Proctor lost a great friend, supporter and leader with the passing of Alex d'Arbeloff P'86 on Tuesday, July 8. Alex and Brit d'Arbeloff quickly volunteered to serve the school when Matthew enrolled at Proctor in 1982, and--together--they became Trustees when they were elected Presidents of the Parent Association. Alex's keen insights, leadership acumen and probing questions so impressed fellow Trustees that he was chosen to Chair the Board starting in 1985. Over three years as Board Chair, Alex guided the school through unprecedented advancement and growth. Calm, soft spoken and ever listening, he insisted that the Board not meddle in academic affairs, stating: "You know how to run a school; our job is maintaining financial stability and institutional health." Still, he reached out to teachers to join Trustees at meetings, receptions and dinners, fostering a climate of shared ownership and open communication. Alex's and Brit's generosity to Proctor touched every aspect of this school, and is forever reflected in the renovation of Gannett House, the endowed d'Arbeloff Chair for Mathematics and the Alex and Brit d'Arbeloff Science Labs in Shirley Hall.
David Fowler, who served as Head of School from 1971-1994, writes, "During my tenure at Proctor, I was privileged to work with many excellent Board Chairmen. Alex d'Arbeloff was one of the very best. He fully supported Proctor's mission through his business acumen, financial exactness and generosity. It is interesting to note that he ran his company on the same democratic principles that have served Proctor, so well, over the years. A good friend of the school has left us. Proctor is better off for his guidance."
Below, Alex smiles in the background as Charlie Totten '87 receives his diploma from David Fowler (with Commencement speaker Zoe Caldwell.)
Mark Loehr, Chair of the Board today, comments: "The Proctor that we know today is the product of past commitments, hard work and love. It is impossible to quantify Alex d'Arbeloff's true contribution to Proctor, but those of us who are dedicated to this school observe his passing with regret, admiration and respect."
