Four HGSE Employees Celebrate 25 Years on Campus

Twenty-five years ago, Robert Rogers contemplated taking a job at the Harvard University Real Estate Office instead of the Gutman Library. At the same time, Marcella Flaherty pondered what would come of the part-time position she took for an employee on maternity leave. Eleanor Duckworth was eager to teach teachers, and to help establish teachers' voices more firmly in the world of research. Meanwhile, Heather Weiss wanted to return to the school where she earned her master's and doctorate in order to focus on bringing research into educational policy.

What brought each of these HGSE employees to Appian Way 25 years ago differs, but the reason they have stayed is the same: friendship, passion for education, and opportunity. Their work hasn't gone unnoticed. Rogers and Flaherty have worked with thousands of students and helped transcend technological changes at the library. Duckworth promotes teaching, learning environments, and curriculum development through her teaching and research. And, Weiss, who founded and directs the Harvard Family Research Project, has helped create more effective practices, interventions and policies to support children.

All four were honored for their service to the community--along with 177 other Harvard employees--at a celebration tonight.

"I am truly thankful for the time and effort each employee commits to the Ed School and its mission," says Dean Kathleen McCartney. "Twenty five years is a remarkable accomplishment and the dedication and passion of each of these faculty and staff members to education and HGSE does not go unnoticed in our community. We are all pleased to have this opportunity to celebrate their accomplishments."

Over the years, each has witnessed the many changes on campus--from different deans to different curricular offerings to changes in the way students learn. And each is keeping a keen eye out for the school's future.

"I've watched the school struggle hard with how to be a professional school that engages, supports and enhances research, practice and policy," Weiss says. "Different deans and faculty have taken different approaches to that and at times certain types of engagement with practice have been rewarded and sometimes they haven't. I'm very optimistic because of Kathy McCartney and her own thinking about how to genuinely create a professional school that changes educational practice and policy."

What has kept these four energized about HGSE? It isn't solely the opportunities to further their education or delve into new areas of research, though that has been a vital piece to their success. Each also reflects on the sense of family they've encountered and the lessons HGSE has taught them along the way.

Duckworth says it's what she has learned from her students that has kept her working at HGSE. "I came here with a background in elementary science and math teaching. From my students, I have learned about teaching poetry, pottery, peace and justice, history, second languages, theater, geography," she says. "Even medicine. I could go on and on. The students also help me think more carefully about what I do."

Rogers admits he treasures the friendships which have swelled in numbers over the years to the point that he sometimes walks an alternate route in order to get home on time.

Although the 25 years at one institution is an impressive accomplishment, it is has flown by for some.

"If it's something you like to do and you like the students, working with the public, it's not weird," says Rogers. "It goes by fast."