The Belltower: December 2025 Alumni News

12/9/2025

In this issue: Five Things that Matter with Ashley Libby Diaz '95, the Green & Gold Challenge, Reunion update, and more.

December 2025

Hello, Fellow Bulldogs!

I've now been in this role for more than six months and, as a staff member and a parent, am constantly amazed by everything I see on a daily basis: the care that teachers bring to their classes, the dedication to supporting every single student, and the range of opportunities available to all of them. Burr and Burton has grown tremendously since I was here in the mid-90s, but through the eyes of an alumna, it still feels very much like the place we all loved.

There have been many exciting updates and happenings since our last issue of The Belltower. From outstanding arts performances to TWO state championship-winning teams, a fun Reunion weekend, and our Green & Gold Challenge which is currently underway, I'm excited to share them with you all here. Please also be sure to enjoy the most recent issue of The VIEW, as well as this issue's Five Things that Matter profile of '95 alumna Ashley Libby Diaz.

As always, please contact us with any questions at alumni@burrburton.org, or call 802-549-8201.

Wishing you and your loved ones a happy, healthy holiday season,

Sam (Eisenstein) Watson '96, P'28, Director of Advancement

Five Things That Matter with Ashley Libby Diaz, '95

By: Samantha Watson '96, P'28, Director of Advancement

Growing up in a small community shapes you in ways you only fully understand years later. In places like Manchester, roots run deep—not just within families, but across generations of neighbors, teachers, mentors, and friends. Burr and Burton has always been part of that ecosystem: a launching pad where students discover who they are, what matters to them, and how they want to make a difference in the world.

This month’s Five Things That Matter profile features Ashley Libby Diaz ’95, whose path after Burr and Burton has taken her from physical therapy to the forefront of the medtech start-up world. Today, she is building a company that has the potential to transform the emotional experience of people facing cancer—a mission shaped by both her professional journey and deeply personal chapters of her life.

Read More >

A Gateway to the Globe

The newest issue of The VIEW focuses on the importance and impact of Burr and Burton's international programs. Longtime faculty member Barb Miceli talks about the experiences that have shaped decades of the German Exchange, and a feature on Khalid Abdulraheem '23 emphasizes the reciprocal gifts of learning in a new place.

You'll also see updates from the arts and athletics departments, as well as the opening of Friendship Field and the newly renovated Smith STEM Center. Check out the Class Notes section to see what your classmates are up to (and please send us updates of your own!) and learn about the incredible partnership between Burr and Burton and Kinhaven Music School.

You can access the digital issue here!

Championship Moments

It was an exciting athletics season here at Burr and Burton, with many teams competing in state tournaments and plenty of nail-biting games throughout the semester.

Huge congrats to the Girls Cross Country team for winning the D2 State Championship this fall -- the team's first title since 2008! They beat three-time D2 defending champ U-32 this past October.

Just afterwards, the Boys Varsity Soccer team beat defending champs CVU in a double-overtime game at UVM, the first D1 win for Burr and Burton soccer and first state championship win since 2012!

Reunion 2025 was a huge success!

Thanks so much to everyone who traveled from near and far to be part of the weekend's festivities. Highlights included a beautiful breakfast at Headmaster Mark Tashjian's house, the Hall of Fame induction ceremony, Homecoming football game, and a crowded and fun party on Saturday night.

The date for Reunion 2026 will be announced soon so stay tuned for that!

See the photo collection from Reunion 2025.