Robert Norman
FCDS SCENE
Rick Runkel Named
appointed the Director of Admissions. It was a natural fit because Rick knew the school as well as anyone. He was involved in many different aspects of the school, and his passion for FCDS was unwavering. Rick was successful at recruiting strong students. He said, “I was able to speak from the heart when I talked about our mission and what we value as a school.” He would highlight his favorite traditions, especially family style lunches. “It separates us from our peers. It is the most important part of our day — it keeps us connected.” He could speak from experience as a teacher, coach, administrator, and parent. Rick would share the power of seeing the Lower School students recite poems, as well as how memorable it is to see the ninth grade recite their Kindergarten poem. Rick has many special memories from his time at Country Day. One of his favorite memories is from his son’s graduation. “Mr. Vitalo (former Head of School) gave the commencement address. He spoke about stepping out of your comfort zone and then he surprised the boys and their parents by singing with the Pinstripes. Unbeknownst to him, alumni returned to join the Pinstripes as well, and it was a special memory I will never forget.” When Rick learned that his long-time friend and colleague, Cliff Paige ’62, was stepping down as the Head of Upper School, he thought about how well his skill set would fit the position. He
Head of Upper School TWENTY-TWO YEARS AGO, a passionate young scientist
stepped onto the FCDS campus to teach sixth through eighth grade science. Rick Runkel quickly took on much more than a traditional teaching role. He coached soccer, hockey, and baseball, ran the school store, and helped pick up items for the consignment sale. He removed snow from the school driveway and roof, turned off lights and locked doors at night, and also worked FCDS Summer Fun. His responsibilities quickly increased and he created a new curriculum for eighth grade science that centered on a hands-on approach that involved a considerable amount of experimentation and writing. Rick quickly established himself as an outstanding teacher and important member of the FCDS community. In 1999, Rick became Dean of Students and Director of Summer Fun, while continuing to coach and teach. Rick learned “that fostering close ties with faculty members and parents was integral to being a successful student advocate.” He was not only successful building and strengthening relationships at school, but under his leadership, Summer Fun netted over two million dollars for the school. Never one to settle into a position and become complacent, Rick continued to strive to make FCDS a better school. His hard work was recognized in 2009 when he was
Left: Rick Runkel's first advisee group in 1993.
4
fairfieldcountryday.org
became excited about the opportunity for new responsibilities, professional growth, and the positive impact he could make at the school. “I owe it to those who have come before me to uphold our boy’s school traditions. I aim to do whatever is needed to continue their good work in providing an environment that is built around developing young men of strong character. I owe the community for helping my sons graduate from FCDS and for helping turn them into the fine young men they are today.” While Rick knows there will be challenges, such as learning the intricacies of a very complicated schedule, figuring a way to maintain the e-blotter, and learning about secondary school placements, he also understands that his knowledge and ability to connect with students and parents will help him succeed in this new role. Above all else, Rick is excited to remain at FCDS, a place he calls home.