate innovative thinkers and problem-solvers.

Arts and Culture

While specific examples were not provided in the source material, it is reasonable to assume that The Frederick Gunn School has also produced alumni who have made significant contributions to the arts and culture. The school's emphasis on curiosity and independent thinking likely fosters creativity and artistic expression.

The Enduring Impact of a Gunn Education

The success of The Frederick Gunn School's alumni is a testament to the school's enduring commitment to its founding principles. By fostering character development, encouraging curiosity, and promoting independent thinking, the school prepares its students to excel in a wide range of fields and to make a positive impact on the world.

The Importance of the Alumni Network

The Frederick Gunn School's alumni network plays a vital role in supporting graduates as they navigate their careers. As P.J. Freeman noted, the alumni network was instrumental in helping him launch his career at Ramp. He secured his first customer, Urban Umbrella (founded by Ben Krall ’06), through the alumni network, and another alumnus, Jaren Taenaka ’12, runs the CSM team at Ramp. This network provides valuable connections and mentorship opportunities for current students and recent graduates.

A School Committed to Growth and Adaptation

Throughout its history, The Frederick Gunn School has demonstrated a willingness to adapt to changing times while remaining true to its core values. The school's transition to coeducation in 1977 and its continued emphasis on diversity and inclusion reflect its commitment to creating a welcoming and supportive environment for all students.

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