Govs students are encouraged to pursue their passions, and it's terrific to see how our alumni pursue their dreams beyond Byfield. Every month, our Passion in Practice series showcases Govs alumni who have achieved success by following their passions—from the sciences to the entertainment industry to effective communication and much more. We hope you will join us to expand your horizons and perhaps spark a new passion of your own!
Upcoming Events
April event: DIANA BURNELL '00
A Walk in the Woods: A Forager's Guide
monday, april 28
7:00 p.m. via zoom
Curious about the food available just outside your door? Join Diana Burnell '00 as she explores the woods and shares her knowledge of mushrooms. Born and raised on the seacoast of New Hampshire, Diana has been passionate about connecting people to nature, food and the outdoors for as long as she can remember. As a child, she would spend hours in her back woods, playing ‘Transcendentalists’ with her sister and mother (she was always Henry David Thoreau). In 2016, she started Edible Excursions Wild Foods, selling her foraged goods to restaurants from New Hampshire to New York and later expanded the business by rolling out new products, including a wide variety of foraged mushroom salts, wild dehydrated mushrooms and mushroom powders. Diana launched Edible Excursions Foraging in 2019 and currently offers private classes, guided group walks, home/land owner surveys, wild picnics and lectures around New England. Diana will also offer an in person mushroom forage walk during Reunion 2025 and all are invited to join her!
may event: Abby Katz '15
The Politics of Healthy Food
wednesday, may 14
7:00 p.m. via zoom
Have you considered how our food is advertised? To who and when? Abby Katz '15 has done extensive research on the topic and will share some of her thoughts during this webinar. Abby holds a MA in Food Studies from New York University, and a BA in Food, Culture, & Sustainable Society (Individualized) and Human Rights from the University of Connecticut. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Behavioral and Social Health Sciences at Brown University School of Public Health. Abby has presented at several conferences and is a James Beard Foundation National Scholar.
june event: jon shain '85
The Road to Becoming a Professional Musician
wednesday, june 18
noon via zoom
Ever wondered what it takes to become a professional musician? Tune in for Jon Shain's '85 event to learn how he became a successful touring singer-songwriter in the folk and blues music scene. Known for his fiery acoustic guitar work and unique blend of Piedmont blues, bluegrass, swing, and ragtime, Jon is a circuit veteran who has released nine solo albums and authored two music books published by Mel Bay. In 2019, he won the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN. Over the last several years, Jon has headlined listening rooms both as a solo and with duo partner, and fellow Govs alum, FJ Ventre '84 throughout the US. Jon has done two solo tours in Europe, and has opened shows for John Hiatt, Keb’ Mo’, Little Feat, and many other roots legends. When Jon is not recording, producing other artists, or performing, he is a highly sought-after guitar and songwriting instructor.
Share your passions!
Do you also have a passion you'd like to share, or know a fellow alum who is doing something really cool? Please use the form below to submit your nomination for this virtual series.
Event Archives
february 2025
michael meagher '98
Master sommelier's guide to enjoying wine
Learn about Master Sommelier Michael Meagher's path to his dream job as he takes us on a journey through restaurants and how to taste wine like a pro.
Event recording
January 2025
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.
Event recording