Retiree Tributes

To put it quite simply, Mina Wender is a legend. She has earned this status through 42 years of outstanding teaching, deep dedication to her students, and steady support of her colleagues. Mina is extraordinarily bright, intensely curious, and superbly quick-witted. As both a math teacher and mentor, she has been a major source of good on this campus for more than four decades.

Mina and her husband, Ed, moved onto campus in June 1976. Within a week of her arrival, Mina began teaching in McDonogh’s Summer Session program, and she hasn’t stopped since. She taught math and served as Math Coordinator in the Middle School for three years before moving to the Upper School in 1979. While in the Upper School, Mina has taught every level of math from Algebra 1 through AP Calculus BC. She also served as the Head of the Upper School Math Department for seven years.

In addition to teaching math with skill and devotion, Mina took on the daunting task of serving as the Upper School Registrar from the mid-1980’s until 2010. She was also a pioneer in the use of educational technology at McDonogh as far back as the 1980’s. She became the Director of Computer Studies in 1984 and was assigned to develop a “sound Computer Studies curriculum for all three schools.”

Mina has been recognized a number of times for her significant accomplishments. In 1986, she became a Rollins Fellow in Mathematics, and in 2001, she received the Alumni Association’s Distinguished Service Award. Past students who have moved on to college have nominated her for an Outstanding Teacher award or described her as an “especially influential teacher.” I am certain that some students in our audience today feel likewise.

Mina, your contributions to McDonogh are innumerable; your influence incalculable. You have added to our knowledge and subtracted from our fears. We thank you for all you have done, and we wish you a richly rewarding retirement.

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