Welcome to the Notable Alumni section, where we shine a spotlight on the remarkable journeys and achievements of South Kent School graduates. From pioneering leaders in various fields to individuals making a meaningful impact in their communities, our alumni continue to inspire and embody the values instilled during their time on the Hillside. Join us as we explore the diverse stories and accomplishments of our esteemed graduates, showcasing the enduring legacy of excellence fostered at South Kent School.
By Raijon Dispensa ’24 & Tom Johnson Elmarko Jackson, South Kent’s first-ever McDonald’s All-American, continues to impress the basketball world at every stage of his career, showcasing his athleticism at the guard position and becoming a reliable leader at such a young age. Already an impact player at Kansas, Jackson’s success on the court is … Read more
Having studied English at South Kent, Columbia, and Cambridge, John went on to teach at the University of Iowa’s Writer’s Workshop, Harvard University, Brown University, Princeton University, the University of Cincinnati, and the University of Minnesota. His 77 Dream Songs won the 1965 Pulitzer Prize for Poetry, and its sequel, His Toy, His Dream, His Rest, … Read more
Ambassador Oakley graduated from Princeton, then served as a naval intelligence officer before joining the Foreign Service. He rose through the ranks, eventually serving as ambassador to these countries. He came out of retirement to negotiate the release of the American pilot captured in the Black Hawk Down incident in Somalia in 1993.
Chip Bettle is an innovator and inventor whose name is on 42 U.S. patents. He received his undergraduate degree in Chemical Engineering and Master of Engineering (Chemical) degrees from Cornell University. Bettle’s patents include a range of subjects, such as beverage and food containers, wastewater treatment, the biological process for reducing pollution in a body … Read more
Professor Sukehiro Hasegawa had a 37-year career as a peacekeeper for the United Nations and as President of the Global Peace-building Association of Japan. Professor Hasegawa dedicated his life to improving the lives of others. Having served in Nepal, Indonesia, Cambodia, Rwanda, and Timor-Leste, he still found the time to speak at South Kent’s Prize … Read more
Peter Ramsey has worked for nearly 50 years in philanthropy, leading fundraising for Harvard Business School, Wellesley College, Babson College, and Phillps Academy. A trusted advisor to his colleagues, Peter provides independent schools and higher education institutions with an expertise that comes from a long career as a successful leader in advancing philanthropy in education. … Read more
Gordon is an Emmy Award-winning and Tony-nominated actor who graduated from Williams College, the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center, and then on to theatrical success in Canada. His career led him to the role of Det. Greg Medavoy on NYPD Blue, which ran from 1993-2005. Gordon has appeared in numerous TV shows, movies, and on Broadway. … Read more
South Kent School is currently a prep school in single-sex education for boys, but for a few years, the school was co-ed. Kathleen Lindenmayer is a Kent native and South Kent alumnae who graduated from the University of Rochester and the Naval ROTC program. She has spent 26 years in Naval Intelligence, advancing to senior … Read more
Hani is a philanthropist, arts patron, restauranteur, executive movie producer, hotelier, and CEO of his family’s London- based investment enterprise, Corniche Group. He is driven by compassion, enterprise, and creativity, as he is dedicated to his beloved South Kent School.
Before co-founding AltSchool with the ambitious vision of making the best education the most accessible, he led the team responsible for Google’s homepage. The page is visited billions of times daily.