It is with tremendous gratitude for their service and best wishes for the future that we announce that several faculty and staff members will retire at the end of the 2015-16 school year.
Tom Black
Tom Black started as a teacher at Park School in 1961, and he has worn many different hats during his time at Park Tudor. In addition to teaching mathematics, Tom has held several administrative roles, including serving as Summer School Director, Director of Admissions & Financial Aid, Director of Studies, Upper School Director, Assistant Headmaster, and eventually Interim Headmaster for the 1986-87 school year. Tom also started the computer science program at Park Tudor, teaching BASIC and PASCAL to students in the early 1980s.
After an absence of two years, Tom returned to Park Tudor five years ago to assist with student scheduling, and has been instrumental in helping to develop the newly revamped schedule that will go into effect next school year.
When Park School and Tudor Hall merged, Tom was a member of the steering committee that worked to blend the traditions of the two schools. Tom and his camera were fixtures at PT events for many years; our archives are full thanks to his photography skills. He also served as a coach of numerous sports in the Middle and Upper schools, sponsor of the Student Council and chaperone for many Park and PT clubs and events.
Jerry Grayson
Theatre director Jerry Grayson has staged more than 60 productions in Ayres Auditorium during his 31 years at Park Tudor, including an incredible range of theatrical works that have inspired, challenged and delighted our students and community.
Throughout his tenure, Jerry cultivated strong artistic partnerships with Rob Hueni, John Williams, Jeanne Bowling, Debbie Everett and many others to build an incredible Theatre Department, Drama curriculum and so much more. His dedicated work ethic, passion, intellect, high artistic standards and love for the rigor of Theatre generated enthusiasm in many former students who have gone on to enjoy successful careers in the Performing Arts.
Paul Hamer
Dr. Paul Hamer is completing his 19th year of teaching Upper School English at Park Tudor and his 42nd year of teaching. He served as English Department Chair at PT for four years. Before coming to Park Tudor, Paul earned his Ph.D. in English from the University of Notre Dame and taught at Culver Academies, where he also chaired the English department. In addition to being a Lilly Foundation Creative Teaching Fellow, Paul is an award-winning author who has published extensively, most notably in the Culver and Park Tudor alumni magazines.
Paul's daughter Molly is a member of the Park Tudor Class of 2006, and he served as a Commencement speaker in 2007. His oratorical skills were on display once again as he brought down the house during this year's Cum Laude Society induction ceremony.
Laura Lowe
Laura Lowe has dedicated 18 years to Park Tudor's third grade. A graduate of Indiana University, she also taught in Washington Township, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Milpitas, California. As a master teacher and a consummate learner, Laura has always prioritized the needs of her students and the pursuit of best practices to help every student achieve their personal best. She has served as Teacher Leader for over ten years for the primary grades and served on numerous committees in both math and language arts.
Both her tireless energy and the care and compassion she invests in her students every day are remarkable. From arriving before dawn each day to leading her students in morning "energizers," Laura's sense of humor and energy for life are contagious. No task is too big or too small, as Laura is faithfully dedicated to hard work and details. Her passion for teaching will extend into her retirement as she has plans to continue her education, seeking training in Orton Gillingham and hoping to tutor students in the Lower School next fall.
David Malcom
David Malcom began as a French teacher at Park Tudor in 1975, after beginning his career at Phillips Exeter Academy and the Hotchkiss School. For many years David taught both French and Spanish at Park Tudor, eventually focusing on Upper School Spanish.
In 2004, David was named Foreign Language Teacher of the Year by the Indiana Foreign Language Teachers Association, as well as Spanish Teacher of the Year by the Indiana branch of the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese (IAATSP). He also held the positions of secretary, vice president, and president of the IAATSP, and has made presentations at IAATSP meetings. He has also presented at the Central States Conference on the Teaching of Foreign Languages, and has written articles for the Phoenix (Park Tudor's alumni magazine).
David has been an Upper School advisor, Spanish Club advisor, and has led trips to Mexico, Guatemala and Europe.
Mary Pendexter
Registrar Mary Pendexter came to Park Tudor in 2000 as administrative assistant in the Lower School and with the Learning Project. Prior to that, Mary was a third grade teaching assistant in Washington Township Schools. From 1976 to 1982 she worked with the Crossroads of America Council, Boy Scouts of America first as a District Executive with the Exploring program and then as the Public Relations Director.
Carol Rogers
Carol Rogers began her career at Park Tudor in 1980, although her connection with the school goes back much further as a Tudor Hall alum from the class of 1959. Carol taught history in the Middle School and served as Middle School Director for many years, and was instrumental in the building of a new Middle School in the late 1980s. She also taught English in the Middle School; world history, ancient history, medieval history and art history in the Upper School; and served as Upper School Academic Dean.
With Dr. Jan Guffin, Carol developed Park Tudor's signature Global Scholars program. Most recently, Carol has been co-teaching the Global Scholars Philosophy of Knowing course and working with Global Scholars students on their research projects.
Carol has been a Commencement speaker in the past, and will once again share her pearls of wisdom for our graduates at this year's Commencement ceremony, where she will also celebrate her grandson Baxter Rogers' graduation.
Retirement Reception - June 2
A reception for all retiring faculty and staff will be held on Thursday, June 2 at 4:00 p.m. in Clowes Commons. All members of the Park Tudor community are cordially invited to attend as we wish our retiring faculty well in their future endeavors.