Roberta (Berti) Guarino G.O. ’82

The 2012 Alumni of the Year Awards were presented to Charles Tremont ’70 and Roberta (Berti) Guarino G.O. ’82. Guarino is a photographer and holistic massage therapist as well as coordinator of the first all-school Glen Oak Gala held this past September for alumnae, faculty and staff of the all-girls school that merged with all-boys Gilmour Academy in the early 1980s. The awards honor graduates who have distinguished themselves in their personal lives and careers and who have demonstrated leadership and service to the school.

 

It was during Berti Guarino’s time at Glen Oak that she first developed an interest in photography. After graduating from the school in 1982, she went on to earn her degree in photography and art history from Allegheny College in Meadville, Pa. Photography started Guarino on the path of archival research as she became interested in documenting and preserving history through people. She is also passionate about holistic massage therapy and its positive impact on her clients’ health.

 

Her archival research skills, the interpersonal skills so valuable in her massage practice and her appreciation and passion for the education she received at Glen Oak led Guarino on a two-year quest to organize the school’s first all-school gala. Held the weekend of September 28-30, 2012, the Gala was an overwhelming success. More than 400 Glen Oak alumnae, former students, faculty and staff gathered on Gilmour’s Lower School campus, the former home of the school, for a weekend of reminiscing and reconnecting.