The community honored three veteran faculty members with endowed teaching chairs during All-School meeting on Friday, September 27. In recognition of their contributions to the school, Mr. Nate Seidenberg, instructor in history; Mrs. Jane Herold P’17, ’20, ’24, teaching and learning center coordinator; and Ms. Bridget Dixon Moon P’13, ’16, instructor in mathematics, received permanent faculty chairs.
Mr. Craig Bradley, head of school, opened the ceremony by congratulating the recipients and describing the impact they have on students. He said, “Your teachers are here because they have dedicated their professional lives to educating all of you. That is a gift it may take years for you to fully appreciate.”
He then presented data gathered from alums, saying, “Ninety-five percent of alums agreed or strongly agreed that, during their time at Hotchkiss, there was a trusted adult to whom they could turn for help and support. Ninety-seven percent agreed or strongly agreed that there was at least one faculty member who truly inspired them.”
Ms. Shannon Clark, dean of faculty, presented the chairs after sharing remarks about each recipient, including quotes from students and colleagues about their experiences with each faculty member. A colleague noted, “Nate always focuses on the well-being, safety, and forward progress of Hotchkiss students; he has a professional boarding school eye.” A student praised Mrs. Herold’s “unwavering, kind-hearted commitment” and said this chair is “a testament to her hard work and lasting impact on the lives of those she teaches.” A former student of Ms. Dixon Moon said, “I never thought I was a math person, but Ms. Dixon Moon made me realize Statistics is more about life. Her storytelling approach made something click in my brain, making Stats with her my favorite course at Hotchkiss.”
Mr. Seidenberg received the Edward R. Tinker Chair. This is his 26th year at the school. He said, “I enjoy seeing students in all aspects of their Hotchkiss life. I also love being able to fulfill two of my passions, history and track.”
Mrs. Herold received the Marie S. Tinker Chair. She has lived on campus for 26 years and raised her family here along with her husband Mr. Tom Herold, instructor in English. She said, “This is the perfect job. I work with amazing colleagues and get inspired every day. I love the infusion of work, family, and home all together.”
Ms. Dixon Moon received the Huber G. Buehler Chair. She has been working at Hotchkiss since 1993. She said, “I am a big believer in humor and laughter. When I am writing emails inviting students to come to Math Help, I think, ‘If I can get them to laugh, they might be more inclined to come!’”
Faculty members retain permanent chairs until their retirement or departure from the school.
