2025 IBSC Annual Conference
Belmont Hill School
Belmont, Massachusetts, United States
June 22-25
Chapel Talks
As educators and leaders, we realize our greatest potential through moments of reflection, growth, and fellowship—grounded and inspired by the idea that we are Better Together. Hear from these galvanizing speakers to kickstart our conversations.
Michael G. Thompson
Chapel Talk Featured Workshop
Dilemmas of a Boy Advocate
Monday, June 23, 8:15 AM
A consultant, author, and psychologist specializing in children and families, Michael G. Thompson serves as the supervising psychologist for Belmont Hill School (United States). He has worked in more than 700 schools across the United States, Central America, Europe, Africa, and Asia. Thompson has authored or co-authored 10 books, including Raising Cain: Protecting the Emotional Life of Boys, Speaking of Boys: Answers to the Most-Asked Questions About Raising Sons, and It's a Boy: Understanding Your Son's Development from Birth to 18. A dedicated speaker and traveler, he has appeared on the Today Show, The Oprah Winfrey Show, 20/20, and 60 Minutes, among others. He is married to Theresa McNally, a psychotherapist, the father of an adult daughter and son, and grandfather of two granddaughters and one grandson.
Jason Gay '88
Chapel Talk Featured Workshop
What Is a Teacher?
Tuesday, June 24, 8:15 AM
Jason Gay, a 1988 graduate of Belmont Hill School, is widely regarded as one of the worst junior varsity basketball players in the school’s history. Naturally, he became a sports columnist. In 2024, his Wall Street Journal sports column was awarded first place by the National Society of Newspaper Columnists. He was also named Sports Columnist of the Year by the Society of Professional Journalists in 2010, 2016, and 2019. His 2015 bestseller, Little Victories, was a finalist for the Thurber Prize for American Humor. He lives in Maryland with his school teacher wife, Bessie, their two children, a cat, two lizards, and a very grumpy rabbit.
Belmont Hill's Multicultural Alumni Partnership
Chapel Talk Featured Workshop
MAPping the Future: Leveraging Alumni to Improve the Student Experience for All Boys
Wednesday, June 25, 8:15 AM
For over 15 years, Belmont Hill’s Multicultural Alumni Partnership (MAP) program has worked to strengthen connections among all Belmont Hill alumni—celebrating diversity, promoting openness, and fostering a more inclusive school community. While MAP uplifts the voices and experiences of Black, Brown, and other underrepresented groups, its mission is one of unity and shared growth, designed to benefit everyone in the Belmont Hill family.
Through targeted programming, networking events, and community outreach—with the support of students, alumni, parents, faculty, staff, and trustees—MAP is creating meaningful pathways for connection and progress.
Join us for an inspiring conversation on how Belmont Hill’s Multicultural Alumni Partnership is helping to build a more inclusive, connected, and forward-thinking school community—together.