Alumni Stories

Drake Warren '17 traces his path from Portland to Chicago back to lessons in community and teamwork he learned at school. Now an industrial engineer and candidate for Cook County Commissioner, he’s applying that same collaborative spirit to public service. For Drake, the drive to make systems work better—and to serve people with care—has roots in his Catlin Gabel experience.

Catlin Gabel’s youngest trustee on working to support the next generation of students and following through on a legacy of leadership.

The data analyst and visualization expert on how the brain processes quantitative information, the psychology of judgment, and discovering “relevance” at Catlin Gabel.

The internationally acclaimed organist, scholar, and recording artist on her journey from the choir room at Catlin Gabel to the Berliner Dom and beyond.

Christa Stout ’01 has spent her career demonstrating how sports can build life skills and be a tool for social change.

This endowed fund in memory of Karl has provided thousands of books to our libraries since its establishment.

The journalist, essayist, and Wolfish author shares thoughts on the joys of interdisciplinary learning, connecting the dots, and developing the courage to ask the big questions.

Honoring distinguished alumni Gus Van Sant '71, Dr. Tamara Chang '99, and Casey Michael '06.

The experimental physicist and Catlin Gabel lifer shares thoughts on quantum computing and trusting yourself to ask the right questions.

Owen Gabbert '02 started his real estate development and construction company in 2012. We spoke with him about affordable housing and his co-living projects in Portland.

Rachel Cohen '90 has worked in global health for more than 20 years. Following up on her essay in the New York Times, we discussed equitable access to COVID-19 treatments, and lessons to be learned from the HIV epidemic.

The pediatric hematologist/oncologist and women’s leadership coach on the importance of advocating for physician self-care.

In its tenth year, the innovative Palma Scholars Program continues to inspire students and influence curriculum.

Upper School Physics teacher Marguerite McKean '04 is helping students develop their ability to communicate findings and ask questions in a meaningful way.

A profile of Athletics Director Kate Williams ’01, and what she values about the Catlin Gabel experience.

The relationship with Hyla Woods is an integral part of experiential learning at Catlin Gabel. Hyla Woods co-owners Peter Hayes ’74, Ben Hayes ’07, and Molly Hayes Martin ’10 spoke with us about their work in forestry.

An interview with the mechanical engineer, animal enthusiast, and artist on the joys of being an “interdisciplinary person.”

The Economist writer on the unglamorous life of a foreign correspondent, avoiding insurgents and sea snakes, and how Catlin Gabel inspired her mantra, “fail to prepare, prepare to fail”

The Catlin Barbecue Society, although only lasting two years (2003-2004), even had its own signature sauce – raspberry chipotle. Founding member, Erik Granum ’03, recalls the days of grilling in the Fir Grove…
 

When Tom Shipley ‘87 learned about the shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE), as CEO of Dennis Uniform, he immediately began searching 

Soccer ruled Eric Mandel’s experience at Catlin Gabel (attended from 8-12th grade). Read how his work ethic, pursuit of passions, and leaving everything on the field has fueled his professional career and personal life.

On the 50th anniversary of his graduation from Catlin Gabel, the civic leader and philanthropist shares thoughts on early influences, his commitment to art education, and why he believes we should “leave the place that we lived in better than we found it.”

The Oscar-nominated filmmaker reminisces about art under the tennis court, and the making of his very first film—on the Catlin Gabel campus

The Outside editor on Type Two Fun at Catlin Gabel, and why he still wants to name every plant he sees

The pioneering evolutionary engineer reflects on Pongi’s sludge experiment, Corkran’s “Relevant” stamp, the importance of confessing your ignorance

Driven by student inquiry, the Treehouse Project incorporates engineering, design, math, and art—and lessons for life 

Distinguished alumni offer words of support and guidance to our graduating class

How Catlin Gabel helped me learn about the world and the roles we can play in it.

The head of the Urban League of Portland talks about keeping her perspective in Washington, D.C., returning to Catlin Gabel as a Trustee