Denita Banks-Sims
Director of Development and Publications
KIT
PARTING THOUGHTS Dear Friends — MARK WRIGHT
Among the countless pinch-me moments from the recent 50th Year Reunion celebration of the Classes of 1968 and 1969 (our first fully matriculated graduating class), through the Class of 1970, was the remarkable and touching participation of former Roeper faculty members Richard Halsey, Sid Fox and Alan McGowan.
George Roeper was a constant and distinct persona for many alumni. He was their teacher. The infinite influence of a teacher remains a cornerstone of the Roeper experience.
In 1969, George Roeper noted, “The happy child is one who daily looks forward to coming to school because there he finds teachers who respect him as an individual, where he is bound to make mistakes and learn from it, where he searches for the unknown and the unseen.” It is equally compelling to know that George Roeper was a constant and distinct persona for many alumni. He was their teacher. In the closing moments of the formal reunion gathering — thoughtfully designed by Alumni Relations and Annual Fund Director Juliette Olejnik — there was a presentation of an audio tape of George Roeper instructing students to consider a profound “ethical dilemma.” Hearing George’s voice was a gift to all and a palpable reminder of the infinite influence of a teacher. That influence remains a cornerstone of the Roeper experience, and it was a privilege to welcome back three practitioners that helped establish and nourish this distinctive educational tenet. Fifty years following that very first 1969 commencement we paused … celebrated … and extended our heartfelt gratitude for the privilege of joining in this transformative commemoration. Fondly,
Clockwise from above: Former faculty member Alan McGowan with Keith Carpenter ’68*. Dick Halsey, former teacher and Assistant Headmaster. Roeper’s first Athletic Director Sid Fox and his wife Cynthia.
23
