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Mr. Shaw, I am so grateful to have been your student throughout senior year in house/doubt in Am. lit! Your patience, wisdom and encouragement instilled in me a sense of pride and a passion for writing throughout many years beyond high school. Cheers to a new chapter!

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Mr. Shaw, I am so grateful to have been your student throughout senior year in house/doubt in Am. lit! Your patience, wisdom and encouragement instilled in me a sense of pride and a passion for writing throughout many years beyond high school. Cheers to a new chapter!

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Jennifer Yu '07

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What an amazing career! Your class remains one of the most memorable - both the intellectually fulfilling and challenging times and the hilarious and chaotic ones that comes with wrangling our unruly gaggle. You were not only a great teacher and coach when you were on the clock, but your amazing dedicated as a father, balancing the demands of home and work, did not go unnoticed. Enjoy this next chapter!

Trooper ‘91

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Hard to imagine Cranbrook without you there everyday. What a run. Congratulations
- Sarah Levine Jacobs '82

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You are CK royalty indeed Mr. Shaw. All the best for continued good health and well-being. Cheers!

Adam Perrin '80

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It's so hard to imagine Cranbrook without you, but you deserve time to rest and relax after all you've done to make one of the most beautiful places on earth an even more magical place. I still think of lessons I learned in your classroom, and I know I'm just one of so many students who you've inspired over the years. We are all so lucky and so grateful!  - Catherine Shoichet '00

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Thank you for all you have done for our community! - Carrie Hammond Langdon

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Excited for your next chapter of retirement and so grateful for all that you did and do for the Cranbrook community!  - Jack Lighton '94

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The Hagenlocker and Whiting Family shares our collective gratitude for your extraordinary contributions and impact on us and our beloved Cranbrook Community! All best wishes to you and your family on your retirement!  -Karen Hagenlocker '81

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Probably one of the best teachers I ever had. I learned more from this man than anybody else during high school and college. -Ron Stern '89

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It's hard to imagine CK without you! Glad you are an honorary alum - well deserved! Patrick Koepele '89

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You made such a difference in our lives and our gratitude overflows. Onwards! Elizabeth Egner Paranjpe '72

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Congrats Charlie, you have been an incredible role model throughout the years. I am so lucky to have been one of your students. -Parker Lynch '02

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Congratulations on your amazing career in which you touched the lives of so very many in such a great way. After you made it through/survived your first year in Marquis Hall with me and my dormmates, you knew that there was no challenge from Cranbrook that you couldn't surmount. Your calm, fun, and caring personality, was the best thing that all of us could have being away from our families and friends. Lots of great wishes for good health, happiness and to keep following your dreams. -Randy Lazer '77

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Congrats Charlie. I will miss knocking on your office window while on campus  - Meg Meurer Brossy '78

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Charlie,you are the glue in many ways at cranbrook. You will be missed so much. - Nina Machus

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So glad to have worked with you over the past 5 years. Andy and I send our best wishes for a healthy and fruitful retirement. Aim High. - John Wert '53

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There aren’t enough words to describe your impact on me and countless others lives in which you helped shape for the better! Gods choicest blessings on you Mr Shaw! Enjoy your new chapter!! -  	Julie Shensky Yonkus '88

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There aren’t enough words to describe your impact on me and countless others lives in which you helped shape for the better! Gods choicest blessings on you Mr Shaw! Enjoy your new chapter!! -  	Julie Shensky Yonkus '88

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I remember one of your first days on campus. I was headed to the dining hall and you jogged up behind me and introduced yourself. You made me feel special, or at least a part of a special place. I have never been surprised to hear about any of your “promotions.” Well deserved, and we’ll earned. As Paul Maturo says, we are all... well, old. -Kevin Kearns '77

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The Tao of Shaw: Four Auspicious Life Lessons Learned at the Knee of the Great Shaman

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The Tao of Shaw: Four Auspicious Life Lessons Learned at the Knee of the Great Shaman

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a burnt offering of my spoken tribute given to Mr. Shaw in 2016, during the first phase of Shaw retirement, in the Cranbrook Dining Hall, while snacking on stale fruit loops...

Good evening friends, faculty and other die-hard members of the Charlie Shaw fan club.  In the short time I have, I thought I would send you away with just a few of the life lessons I have learned from Mr. Shaw.  Having spent nearly a decade and a half here, and that doesn’t include my post-graduate years loitering in the hallways; I have had the opportunity to study the Shaw persona from many different angles.  Four years as my Varsity soccer coach, one infamous year overseeing a motley crew of misfits that doubled as our JV lacrosse team, three very difficult years trying to be my faculty advisor, and twice as my English teacher.  My parents actually had to pay a small additional Mr. Shaw fee to cover this excessive use of Shaw time.  To be fair, it began with his fairer half, in middle school art, in the form of Mrs. Shaw.  Sandra, for those who don’t know her, is very much the yin to Charlie’s yang.  Despite teaching in an all-male, pre-pubescent environment, she exuded a level of sophistication then, and still does, that was as foreign to us as Mondrian.  And yet hanging in my son’s nursery is one of my proudest works of art, an ink block print somehow crafted inside the fiery studio space of Mrs. Shaw’s sixth grade art class.  This is to say that I can only imagine the unwrought hunk of clay Mrs. Shaw must have seen in Mr. Shaw.  So invariably, for every accolade that is Mr. Shaw’s, there is a vibrant and brilliant Mrs. Shaw to partially thank.

So with that background, I offer what I am calling, “The Tao of Shaw: Four Auspicious Life Lessons Learned at the Knee of the great Shaman.”

First among them is the Principle of My Bad.  Mr. Shaw, as many of you know, led Cranbrook soccer through an earlier, pre-Chad era of relative state dominance and routinely ranked in the top ten, including my freshman year when our historic deep run toward the state finals was only recently eclipsed.  Mr. Shaw was more of the British style coach, who elected to use few words, mostly directed at the ref, and were frequently citations of ironic prose that thankfully didn’t provoke the referees who couldn’t quite decipher them.  Early on we, as players, were encouraged to recognize our own mistakes in a self-effacing way.  In short, if you mishit a pass or worse yet, committed an own goal, Mr. Shaw had us immediately recognize it with (raise a hand) “my bad.”  Suffice it to say, this Shaw parlance found its way into the classroom with, for example, a late assignment, “I’m sorry this is late, Senior Watson, my bad,” though for some reason that didn’t quite have the same effect.  But the practice, owning ones errors immediately and genuinely apologetically, is a great quality we should all embrace more often.

The second is what I call the Axiom of Shaw.  The slower you speak, actually, the more they hear.  Mr. Shaw is notorious for a methodical….deliberate…well considered….patient…mode of speech.  Many of us could have gone to the bathroom and returned by the time Mr. Shaw finished a sentence.  But Mr. Shaw really sits on his words, meditatively, and what you get is immediately publishable.  In short, if you remind yourself to slow it down and think it out, you will find yourself channeling your inner Shaw.

The third essential aspect in the Tao of Shaw, apologies to Shakespeare, but Sarcasm is really the Soul of Wit.  Mr. Shaw, schooled in northeastern philosophy, introduced many of us naïve Michiganders, sometimes abruptly, to the idea of sarcasm.  I still remember showing up one fall for soccer training camp with some vintage yet several sizes too large Adidas cleats I had purchased from the Varsity Shop.  In Adidas’ quest for innovation in the 1970s, they had developed a cleat exclusively covered in a rubbery material for increased purchase on the ball.  Purchase in this context was one of Mr. Shaw’s favorite expressions in soccer, often saying, while demonstrating (moving your leg), “now here is how you want to get purchase on the ball.”  Unfortunately, the use of “purchase” and other sophisticated words also blew his cover as an English teacher.  Returning to those boat-like cleats, I remember Mr. Shaw, deadpan in front of the team, suggested that not only had my shoes depleted the supply of ping pong paddle material available world-wide, but I could now store things like extra snacks at the end of my shoes.  To be certain, Mr. Shaw’s sense of timely and deadpan sarcasm is something we all aspire to master.

The last and perhaps most important Taoism that Mr. Shaw embodied is the refrain we all know well and that is Aim High.  In class, on the field, and as a mentor to many, Mr. Shaw laid the groundwork for being your best self.  I distinctly remember classmate William Shuford in Mr. Shaw’s Western Literature class, who initially had little interest in Western Literature, but a deep and abiding interest in the girls in the class.  Mr. Shaw, ever the classroom tactician, introduced into class this game called “the verbal advantage” – essentially challenging us to use a given word appropriately in the right context as a way to channel our competitive spirit toward enlightenment.  Soon after its introduction, William Shuford not only gained but also retained the title of the having “the verbal advantage” for not just days, but weeks.  He was unstoppable, and in many ways, transformed.  What I found, and I still find, is that Mr. Shaw brings out your best, he sees something in you that you may not even see yourself, and elevates your feeling of self-worth and wit, because deep down inside you kind of wanted to be Mr. Shaw.

In conclusion, rare are the times in your life when you have the opportunity to reflect on what you have done, where you have been, and those you have touched.  In talking to Mr. Shaw, it seems those times have been a little less rare in the last year as we laud his wonderful influence on so many.  And yet as humble and attention adverse as Mr. Shaw is, I stand here, and many of you do in this audience, looking into a mirror that reflects the people from whom we are comprised.  Those who have shaped our lives, informed our world view, challenged us at the right times, buoyed us when we needed buoying, and while those visages in the mirror usually start with family, they also include a handful of others whom you’ve known in those formative years of your life.  For many of us, figuring prominently, is a self-effacing, methodically speaking, witty and inspirational figure in a bow tie, in the shape of Mr. Shaw.  And for that, Mr. Shaw, we will forever thank you.  Chris Bell '94

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Charlie, congratulations  on a career that has immensely impacted young and old alike.  From the classrooms, to the board rooms, your voice has been influential in shaping the direction of countless lives.  You truly “aimed high” in your tireless dedication, gifted talent as a teacher, coach and administrator throughout your career.  Your will be sorely missed.  All the best as you and Sandra move into  the next exciting chapter.  Sarkis Halajian

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Charlie- I am forever thankful for your shepherding that has shaped my Cranbrook Kingswood boarders in all good ways! Stephen(‘79), Aaron (‘10), and Kathryn  (‘16). Wishing you all good things in your next chapter. Lisa Schwartz

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Mr Shaw,

You expanded my mind in a million ways, and your comedic timing is impeccable. Congrats on your retirement. You will be deeply missed!!

Alexandra Stupple ‘95

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Charlie,
Should I say, I knew you when...?
So many memories and a bouquet of many years.
We have so many overlapping themes. I thank you my friend for being you! Wishing you all the very best.
Well done!

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Congratulations, Mr. Shaw! It is hard to imagine Cranbrook without you, but I could not be more excited for you and your next chapter. You embody what Cranbrook looks to instill in its students-- kindness, intellect, compassion, and character. You have touched the lives of so many students and families throughout the years, and you certainly made such an impact on my Cranbrook experience. The legacy that you now leave at Cranbrook will always live on.
Caroline Shinkle '11

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I always enjoyed seeing you when I was around campus or attending church after graduation, and hope you enjoy a wonderful and comfortable retirement.
All the best,
David Mertz '11

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Mr. Shaw, you’ve been a pillar of the Cranbrook community since day one, more than four decades ago. We are all so lucky to have shared time and space with you. Congratulations on an incredible and impactful career!

Cheers,
Kimberly Dowdell ‘01

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Mr. Shaw, my Cranbrook experience (all of ours') would not have been the same without you. Thank you for all your service to the school and the community over the years! I hope that you and Madame enjoy your well deserved retirement!

Andrew Wilson, CK'12

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Dear Mr. Shaw,
I remember how nervous I was to leave my comfort zone of the Girls' Middle School and transition to the Upper School. Madame must have sensed how anxious I was because she told me to find your office and you would make sure I was OK! I took her advice and it turned out to be the best decision I made in high school. Your office became my safe haven and you became my mentor, advisor, and family at Cranbrook. Through your encouragement and calm, caring presence, you taught me to believe in myself. You were there to celebrate my victories and console me through my disappointments. I'm so glad that our friendship continued beyond my graduation; it was so special to have you and Madame at our wedding. It's hard to imagine Cranbrook without you, but I'm thrilled that you will have more time to read and write, travel to Harbor Springs, and spend time with your beautiful family. On behalf of all your former advisees, thank you for everything you have done for the CK community. Here's to your next chapter!
Much Love,
K.K. Schmier, CK '03

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Charlie – it’s hard to overstate the impact that you had on myself and on countless others as we grew and developed at Cranbrook. Your generosity, kindness, and unwavering faith in all those who walked Cranbrook’s halls is remarkable and is a testament to your dedication to the community.

Congratulations on your retirement!

Colton Graub, CK ‘13

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Charlie - thank you so much for all of your guidance through the years. You have meant a tremendous amount to me!! And your impact on Cranbrook has been incredible!! Thank you!!!

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Charlie - thank you so much for all of your guidance through the years. You have meant a tremendous amount to me!! And your impact on Cranbrook has been incredible!! Thank you!!!

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Michael Whitted - 90

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The kind of legend that you recognize just from a silhouette. Mr. Shaw, you have brought an irreplaceable spirit to CK and you should be proud of your years of service. I'm so grateful for your kindness and feel so fortunate to call you and Madame friends.

Thank you for an incredible career and the mark you've left on our wonderful community.

Jourdan Merritt '01

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Mr. Shaw, you are one of the greats. You were an important part of my development as a student and a teacher. Congratulations on a wonderful career. Jenny Boeberitz Diaz ‘90.

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Congratulations on your retirement, and thank you for everything you've done for our community!
Brian Razzaque CK '96

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Charlie, the impact you've had on Cranbrook and education for the last 44 years has been incredible.  You've touched so many generations and left us inspired, grateful for learning and always appreciating education at a whole different level.  I've looked forward to your speeches every year because I know I will take away another piece of wisdom.  We are always here for you and celebrate your next phase in life!
Love,
Deborah Wahl '81

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Charlie – May you and Sandra enjoy a glorious retirement.   In the short time I worked at Cranbrook, I learned what a true legend you are!  It was fun to listen to your stories and see the smile on your face as you told them.
All the best,
Barbara Janssen

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Hosts Erich Lines '83 and Curt Catallo '85 flank Charlie Shaw at Gran Castor event.JPG

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Thank you so much, for leading and molding young minds!!

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Thank you so much, for leading and molding young minds!!

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I still fondly recall you teaching my how to tie a bow tie... it was a random, serendipitous interaction between us but of course emblematic of how you were always teaching us...

- Niamath Khandaker CK'08

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You have done so much for the CK community. Enjoy your well deserved retirement! - Julie Rodecker, K'77

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He didn't think we could resist sharing this video as he retired, did he? Oscar-worthy performance by Charlie Shaw and cameos by many other familiar faces. Who can you spot?

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You arrived at Cranbrook when I was in high school and had an impact on countless students lives in your various roles.  It was so nice to see your friendly face around campus while my kids were students.  I will forever be impressed with your memory of names and faces, you made everyone feel special.  Wishing you much happiness in your retirement and first home off campus!
Laurie Frankel K79, POG ‘19 & ‘20