"We prepare students to engage in the world that is and to help bring about a world that ought to be."
Richard Eldrige
Minute of Appreciation
Richard Eldridge
Principal 1989 - 2002
Principal Emeritus
Holding fiercely to the belief that each person at Friends Seminary is ever a teacher and a learner, that each member of the community has something of value to impart, Richard Eldridge had profound impact as an educator and an administrator on the faculty, staff and life of the School throughout his thirteen years as principal. Rich is proud to note that he graduated nearly 1000 students. He strove to carry out the promise of the School's Mission Statement to "do more than prepare students for the world that is: we prepare them for the world that ought to be." Towards that end he worked to keep the School attentive to diversity and inclusiveness in all aspects of those terms; he tended to the physical growth of the School - realizing the opening of the 15th Street Annex, the creation of the rooftop playground, the purchase of the 214 Townhouse and the negotiations for 212; he saw to a strengthening of the academic climate in the School. Friends parent Wally Dobelis (Arthur '92) echoed the feelings of the community when noting, upon Rich's leaving Friends in 2002, his eloquence in conveying Quaker practices; his bringing calm, comfort, and hope to the School after 9/11; his heartfelt work in the area of diversity; the physical, financial and spiritual well-being of the School under his stewardship. We express our gratitude for the breadth and depth of service Rich gave to Friends Seminary and are proud to honor him as Principal Emeritus.
Richard Eldridge
Principal 1989 - 2002
Principal Emeritus
Holding fiercely to the belief that each person at Friends Seminary is ever a teacher and a learner, that each member of the community has something of value to impart, Richard Eldridge had profound impact as an educator and an administrator on the faculty, staff and life of the School throughout his thirteen years as principal. Rich is proud to note that he graduated nearly 1000 students. He strove to carry out the promise of the School's Mission Statement to "do more than prepare students for the world that is: we prepare them for the world that ought to be." Towards that end he worked to keep the School attentive to diversity and inclusiveness in all aspects of those terms; he tended to the physical growth of the School - realizing the opening of the 15th Street Annex, the creation of the rooftop playground, the purchase of the 214 Townhouse and the negotiations for 212; he saw to a strengthening of the academic climate in the School. Friends parent Wally Dobelis (Arthur '92) echoed the feelings of the community when noting, upon Rich's leaving Friends in 2002, his eloquence in conveying Quaker practices; his bringing calm, comfort, and hope to the School after 9/11; his heartfelt work in the area of diversity; the physical, financial and spiritual well-being of the School under his stewardship. We express our gratitude for the breadth and depth of service Rich gave to Friends Seminary and are proud to honor him as Principal Emeritus.
Friends Seminary actively promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism in all its programs and operations, including admissions, financial aid, hiring, and all facets of the educational experience. To form a community which strives to reflect the world’s diversity, we do not discriminate on the basis of race or color, religion, nationality, ethnicity, economic background, physical ability, sex, gender identity or expression, or sexual orientation. Friends Seminary is an equal opportunity employer.
Friends Seminary — the oldest continuously operated, coeducational school in NYC — serves college-bound day students in Kindergarten-Grade 12.
