Retirees Leave Their Mark at BSM

Written by marketing and communications intern Julia Lealos '24

For the retirees at the end of the 2023-2024 school year, BSM thanks them for their dedication to our mission. President Danielle Hermanny '03 expressed her gratitude saying, “For those of you who are retiring, thank you. For your years of service, yes, but for your dedication during those years to building up this place and this community into the wonderful school it is today. We would not be who we are or where we are today without you, and this community has a long memory, so don’t doubt for a second we will be singing your praises for many years to come.” 

The following reflections were shared at the end of year faculty & staff luncheon.

Once a Red Knight, always a Red Knight!

 

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Ted Freese

By Betsy Van Cleve ‘06

As I reflected on how to properly honor Ted and his professional career, especially his 14 years of service here at BSM, I was reminded of the words of a great American poet:

“It’s something unpredictable but in the end, it’s right I hope you had the time of your life” as sung by the great punk rocker, Billie Joe Armstrong, of Green Day. Now, if you know Ted well, you know that he’s a big Green Day fan.

Ted and I have been fortunate enough to be colleagues in the admissions department for over eight years together, and while I knew that his retirement was imminent, I didn’t really want to believe it. In a world where people view their professional experiences as “jobs,” Ted has cemented his career here at BSM as a vocational home.

As an alum parent, Ted had the opportunity of watching his daughter Claudia and son Patrick flourish in red and white, a story that he would so lovingly share with visiting families. After joining BSM in 2010 to be part of the advancement team, Ted made an immediate impact. In 2015, Ted moved into his current role as our director of admissions.

Ted has been part of the fabric of BSM’s community of students for over a decade now. Hundreds of students enrolled at BSM in our junior and senior high schools because of thousands of family phone calls and emails and tours and other visit experiences with Ted. And endless amounts of positive and unmatched connections that made families say YES to calling BSM home.

What Ted brings to the table for families in the exploration process is, as his wife
Mary would lovingly describe it, a calming presence. With a school decision to be made, there is Ted - cool, calm, reasonable, and collected - willing to talk through the process with heart and compassion. How lucky are WE because of his commitment and dedication to this process!

Ted’s impact here at BSM will resonate long past his professional days here. I am so incredibly grateful for the time I’ve had with Ted as a colleague, mentor, confidant, and most importantly, as a good friend - something I know that we can all agree he’s been to each and every one of us. So, as Ted’s forges ahead on this new journey, let’s wish him “fair winds and following seas” - I hope you had the time of your life! Thank you, Ted!

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Pat Krieger

By John Sabol

Pat has been fantastic to work with over the years! In many ways our skills complement each other. His attention to detail balances with my lack-there-of and has kept the business department heading in the right direction.

Pat is one of those coworkers you’re always happy to see. As soon as you hear him warmly greet you, you can’t help but smile knowing you’re in for a good conversation or joke. Pat is an absolute professional whom you can count on to support his students and to exude excitement even on his lowest day. His professionalism, honesty, candor, humor, and joy have been a constant in my years of service at BSM and I’ll truly miss having him here as a coworker, mentor, and friend.

Pat is also known for his timing. As an example, he retired from his illustrious football coaching career after winning the MSHSL State Tournament. Once again Pat timed his exit well, leaving the business department stronger than he found it and having helped countless students find their direction and purpose both in the classroom and on the field.

Pat will always be welcomed back to BSM whether it’s to pick up a .4 position in the business department or to share a smile and laugh with some old friends. Pat, thanks for everything. We’ll miss you.

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Rob Epler

By Stephanie Nitchals

For me, the thing I will remember most about Rob is how he is always dressing up at the oddest times. Imagine my surprise last year when I was reviewing Josten’s faculty pictures and looking at all of these great professional headshots only to come across a man in a Roman helmet. I thought that was some stock photo from Jostens that was mistakenly placed in our file. In looking closer I was like… wait that is Rob…

Rob has made an impact on our community because he has been a staunch supporter of languages, culture, and travel during his tenure at BSM. In addition to leading many international trips for students and parents, he has fostered a genuine love of all things Roman. He has mentored peers and made lasting friendships as part of the team here. For our students, Rob has been kind, patient, funny, and works to make the process of learning a language both easy and relevant.

Rob brings his humor and enthusiasm to meetings and is insightful in conversations. His professionalism is seen in his thoughtful consideration given in what he says. Colleagues note that he sets an example of what it means to foster a sense of community and belonging in the classroom. For this, Rob earned the respect of students and faculty alike.

Students of Rob represent BSM with integrity because of his passion for culture and history, encouraging respect and a thirst for learning. Rob’s passion and dedication for each student have made a lasting mark on our school and every Red Knight.

Rob will always be the man in the Roman helmet, and he will also be the one with wisdom in the classroom. We wish you nothing but the best in your next endeavors. Thank you, Rob!

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Carol McLain

By Rikki Mortl

How do you summarize a person who has dedicated 32 years of her life to one organization? The true answer is that you can’t, and I know I won’t come close to encapsulating all that Carol is and has been to the BSM community. I want her to know how much she means to the students, faculty and staff, and me personally. In the short five years I have known Carol, I have always been impressed by her ability to bring people together and make everyone feel welcome and comfortable.

She is a great listener and always exudes kindness, a gentle and quiet soul leading with faith and empathy. Through the years, Carol has always been the one to step in and help. She is selfless and always puts others first.

For many years, Carol chaperoned the 8th grade trip to Wolf Ridge, an opportunity for her to be there, “in her element.” She became a pro at cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and cutting holes in the ice.

As the most distant member of the junior high faculty – residing far away in the Haben – she was not always seen by the other teachers, but her presence was always felt. Just knowing she was down the hall and a text away brought comfort to all of us. And now, we will carry that with us as Carol will still only be a text away. We wish Carol nothing but the best in her retirement and know that she will be the best grandma babysitter there is…she has been a gift to all of us, and know that Carol will be that for her grandson. Thank you, Carol!

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