By Christie Schnurr '07 and Emily Wood '05

Dean of Studies Steve Murray has accepted the position of headmaster at the University School in Cleveland, Ohio. Headmaster Eric Widmer made the announcement at the school meeting on Tuesday, November 30, 2004. After fifteen years at Deerfield. Mr. Murray will be leaving with the class of 2005.

While the news of Mr. Murray's departure came as a surprise to the student body, Mr. Widmer said, "When Ms. Viswanathan and I met him, we knew one day that he would be the head of a school." During his time at Deerfield, Mr. Murray has taken on a variety of positions. Arriving in the fall of 1990 as a French teacher and water polo coach, he later became assistant dean of students and then dean of students, before finding his final administrative position in the office of the academic dean.

The qualities that gained him so much respect and admiration will serve him well in his new position of leadership. "He takes the stress out of Deerfield," said two-year advisee, Zach DeWitt '05. "He is a blend of a father and a brother figure."

There is no doubt but that Mr. Murray has had an impact on the school community. "I hope I've brought a sense of compassion and support for the student to a rigorous environment," Mr. Murray said. He has been an advocate for the students without letting down the high standards for which the institution is known.

The University School (US) differs from Deerfield in that it is an all-boys' school for grades kindergarten through twelfth grade. In addition, the school is divided into upper and lower schools located on two different campuses. Adapting to the division is just one of many adjustments Mr. Murray looks forward to making.

According to Mr. Widmer, the students at US immediately took a liking to their soon-to-be headmaster. Mr. Murray's dedication and his ability to relate to his students will be missed along with such memorable things as his impressive handlebar mustache and the students' howling that greets his school meeting announcements.

"It is a huge loss for us, but a feather in our cap at the same time," Mr. Widmer said. "It would be wrong for us to cling to him."