Lunch with Old Runnymedian Gonzalo de la Vega (Class of 1995)

On Wednesday I had the enormous pleasure of having lunch with Old Runnymedian Gonzalo de la Vega (Class of 1995). Gonzalo – who is married to fellow OR Elia Shenhav and proud father to their wonderful daughter Mia – has built a remarkable career in the world of tech startups, culminating in his most recent venture going public on the NYSE.

It was an emotive and deeply rewarding reunion. We found ourselves reminiscing about former students and teachers, about my parents, about Frank Murphy, and about all those members of staff who shaped Gonzalo during his years at Runnymede. Listening to him reflect on the teachers who helped him become the man he is today was especially meaningful.

Gonzalo also promised to help reconnect members of his year with the Old Runnymedian community—and he wasted no time in getting started. Right there at the table he FaceTimed Aakash Khatwani to wish him a happy birthday. Aakash was initially hesitant to believe it was really me and not an AI impersonation—but we are now properly back in touch!

Reunions like these remind me of the lasting bonds, memories, and sense of belonging that define the Runnymede experience. I’m grateful to Gonzalo for such a special afternoon, and I look forward to rebuilding ties with more ORs from his cohort.