THE RCS COMMUNITY
RETIREMENTS & FAREWELLS After a combined 40 years of service to Riverdale Country School, Tom Gatch, Michelle Brown, and Dr. Edwin P. Gordon have bid the school farewell.
After two decades at Riverdale Country School, history teacher extraordinaire Tom Gatch retired this past school year. Tom taught in the Middle and Upper School over the course of his teaching career and was a valued colleague for his entire tenure at the school. Joel Doerfler, who worked with Tom both at Riverdale and at Columbia Preparatory School nearly 40 years ago, spoke for the entire school when he said in his tribute to Tom last spring: “From my first days as a teacher all those many years ago, right up to the present moment, Tom has been for me an inspiration, an exemplar, and a most-valued and beloved friend. He has made my teaching life infinitely more fun than it would otherwise have been.” Gatch’s students, too, will miss his madcap classroom adventures, as evidenced by how many of them joined the faculty and staff flashmob to send him off in style at the end of his last day as a classroom teacher. The entire RCS community wishes Tom well as he begins a new chapter in his life.
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Michelle Brown, the Middle and Upper School Admission Coordinator for 15 years, took a well-deserved retirement this fall. A calming presence in a busy office, Michelle’s dedication and professionalism is a model for all. Jenna King, Riverdale’s Director of Admission and Enrollment, shared this reflection on Michelle’s commitment and work ethic at Riverdale: “For many years, Michelle has been one of the first people to arrive on campus, always arranging to get herself there just in case our first prospective family happens to cruise into Vinik an hour early for their 7:45 interview. Michelle greets every individual with the same friendly welcome, regardless of who they are and where they’re from... She has the patience of a saint and the calm presence that I’m sure every admission team would want in their office. Without ever being asked to do a thing, Michelle keeps the office functioning, always anticipating what is coming next.” We wish Michelle much happiness and peace in her retirement.
Edwin Gordon left Riverdale in June after four years as Head of Lower School. Colleague Ellen Greengrass, Director of Upper Learning (Grades 3-5), captured Edwin’s impact on the school: “His calm leadership, laughter, and solid presence have organized the Lower School for success—a solid door we walk through daily. Our students have felt like they had a friend, but at the same time, they respected and followed [his] lead. Whenever teachers wanted to try something new, he supported it. [Edwin was always]... a humble leader” at Riverdale. We wish Edwin well as he moves on to new adventures. (Above left): Middle and Upper School history teacher Tom Gatch reacts to a flashmob assembled to honor him on his last day teaching at RCS. With Gatch are former English teacher and Dean of Students Jane Moore and her son Jack. (Above center): Michelle Brown was the face of the Middle and Upper School Admission Office for 15 years. (Above): Dr. Edwin P. Gordon served Riverdale as its Head of Lower School for four years.