On Thursday, October 1, Stephen Gaynor School welcomed alumni back to West 90th Street for the school’s first Alumni Reunion, an evening of reconnecting with old friends and teachers, sharing memories, and celebrating a connection to Gaynor that continues long after graduation.
Alumni spanning the 1980s through the 2010s gathered in the North Cafeteria Play Deck alongside current and former faculty members, including Cristina Fabricant, Erica Kasindorf, Chris Meyer, and Andrew Prasarn. For some, it was a chance to reunite with people they had not seen in years. For others, it was an opportunity to return to a Gaynor that has grown and changed considerably since their days as students.
The evening held particular significance because it fell on the second anniversary of the passing of Stephen Gaynor School co-founder Yvette Siegel-Herzog. Dr. Scott Gaynor reflected on her legacy and the impact she had on generations of Gaynor students. He also reminded those gathered that alumni are an important part of that legacy and represent what is possible for the students and families who walk through Gaynor’s doors today.
“As alumni, you’re our success stories,” Dr. Gaynor told the group. “When they see all the incredible things that a Gaynor graduate can do, that’s really powerful to families who see the future in their child through what you’ve accomplished.”
Throughout the evening, conversations offered glimpses of the many paths Gaynor alumni have taken. Todd Feltman, PhD ’86, now a reading specialist in New York City and professor in Childhood and Literacy Education at Hunter College, represented one of the earlier generations of Gators in attendance, while more recent graduates shared stories about college, careers, friendships, and the experiences at Gaynor that helped prepare them for what came next.
Alumna Morgan Reichberg ’18, a recent SUNY Purchase graduate who now works in business management, managing finances for actors, reflected on how Gaynor gave her the confidence to participate more fully in the classroom. Before coming to the school, she often worried about speaking up and being wrong. At Gaynor, she began to understand that learning came through participating, taking chances, and listening to others.
“I didn’t feel worried about speaking up,” she recalled. “Gaynor really taught me that you learn from what you say and how others respond to it.” She also remembered participating in musicals, plays, and athletics and spoke about the Gaynor friendships she has maintained over the years. Her memories echoed many of the conversations taking place around the room as former classmates and teachers reconnected.
The reunion was also an opportunity to look ahead.
Aden Wiener ’13, who helped spearhead the event and has played a leading role in expanding alumni engagement, joined Dr. Gaynor in introducing the Gaynor Alumni Leadership Circle, a new initiative designed to strengthen connections among alumni and create more opportunities for them to engage with the school. Aden encouraged alumni to reconnect with classmates and help bring others back into the Gaynor community. He spoke about how meaningful it can be for current students and families to meet graduates and see the many different places a Gaynor education can lead.
Alumni Director Tia Murkison extended that invitation even further, encouraging graduates to return for panels, visit the school, speak with students, serve as mentors, and share their stories. “My favorite thing about Gaynor and being the Alumni Director is hearing all of your stories,” she said. “I just love hearing where you’ve come from and where you are now.”
By the end of the evening, one thing was clear: graduating from Gaynor does not mean leaving the Gaynor community behind.
The school may look different, and years or even decades may have passed, but the relationships and experiences formed here have a way of enduring. The first Alumni Reunion offered a chance to celebrate those connections, honor the legacy that made them possible, and begin building an even stronger alumni community for the future.
And after a night filled with familiar faces, laughter, and stories, it felt very much like a beginning.
For more information about the Gaynor Alumni Leadership Circle, email alumni@stephengaynor.org
