Dean of Faculty, Ms. Katie Levesque announced three faculty chairs during Convocation this year. The Independence Foundation Chair was awarded to math teacher Ms. Kristin Chin; The Alan and Kempner Chair was awarded to Director of the Kohler Environmental Center, Mr. Joe Scanio; and the Wachtell Chair was awarded to Head Athletic Trainer, Mr. Brian Holloway.
There are currently 21 different faculty chairs, each faculty member holding their chair for a duration of three to ten years. Ms. Levesque explained, “When a given chairholder’s term ends, a new honoree for that faculty chair is selected.” Each of the named chairs were endowed by notable donors who wanted to acknowledge the outstanding services and contributions of faculty members in the Choate community.
The faculty chairholders are awarded a physical chair made specially to honor them with their initials engraved on it. In addition, the chairholders will receive an annual recognition stipend during the period in which they hold the faculty chair.
The Independence Foundation invests two faculty chairs – the Independence Foundation Chair I and the Independence Foundation Chair II, now held by Ms. Chin. The chairs recognize outstanding dedication to teaching, and each are held for three years.
The Alan and Kempner Chair, now held by Mr. Scanio, was established by a former trustee Carl L. Kempner ’41 and Thomas L. Kempner ’45 to honor the 50th anniversary of their parents. The Kempner Chair is held for ten years.
The Wachtell Chair, now held by Mr. Holloway, was originally called the E. Stanley Pratt Chair and was renamed the Thomas ’56 and Esther Wachtell Teaching Chair.
Ms. Levesque said, “Dr. Curtis and I, with input from administrators who know the work of faculty members, determine who will receive faculty chairs each year after considering a range of possible honorees.”
Mr. Scanio received the Kempner Chair in part for his efforts in creating the Environmental Immersion Program at Choate. He said, “I was glad to hear that the school is valuing project based learning, student-centered learning, and the idea of putting multidisciplinary programs.” He continued, “I like the parts she emphasized about my philosophies and my involvement with the KEC.”
Ms. Chin said, “It is an honor to be recognized for doing my job amongst so many other amazing teachers.” Through her honorable contributions to the Choate community since the fall of 2002, Ms. Chin has served on several committees and is currently the Chair of the Calendar Committee. In addition, she currently coaches the Girl’s Thirds Soccer Team. Ms. Chin concluded, “Hearing praise from students and colleagues is always nice and helps motivate me to be a more effective teacher, adviser, and coach each day.”
After 21 years working at Choate as the Head Athletic Trainer and Peak Performance Director, Mr. Holloway continues to add to the Choate community. He is in charge of ordering medical equipment, providing budgetary oversight, and scheduling patients with the physical therapist. Mr. Holloway said, “I’m grateful that the school recognizes the efforts of those whose primary contributions reside outside of the classroom, whether it be athletics, arts, music, or community service.”
