Boelte Portrait Unveiling

The Alumni Executive Board has memorialized the late Faculty Emeritus A. Robert Boelte, Jr. with the 18th painting in the Faculty Portrait Series. At the portrait unveiling March 23, family, alumni, and colleagues gathered to celebrate the popular teacher who also served as an administrator.
Led by AEB President Ted Simpson ’85, the evening featured tributes from Headmaster Pete Sanders, Headmaster Emeritus Ellis Haguewood, and two of the self-described “Boelte Boys,” Stilly McFadden ’75 and Wiley Robinson ’75. These two acolytes led the effort to establish the A. Robert Boelte, Jr. Chair of Excellence in Teaching in 2002.

Arriving at MUS in 1969, the erudite yet approachable New Orleans native taught both English and history. In 1978 Boelte took on the dual role of director of admissions (through 1993) and director of college counseling (until his retirement in 2003). His efforts enhanced the reputation of Memphis University School among colleges across the nation.

However, Bob Boelte saw his most important role as teacher and mentor. “The relationship that educators have with young people is a very, very important one,” he said. “The most important thing MUS offers our students is a respect for them.”

His portrait, which features the wall-mounted “eye” over his desk to help enforce the Honor Code, hangs among the gallery of faculty paintings in the Campus Center.

See photos from the event HERE and the Faculty Portrait Series HERE. A recording of the event is on our YouTube channel HERE.
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