Remembering Alan Craig

Current School Committee Clerk Barbara Rose Caldwell served in multiple roles under Alan and reflected on his lasting legacy at the school from her perspective as board chair:

“Alan Craig arrived at Moorestown Friends School 30 years ago at a critical moment in the school’s life. After several years of leadership changes, MFS needed a combination of stability, vision, and boldness that is hard to find. Alan was the right person at the right time. He provided leadership that moved the school forward and at the same time preserved its traditions. He oversaw the beautification and upgrade of the campus and its buildings and the construction of the Dining Hall Commons, a transformational space that remains a central part of school life. He hired with an instinctive sense of who was right for MFS and brought key administrators, teachers, and staff to the school – including some who still work here. Often looking beyond the obvious choice, he had an eye for talent. He was also a lot of fun – his Christmas parties are legendary – and a good friend. His love for his wife Mary was always on view and she became an integral part of the community, too. Alan’s successors Larry Van Meter and now Julia de la Torre have built and are building on Alan’s legacy.”

While it is a sad time in our community, I invite you to celebrate the impact that Alan Craig had on hundreds of young people who are now leaders, professionals, volunteers, parents, and much more – near and far. His legacy is forever etched in Moorestown Friends School history.

School leaders recognize that they are merely temporary stewards of an institution at a moment in time, and that their impact may not be felt for years to come. There is no doubt that Alan Craig was the right person at the right time for Moorestown Friends School. Alan embraced the challenges facing the school and took great pride in MFS, seeing clear possibilities for its future. As I walk the grounds of our beautiful campus, I am grateful for the choices Alan made during his time here. Alan R. Craig’s obituary can be found at www.yasikfuneralhomes.com. Alan is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Mary Craig; his sons David (Kristin) of Granby, CO, and Ian (Holly) of New Orleans, LA; and his grandchildren Bailey, Holden, Cooper, Millie, and Maia. A celebration of Alan’s life will be announced in the future. Memorial contributions may be made to Moorestown Friends School, 110 E. Main Street, Moorestown, NJ 08057 or www.mfriends.org/alanrcraig.

His belief in MFS has had a direct impact on the thousands of students and families who continue to benefit from the school he loved. He will be missed by many, but his legacy continues to live on at our school today.

I know you will join me in holding Alan’s wife, Mary, and his children, Ian and David, in the Light. We will share any information about services in celebration of Alan’s life as they become available.

Sincerely,

Julia de la Torre

The end of the 2020-21 school year will see three long-tenured employees retire from Moorestown Friends School:

Larry Brandimarto

Larry Brandimarto will complete a 30-year run as the school’s Director of Physical Facilities. In 1991, he was hired by and worked closely with then Headmaster Alan Craig, who made it a priority to transform and improve the physical appearance of the campus. Many upgrades and beautification projects took place which were bolstered by the opening of the Dining Hall Commons in 1997. The campus transformation continued during the tenure of Head of School Larry Van Meter (2001-18). The Baiada Field House and Arts Center (2002) opened and a complete renovation of the Diller Memorial Library (2003) took place. In 2008, the school purchased the former Greenleaf Retirement facility to allow for a westward expansion which now includes Hartman Hall and Van Meter Hall. Said Head of School Julia de la Torre: “It is difficult to explain and comprehend the amount of work that takes place year-round to allow our campus to operate smoothly - and operate as a South Jersey landmark known as one of the most beautiful school campuses in the region. The buildings, grounds, and learning and activity spaces have always been a point of pride for our school. The maintenance staff, under Larry’s leadership, has been characterized by a can-do attitude and outlook even when the task list is never-ending.”

In retirement, Larry, along with his wife Mary Jo, look forward to spending time with their grandchildren. Larry also looks forward to spending time outdoors where he enjoys fishing and hunting.

Ruth Chen

Ruth Chen will conclude 34 years of service to Moorestown Friends at the end of the school year. Ruth joined the MFS Development Office in 1987 as the director’s administrative assistant. Her daughters Vicki (‘02) and Sammy (‘12) both attended and graduated from MFS. Since 2006, Ruth has served as the Assistant to the Head of School and Associate Head of School, where she has provided a professional and steady presence. Head of School Julia de la Torre reflected on the impact of her trusted assistant: “If you’ve ever visited the Head’s office, you’ve likely encountered Ruth’s warmth and optimism. Much of what Ruth does every day is behind the scenes and less visible to the broader community. There is an incredible breadth to what Ruth does every day, though, from managing events and calendars to supporting the work of the School Committee. Every faculty and staff member knows that Ruth truly holds the school together and does so with little desire for attention or fanfare. When you ask Ruth about her work, she humbly shares that she is just proud to serve the school and to do the best job possible. Ruth’s work ethic and attention to detail are beyond compare, and she raises the bar for everyone around her. Perhaps more importantly, Ruth offers an empathetic and kind presence to every person who enters the school. She has an unbelievable ability to calm people and engage them with her sense of humor and reassuring demeanor. Always ready with candy from her jar to make the day a bit easier, she is quick to meet people’s needs and anticipate what would make them more comfortable.”

Post-pandemic, Ruth and her husband Tony are eager to travel again and spend time with their daughters, both in the United States and abroad.

Sandi Federici

Sandi Federici will retire after a 45-year career in the MFS Lower School. It will be the conclusion of one of the longest careers in the 236-year history of MFS. There are hundreds, perhaps thousands, in our community, who appreciate not only Sandi’s longevity but her love of Moorestown Friends School and her students. Sandi has served under six heads of school: Alex MacColl, Gardiner Bridge, Clint Wilkins, Alan Craig, Larry Van Meter, and Julia de la Torre. Sandi worked with current Lower School Teacher Teri Kaiser, who has taught kindergarten and first grade in years past and has worked with Sandi in her classroom for 20 years. Teri reflected on the impact “Mrs. Fed” has had on the school: “Mrs. Fed loves working at MFS. It is like a second home to her. She knows the kids, faculty and staff and she enjoys interacting with them all. In the classroom, Mrs. Fed is kind, patient and helpful with the students.”

Head of School Julia de la Torre remarked that when you ask Sandi why she loves her work so much, the answer comes easily to her. “’If you’ve never taught a day, you can’t believe what joy you get from the kids.’ she once told me. And it’s true. Being around Sandi reminds you that children provide an energy, humor, love, and life that cannot be replaced. And she brings that same energy for learning and connection to everything she does. Pick any holiday of the year and you will find Sandi with a special t-shirt or blinking lights to celebrate. From 100 Days of School to Halloween, Sandi finds every way – big and small – to make school feel special for children. She has touched countless lives over her nearly five decades at Moorestown Friends School and we are forever grateful for her service to our community.”

Sandi has made it clear she will not be disappearing from the MFS campus. She plans to volunteer, attend functions, and help out in any way she can. Sandi is an expert on all things Disney and retirement will provide Sandi with more time to visit the Magic Kingdom.