Alumni News

Author Anna Bruno '00 will publish her second novel, "Fine Young People," in late July with Algonquin Books. She will launch the book with a public event on August 2 at Penguin Bookshop, where she’ll appear in conversation with her former SSA English teacher, Buddy Hendershot.

Dawn Teele ’01, a political science professor at Johns Hopkins University, has been named a 2025 Andrew Carnegie Fellow. Teele, who studies gender and politics, will receive a $200,000 grant to explore how differences in political preferences between men and women may be driving polarization in the U.S.

Emory Anderson ’21 has spent the last four years making history. A double major in Neuroscience and Chemistry at the University of St Andrews in Scotland, Emory has also been a standout player on the university’s Women’s Football First Team—helping usher in an unprecedented era of success for the program and for women’s sport at St Andrews.

Julie Rost '89 has built a thriving real estate career in Pittsburgh, leveraging her deep community ties. A top-selling Realtor, she leads an all-female team at Berkshire Hathaway, The Preferred Realty, specializing in Fox Chapel and the East End.

Shady Side Academy alumna Cate Peebles ’97 returned to Pittsburgh on Saturday, Feb. 8, to celebrate the release of her latest poetry collection, The Haunting, published by Tupelo Press. The event, held at Bottom Feeder Books, was especially meaningful as the bookstore is owned by fellow SSA alumnus Mike Seamans ’01. Peebles was joined by poets Diana Khoi Nguyen and Avery Robinson for an evening of readings and literary conversation. 

Shady Side Academy alumna Izee Powell '21 has become a key player for the Dartmouth women's hockey team, embracing the challenges of Division I athletics with determination and grit. Last season, the junior defenseman recorded six goals—four on the power play—and nine assists, finishing fourth in team scoring and second among defensemen. But for Powell, success isn’t just about points. 

Shady Side Academy lifer Taylor (Wood) Clark ’16 returned to the Middle School to share how her passion for volunteering—sparked in eighth grade—has shaped her life.

Bentley Weiner ’92 has carved out an extraordinary career in the world of sports media, blending her passion for storytelling with her love of athletics as Vice President of HBO Sports Documentaries. In her role, Bentley is at the forefront of acquiring, developing, and producing compelling sports stories that captivate audiences worldwide.

The New England Small Colleges Athletic Conference (NESCAC) recently recognized two Shady Side alumna, Maeve Kelley '23 and Dylan Green '22, for their contributions to their college athletic teams.

Originally founded as an independent nonprofit, “Let’s Chow” was established in 2020 by U.S. Navy Lieutenant and Judge Advocate Jordan Foley ’07 to empower veterans and military spouses with culinary skills, providing a path to sustainable careers in the culinary industry post-service. Through its Food Truck Training Program (FTTP), “Let’s Chow” offers veterans and military spouses a full suite of support, including culinary and business training, marketing guidance, event booking, and one-on-one mentorship, equipping participants to launch and grow their own food businesses.

Jim Berkman '73, a former trustee and a prolific writer, is in the midst of drafting his fourth novel. Despite having self-published his first three books with minimal marketing, his works have attracted noteworthy attention, including positive reviews and high-profile endorsements.