Alumni Achievements

What do an NFL tight end, a MacArthur “genius” and a world-renowned designer all have in common? They each got their start at The Tatnall School. On Tatnall’s nurturing and dynamic 110-acre campus, students’ ordinary skills are transformed into extraordinary talents, stimulating a lifetime of achievement.

We’d love to hear from you! Please send your achievements to the Development Office at development@tatnall.org.

Dr. Terry Plank, Class of ’81

Scientist and Professor, Department of Earth & Environmental Sciences at Columbia University

As an elected member of the National Academy of Sciences and a recipient of the MacArthur “Genius Grant,” geochemist Dr. Terry Plank has achieved outstanding recognition within her field. Dr. Plank notes that on her path to success, “Tatnall was a superior experience. It gave me the confidence and motivation to achieve.”

Additionally, while serving as commencement speaker in 2015, Dr. Plank reminded our graduates, “I widely tell everyone that I have four degrees and have attended or taught in five colleges, but the best education I got was at Tatnall.”

Missy Meharg, Class of ’81

Dynamic Athlete, Coach and Commentator

Tatnall alum Missy Meharg has led the University of Maryland field hockey Terrapins to eight national and nine ACC championships. She’s served on the U.S. National Team coaching staff, assisted with the 1994 World Cup and 1996 Olympics and worked as an NBC commentator during the London 2012 Olympic Games.

In Meharg’s view, athletics shape students’ approach to life. She credits Tatnall with teaching her about good sportsmanship, teamwork, commitment, loyalty and self-discipline – traits she seeks to instill in each of her student athletes.

Richard Werbe, Class of ’12

Founder and CEO, Studypool

As the CEO and co-founder of Studypool, an online marketplace, Richard Werbe connects students with qualified tutors. Werbe is the youngest founder to date to raise over a million dollars at 500 Startups, a seed fund and accelerator program.

Serving as the inspiration for his successful study tool, Werbe says, “The Tatnall School facilitated open learning in a supportive atmosphere. The teachers, students and faculty create a community that encourages, cultivates and promotes a collaborative environment.”

Erick Katzenstein, Class of '04

Creator of getmyvaccine.org

In January, Erick Katzenstein a resident of New York struggled to help his mother find a COVID 19 vaccine in Delaware. Katzenstein, a software engineer for Twitter, launched a private website that shares data nationally - getmyvaccine.org. GetMyVaccine is a 1-2 person volunteer-driven project. It's simple to use; just enter your zip code or click on your state abbreviation to find the availability of the vaccine at many pharmacies. In return, all that is asked is a coffee donation (about $5) to keep them going. Katzenstein hopes that the current administration will create their own website thereby leaving no need for his.

Krista Pilot, Class of ’88

Vice President, Global International Communications at PepsiCo

Would you like the world to be your oyster? As the vice president of Global Internal Communications at PepsiCo, Krista Pilot already rules the road; she’s responsible for informing and engaging nearly 275,000 associates who make, move and sell products in nearly 200 countries around the world. Pilot says the lessons she learned at The Tatnall School prepared her for a successful and effective career in international business communications.

“The values I learned at Tatnall have gone a long way, both personally and professionally. In the school’s supportive and globally-focused environment, I learned to empathize, appreciate diversity and celebrate difference.”

Jonathan Adler, Class of ’84

Potter, Designer and Author

During his early years at Tatnall, a passion for pottery started renowned designer Johnathan Adler’s creative wheels spinning. Anything but ordinary, Adler’s unique talents continue to throw him into the spotlight as a published author with more than 25 retail stores worldwide dedicated to pottery, home design and fashion.