The Stephen Spittler '63 Cup

BETH CAYLOR Science Instructor

Each year, The Stephen Spittler Cup, Class of 1963, is awarded to a faculty member whose presence on the Mesa pushes their students to challenge themselves in and out of the classroom, who inspires their students to lead with kindness and respect, and who brings joy and laughter to all of those around them.

Every faculty member on this campus is cherished and admired for their generosity, kindness, and passion. This year, however, the Class of 2023 chose to recognize one faculty member in particular for their devotion and investment in us and the whole community.

This faculty member is quick to light up a room with her smile and daily checkins. She is known and loved by all for her kindness and warm soul. Whether it’s in the classroom or on the dance floor at prom, she is all of our biggest cheerleaders.

Often thought of as a mom to us all, she is quick to make the Bothin common room a place for laughter, baking, and bonding, and anytime you need advice she is patient as she listens and thoughtful as she responds. She demonstrates her empathy and compassion in her respect for all members of the community, and she is not afraid to urge us to reevaluate our misconceptions. Who better for us to learn from than someone who cares so deeply about us?

Beth Caylor has devoted herself to our class. She’s a weekly Public Service Night participant, Bothin Dorm Head, she runs Cate’s scuba program, and brings her science knowledge (and passion) to the biology classroom each day – whether that’s learning about the foundations of cell knowledge or how humans are actually descended from fish. On top of being a mother figure to us all, she is a mother to her son Holden.

And yet, her jobs never take away from her spirit, from her unending encouragement or her open arms. And I can attest when I say this, no advisor brings better snacks to advisory each week than her. I could not be more lucky to call Ms. Caylor my advisor along with my five advisory siblings. At Cate, she has been my biggest advocate and loudest supporter. Every day, she inspires me to practice kindness above all else – and I know it’s not just me who she inspires this in, it’s all of us.

As we move beyond this Mesa, we’ll keep your generosity and selflessness in mind, trying our best to follow in your footsteps and care so deeply for those whom we are surrounded by.

Ms. Caylor, I can’t adequately express my gratitude for you and all you’ve done for me. Without you, I wouldn’t have grown in the ways I did or thrive here in the ways I have. Thank you for being my biggest supporter, I love you and I’ll forever be grateful for you.

When we need support, you are who we go to, and when we need love, you are who we go to as well. It is our honor and the Class of 2023’s honor and privilege to present you with the Spittler Cup.