Alumni Come Together for Reunion Weekend

Dr. Luetkemeyer had this to say about the knowledge gained a year later with regards to treating patients with COVID-19, "What we have learned about in-patients, which is where we use remdesivir, is that it's good but not great. It shortens the time that people are sick and helps them get out of the hospital sooner while using less oxygen, which is really important – so I do think there's a role there.” She continued, “But I think the other really important piece that we learned is the role of anti-inflammatories. In influenza, giving steroids to sick people is not good for them, so we had assumed that giving steroids to people with COVID would also not be helpful. But it's emerged that giving steroids to the sickest patients, especially once they require oxygen, can reduce morbidity."  

Dr. Luetkemeyer also stressed that the evaluation of other anti-inflammatories had mixed results. Overall, the care for those with COVID-19 has improved and expanded significantly, greatly reducing the mortality rate. The expectation for the vast majority of those now infected is that this is survivable, and quarter after quarter, the mortality rate for hospitalized patients has continued to decrease.  

Dr. Flaherty weighed in with his therapeutic development expertise, noting that particularly at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, hospitals like his and Dr. Luetkemeyer's wrestled with drug repurposing. Dr. Flaherty and Dr. Luetkemeyer's groups collaborated on several trials, including those sponsored by the National Institutes of Health. He also emphasized the rapid development of vaccines and antibody engineering resulting in SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies, both of which have proved to be monumental, if somewhat miraculous, successes.

After the question-and-answer period with Drs. Luetkemeyer and Flaherty, Julie Bowen '81 presented the 2021 Distinguished Alumni Award, created three years ago to honor alumni who embody Calvert's mission and who have distinguished themselves through professional accomplishments, service to the community, and service to Calvert School. 

"The past year brought many challenges in the face of the pandemic. Our alumni frontline healthcare workers know this better than anyone. Their care, compassion, selflessness, and strength are what have kept us going. This service for others is embodied in the work of those like my baby sister, Dr. Annie Luetkemeyer, Class of 1984." Ms. Bowen continued, "Dr. Luetkemeyer is a member of the UCSF cross-campus coronavirus disease task force and was able to get a clinical trial up in 11 days – nothing short of a miracle – to accelerate and coordinate research. She also led efforts to understand why COVID-19 disproportionately impacts minority populations and provided critical insight into treatment efficacy with remdesivir. Last May, amid a surge in cases, she took the time to share her knowledge with our Calvert community together with Dr. Keith Flaherty. They both graciously agreed to be here with us again today."

This year's recipients of the 2021 Distinguished Alumni Award are Dr. Annie Luetkemeyer ’84, Dr. Keith Flaherty ’83, and all of our alumni frontline healthcare workers in recognition for the many ways they embody the best parts of Calvert School. "Again, to our 2021 Distinguished Alumni Award recipients: we are all extremely grateful for the work and sacrifices you have made during this pandemic, and most importantly, the lives you have undoubtedly saved," said Ms. Bowen. 

Head Master Holmgren then presented the 2020 Distinguished Alumni Award to Henry Hopkins '55, with special guest remarks honoring Mr. Hopkins from Mac Passano '55, Jim Garrett '55, Molly Hathaway '55, T Tall '55, former faculty Nancy Hopkins, and Missy Hopkins Smith '89. 

Head Master Holmgren also updated the community on the 600 students who began the school year in-person on September 2nd, highlighting the Calvert sports league, virtual musical, and other activities. Calvert is also proud to boast record enrollment next year, as well as the expansion of Kiddie Calvert to Cross Keys based on the high demand for Calvert's early education. He concluded with an overview of Calvert 125, the school's campaign to honor the upcoming 125th anniversary by strengthening the Institute of Leadership and Purpose, building a multi-purpose athletic complex, expanding financial aid, and growing the Calvert Fund. 

Later in the day, the Classes of 1941, 1946, and 1950 all held reunions over Zoom, while alumni from a range of years came together virtually for a happy hour featuring the Calvert Black & Gold Rush cocktail. The vaccinated members of the Classes of 1951, 1955, 1961, 1981, and 1996 assembled for in-person events around the greater Baltimore area. 

Although alumni were able to connect, next year brings with it the hope that in-person gatherings and perhaps, a return to normalcy.

Click here to watch a recording of the All Alumni Board Meeting and the COVID-19 discussion.