Scroll down to view a recording of the ceremony.

By Darryl Gangloff

Jane Herold P'17,'20,'24, Bridget Dixon Moon P'13,'16, and Nate Seidenberg were awarded endowed teaching chairs this morning during an All-School Meeting in Katherine M. Elfers Hall. Head of School Craig W. Bradley said this honor is “among the highest forms of recognition an institution can bestow on a faculty member.”

Bradley referenced a recent survey of young alumni in which 97 percent agreed or strongly agreed that there was at least one teacher at Hotchkiss who truly inspired them. “Those outcomes reflect the hard work and dedication of teachers, fondly remembered and valued by alumni years after graduation,” Bradley said. “In this spirit, I would like to begin this morning’s ceremony by asking all students to stand and applaud your teachers for their thoughtful, dedicated, and creative hard work.”

In response, the entire crowd gave a standing ovation to their teachers and the endowed chairs. Dean of Faculty Shannon Clark then shared remarks about each of these deserving recipients.

Jane Herold, The Marie S. Tinker Chair

Jane Herold P'17,'20,'24, the Class of 1964 Teaching & Learning Center study skills coordinator and instructor in English, received the Mary S. Tinker Chair.

“Besides welcoming Hotchkiss students in the Teaching and Learning Center for many years, Mrs. Herold has been the coordinator of the TLC since 2016. In that space, she ensures that academic accommodations are offered where and when appropriate, serving a sometimes traditionally underserved portion of neurodiverse learners,” Clark said.

One colleague noted that “Jane’s art is her generous, friendly style of meeting students exactly where they are before they work to where they wish to be; they know Jane is there every step of the way, at Hotchkiss and beyond.”

A student emphasized Herold’s “unwavering, kind-hearted commitment” and said this chair is “a testament to Mrs. Herold’s hard work and her lasting impact on the lives of those she teaches.”  

Herold has lived for more than 25 years at Hotchkiss with her husband, instructor in English Tom Herold P'17,'20,'24. She raised three children, all of whom graduated from Hotchkiss: George '17, Leslie '20, and Jack '24.

The Marie S. Tinker Chair was established in 1978 by the trustees and the late William G. McKnight ‘30, executor of Tinker’s estate. Tinker provided a bequest to the school because it “has consistently provided a course of basic training and study in keeping with the true New England tradition and fundamental purposes of education.”

Bridget Dixon Moon, The Huber G. Buehler Chair

​​Bridget Dixon Moon P'13,'16, instructor in mathematics, received The Huber G. Buehler Chair.

 ​​“Bridget Dixon Moon’s superior work as a math teacher and math colleague is truly distinctive,” Clark said. “Ms. Dixon Moon strikes the balance between holding high standards of excellence and showing real care and support for her students, and she has done so for many years.”

She served as Math Department Chair for seven years and The Hotchkiss Record advisor for 11 years. “There are many Hotchkiss alumni, local kids, and faculty children who have benefitted from her devotion as a tutor.  And we all can enjoy her humorous math help emails twice a week,” Clark said.

A former student said, "I never thought I was a math person, but Ms. Dixon Moon made me realize stats is more about life. Her storytelling approach made something click in my brain, making stats with her my favorite course at Hotchkiss." That student’s parent shares, “My daughter went on to take more stats classes in college and said that Bridget's class set her up for continued success.”

She is also the proud parent—along with Instructor in English, History, and Russian Language Keith Moon P'13,'16—of two Hotchkiss graduates: Peter ’13 and Stephen ’16.

The Huber G. Buehler Chair was established in 1976 by the Carl Weyerhaeuser 1972 Trust in recognition of the second headmaster of Hotchkiss, the Rev. Huber G. Buehler, headmaster from 1903-1924.

Nate Seidenberg, The Edward R. Tinker Chair

Nate Seidenberg, instructor in history and head coach of varsity and JV track and field, received the Edward R. Tinker Chair. While he was unable to attend this morning’s ceremony, he received a standing ovation for his dedication to Hotchkiss.

“Mr. Seidenberg loves the study of history and the ancient world, and he digs and digs through layers of antiquity on many of his trips around the globe. A trusted adult involved with Hillel and other groups on campus, Nate has supported and nurtured all students who have crossed his path for years,” Clark said. “He has coached football, cross country, track, and basketball. He lends a ready ear and hand to his students, who have expressed gratitude for his care and candor.”

A colleague noted that “Nate always focuses on the well-being, safety, and forward progress of Hotchkiss students; he has a professional boarding school eye.”

Clark continued, “Mr. Seidenberg cherishes his work here as he also cherishes having grown up at Exeter, so his boarding school teacher’s instincts run deep.  And finding a home here at Hotchkiss has been all for the good for all of us.”

Established by the trustees and the late William G. McKnight ‘30, executor of the estate of Marie S. Tinker, the Edward R. Tinker Chair is the result of a generous bequest to the School.