Veteran Cincinnati Country Day Teachers Establish Legacy in Preparation of Retirement

Alumni catching up at Seth and Susanna Schwartz's party for retiring CCDS teachers Tim and Pat Dunn are, from left, Matt Strauss '88 of Amberley Village, Lucy '90 and Craig '90 Joffe of Indian Hill, and Craig Plummer '89 of Union Township.

Pat and Tim Dunn have inspired Cincinnati Country Day students for more than 30 years. Their commitment, both in the classroom and on the athletic field, have changed lives -- a refrain heard again and again from alumni who benefited from their teaching and guidance.

The much-revered veteran teachers have announced they will retire at the end of the school year. More than 50 alumni, parents, board members and former teachers celebrated their 34 years of exceptional teaching and coaching at a Feb. 23 party hosted by Indian Hill residents Seth and Susanna Schwartz, a 1993 alumna. Among the guests were a number of alumni on Tim's 1993 and 2001 state championship baseball teams. Tim is the Science Department Chair and was head varsity baseball and football coach. Pat is the English Department Chair and is head varsity girls golf and lacrosse coach.

"I can't imagine how many lives they have influenced," Susanna remarked to guests. "When you look at this room of all these amazing people, we wouldn't be here without them. Not only do they educate and guide students on academic and personal growth, their students go on to influence those around them."

Gail Maundrell of Anderson Township, Sarah Jurgensen '95 of Indian Hill and Burke Byer '97 of Indian Hill, chat with Pat Dunn of Milford.

"As a student, I always admired Pat because she's so amazing as a role model. She was instrumental with helping me find my path in college," Susanna said. Pat had recommended Tufts University, so Susanna applied and was accepted. She met her future husband at Tufts and is now a veterinary surgeon at MedVet Cincinnati. "I wouldn't be here if it weren't for you," she told Pat.

As they prepare to retire, the Dunns are continuing their legacy by establishing the Dunn Faculty Enrichment Fund to attract and retain the next generation of exemplary teachers. "Pat and I have not just had a job here at Country Day, but we've had a life, a rich full life," Tim told the crowd. "We celebrate 'lifers' at graduation, but after 34 years, I think we're both Country Day 'lifers,' as well. If we had just coached or if we had just taught, I don't think we would feel the same."

Susanna Schwartz '93 of Indian Hill greets guests Rick Van Nuys of Maineville and Bobbie Menter of Anderson Township, both retired Country Day teachers.

"I think it's enriched the student experience of those we taught," Tim said. "It was deeper and more effective, healthier for both us and the students alike. When you were here, you could do it all," he told alumni. "You could do academics, sports, clubs, whatever you wanted to do. It's the value added. It's what separates private schools from public schools for both students and faculty."

"I know I've taught a lot more doctors than professional football or baseball players, but I don't think for a second that the time from 3:30-5:30 was any less important in shaping young men and women than the academic day did."

With the Dunn Teacher Enrichment Fund, the Dunns hope to attract and retain the next generation of exemplary teachers who are all-in. For more information about the fund or to inquire about making a gift, contact Paula Brock, Director of Donor Relations, brockp@countryday.net, 513-979-0282.

Susanna '93 and Seth Schwartz of Indian Hill hosted a party for retiring teachers Tim and Pat Dunn of Milford. From left are Tim, Susanna, Pat and Seth.

Several members of the 2001 State Champion Baseball Team attended the party for Tim and Pat Dunn. From left are Roman Duty '01 of Rushville Indiana, Brett Smith '01 of Montgomery, Coach Tim Dunn of Milford, Noah Allen '01 of Amberley Village and Matt Cohen '01 of Hyde Park.

Sharing Country Day memories are, from left, Eric Plummer '91 of Union Township, Pat Dunn of Milford, Susanna Schwartz '93 of Indian Hill, Burke Byer '97 of Indian Hill and Tim Dunn of Milford.