The Betty Lou Blumberg Endowed English Chair

List of 20 news stories.

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  An Evening of Literature with Betty Lou Blumberg

  6/2/2017
  A shared love of literature, family, and friendship illuminated Swain Library on May 23. Nearly 90 guests came together to celebrate the establishment of the Betty Lou Blumberg Endowed Chair of English with An Evening of Literature in Betty Lou’s honor.

              
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  Paris Miller Godbout 2000

  5/31/2017
  Jodi Amatulli
  So grateful to have been in Mrs. Blumberg's Literature of the Holocaust course my senior year. Her literature and her kindness have left a lasting impact on my life.
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  Lisa Sachs Foppa 1987

  5/25/2017
  Jodi Amatulli
  Your passion for literature inspired me and taught me how to think critically and analytically. I was also moved by your love for your family, which you conveyed, via personal stories about your children and husband in the classroom. I remember you spending countless hours at the end of the school day editing my papers and teaching me how to improve my writing. The red marks on the paper were disheartening, but you persisted in explaining the errors and how to correct them. You did not give up! You also were so compassionate in your teaching style. I remember a time during those writing help sessions in which I felt overwhelmed by external stressors at home. When I met your warm and tender eyes, the tears began to flow.  Your empathy allowed me to let go of the suppressed emotions and feel supported by you. You were patient and understanding. Furthermore, when I was waitlisted at a college, you offered to write me an additional recommendation. I believed this allowed me to secure a spot at the college of my choice.  Lastly, post college, you accepted my request for assistance with an essay to attend a kibbutz program in Israel.  You supported me with my endeavors and with utmost sincerity and compassion. Thank you for sharing your loving, passionate, and intelligent self with me and offering endless assistance. You were and still are a role model to me.  

   
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  Cynthia Sheppard 1984

  5/24/2017
  I most remember Betty Lou Blumberg for the absolute joy of reading she brought to our English classes and the care with which she approached the characters inhabiting the books and plays we read. And her shopping bags full of papers to be graded!
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  Katharine "Kathie" Harris

  5/24/2017
  I not only admired Betty Lou for her dedication to teaching but also appreciated her playfulness when it came to participating in school programs—especially as an enthusiastic Ding-a-Ling (for those of you who may not be aware, a Ding-a-Ling was a participant in the annual “holiday happening” where faculty would entertain the students). I love you, Betty Lou!
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  Jessica Shweky 1994

  5/11/2017
  Jodi Amatull
  Betty Lou's passion for teaching and Hamden Hall students was always so refreshing. She's a great teacher who we all love. I aspire to run in heels as well as Betty Lou did when rushing down the hallways in between classes!
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  Dr. Joshua Kessler 1991

  12/5/2016
  Jodi Amatulli
  My support of the Betty Lou Blumberg Endowed Chair of English is a token of my appreciation for all that she had done for me and no doubt countless other students who were lucky enough to have had her as a teacher. Betty Lou is one of those once-in-a-lifetime mentors who has such a profoundly positive influence on everyone she has taught. She always took the extra time to help me with English work and also took many hours of her personal time to help me with college and even medical school essays several years after I graduated. Her influence was one of the reasons I went onto minor in English in college, but I have to confess that I never came across another teacher with her passion for literature and unwavering love of teaching.
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  Martin Beatty 1980

  12/4/2016
  Jodi Amatulli
  I have many fond memories of my experiences of Hamden Hall, such as lasting friendships and the teachers. One of my biggest regrets is that I did not have the opportunity to have Betty Lou Blumberg as a teacher. I was quite jealous of all the many experiences that my friends were having in her class. I am happy for those who had that opportunity and happy for Betty Lou, and the satisfaction that she must have in being such an accomplished teacher and receiving the many praises from fortunate former students. For this, I am extremely happy to support to the Betty Lou Blumberg Endowed Chair of English.

• Lauren Andersen 2003

  9/13/2016
  Jodi Amatulli
  I remember Ms. Blumberg's 10^th-grade English class with such clarity and fondness. Rather than insisting on a single method for demonstrating comprehension, she encouraged each of us to use our own interests and strengths to learn in a supportive environment. It was in her class that I made my first film, a video interpretation of Lord Jim. Another student wrote an original song in response to the Scarlett Letter. I still to this day remember the words.This experience inspired more than a strong appreciation of Joseph Conrad. It taught us to pursue our own voices and to think creatively about how to observe, interpret and communicate.I feel so fortunate to have been among the lucky ones who learned this lesson early in life, and will be forever grateful to Ms. Blumberg.
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  Laura Manganella Williams 1987

  9/11/2016
  Jodi Amatulli
  Mrs. Blumberg's passion for literature and for teaching was infectious; books that I never would have otherwise be interested in came to life in her classroom. Even if you weren't that excited about being at school on any given day, you could never show up to her class feeling apathetic; she was fully invested and we need not disappoint her. The learning speaks for itself. There are literary references that I use today that came from a discussion during 12^th-grade English class. My husband will sometimes ask, "How do you know that?" My response, "12^th-grade English! Too bad that you didn't get to experience ‘Betty Lou's’ in action!" We love you back Mrs. Blumberg and this honor is a tribute to your passion, dedication, and love for teaching. Best wishes and congratulations!!
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  Richard Peck 1972

  9/7/2016
  Jodi Amatulli
  Richard Peck 1972

   

  Betty Lou was a friend to my late mother, Mary Peck, who taught Lower School at Hamden Hall from 1978 to 1995. Betty Lou was also a lovely woman and one of my mother’s favorites! For me, as a senior graduating the year that Betty Lou arrived at Hamden Hall, I had her only once as a substitute for a few days. But in that short time—we were studying Othello—Betty Lou took Shakespeare to another level for me. 
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  Marc Osborne, Faculty

  8/31/2016
  Jodi Amatulli
  I have the warmest memories of Betty Lou and me visiting each other in our respective classrooms across Whitson Hall's second floor, between classes and particularly after hours. Our conversations were highly stimulating and enthusiastic and would range from linguistic, literary and intellectual interests we shared, to hilarious rants and riffs on the absurdities and delights of the teaching profession. These informal get-togethers lasted for 10 superb years, and Betty Lou's wit, sharp intelligence, and wisdom helped me to become a better teacher and a better man. We built between us an affection and respect that did not often transcend the context of the workplace, but nonetheless made of us meaningful, lifelong friends. She is a significant figure in my career, as vivid in my memory today as ever.
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  James Fennelly 1974

  8/30/2016
  Jodi Amatulli
  I first had Betty Lou Blumberg as a teacher when I was a junior during the 1972 – 1973 academic year. She had just begun her career at Hamden Hall the year before.
  
  Who can ever forget her usual entrance into the classroom: slightly scattered whirlwind of energy, talking a mile-a-minute, and always laden with tote bags brimming with pounds of books and papers!
  
  Her natural enthusiasm for her subject was infectious. She introduced me to the joy of literature, the ability to critique and analyze a piece of fiction, and the skill and hard work it takes to put one's thoughts clearly on paper.
  
  She never played favorites with students, but I suspect I was not alone in feeling that she thought I was special. I remember one afternoon sitting under a tree with her reviewing an essay that I had written. I appreciated her advice on how to make my writing more succinct, but I was particularly grateful for the gift of her time and attention that she took out of her busy day to help me.
  
  It occurred to me then that I was lucky to have her as a new teacher and to benefit from her enthusiasm, joy, energy, and idealism. What I have come to really appreciate about Betty Lou is that it was those very qualities that never flagged during her long career in Hamden Hall. Now that's an accomplishment!
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  Kelley McDevitt-Hooker 1989

  8/23/2016
  Jodi Amatulli
  It is nearly impossible to portray my love and respect for Mrs. Blumberg in one simple story, so instead I will try to convey what an impression she made on me during my challenging teenage years.
  Betty Lou Blumberg was more than a teacher; she was a mentor, a role model, a confidante, an advisor and a loving parent. Her passion for literature and writing, as well as her patience with adolescents, proved the perfect formula for "educator extraordinaire."
  During my years under the pines, I had the privilege of sitting in Mrs. Blumberg's classroom for two years. High school, for me, was indeed extraordinary, as I experienced so many extremes. As an emotionally charged teenager, trying to navigate life's changes, I always knew that Mrs. Blumberg's classroom was a safe haven, during class time or for that matter, anytime. 
  Whether discussing Shakespeare, working on a FACES piece or just discussing life, my times with her were precious and she influenced the woman I am today. Further, Mrs. Blumberg's lessons in grammar made me the perfectionist I am today. My colossal Webster's dictionary, won sophomore year for my knowledge of grammatical rules, sits out at my home today.
  Upon graduating from Trinity College with my B.A. in psychology, I decided to pursue elementary education at the University of New Haven. Those outstanding
  teachers who had made such a lasting impression on me, such as Mrs. Blumberg, were with me during my graduate work and ultimate tenure as an elementary school teacher. I wanted to mirror Betty Lou's warmth, respect, passion and knowledge. 
  I resigned from teaching 14 years ago in order to raise my own family. Although I am no longer in the classroom full time, I still strive to emulate Mrs. Blumberg's zest for life, respect for education and love of family. 
  I am forever grateful, Mrs. Blumberg, for all of your lessons, in and out of your classroom. Thank you, Betty Lou, for always being there for me. XOXOXO

   
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  Melinda LaVelle Saller 1985

  8/21/2016
  Jodi Amatulli
  When I think of Mrs. Blumberg, I smile! I loved celebrating William Shakespeare's birthday in class. She is one teacher who truly touched my heart, and I feel blessed to have had her as a teacher. My very best to Betty Lou.
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  Michael Sommer 1987

  8/20/2016
  Jodi Amatulli
  I loved AP English with Mrs. Blumberg. Senior year was amazing!
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  Tara Moss Rozen 1988

  8/18/2016
  Jodi Amatulli
  Of all of the teachers I have had throughout my academic life, Mrs. Blumberg has had the greatest influence on my day-to-day life. From writing emails, to editing my kids' homework, Mrs. Blumberg's lessons have stuck with me. Much to the chagrin of my friends and family, I even punctuate when I text! I know I am one of hundreds of students who has benefited from Mrs. Blumberg's grammar lessons and her infectious love of literature. This is the reason that I wanted to be a part of honoring and celebrating Mrs. Blumberg in this meaningful way.
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  Joanne Cohen 1980

  8/17/2016
  Jodi Amatulli
  I will always remember Betty Lou as not only an exceptional teacher, but a mentor and friend. Her nurturing qualities helped bring out the best in her students. Her gentle guidance and support meant a great deal to me.
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  Elise Calcagnini Palumbo 1981

  8/16/2016
  Jodi Amatulli
  Betty Lou was a wonderful teacher and so much more. I could always count on her patience and kindness, her humorous perspective, and her voice of reason—the perfect antidote to my years of teenage angst!
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  Andrew Saxe 1980

  8/15/2016
  Jodi Amatulli
  My memories of Betty Lou Blumberg are numerous and vivid, despite the passage of 40 years. Her passion for her subject, steely determination to expose young minds to the wisdom of poets and novelists, and sheer joy in the art of teaching are what render these memories so colorful and so enduring. She was convinced an appreciation of literature, art, poetry shaped an adolescent into a more sentient being, capable of greater happiness for self and greater kindness towards others. How dull and hard a world we would have but for teachers like Betty Lou Blumberg. How much more glorious and full it is for her lifelong dedication to her students.
  

  That all said, I recall she inadvertently blurted out the ending of Anna Karenina when we had waded through only 200 pages of the 800 page tome, “so it wasn't always wine and roses.”