Endowed Chairs Announced

At The Whitfield School’s annual Faculty & Staff Appreciation Dinner, the school proudly recognized the outstanding contributions of its faculty by awarding honorary endowed chairs. These prestigious chairs, supported by the generosity of individuals, families, and foundations, are held for two years (with the exception of the athletic chair) and include a stipend as a token of the school’s appreciation for the recipients' dedication to education.

This year's ceremony highlighted both continuing and newly awarded chairs, celebrating the achievements and impact of Whitfield’s esteemed educators.

Second-Year Chair Recipients

Three faculty members were recognized for their ongoing excellence as they enter the second year of their respective endowed chair terms:

• Susan Dean continues to hold the Mathematics Chair.
• Larry Hays remains the John Delautre Chair in Ethical Studies.
• Sari Rotskoff ‘00 is in her second year as one of the two Richard B. Kobusch Humanities Chairs.

Newly Awarded Endowed Chairs

The Amy Allen Cano Performing Arts Chair:
This chair, established in honor of Whitfield’s longtime theater director, Amy Allen Cano, and funded by alumnus Bill Cady ’73, was awarded to Anna Seim. Anna, who is beginning her 22nd year as director of the music program, has been instrumental in nurturing the musical talents of Whitfield’s students. Her work, including the renowned trashcan band that garnered national attention last year, exemplifies her ability to blend high expectations with warmth and support, helping students discover and express their true voices.

The Arthur & Helen Baer Foundation Visual Arts Chair:
This year, Jim Daniels was honored with the Visual Arts Chair. Since joining Whitfield in 2011, Jim has played a pivotal role in developing the artistic talents of his students, emphasizing the intellectual process behind art-making. His influence extends beyond the classroom, with students crediting him for shaping their life paths. Jim’s dedication to his craft and his continuous pursuit of learning, exemplified by his recent study of ceramics at the Kansas City Art Institute, reflects his commitment to both his students and his own growth as an artist.

The Catherine Marie Connors ’89 Science Chair:
Awarded to Chris Sellers, this chair recognizes Chris’s significant impact on Whitfield’s Science Department since his arrival two years ago. Chris’s innovative approach to teaching Chemistry and Physics, combined with his passion for STEM education, has inspired students to explore scientific concepts in tangible, creative ways. His leadership in organizing the annual STEM Expo showcases his commitment to fostering a deeper understanding of science through hands-on projects and independent research.

The Kent Family Language Chair:
This year’s recipient of the Language Chair is Amy Muggleton, who has transformed Whitfield’s Mandarin program since joining the school seven years ago. Amy’s dynamic teaching style brings the complexities of Mandarin to life, incorporating elements of Chinese culture and history into her lessons. Her dedication to providing immersive learning experiences, both locally and internationally, has sparked a lasting passion for the language among her students.
 

The Richard B. Kobusch Humanities Chair:
Megan Wolfslau was awarded this year’s Humanities Chair, recognizing her exceptional contributions to Whitfield’s Social Studies Department and middle school curriculum. Megan’s ability to design challenging yet supportive curricula has had a profound impact on her students, equipping them with essential skills for long-term academic success. Her leadership in the Habits Curriculum team further demonstrates her commitment to student learning both inside and outside the classroom.

The William W. Daues Athletics Chair:
Honoring Whitfield’s long-serving coach, this year’s Athletics Chair was awarded to Buddy Smith. Buddy, now in his 28th year at Whitfield, recently stepped into the role of head coach for varsity wrestling, where his extensive experience and passion for the sport led the team to a third-place finish at State. His dedication to coaching and his commitment to his students have made a lasting impact on Whitfield’s athletic program.

The Whitfield School extends its deepest gratitude to the donors who make these endowed chairs possible and to the faculty members whose unwavering dedication to education continues to inspire and shape the lives of Whitfield students.