The Wellington School recently hosted a remarkable evening celebrating alumni whose achievements exemplify the values of dedication, leadership, and excellence. The event was filled with heartfelt moments as attendees honored two distinguished individuals whose contributions—both on the field and in their professions—continue to inspire.
Dr. Jonathan Koff ’89, recipient of the 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award, was recognized for his pioneering work in pulmonary and critical care medicine. As director of Yale Medicine’s Adult Cystic Fibrosis Program and an innovator in bacteriophage therapy, Dr. Koff has dedicated his career to advancing treatment for complex infections. Reflecting on how Wellington shaped his problem-solving approach, he shared, “I realize that I have developed a skill in problem solving that began with my Wellington experience. It is counter-intuitive, but I think I developed this in the context of thinking about the complex intersection of economics, religion, and social or cultural factors that influence history and politics... These types of discussions in history class with Mr. Stewart, or when we dissected literature and poetry with Mrs. Richmond, led me down the path of a liberal arts degree before I changed directions and landed in medical school.” He also noted the lasting impact of the Wellington community, adding, “Now that I am here, it is incredible to see how much the school has changed in terms of the physical plant. However, meeting students today reminded me how much the school character has stayed the same.”
Hirobumi “Bumi” Hidaka ’04 was inducted into The Wellington School Athletic Hall of Fame for his extraordinary achievements across soccer, basketball, and lacrosse. Known for his versatility, leadership, and relentless pursuit of excellence, Bumi earned 11 varsity letters and numerous MVP honors. In a moving speech, he expressed, “Although I’m up here due to my participation in athletics, my time at Wellington extended beyond sports... My time at Wellington helped me leave with the drive to always keep learning and give my best effort in anything I try to do; and keep moving forward.”
As Head of School Eliza McLaren noted in her closing remarks, “To our alumni here tonight: thank you. You are a key part of Wellington’s story—and you’re part of our future, too. Your continued engagement makes a difference. You’re the reason this school has the momentum it does. And you remind us of what’s possible when we stay true to our mission.”
The evening concluded with a warm reception, where alumni, faculty, and guests came together to celebrate, reconnect, and reflect on the profound impact of a Wellington education.