By Eliza Murphy '06

The Senior Parents' Planning Committee has decided to found the Albany Road Chair to commemorate the Class of 2005 upon graduation. This chair has been set up to recognize an experienced Deerfield faculty member who has best represented the ideals of the "Triple Threat" through teaching, coaching, and residing in a student dormitory.

The Chair will create a fund for those teachers who represent the "backbone of the faculty," said Tom Henry of the Parent Program Office. The Chair must be a member of the Deerfield faculty for at least five years but still be in the middle phase of his or her career. There are already chairs for new fellows and distinguished older teachers: however, this is the first fund that has been created for a teacher who is mid-career.

When the Senior Parents' Committee was asked to work on a campaign for the class gift, they proposed an idea that that recognizes the value of a Deerfield teacher and that is financially realistic. The Albany Road Chair evolved through extensive collaboration between the Parents' Committee and the school. This campaign is headed by Tara and David Olson '70, parents of Meredith Olson '05 and Morgan Olson '02.

The campaign aims for a 100% participation rate from senior parents, as well as contributions from grandparents and friends in recognition of the Class of 2005. A goal of $1 million has been proposed. The money that is raised will be placed in a savings account with an annual interest rate of 5%.The interest generated will be awarded to the recipient, who will then have the opportunity to use this stipend to fund the exploration of personal interests. Essentially the fund will cover the recipient's salary as well as create an allowance that can be used for personal pursuits.

The recipient of the Albany Road Chair will be selected by an appointed committee, and the winner will hold the chair for a two-year period. By recognizing an established teacher, the Class of 2005's legacy will live on long after graduation.