The Shipley School is approaching the end of its 110th year of educating young people.  For those of us in this room who are alumni, it is a time to reflect on the philosophy and mission that has been the foundation of all that the school has done. We are proud to have been the recipients of an education rooted in high intellectual and personal standards, and we remember well the teachers and administrators who have helped make us who we are.

Each year we welcome into the Alumni Association individuals who embody the mission of the school that we love, and who have worked to make Shipley a better place for the students, the faculty, and the staff. This year we are honored and pleased to present a husband and wife team, who are unfortunately leaving us this year. They have not only endeared themselves to us, but, more importantly, have embodied our school’s motto:  Courage for the Deed; Grace for the Doing.

Alexandra F. Nammack

Zandi came to Shipley in 1982 as a teacher of Middle School mathematics and science and a three season coach. During her twenty-three years here she has also taught honors geometry in the Upper School, and more recently has been the scheduler for both the Middle and Upper Schools. She has worked tirelessly for the Shipley Shops and the Auction. Her organizational skills are legendary. 

Here is a sampling of comments from her colleagues:

 “When I think of Shipley, I think of Zandi”

“She is a great listener, a keeper of secrets, and a real friend to everyone”

“She is approachable, positive, and empathetic”

“She is a great communicator, clear and direct”

“She is very intelligent”

“She is energetic and willing”

“She is a giving person”

Welcome to the Shipley Alumni Association, Zandi. Shipley will miss you.

Thomas W. Nammack

Tom came to Shipley in 1988, as a teacher of history in the Upper School. It did not take long for the School to recognize his talent for leadership, and the next year he was named the Upper School Dean of Students. In 1993 he became the Division Head for the Upper School, a post that he has held ever since.

Tom has worn many hats in the seventeen years that he has spent at Shipley. As a teacher of Chinese and Japanese history, he is remembered for being extraordinarily knowledgeable, very funny, and a great leader of discussions. His reputation as a soccer coach was made by a memorably poor season. As a Dean of Students he was respected by students, parents, and faculty for his fairness and balance (no mean feat!). As Head of the Upper School, he has not been afraid to address tough issues and to handle them with grace. He is probably one of the most articulate speakers that we have had the privilege to hear. In addition, he has worn a family hat, being his wife’s boss (we won’t get into that!) and the father of Marion and Travers, now in the 7th and 6th grades.

We will remember Tom as a “natty” dresser, both with and without his moustache, and as a “neat freak”, known to clean his glass-topped desk with Windex every afternoon before going home. Most of all, we will remember him as an efficient and compassionate leader, who lives who he is and who has gained the love and respect of all who have worked with him.

Welcome to the Shipley Alumni Association, Tom, and the best of luck as the Head of Montclair-Kimberly Academy.