Retirements

Retirees Leave a Legacy

For these Red Knight moms, working at BSM was more than a job. It became a vocation for which we are forever grateful. We will miss English teacher Maura Brew and Assistant to the President Debbie Martinson, but we wish them all the best in retirement.

Maura Brew

In the middle of winter 1997, Maura and Peter Brew moved their then family of six from sunny California to Minnesota for a job transfer. Having taught in community college, university, and private high school settings for years, Maura swore her teaching days were over. Luckily for BSM, that hiatus did not last long. Roughly a year and a half later, and with a few days of subbing at BSM under her belt, Maura was ready to sign on as a parttime French teacher. However, overnight, a position in the English department opened, and the next day Maura was back to teaching full-time. “I was immediately struck by the overwhelming sense of respect permeating the school. It drew me in, and over the course of my career, I have been continually reminded why Benilde-St. Margaret’s is such a special place.” The Red Knight community has been blessed with Maura’s intense passion for and dedication to teaching that stretched beyond the classroom. Her time, talents, and dedication extended to years as an outstanding speech coach and one-act play director. Now, more than two decades as a BSM teacher and parent (Matt ’04, Greg ’06, Sylvie ’08, Liam ’10, and Ronan ’20), Maura is ready for her next adventure. Though it will be difficult to find someone as irreplaceable as her, retirement is more than well-deserved.

When asked what she will miss the most, Maura paused. “To be honest, it has not quite sunk in yet that I will not be coming back next year. Reflecting on my time at this special place, it is hard for me to recall only one or two poignant memories. Both in and out of the classroom, my experience has been truly rewarding and something I will carry with me forever.” In May, Maura was awarded Faculty of the Year for the second time in her BSM career. Maura brings out the best in those around her. One colleague remarked, “She has been a positive, uplifting, amazing role model to all of us. Students learn so much from her, and what they learn sticks with them for life.”

As Maura looks forward to spending more time with her family, preparing for the arrival of a new grandbaby, and reading for fun, we cannot thank her enough for all that she has given to the Red Knight community.

Debbie Martinson

From the front desk to development to admissions to executive assistant, Debbie Martinson has seemingly done it all. Since 1988, she has called BSM her home away from home, and she has made her mark as an exceedingly kind and reliable “Jill of all trades.” For the last decade or so, she has been the calming presence behind BSM’s

president, but the time has come for her next adventure.