Volunteers of the year: Ron Delfini '84 and Mary Hoffman

At a reception in the Hopkins Library on Saturday afternoon of Homecoming Day, Ron Delfini, Class of 1984 and Mary Hoffman, parent of two Hopkins students, were named Volunteers of the Year. The library was full of family and friends of the two honorees as well as alums and parents who turned out to support these two incredible people.

In the recognition ceremony Trustee, former parent and alumna Judy Smith-Morgan '79 introduced Ron Delfini as a friend and peer who has donated so much of his time working with the Alumni/ae Association. Judy revealed that a book about the New York Yankees (Ron's favorite) will be donated to the Hopkins Library in his name. Ron then took the podium and thanked the School for their support and thanked his family, especially his dad, Ron Delfini '61 HGS, for inspiring him to start the Job Shadow Program.

Following Ron's warm acceptance, Trustee and parent Stacey Perkins introduced Mary Hoffman, and recognized her tireless efforts as President of the Parent Council, a Trustee, dedicated parent and friend to the School. Mary has been a force of Hopkins spirit in her years with the School, and her hardwork and energy have touched and inspired many people around her. To honor Mary's dedication to Hopkins, a book about the human brain will be donated to the Hopkins Library in her name. Mary then thanked all her friends and fellow parents who have supported her over these years, and related a few anecdotes about her experiences.

Click here to see a photo gallery from the Volunteer Recognition Reception.


Volunteer Recognition introductions and acceptances:
Judy Smith Morgan introduces Ron Delfini '84 HGS
Ron Delfini '84 HGS
Stacey Perkins introduces Mary Hoffman P '09 & '12
Mary Hoffman P '09 & '12


Judy Smith Morgan introduces Ron Delfini '84 HGS

Good Afternoon everyone.  I would like to congratulate both Mary and Ron for being honored as this year’s “Volunteers of the Year”.

I feel privileged to speak on Ron’s behalf and review with you his many accomplishments here at Hopkins. Ron graduated in 1984 and soon thereafter began his legacy of volunteering at Hopkins by co-chairing his 5th Reunion Committee. Ron has consistently chaired or co-chaired his Reunion Committee ever since then, right up to his 25th reunion which he celebrated in 2009.

In addition to his involvement with each of his class reunions, Ron has served as a member of the Hopkins Alumni/ae Association Board of Directors beginning in 1991. Being the natural leader that he is, Ron become President of the Alumni/ae Board for a two year term starting in 2006. At the conclusion of his presidency, Ron made the transition to the Committee of Trustees and served as a Trustee from 2008 to June 2010.  Ron’s expertise in engineering made him a natural to serve on the Buildings and Grounds Committee.

Through the years, Ron has consistently supported fundraising activities at Hopkins through his participation in the Annual Fall Phon-a-thon and his involvement in the Alumni/ae Golf Tournament. With Ron’s diligent help in soliciting golfers and sponsorships, the Alumni/ae Golf Tournament has netted over 45K each year, for scholarship at Hopkins.

In 2006, Ron developed and implemented the Hopkins Job Shadow Program. This initiative provides a unique opportunity for Hopkins’ students to spend the summer before their senior year at the workplace of a Hopkins’ alum.  This program has allowed Hopkins students to shadow professionals in such diverse fields such as architecture, market research, veterinary medicine and orthopedic surgery. One student even had the opportunity shadow an in-house attorney at a hedge fund. Thanks to Ron’s vision and implementation, the Job Shadow Program has become a very popular and beneficial program to both Hopkins Students and Alumni/ae.

When Ron isn’t here “on the Hill” volunteering, he is involved in his local community. He currently serves on the Branford Little League Board of Directors while finding time to coach baseball, lacrosse and basketball, no surprise there! Lacrosse comes naturally as it was a favorite sport of his while a student here. He also plays in the annual alumni/ae Lacrosse Game.  

Ron even finds time to manage his own business, Engineering Specialties Incorporated in Branford.  Ron, you must have learned some pretty good time management skills while a student here, to juggle everything you do!

Ron has clearly established himself as a devoted and loyal Hopkins Alum who helps whenever and wherever needed. The Hopkins community has benefitted from your wisdom, insight and service. Ron’s history of selfless service spans 25 years.  He is a thoughtful, reliable, dedicated and kind gentleman.

So, thank you Ron, for generously giving of your time and energy for the betterment of the School.  I know that while this recognition today is for all of your past support, we can count on and look forward to your continued involvement here “on the Hill.” Congratulations on being selected a 2010 Volunteer of the Year.

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Ron Delfini '84 HGS

Deena Mack called me over the summer to tell me about this wonderful honor.  She asked me at that time to think about who I would like to do my introduction.  I said, “Deena, I don’t have to think about it.  I want Judy to do it.”  When I think of volunteering at Hopkins, Judy is the first person that comes to mind.  I play in a number of charity golf tournaments each year, and the Hopkins tournament, Judy’s tournament, is better run, and raises more money than all of the others combined. Judy, you are a friend, and a mentor.   Thank you.

I first got involved with volunteering at Hopkins shortly after college.  Mary Ginsberg needed some people to chair the 5th reunion committee for my class.  I think she took a look at my class list, and started with the A’s and the B’s.  Once she got to Ciardiello and Delfini she stopped and figured that she was all set.  Boy was she sorry.

We quickly produced a flier that we wanted to send to the class.  This of course was before e-mail.  We figured we could guilt everyone into attending reunion by berating them with a few choice phrases and pictures of donkeys.  Mary was horrified.  But, to her credit, she worked with us, and we had a successful reunion, and many more since then.  Mary, you have really inspired me over the years to continue volunteering at Hopkins, and to stay involved.  I’m very fond of our talks – especially about family and Block Island.  And I’ve cherished our friendship.  Thank you.

Now for the rest of the Development office – you guys are the best.  Barbara, Deena, every time I walk into your office, before I see the amount of work at hand, I feel like I’m in a home.  It’s a great feeling.  You walk in, and Barbara is in her den on the left.  Deena and Pat are chatting in the living room.  Lauren, Betty, and Mary, working the phones...  They make it look easy, but it’s not.  The way you all pulled off the flawless 350th celebration last spring along with reunion simultaneously was truly remarkable.  We are so lucky to have each and every one of you.  Thank you for all of your hard work.

With so many fellow alums gathered here today I can’t resist the opportunity to tell you about the job shadow program.  First off I must give thanks and credit to my father, Ron Delfini, class of 1961, for the job shadow idea.  When I was a student at Hopkins my father suggested that I spend time with some of his friends at their place of work to get a flavor for some different occupations.  It was that experience that really sparked my interest in entrepreneurship, and I’ll never forget it.  Thanks Dad.

The Hopkins job shadow program is all about giving students the opportunity to spend a day with an Alum in an occupation of their choosing to really understand what a person in that profession does all day. We have placed students with Alums from New York to Boston, and everywhere in between.  Students have spent time in hospitals, law offices, factories, and film sets.  Some of the wonderful experiences include a student that shadowed Dr. Lisa DeAngelis ’73, who is Chairman of the Neurology Department at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in NY. We had a student this year shadow with our own Alumni board member John Pfannenbecker ’90 who is an attorney at Subway world headquarters and works directly with Fred DeLuca Subway’s founder. We also had a student shadow with Doug Applewhite ’93 who works for a company in Cambridge that created the Guitar Hero and Rock Band video games.  That boy had some fun.

This program has really turned into a win-win for Hopkins.  We have found that the students invariably have a great experience, and the alums really enjoy the shadow visits.  The students that attend Hopkins are indeed remarkable, and the one-on-one interaction with alums is invaluable. That being said we are looking for more Alums to participate.  Please contact me and I will tell you more about the program.

I was reflecting about my involvement here on the Alum board and on the Committee of Trustees, and to say that the school is in good hands right now is an understatement.  Thanks to the leadership of Barbara Riley and David Newton, the generous support of all of you and the stewardship of the Committee of Trustees we have one of the finest schools anywhere.  I truly believe that Hopkins’ brightest days over the past 350 years are here today and there are many more yet to come.

Lastly, I would like to thank my mom and dad for the opportunity to attend Hopkins.  In many ways this education was far more important to me than college.  And, Amy, Kyle, Mitchell, and Cassie you know how I feel about this place.  Thanks for understanding about the times I was here and not at home.  Thank you!

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Stacey Perkins introduces Mary Hoffman P '09 & '12

Congratulations Ron on this well deserved honor.

It is my pleasure to introduce friend, Mary Hoffman–Parent Volunteer of the Year–who is being honored today for her leadership and strong commitment to Hopkins. Mary’s tireless efforts have enriched the lives of many in the Hopkins community–students, faculty, administrators and those parents who have been fortunate enough to know and work with her.

As a parent Mary recognizes the importance of being supportive of and involved with her children. Mother of Hilary–senior class president of 2009 and David and adored wife of Dan–Mary has been fully committed in every way to her family and to Hopkins. This commitment has translated directly into the time and energy and resources that she has given of so generously.

She has worn many hats here at Hopkins and no matter what her role, Mary gives 100%, all the time. Low key and low maintenance–usually a vision in beige–she is a role model, leading by example. Mary is very organized and does whatever needs to be done.

For the last six years, she has been involved in the auction, which is the Parent Council’s most significant fundraiser, both in terms of dollars raised and volunteer hours spent.  Working tirelessly as chair for three years and taking on significant behind the scenes roles, no one has been more committed to the success of the auction than Mary. And under Mary’s leadership the auction has made huge strides in terms of dollars raised (even under adverse economic conditions), raising almost one million dollars in the last six years. In addition, under Mary’s leadership the auction introduced the now popular “Faculty Wish Lists” and has contributed significantly to community building.

An innovator and creative thinker, Mary was also a co-creator of the Fall Wine and Cheese parent gathering, now in its seventh year, giving parents, especially new parents, the opportunity to socialize on a Saturday evening, and to meet other families and faculty.

As many of you know, the reward for work well done is the opportunity to do more. Mary has had the opportunity to make other significant contributions here at Hopkins serving as both the Parent Council Representative to the Committee of Trustees and as President of the Parent Council.

Mary is the ultimate Hopkins cheerleader. Her smile and her enthusiasm are contagious. She’s delightful, elegant, charming and a genuinely lovely person and she’s our Hopkins Pied Piper–everyone wants to join her and work with her. Want something done? Ask a busy woman. Mary is also involved in her community, her synagogue and many other charitable organizations.

Mary we thank you for your commitment, loyalty, devotion and leadership. You have truly earned this recognition.

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Mary Hoffman P '09 & '12

Thank you Stacey,
Congratulations to Ron and his family.
Ron is an excellent example of what Edward Hopkins wished for 351 years ago.  Ron clearly embraces the Hopkins belief, that an individual should lead a rich and purposeful life, embracing the satisfaction derived from service to others.

I began my service to Hopkins in 2004; Joanne Kahan asked me if I would be her co-chair for Celebrate Hopkins 2005.  Oddly enough, neither of us had ever attended a Hopkins event.  Yes, Joanne and I had years of experience chairing major events, however, we had yet to learn the “Hopkins way”.  Thankfully at that time Joanne and I met Ken Paul.  Ken spoke with Joanne and I about Celebrate Hopkins and the secret ingredient to a successful event.  Ken said, “If you make sure your guests are having fun, the rest will follow.”  Thank you Ken for that advise, we took it and for the past 6 years Celebrate Hopkins has been extremely successful and lots of fun. Over the years friends have asked me,” Mary how can you still be working on the auction?”

The answer was easy.  I was working for and with the incredible people in the Development Office.  Barbara Monahan and I will always be connected thanks to my daily habit of visiting the Hopkins web page.  Barbara, the new web page is fantastic.  Just last night I was entertained by watching the Homecoming skits on the Hopkins web site.  I called Diane Driscoll to tell her I had just watched Gordie dance with his fellow linebackers.  Diane was thankful for the call and excited to check out the web site. Thanks to Pat Borghesan, Mary Ginsberg, Dan Junkins, Wini Colleran, Lauren Reichert, Betty Monz, Carol Brouillette and Jemma Williams.
Your team is a major reason for the continued success of Celebrate Hopkins.  Your combined hours of planning, and the ultimate execution of the celebration of the 350th Anniversary of Hopkins, was a testament to the strong teamwork and leadership that defines the Hopkins Development Office.  I know it is not appropriate to have favorites, however, I do. My favorite person in the Development Office, the woman who I aspire to be like, the woman who never sweats, never loses her composure; the woman I believe is the ultimate Hopkins Ambassador, my friend, Deena Mack. Deena you made the past 6 years a pleasure.  Whenever Deena speaks about Hopkins you know it is from her heart.  Thank you Deena for everything you do to make me and all of the parent volunteers feel proud of the work we are doing for Hopkins.

I hope one day my children, Hilary and David, who inspire me to be the best I can be, will learn by my example, that doing good for others is not a choice, it’s gift.  I have always embraced the idea of paying it forward. Barbara Riley, Bill Kneisel and David Newton are my examples of paying it forward.

Seven years ago while at a lovely gathering at the home of June and Paul Rossetti, I listened to Bill Kneisel speak to a room filled with Hopkins parents, all of us new to Hopkins.  Bill spoke from his heart, he shared with us his thoughts for the future of Hopkins, and why these thoughts and dreams mattered.  He said, “Your children are at the finest day school in Connecticut.  The education your children will receive at Hopkins will benefit them for the rest of their lives.  Yet, we must recognize Hopkins is the remarkable school it is thanks to the generosity of those that came before us.  Bill reminded all of us that it is our responsibility to continue this Hopkins tradition, to guarantee future generations the opportunity for an extraordinary Hopkins education.” I was and remain, inspired by Bill’s words.

Thank you to Barbara Riley for trusting and believing in me.  When you asked me if I would consider being the Parent Representative to the Hopkins Board of Trustees, I was honored beyond words.  Thank you for that privilege.  Barbara, I am so grateful for all you have done, and continue to do to make certain the next 350 years of Hopkins will be better than ever.

My favorite David Newton memory is Saturday June 12th 2010. David you had a smile on your face that never quit.  Your joy at the Thompson Hall dedication was contagious.  No one wore the Hopkins 350th ball cap better than you!  And when you addressed all of us under that amazing tent, we felt your love and exuberance for Hopkins. I feel so blessed my family was there to celebrate the 350th Anniversary of Hopkins.  And to know my family, in our own little way, with respect to Hopkins School, absolutely paid it forward.

There are no great places or memorable moments without great and memorable people.  Joanne Kahan, you are brilliant, funny, fiercely loyal, you taught me how to use the computer and we made a great team. We will be remembered for your brilliance and my charm.  Stacey Perkins, you should be the next Deena Mack!  Stacey has been part of every minute of my experience at Hopkins.  Stacey, you are diplomatic, a master with words and a close second for Hopkins #1 Ambassador. Cindy Gagnon, and Judy Smith Morgan, 2 tireless volunteers and Hopkins alum, you girls are absolutely part of the paying it forward club.

Melissa Dobbyn, you taught me that there are “no excuses.”  Thank you for listening to your Mom when you thought you should remove your name as co-chair, your Mom knew I was going to be happier with you by my side.  And thank you for understanding that “by my side” is something you feel, not something you touch.  Caroline Daifotis, your commitment to Melissa and her family taught me what the word friendship really means.  Thank you for stepping in when I needed help. You effortlessly co-chaired Celebrate Hopkins 3 times.  Your beautiful daughter Melanie has a permanent place in my heart; she wrote me a thank you note, thanking me for an “awesome auction”.  

Kathy Stone, Kathy and I have lots in common; we are both Irish Catholic nurses, who married nice Jewish boys.  Our sons Andrew and David are dear friends.  Kathy co-chaired Celebrate Hopkins twice, bringing to it new and fun ideas.  Last year Kathy and Caroline co-chaired Celebrate Hopkins which celebrated 350 years of Hopkins; it was the most successful Celebrate Hopkins ever.  When I am in a bad mood I call Kathy, she makes me laugh quicker than anyone.  Kathy you truly have a heart of gold.

Thanks to Holly Paul for the years you collected the money from the auction and made sure it was all in order, and now Holly is the first face you see when you walk into Baldwin Hall, and the person who is always there to lend a helping hand.  I will always be grateful to Bob Hart and all of my friends in the maintenance family.  You and your men are the glue that keeps the Hopkins family together.  And to Ralph and his good nature.  Regardless of the weather, Ralph always wore a smile.

What I have discovered about volunteering is that you find yourself surrounded by the finest people.  People who share the same values and are eager to work together for the greater good.  When I look out at the faces gathered here, I see nothing but goodness.  Thank you for your support, your generosity, your enthusiasm, your friendship and your shared commitment to Hopkins.

Thanks to my sister Eileen, who is here today, she is the wind beneath my wings; she is my best friend and the one person who always has my back. My husband Dan thanks all of you for making my time at Hopkins happy; after all, a happy Mary is a happy marriage.

In conclusion, a thought from Dr Seuss, "Don't cry because it's over, Smile because it happened."

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