Remembering Dr. Rosenbaum

Remembering Dr. Rosenbaum

William L. Rosenbaum, 1944 - 2018

When Upper School Counselor Heather Patterson first arrived on St. Martin’s campus nearly 20 years ago, she knew nothing about school counseling. She had been trained as a counselor, but had not yet worked in an educational environment. Thankfully, she had a mentor who took her under his wing and taught her on the job. A mentor to whom, she says, she owes her career.

That mentor was the incomparable Dr. Bill Rosenbaum.

“Because of him, I learned the best practices and had the finest example of what I would like to become,” said Patterson. “He was always able to instill confidence in me simply by truly believing in me. Over the years, Bill continued to guide and support me whenever I needed help, advice, or knowledge. My rule of thumb has always been: ‘What would Bill do?’ ‘What would Bill say?’ Or, ‘How would Bill handle this?’ These questions will continue to direct me as a school counselor, and as a person.”

Rosenbaum began his career with St. Martin’s in 1972, when he was hired by then-Social Studies Department Chair Dorothy Porter and then-headmaster Ellsworth Van Slate to teach eighth grade Social Studies. He went on to serve as an Upper School teacher and as the leader of St. Martin’s counseling program. His impact on St. Martin’s is immeasurable, and includes the creation of such traditions as Career Day, the Life Skills course, and the Senior Internship Program.

“There are certain characteristics that we all hope to have as therapists — like being a good listener, offering acceptance and empathy, helping people, and providing unconditional positive regard,” said Patterson. “Of all the virtues in Bill’s toolbox, the most impressive was his extraordinary talent for knowing just the right thing to say to any person at any given time. A large part of this strength was his ability to make you feel like you are the only person who matters to him. That is likely because, at that moment, you were the only person who mattered to him.”

Fellow faculty member Joe Vaccaro echoes Patterson’s sentiments. Vaccaro worked with

Rosenbaum for more than a decade, with Vaccaro’s classroom and Rosenbaum’s office in close proximity.

“Together with his listening skills, his personal and professional insight, and his boundless compassion, Bill was, in fact, a touchstone for human relationships,” said Vaccaro. “I expect that’s why we all felt so close to him. He had the gift of being able to lead us all on our own inner journeys to find the better part of ourselves.”

At a recent Upper School student ceremony, Head of School Merry Sorrells noted, when reflecting on Rosenbaum’s life and legacy: “All of Dr. Rosenbaum’s actions were intentional. He didn’t stumble into creating enthusiasm for scholarship, or stimulating in others a desire to serve, or promoting leadership, or working to develop character in those around him. Dr. Rosenbaum’s actions were intentional. He lived his life dedicated to inspiring others, and he did it with the deepest sense of love for all those around him.”

When Rosenbaum retired from St. Martin’s in spring 2018, he quoted philosopher William James in his farewell remarks to the StM community: “The great use of life is to spend it for something that will outlast it.”

Without a doubt, Rosenbaum achieved that goal. His legacy of wisdom, love, and compassion will ripple through generations and impact countless people, lasting far beyond his 74 years.

Dr. William L. Rosenbaum passed away on Nov. 7, 2018. He served St. Martin’s in a variety of roles for more than 46 years. A memorial ceremony in his honor was held at St. Martin’s on Dec. 1, 2018.