Hyde Love – Micro Style

My last post discussed Hyde Love – Macro Style. This one switches gears over to the micro side of the equation. Looking back on my own Hyde student days (1968-72 – end of the all-boys era), so much micro love, concern, and wisdom was extended to me by the adult role models surrounding all of us at Hyde. Off the top of my head, here are a dozen or so examples (in alphabetical order)…

• Bob Bender challenging me to take his advanced marine biology class — even though I had never taken “regular” biology — and guiding me through a tough and rewarding learning experience.

• Bob Bertschy somehow making chemistry understandable to me and allowing me to coach the JV basketball team as a Hyde senior.

• Stuart Blackburn, a rookie who had starred in football and lacrosse at Wesleyan, pulling me aside after my lackluster — at least, in my eyes — sophomore lacrosse season and saying to me, “Malcolm, you will become a great lacrosse player the day you decide you are one.” At the time, I didn’t understand, but, as you can see, I never forgot it.
  

• Jon Brawn and Bob Masse — Hyde’s 46-year epicurean tag team started together in 1968 (my frosh year) and taught us all about the meaning of work ethic. Beyond their example and great cuisine, there have been many alums who have gone on to work in the food services industry, all of whom hold that duo in the highest regard.
  

• Tim Ellis, who, having been a student at a school where his father was an iconic administrator, was the perfect advisor to a 14-year-old boy very reluctant to attend a school headed by his father.
  
• Ann Legg leading me to believe that I might have what it takes to produce some acrylics and watercolors worthy of public posting. (Also, husband Ed inspiring me to major in history in college.)

• Dot McKenna teaching me — and countless others — how to balance a check book
  
• Frances Murray — Before there were any students enrolled or faculty hired, my father and Frances were working together in the Mansion to make both happen. In those early years, veteran students knew that regardless of the quality of your relationship with the dean or head of school, there were three people that you needed to respect and have in your court in order for you to enjoy your time at Hyde: Bob Masse, Dot McKenna, and Frances Murray.
  

• Gordon Murray, longtime buildings & grounds staff member, who gave me summer jobs on his painting crew. (Fifteen years later when I became head of school, Gordon told me that I had more of a future as a headmaster than as a painter.)
  
• Steve Rathmell, my fresh-out-of-Bowdoin senior year lacrosse coach, who put in a good word for me with legendary Polar Bears coach Mort LaPointe who, in turn, ultimately became one of the truly great mentors in my life.
  
• Jim Willey giving us the opportunity to start Hyde’s first lacrosse team my frosh year. Not only had he never played the game, the first game he saw was the first one we played. (For the record: a 12-0 loss at Berwick.) He may not have known what he was doing — and never claimed otherwise — but his efforts not only modeled the notion of “take your job seriously, not yourself,” he enabled us to launch a sport that has meant so much to generations of Hyde athletes.

Thanks to all of these folks and many others. Love that Hyde Micro Love!

Onward, Malcolm Gauld