DR. SUSAN RUBIN, HON. 1987-2015
ELLEN YOUNG, HON. 1998-2015
BILL GALLAGHER, HON. 2005-2015
A student best summed up how Susan Rubin’s 28 years at Episcopal impacted the community. “Dr. Rubin is the prime example of an ideal EA teacher. Her passion for teaching kids makes it easier for us to learn, and difficult for us to not have the same passion back. It was a privilege and a gift to be one of her students.” Another student observed, “She knew my name and I didn’t even have her.”
For many prospective families inquiring about Episcopal Academy, Ellen Young was the first point of contact. During her 17 years, Ellen helped shepherd thousands of families through the admission process. For many years Ellen also helped with the Key Club program.
As a beloved teacher, coach, and mentor, Bill Gallagher’s legacy will live on through the many lives he touched during his ten years at Episcopal. During his tenure, Bill taught Spanish and coached football, Middle School basketball, and baseball.
Teaching Upper School Chemistry was Susan’s passion. George Wattles first connected with Susan as co-advisors to the Get Real About Social Problems (GRASP) Club. He says she cared about every one of her students commenting, “I always got the sense that Sue’s first and foremost goal was to make her students feel confident and comfortable about what they were doing, and she worked tirelessly to provide the kind of environment to insure that each one of her students could succeed.” Not one for the limelight, Susan also worked passionately on behalf of the Sunshine Club sending notes, flowers, or a gift to faculty and staff celebrating a life milestone, coping with a medical issue, or grieving the loss of a loved one. “She truly represents all that is right with and for Episcopal. Devoted, passionate, kind, and considerate are but a few of her many qualities,” says Wattles.
Ellen has been committed to education since launching her career as a 2nd grade teacher in Philadelphia. Ellen has especially fond memories of her first supervisor in the Admission Office, Lynne Hay. Longtime colleague Michele Mammele remembers many professional and personal milestones during their years together. She described Ellen as “compassionate, ethical, helpful, and classy with a wicked sense of humor.” Mammele says, “Ellen’s contribution to EA, especially in the Admission Office, has been invaluable. She was the constant in our office who always got things done behind the scenes, making everyone else shine.”
Language Department colleague Christele Furey considered Bill a “natural leader with students” and “always in a good mood. He was known to be extremely nurturing toward students.” Bill was also a stickler for good manners. “He took it upon himself to greet every student who came into the office, making sure that the student was considerate and polite in return. If a student didn’t use his or her best manners, Bill was known for saying ‘now turn around, come back, and let’s try this again,’” explained Furey. Colleague Marc Eripret compared the Language Department to the United Nations saying, “Bill Gallagher has been Switzerland for us. He has always been the constant mellow one who always knew what to say or do to keep the office fun for colleagues and students. His sense of humor and respect for everyone never went unnoticed. Bill is a true gentleman.” Chinese teacher, Dr. Wei Yang, summed up Bill with these words; “Bill is the Buddha that brings harmony to our department. He is the friend, neighbor, colleague, father and coach that we all want to have. He will be missed immensely!”
FALL / WINTER 20 15 // 15