The 43-Year Legacy of Dori Reigner P'03

Creativity and Connection

The 43-Year Oldfields Legacy of Dori Reigner P’03

By Director of Stewardship Anne Ragland Finney P'97

The year was 1978 and the time was 10:30 p.m. when Director of Studies Taylor Smith telephoned Dori, a young teaching candidate, to ask if she'd like to come to Oldfields for an interview the next day. The first thing Dori thought was, "What is the Director of Studies doing at his office at 10:30 at night?", which piqued her curiosity. Dori was looking for "an environment where I could have an impact on my students," where she would be able to "make a difference." She immediately fell in love with Oldfields. "It felt like home—the environment, the rolling hills, the horses… It felt like the perfect place for me." Of course she was hired, and in her letter thanking Taylor for the opportunity, she told him she "felt I'd be here for a long time." She was right. Dori began her life at Oldfields teaching both theatre and English, in addition to studio art, working with the Head of the Art Department Wendy Rogers P'82 GP'12, 17, wife of Headmaster Hawley Rogers P'82 GP'12, 17. She jumped right in as a dorm parent in Sturgis. And what a dorm parent she was! She lived on campus for 26 years, sharing "It was a great place to raise a family." Throughout her 43 years at Oldfields, Dori wore many hats, from advisor and assistant librarian, to Director of Studies, May Program Coordinator, and Visual Arts Chair. As a drama teacher, she produced the first musical at Oldfields in many years (Alice in Wonderland, with Diana Chaplin '81 in the leading role). She developed and taught a study skills course. She brought the art curriculum to life, growing it and adding courses to suit the interests of her students. Dori (along with Wendy) introduced the Ceramics class in a studio in what is now the Old House copy room and the Head's Office. Inspired by Emily Acle Cardwell '09's passion for fashion design, Dori utilized one of the multiple summer McColl Grants she was awarded (The McColl Teaching Award was established in 1984 by the parents of Jane McColl Lockwood '86 to recognize outstanding teaching) to develop an Applied Design curriculum. Student enthusiasm for a May Program called Laptop Drawing was so strong that Dori introduced a Digital Design class. Another McColl Grant resulted in Art and Culture, a more globalized version of the traditional Western-oriented Art History course, highlighting the art of different cultures from around the world. "There was so much autonomy at Oldfields, so I could build my program around the students."

A prolific practicing artist herself, one of her most memorable ideas was the 365 Day Challenge she did with her students. For an entire year, Dori produced a piece of art every single day—a drawing, a small painting, a collage. The goal was to prove to her students that "work ethic is important. Everyone is creative, and creativity takes lots of forms. Art-making is a basic human behavior, and creative expression is an important part of your life." Dori feels the dominant theme at Oldfields throughout her years here is connection. "There is an indescribable feeling of acceptance and connection at Oldfields. It's the people here that

make the magic, and people can sense it. I wanted a vocation, not a job. This wasn't a job to me. There were tough times, but the connection with the students and community kept me here." Dori feels strongly that Oldfields' future will rest on its sense of community. "It's what keeps the kids here. It's what keep the adults here. It's what keeps the alums coming back. And the relationships continue beyond one's time at Oldfields. You can't ever really leave this place because you have all these connections, lifelong connections. This place touches people. It has contributed to my character and has made me believe in myself."

"Oldfields is a living, breathing thing. Strong teachers change with the times. The best teachers are learners themselves." - Dori Reigner P'03

Dori built visual arts at Oldfields into such a strong program that The Tammis Day Foundation was moved to donate $5 million in its support, and additionally, Oldfields has been inspired to offer a new Arts Concentration Program in 2021-2022, designed to allow students who are passionate about the arts a more focused opportunity to develop in their discipline. Above all, it is Dori's unwavering support for her students and her genuine joy in sharing their successes that is most memorable about her. Four decades of Oldfields girls warmly recall Dori's encouragement, quiet warmth, calmness, wisdom, and gentle, steadfast presence. Not everyone is a gifted artist, but Dori encouraged anyone who loved art to continue with it, no matter their skill level, believing that every artist is unique in their own way and celebrating each person's differences. For 43 years, Dori has also embraced, embodied, and modeled the culture and essential traditions of the School, allowing succeeding generations of faculty and staff to understand and learn the essence of what it means to be an Oldfields teacher, advisor, and mentor. The Oldfields community owes a tremendous debt of gratitude to Dori Reigner. She has left her mark on Oldfields, and she will be greatly missed.

Three Oldfields legends, Maribeth Littlefield P'07, Betsy Isaacs P'05, '08 and Dori Reigner P'03. 125 years of combined experience!

In Dori's Own Words

My students have often asked me why I have stayed at Oldfields for as long as I have. I tell them that there are two reasons— creativity and connection. Every new school year presents new challenges for me as an artist—new students, new classes, and the ability and autonomy to tailor the visual art program to meet the needs of this new population. As a result, no two years at Oldfields have been alike. Because I firmly believe the best teachers are students themselves, my students have expanded my own creative growth as an artist. An example of this is the Instagram challenge I did with my students two years ago—365 days of art—one piece a day for 365 days. I did this to prove to my students that work ethic is important to one's growth as a creative person.

My mind is filled with stories—stories of connection. These stories are important to me, and I am truly grateful for every connection I have made during my tenure at Oldfields. As I look forward to the next chapter of my life, I know that I will always keep these memories in my heart. Thanks to all of you—success, after all, is the quality of the journey.