Ravens Reunite for Centennial Kickoff
For one unforgettable weekend, the familiar bells, buildings, fields and shorelines of Portsmouth Abbey were filled once again with the voices of generations of Ravens. More than 700 alumni returned to campus for the All-Alumni Reunion Weekend, representing classes from 1950 through 2026. Even a powerful September nor’easter could not dampen the spirit of the occasion, as Ravens traveled from near and far to reconnect, celebrate and show their enduring love for the School. Separated by decades but united by a shared experience, they came together not simply to remember their years at Portsmouth Abbey, but to celebrate the traditions, friendships and sense of belonging that have continued long after graduation. The official kickoff to the Centennial, the weekend, felt like both a homecoming and a milestone. It was a celebration of where Portsmouth Abbey has been, where it is today and where it is going.
The celebration began Friday with an alumni golf outing at The Aquidneck Club, giving Ravens an opportunity to reconnect on the course before returning to campus for an evening of school spirit. Despite the rain, the Ravens took the field and delivered a decisive 28–0 football victory over Groton School. The evening continued with the inaugural Portsmouth Abbey Athletic Hall of Fame induction, honoring 11 individuals and one team whose achievements have championed the School’s proud athletic legacy. Following the ceremony, alumni gathered for a lively cookout with music by Jack Devine ’88 and his band, “Knock ‘Em Dead”.
Saturday brought alumni back into the classrooms, an exciting opportunity to revisit the experiences that shaped their years at the Abbey. The Requiem Mass offered a quiet moment of reflection as the community honored Ravens who are no longer with us, while a student panel gave alumni a glimpse into life at Portsmouth Abbey today. The conversation revealed how much has changed and how much remains wonderfully familiar.
The future of the School was also at the center of the weekend. During a conversation with Head of School Matt Walter, Board Chair Christopher Abbate ’88 and Abbot Michael Brunner, alumni engaged in thoughtful discussions about Portsmouth Abbey’s trajectory and the questions facing education today, including artificial intelligence, immigration and the pursuit of excellence. It was a meaningful opportunity for Ravens to listen, ask questions and imagine the future together.
The weekend continued with the annual Lobster Clambake, Vespers, class photographs, and the Reunion gala. Attendees were the first to view the Centennial “Sizzle Reel” by Ryan Lohuis ’10 and Murphy’s Law Productions featuring past and present trailblazersof Portsmouth Abbey reflecting on what the School means and why being a Raven matters. Valued alumnus Phillip Moyles, Jr. ’82 served as master of ceremonies for the gala, keeping the crowd energized and the evening upbeat as alumni and friends gathered to celebrate this special milestone. Following dinner, the inaugural Dom Hugh Diman Society welcomed its first class, honoring 34 faculty members who have taught at Portsmouth Abbey for 25 years or more. The induction recognized their extraordinary dedication and lasting contributions to the School and their students. As the evening turned to celebration, alumni, faculty and staff filled the dance floor, dancing late into the night to tunes from internationally renowned DJ Valentina.
On Sunday, a relaxing brunch with live jazz music by students brought the weekend to a close, offering one final opportunity to gather, share stories and savor the spirit of the occasion. Through rain, wind and an unforgettable storm, the remarkable turnout and enthusiasm of so many Ravens made the weekend a powerful reminder that the Portsmouth Abbey community is defined not only by its traditions, but by the enduring connections that bring generations back together.