Thompson Honored For 53 Years

Headmaster Emeritus Ellis Haguewood called upon Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar while lauding L. Edwin Eleazer III Chair of Excellence in Teaching Norman Thompson for his 53 years of service at Memphis University School during the annual Retiree Chapel.
Haguewood, who has known Thompson since the young teacher arrived at MUS in 1972, cited Thompson as a man of “modesty and humility, who does not vaunt his own virtues or notable achievements or awards he has received over the years.”

Then he quoted The Bard’s Cassius:

“And since you know you cannot see yourself, 
So well as by reflection, I, your glass, 
Will modestly discover to yourself,
That of yourself which you yet know not of.”

During his tenure Thompson taught English, advised The Owl’s Hoot student newspaper, helped guide the Honor Council, and performed announcing duties for home football games. He instructed generations of Owls, including Board of Trustees Chairman Will Thompson ’95 who pointed out that both he and his son learned about Julius Caesar from the veteran teacher. He then read a board proclamation highlighting Thompson’s many contributions to the school.

Haguewood spoke about how Norman Thompson “shaped the minds and sensibilities of students by the force of his own habits of mind, his pursuit of excellence in the classroom, and his strength of purpose. He has sharpened the intellect, quickened the moral sense, and developed the perspicuity of thousands of boys in his 53 years” – all while dressed as a gentleman.

The mission of MUS is clear, Haguewood said: MUS is a college-preparatory school dedicated to academic excellence, cultivation of service and leadership, and the development of well-rounded young men of strong moral character, consistent with the school’s Christian tradition.

“I know of no colleague with whom I have worked who lived, supported, and promoted that mission in its various facets more fully, more completely, in multiple roles.”

Colleagues and alumni have offered stories and notes of praise and gratitude for Thompson, evidence of his immeasurable impact on the MUS community, Haguewood said. He has influenced many and set them on a path to success from his English classroom.

Edward Felsenthal ’84, executive chairman of TIME, was among them. “I would not have chosen, nor likely been qualified for, the career path I took had it not been for Mr. Thompson and the blissful year I spent putting out a newspaper with my friends and for my friends,” he said.

Best-selling author Hampton Sides ’80, said of the newspaper advisor, “He wanted us to aspire to some semblance of maturity and good taste. … He constantly reminded me that, in its own way, a newspaper lived forever. Once printed, he said, you couldn’t take it back. This was sage advice that I’ve brought with me through a career in ink and letters.”

Haguewood noted that classes will continue, the bells will still ring, and Owls will continue to swarm the halls. But the school “groans under its breath the loss it feels as you retire.”

Invoking Julius Caesar once again, he said, “And so this morning, I ask about Norman Thompson, as did Mark Antony about his friend Julius Caesar, ‘When comes such another?’”

Thompson was given a chair inscribed with his name and roles at MUS as a token of appreciation. It includes quote from Shakespeare’s Henry V, “But if it be a sin to covet honour, I am the most offending soul alive.”

Thompson took the podium and said, “For most of my life MUS has been prominent in defining me, and I am deeply grateful for my long sojourn here and to those who made it memorable and meaningful. I will miss this place and all who made it the magical place that it is to me. I wish you all well and fervently hope your memories of MUS will become as consoling and life-defining as mine have been to me.”

Students and faculty rose to their feet in a rousing ovation. Among them were Thompson’s wife, Carole, daughter and son-in-law Melissa and Matt Saenger ’98, and grandsons, Thompson Saenger ’26 and Elliott Saenger ’30.

See the video of the chapel. See photos from the event.
Back

List of 45 news stories.

Memphis University School

6191 Park Avenue  |  Memphis, TN 38119  |  Main: (901) 260-1300