Alumni Events
Passion in Practice: Stories of Alumni Purpose and Dedication
Every month, our Passion in Practice series highlights Govs alumni who have achieved success by following their passions—from the sciences to the entertainment industry, entrepreneurship, and beyond.
JOIN US FOR CARDINAL & WHITE DAY!
Saturday, October 17
TIME: Games kick off at noon!
LOCATION: the governor's academy | 1 elm stREET | byfield, ma 01922
Gather your friends and family back in Byfield to enjoy home athletic contests, a light lunch provided by our dining services, and a face painter for the kids. Swing by the Alumni tent for some small gifts and enter to win a Govs bag with some swag!
Here is a link to the schedule of athletic contests happening at Govs this Saturday. Games schedule is subject to change.
Can't make it to Byfield for Cardinal & White Day? We have you covered. Click here to livestream home games and stock up on some Govs swag from our online bookstore.
PASSION IN PRACTICE: Perrin H. Long ’77
Thursday, November 12
TIME: 7:00 P.M.
LOCATION: Virtual | Zoom
Beyond the Recipe: Professional Tips for Holiday Cooking and Hosting
As the holiday season approaches, get ready to elevate your kitchen game with Certified Executive Chef and Culinary Educator Perrin H. Long ’77! Classically trained at the Culinary Institute of America with a Master’s in Gastronomy from Boston University, Chef Long brings more than 45 years of industry experience to this interactive webinar. From Nantucket’s top French dining rooms and Commander’s Palace in New Orleans to heading the Culinary Arts department at Southern New Hampshire University, his background blends elite kitchen mastery with a deep passion for teaching.
Whether you're a beginner looking to master the basics or a seasoned home chef refining your technique, join us live to ask questions and learn practical, professional tips for holiday hosting—far beyond what you’ll see on the Food Network!
Perrin H. Long began his culinary career in 1979 at Le Languedoc Restaurant on Nantucket Island, working at one of the island’s premier French restaurants for four seasons. After graduating from the Culinary Institute of America in 1981, he moved to New Orleans, where he worked at Commander’s Palace, before moving to San Francisco. In 1986, he returned to Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, where he was raised, and began working as the chef at the Wolfeboro Inn before opening his own catering business.
He and his family then moved to Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and it wasn’t long before he began teaching at Southern New Hampshire University, eventually becoming Chair of the Culinary Arts Program, an ACF-accredited program. While teaching at SNHU, Chef Long completed his bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Administration and then attended Boston University, where he earned his master’s degree in Gastronomy. After teaching at the university for twelve years, Chef Long accepted a position as Culinary Instructor at the Career and Technical Center at Portsmouth High School, where he taught for ten years. During his tenure at the high school, he and his students became active members of the Common Table, a local church organization that hosts weekly lunches serving up to 125 people.
In 1986, Chef Long joined the American Culinary Federation and eventually became certified as an Executive Chef and Culinary Educator. He is also a member of the American Academy of Chefs. He has belonged to two ACF chapters and served as president of both; he currently serves as president of the White Mountains ACF Chapter. Through his involvement with the ACF, he and his students competed in ACF-sanctioned competitions and SkillsUSA. He later became active with ProStart, with his students competing at both the state and national levels. He has presented seminars at regional and national ACF conventions and for his chapter on numerous occasions, in addition to teaching at the Taste of the Mountains Cooking School in Glen, New Hampshire. Since retiring from teaching, Chef Long has remained active in the ACF, SkillsUSA, and ProStart. He is an avid gardener, works as a part-time private chef, and continues to cater on occasion.
CHICAGO REGIONAL GATHERING
Tuesday, November 17
6:00 - 8:00 P.M. EST
LOCATION: Home of Missy Walny '98 | Chicago, IL 60614
Join fellow alumni and friends for an evening of reconnecting, conversation, and catching up with the Academy community. Hosted by Missy Walny ‘98 at her home in Chicago in the Lincoln Park neighborhood.
Washington DC Young Alumni Happy Hour
Tuesday, NOVEMBER 17
6:00 - 8:00 P.M.
LOCATION: Proper 21
1319 F Street, NW | Washington, DC 20004
Classes of 2008 - 2024: Join fellow Governor’s young alumni for a relaxing and fun happy hour event at Proper 21 - F Street Location in Washington, DC. We can’t think of a better way to spend an evening!
* 2 complimentary beverage tickets included. Guests must be 21+ to attend.
PASSION IN PRACTICE: Alyson Gerber ’02
Thursday, December 10
TIME: 7:00 P.M.
LOCATION: Virtual | Zoom
Page Turners: Storytelling, Publishing, and the Writing Life
Every book begins with an idea—but how does that idea become a story readers can’t put down? Join The New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Alyson Gerber ’02 for a lively, behind-the-scenes conversation about the writing life.
From the emotionally resonant standalone novels Braced, Focused, and Taking Up Space to the high-stakes mysteries of her bestselling The Liars Society series, Alyson has created memorable characters and stories that speak powerfully to young readers. She will discuss how she develops those characters, draws on personal experience, navigates the path from first draft to publication, and works through the inevitable highs and lows of a creative career. She will also offer a look at what lies ahead, including the highly anticipated fourth book in The Liars Society series, scheduled for publication in October 2027.
Submit your questions when you register, and join us for an engaging conversation about storytelling, publishing, and building a life as an author. This webinar will not be recorded, so plan to join us live on December 10 at 7:00 p.m.!
Alyson Gerber ’02 is The New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of The Liars Society series and three standalone middle-grade novels. Her books have earned critical acclaim and have been named among the year’s best by the American Booksellers Association, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, Today, and Kirkus Reviews. The Liars Society has also been nominated for fourteen state book awards.
A former marketing director, Alyson graduated from The Pike School in 1998 and The Governor’s Academy in 2002 before earning a B.A. in English from Connecticut College and an M.F.A. in Writing for Children and Teens from The New School. She lives in New York City with her family.
show your govs spirit!
Are you getting married or planning a social, work, or volunteer event with other Govs alumni? Show your school spirit with a Governor's Academy poster! Let us know about your event and we'll send you a complimentary 22" x 28" poster—yours to keep!
Don't forget to snap a photo, including this poster, to share with us! Please order your poster at least two weeks prior to your event.
For event information, contact Samantha Howson in the Office of Advancement, or call 978.499.3295. We hope to see you soon!

EVENT PHOTOS
Curious about alumni events? Visit our photo galleries on Smugmug to browse our collections!

Fireside Chat with dr. quimby
On April 29, 2026, Dr. Quimby shared updates on our community, admissions, and the beginning of implementation of our new strategic plan.
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Jeremy gold '11
Building the Buzz: Marketing Artists in a Crowded Industry
Missed the event?
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Dave Bohman '75
On the Record: Four Decades Inside Investigative Reporting
Missed the event?
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diana stram '87
life as a senior scientist in fisheries management
Missed the event?
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diana burnell '00
A Walk in the Woods: A Forager's Guide
Edible Excursions Wild Foods founder Diana Burnell takes us on a virtual woodland walk.
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Charlie atkinson '80
The webb telescope - unlocking the mysteries of deep space
Charlie shares his journey working as the chief engineer for the James Webb Telescope, NASA's highest-priority science mission.
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Michael meagher '98: master sommelier's guide to enjoying wine
Master Sommelier Michael Meagher '98 he takes us on his personal professional journey and how to choose and taste wine like a pro.
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erin quinlan cashin '09
making 2025 healthier through mindfulness
Did you make a New Year’s Resolution? Erin (Quinlan) Cashin '09 shares some tips on how to be more mindful and resilient in the year to come.
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