Chris Weld '83 Visits Biology

Huddled around a lab table, Gordie Mackenzie’s biology class watched intently as Chris Weld ’83, P ’25 made the first incision. With a steady hand, Chris drew the scalpel across the pale flesh, expertly revealing the interior of a raw chicken thigh. On a break from fetal pig dissection, Mr. MacKenzie’s class was treated to an overview of functional human anatomy, demonstrations of medical equipment, and a crash course in suturing thanks to a few packs of supermarket poultry.

 

“I have always felt that Millbrook first and foremost educates well-rounded, empathetic, and resilient people, said Chris, “that and my innate love of science set my path before me.” After Millbrook, Chris attended Skidmore, focused on biochemistry, and studied to be an emergency medical technician (EMT), eventually volunteering on several ambulance squads. After earning a master's in emergency medicine, Mr. Weld embarked on a career as a PA in several intensely busy hospital emergency rooms, treating patients and training others.

 

Seeking to connect his interest in science to his love of nature and the outdoors, the Weld family relocated to the Berkshires where they purchased a neglected apple farm. Chris soon founded Berkshire Mountain Distillers, an award-winning craft distillery that uses local ingredients to concoct unique, small-batch spirits. The distillery has grown to include a retail tasting location and a new production facility in Sheffield, Massachusetts. With the legalization of cannabis in Massachusetts, Chris co-founded Berkshire Welco, parent company of The Pass, a dispensary in Sheffield.

 

Chris is a hands-on entrepreneur, tinkering with recipes at the distillery, making connections with local agribusinesses, and generally building community in the Berkshires. The Weld family has deep roots at Millbrook School, beginning with David ’57, Chris’s father, through to his daughter, Caroline ’25.

 

Gordie MacKenzie’s bio students got hands-on with otoscopes, pulse oximeters, and the aforementioned poultry parts for suture practice under the supervision of a seasoned medical professional. Thanks to Chris for providing a unique opportunity for the class to connect their work in the lab to the real world.