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The Magnificent DR. RICHARD BROCKHAUS By Bob Oetting, Upper School science teacher Some people might describe Richard Brockhaus as a curmudgeon. It’s true that he is not impressed by people who can’t put facts together to come up with a logical conclusion, but he’s actually a really funny guy. I see Richard first thing in the morning, at about 6:50 a.m., when he arrives for his Multivariable Calculus consortium class. On the ride in, he has usually been offended by something on the news or the driving skills of another commuter, so I can hear him muttering to himself as he advances down the hall. That’s a good way for me to start the day! Richard hired me in the fall of 2001, and he told me later that he went home and told his wife, “I just hired a trained killer,” referring to my years in the military. But, I had gone home and said to my wife, “I don’t know if I can work with this guy. He’s some kind of hippie.” Over the years we have become good friends. He’s from DeKalb, Ill., a Midwesterner like me. He’s the son of a fireman; I am the son of teachers. I was persuaded to accept the position of physics teacher at Landon by my belief that I could trust Richard, and he has never proved me wrong. We found a common interest in construction. Our first project together was a second floor art studio for the Zirms, and I think it is still standing. People know Doc Brock teaches high level math and science, but few appreciate his accomplishments in philosophy. His book on Wittgenstein still gets him invitations to scholarly conferences. He recently presented at a conference at Washington & Lee and began his presentation that it was the first time he had presented in the former Confederacy. He said he would not be nervous – unless he heard banjo music. I think it says a lot about Landon that bright people like Richard have put their working lives into this place. I’m happy to say I know the guy. When he says something, you can take it to the bank. 20 Landon Magazine
Their collective contribution
to Landon was 200+ years, but that’s only
the start. The seven men and women who retired at the end of the last school year shared their knowledge,
wisdom and kindness with thousands
of Landon Bears. They have earned our respect and thanks, as well as the right to be known as “magnificent.”
CATHY LAMONT By Xiaohong Yang Herrle, Chinese teacher Upper School Spanish teacher Cathy Lamont is retiring in June after 31 years of instructing Landon students in the beauty and wonders of Spanish language and culture. When I first met Cathy upon my arrival at Landon in 1996 she impressed me as an enthusiastic, intelligent and open-minded individual. Quickly we were both delighted to know that in spite of different cultural backgrounds, we share the same passions: teaching and dancing. We have become close friends ever since. She is an excellent teacher, a fantastic dancer and much more. Cathy cares about her students and is eager to help them achieve. Her Spanish II student, Kolby Williams ’15, indicates that her class was one of his favorites, describing her as an “energetic and hands-on” teacher who makes learning Spanish language and culture easy and fun by providing activities and games in class as well as introducing