Dan Kuiper: The Parker Years 1981-2014 1982-83 Kuiper with a Middle School student circa 1982.
1985
1984
Kuiper taught Middle School algebra and science.
Coach Kuiper on the sidelines.
1988
The varsity football team celebrates its CIF Championship.
1989
Varsity Football Team
He arrived at Parker in 1981 to coach sports and teach Middle School algebra. Over the years, he also taught science and coached varsity tennis and football before becoming athletic director in 1988.
As athletic director, he recruited a talented roster of coaches. Judy Conner, director of admissions, says Kuiper always "put a premium on coaches that can be good mentors to their studentathletes."
An avid sailor and backpacker, Kuiper is "a true outdoorsman who can ride horses, off-road motorcycles and, to validate his being a 'fit' athletic director, even mountain bicycles," says John Hulsey, Middle School math teacher.
Although he is fiercely competitive, colleagues admire Kuiper for encouraging his students to give academics priority over athletics.
A friend and confidant to many, Kuiper is admired by co-workers for the value he places on integrity, ethics and people. "He is a very special colleague and friend who cares deeply about people," said Jan Rogers, executive assistant to the Head of School.
"Dan could play any sport — individual or team — and has always been a real competitor and good sportsman," said Upper School social studies chair Tom Crowley. "He has been a great model of a healthy, active lifestyle for his students and colleagues for decades."
Former students remember Kuiper as a strong mentor. In terms of athleticism, he's led in large part by example.
Retirement will serve only to pump up Kuiper's enthusiasm for fitness.
"Dan has always been able to balance the benefit of competition and sports to the athlete's cost in time and academics," said Dave Johnson, Upper School science teacher.
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