# data[].attributes.body
Miss seeing you both. Love from the entire Wells family!

Your former student and babysitter

Jeff Wells

# data[].attributes.body
I love you both so much, not only for your friendship but for your guidance as well 💋💋

Xo

Annie Campbell

Class of ‘93

# data[].attributes.headline
Congratulations on being named Honorary Alumni!

# data[].attributes.subject
Congratulations on being named Honorary Alumni!

# data[].attributes.body
Mr. and Mrs. Dagbovie,

It is impossible for me to think about my time at Cranbrook School without recalling the incredible impact that the two of you had on my life. I came to Cranbrook in the Fall of 1973 after being awarded a scholarship from Horizon Upward-Bound (HUB).

Your patience with me in the classroom as a student trying to learn the French language or on the soccer field trying to remember to use my feet and not my hands was much appreciated.

You both were a comfort to a boarding student who was homesick with your warm smiles and humble spirits.

Several years ago, I read a Togolese quote and I smiled because it epitomized precisely the both of you. The quote: “A person is a person because of other people.” You understand the importance of community and interconnectedness. Cranbrook had both, in part because it had the two of you.

Arthur Ferrell

Class of 1975

# data[].attributes.body
Dr. Maya Angelou once said, "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."

That is exactly what comes to mind when I think about Fran Dagbovie. She was one of the first teachers that made me feel like Cranbrook was a challenge that I was more than capable of conquering at a higher level than even my peers. Fran gave me confidence that I had something of value to bring to CK culture. She was nurturing and passionate, giving me something to aspire to.

Her husband, Prospero, was equally as inspirational to me during my tenure there as a student, but for different reasons. For me he represented how kindness and toughness can go hand in hand. His booming voice of authority paired with his genuine humility showed me how both layers can make for a complete leader. He gave me the tough advice when I needed it and made me fall in love with the French language and culture. There were not many teachers of color. He embraced his position with dignity and respect. He made it clear to me that failure was not an option.

Their children continuously honor them with their own excellence, however their legacy also continues to thrive through the people they've inspired over their collective educational careers.

Two individuals could not be more deserving of this honor.

Daniel Jefferson, CK 1992

# data[].attributes.body
Thank you for being such an amazing teacher!! You were always rigorous but kind; both precise and encouraging, in a way that showed me how far I still had to go without obliterating my confidence. In other words: a phenomenal teacher! I miss your classes and think back on them fondly

# data[].attributes.body
Monsieur Dagbovie, thank you for instilling confidence in me during a time in life when I was figuring “things” out as I adjusted to the Cranbrook community. Although I never mastered those French conjugations, your class left a lasting impression on me and served as a reminder to keep pushing. The love that you and Mrs. Dagbovie share for the CKS community will always be cherished, Thank you, Ashani Collins O’Mard ‘96 💙💚

# data[].attributes.body
This is probably my favorite photo of Prospero. I took it after the 2006 Commencement in front of Christ Church. He’s a role model in every way.

# data[].attributes.body
M. Dagbovie,

The impact you have had on my life truly cannot be overstated. You were my first introduction to Cranbrook and to the beautiful French language. You played a key role in opening my eyes to the rest of the world. From tutoring sessions after long days at the skating rink, to advocating for me to attend Cranbrook, and sharing your zest for life and love for Togo, it has all shaped who I am and the directions I have chosen to take in life. Attending Cranbrook opened incredible doors for me, and in college I studied abroad in Africa and continued to study French (je suis désolé dire que j'en ai perdu la plupart à présent!). All of this led to the career decisions I have since made, and I am happy and thriving in a fulfilling career. THANK YOU.

Much love,

Noelle Fogg

# data[].attributes.body
Mr. Dagbovie,

You were one of my favorite reasons to walk down the hallway in the upper school. You always had a devious but welcoming smile for all the little "communists". Your love of life was infectious, and with that we all loved French. Thank you for being an inspiration--a man of kindness, good will, laughter, and fun. And thank you for being the best teacher!

XOXO Priya Duggal '91

# data[].attributes.body
After my Commencement speech in 2021, Fran invited me to surprise Prospero with a visit. Prospero told stories about my parents that I never knew, including their trip to Togo and their frequent dinners to discuss... uh, me. The words thank you will never be enough. I'm thrilled that they're getting this tribute.

-Rob Edwards '81

# data[].attributes.body
Mr. Dagbovie was well known for his impeccable suits.

# data[].attributes.body
Monsieur Dagbovie,

Je vous remercier pour touts les souvenirs et le volonté poursuivre des études de la langue et de la culture française et des autres quand même. Après mes années de lycée à Cranbrook, je me suis spécialisé en Français à l'université. Dans ma deuxième année, j'ai vécu avec un colocataire français et dans ma dernière année j'ai étudié à l'étranger en France. En fait j'ai vécu avec une famille d'acqueille qui ne parlait aucun d'anglais pour 4 mois! Sauf les souvenirs de mon mariage et la naissance de mon fils et malgré ça fait plus que 20 ans, ce sont les souvenirs le plus puissant de mon vie! Et c'est carrement à cause d'avoir un educateur qui m'a inspiré viser en haut!

J'éspere que vous et madame vont bien dans votre retrait and je vous souhaite la santé et une bonne vie ensemble. Merci pour tout!

Dan Williams Jr. '01

P.S. Je crois que ce lettre est le plus que j'ai écrit en français en 20+ années! Donc aussi merci pour m'aider à retenir tout ça!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Fran Dagbovie head of kingswood girls middle school

# data[].attributes.body
Crane Clarion article - Fran Dagvovie reminisces, looks to future

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Fran Dagbovie retirement article Crane Clarion June 2011

# data[].attributes.headline
Prospero and Fran with Pero ('89) and Sika ('93)

# data[].attributes.subject
Prospero and Fran with Pero ('89) and Sika ('93)

# data[].attributes.body
The Dagbovie family was at the heart of campus residential life across the decades.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Prospero and Fran Dagbovie with Pero and Sika

# data[].attributes.body
Crane Clarion article - Prospero Dagbovie Retires after 41 years, June 2011

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
prospero dagbovie retirement article Crane Clarion June 2011

# data[].attributes.body
With colleague Charlie Shaw and commencement speaker Rob Edwards '81 and classmates

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Fran Dagbovie (center) at Commencement 2021

# data[].attributes.body
spring 1971

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
prospero dagbovie with students outside 72 crane

# data[].attributes.body
Watson, Young, Dagbovie, Mecsey