F A C U LT Y R E T I R E M E N T S
Kristie Gillooly
Deanna Douglas History Department
by Stephanie Manzella, History Department
CONCORD AC A DEM Y M AG A ZINE SPRING 2016
AFTER 21 YEARS of service at Concord Academy as a history teacher, advisor, and former head of college counseling, Deanna Douglas has retired. Throughout her tenure, she taught courses on eras and topics as diverse as early modern Europe, the history and culture of Japan, Jewish civilization, Europe in the 20th century, and U.S. protest movements. When she arrived at CA in 1978, Douglas felt as though she “had found the perfect place,” she once recalled in a chapel talk she delivered. “Teaching history, being head of what is now called the CCO, working with wonderful colleagues, and, if possible, even more wonderful students. Why would I ever leave?” she said. Though after nine years, following a sabbatical she used to explore rabbinic studies, she felt the lure of
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another calling. In 1987 she decided to leave to become a rabbi. Seventeen years later, Douglas returned to CA. Douglas’ advisees considered her a mentor and even a “second mom.” At last year’s senior-faculty recognition dinner, a student spoke in honor of her 20th year of service to CA. Remembering the first writing assignment he handed in to her, he recalled what she had written on his paper: “You! I need more of you!” He reflected on that comment: “That’s when I realized that she wanted to hear from me as a person. She wanted to get to know me.” Douglas’ students had the pleasure of getting know her as a person as well, and she keeps up with former advisees from many years ago. She will be missed.