# data[].attributes.body
You are a living legend! No one knows how to bring a class to life with humor and wit quite like you. I have so many wonderful memories from Bio 1H and learned so much from your class and from you. Congratulations on a remarkable career!
Caroline Shinkle '11

# data[].attributes.body
You inspired so many, many students.  Thank you for your hard work and dedication.  Wishing you much joy in your new endeavors!
Kerrie Seibert KSC '77

# data[].attributes.body
Thank you for wonderful & fond memories!! Think I lasted 1 week in your Biology class before transferring into Chemisty... yet you remained a favorite Science teacher to all of us :) Best wishes for fun adventures!
xox, Susie Gordon Kern '75

# data[].attributes.headline
Many Congratulations and thank you for the invaluable memories Mr Conner!

# data[].attributes.subject
Many Congratulations and thank you for the invaluable memories Mr Conner!

# data[].attributes.body
I still remember your Biology H class almost 10 years later as if it were just yesterday- you pushed us hard and challenged us from the get-go, but in your own words we left the class "never the same again". I still chuckle at the jokes you used to crack (usually at my expense)- from traumatizing everyone describing how head cheese is made to threatening to jump on my head so hard I'd have to unbutton my collar to blow my nose when I answered a question wrongly in class to telling someone to stop playing with the meter rule before you "measured the length of his sigmoid colon"... And of course the numerous "dingbat" accolades which came during the year. Thank you for 51+ years of memories and for revolutionizing the art of teaching. I hope you have a lovely retirement and restful days ahead.

My Best,
Basanth Sadasivan, CK'16

# data[].attributes.body
Russ arrived at Cranbrook in 1970.  A lot of change happens over fifty-one years.  From a technology perspective, Cranbrook technology consisted of telephones, mimeographs and ball point pens.  Four-function calculators had been invented but were far too expense for student use.  While this may sound like something from the Dark Ages, consider that without the expectation of immediate response via email, cell phone, or Teams – free periods were given over to impromptu frisbee games with students or lesson from colleagues in their area of expertise.  Indeed, those were the good old days!

To say that Russ has seen and done a lot is a mild understatement.  Kingswood registrar, AP teacher, reader, and exam designer; residential faculty member, volleyball and softball coach as well as creating the intramural bicycling program, SMP leader.  In addition, Russ and Kathy raised three sons – Adam, Alex, and Aaron.  Who could ever think teaching might be boring?

Russ recently wrote “When people asked me how I could stay at one place for so long, I always told them that it wasn’t one place, because it changed and offered new challenges every few years. I have been blessed to have found a career and a position that I have enjoyed and found richness in year after year.”

It has been my observation that for many, when change exceeds the tolerance for that change, it is time to make a change.  For an older employee, that change is often retirement.  In Russ’s case, this is simply not the case.  While his core teaching values have remained true, his skill set has continued to grow.  This has been most evident in our iP&E course in which Russ has easily picked up the technology necessary to build robots and programming microcontrollers.

Despite this and when I think of Russ the teacher – I think Biology.  That he loves, no – has a passion for biology is evident in any conversation.  For example, consider this exchange between Russ and former history teacher, Fred Pfister one evening in the dining hall as Russ enjoyed the main course:

Fred: Is that ham?

Russ: What we have here sir, is the cross section of the quadriceps femoris of a swine.

It is widely believed that Fred came back to the table with the second main course selection that evening.

In the classroom, Russ demonstrates daily that he is the consummate educator/entertainer, and the kids love him for the mental stimulus he provides while tickling their funny bone (keep in mind that there is no such thing as a funny bone, rather the experience being referenced is the result of stimulating the ulnar nerve which runs past the elbow thus producing a strange/funny electric sensation).  At the same time and more importantly, Russ teaches not only biology, but how to think.  This is perhaps the most difficult mental step a student will ever make – but once it is made, the world is their oyster, or pelecypoda (pō-less-a-pa-da) the formal name for the bivalve mollusk that is an oyster.

This has been evidenced time and again through the comments of former students such as:

Mr. Connor's Bio 1A course taught me how to learn, how to teach myself, how to identify what I know and what I don't know.  It was without doubt, the best class I've ever had

(Dr. Jean Weaver ‘87– Director of Science, Math, and Engineering, Prairie School, WI)

If a teacher can impart a love of his or her subject to a student who really isn't inclined toward that area, then that is a great teacher. Mr. Conner did that for me.

(Ann Bagemery, K74; senior editor for the International Herald Tribune [global edition of The New York Times])

These voices represent a difficult thing about teaching – knowing if you have done the right thing.  Indeed, it’s a tricky balancing act between what is needed now and what will endure for the years.  I think Russ has found this balance

I’m not worried about how Russ not having anything to do in the coming years.  Russ has many interests that range from fly fishing, to spinning wool.  Russ and Kathy enjoy the plays at Stratford and there are always deals to be found at a garage sale – who knows, maybe he’ll score another, easy to repair snowblower for free.

Russ, congratulations and good luck!

Greg Miller

# data[].attributes.body
Congratulations and thank you, Mr. Conner, for the class that most prepared me for what college classes would be like, and teaching us all to take responsibility for our own learning. Much love to you and the family--I hope the no-longer-kids are all doing well!
Kate Zyla '92

# data[].attributes.body
My first-year class with you was an unmatchable first exposure to the world of biology, a world I've remained firmly standing in since! I started with Bristol Myers Squibb developing their CAR-T cell therapies for lymphoma and myeloma cancers in NJ and find it an incredible time to be a biologist. Wish you all the best!
David Mertz '11

# data[].attributes.body
Hey Mr. Conner! In 9th and 11th grade, your biology classes challenged, inspired, and drove me in an unforgettable way. It sparked a fascination that integrated my interests in a way I never thought possible. Now I'm studying a PhD  in sports science in Austria, with a focus on biomechanics, breathing physiology, and evolutionary anatomy. Going through our studies I am oft-reminded of the little lessons I learned in your classes: attention to detail, taking good notes, and justifying your answers. Your wisdom and teachings are still integral to our lives (brother Brian included!). Thanks.
-Eric Harbour, '09

# data[].attributes.body
Your favorite trouble maker, yet super brilliant student. In the back room, you got your hands on a TV with attached microscope video thing and kept pointing it at me so my face was on the TV. I shouted, "stop shining that thing at me," and you refused so I gave the camera my middle finger in front of all the students, which looked fantastic on the TV - and then you finally listened to me and stopped - and then punished me for YOU disrespecting my boundary. You made me laugh so hard in class. Best sex ed "science way" teacher. Congrats and please do enjoy the rest of your life. -Juliet Hurley

# data[].attributes.body
Thank you for being such an amazing teacher, even to those of us who weren’t in your class. You made a difference to so many.

Trooper Sanders ‘91

# data[].attributes.body
I became a biologist because I so loved your bio course (I still have my notes with me  in my home office) and your AP bio changed my life.  You are the teacher of all the teachers in high school, college (as a bio major) and grad school (in biology, of course) that has had the most influence on me.  I have always paid attention to parasitology in your honor! I went on to be a scientist,  a dean of life sciences, an under secretary of agriculture, and now I am a scientist at DARPA on leave from my professor job (in biology) at U Wisc-Madison working on making food from air.  But it all started with you.  You were especially kind to help me catch up in 9th grade when I was out for a long time with a serious illness.  You taught me how to take notes.  You taught me how to learn, and you instilled in me a deep and abiding love of the wonder and beauty of the way living things work.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the start you gave me. My career is a lifelong testament to your influence.
Molly Miller Jahn '76

# data[].attributes.body
Mr. Conner - Congrats on retirement! I will always remember studying for formidable BIO 1H exams. Thank you for pushing us hard! - Andrew Wilson '12

# data[].attributes.body
Thank you Mr. Conner for everything you've done. I'll never forget my AP bio class with you. Thanks to you I discovered what it meant to be a supertaster! You made learning an enjoyable immersive experience and I consider myself fortunate to have had you as a teacher.
Brian Razzaque, CK '96

# data[].attributes.body
Your passion for your subject material and for teaching students how to think about science and the world is boundless. Having met top level scientists and doctors you inspired as well as reporters and artists - who credit you for bringing biology to life for them, I can only imagine the impact you have had across your career, Russ! Sending gratitude and cheers! ~Susan Aikens Post '78

# data[].attributes.body
Congratulations on your retirement!! Emily Moore (1977)

# data[].attributes.body
Mr. Conner, your Honors bio class was one of my all-time favorites in my 13 years at CK!  I loved the challenge, and you inspired a lifetime love of biology and anatomy.  While I didn't pursue a career in medicine (and I often reflect on my "path not taken"), I've enjoyed having a passion for biology on the side.  Because of you, when my 2-year-old daughter coughs while eating, she tells everyone "the food was going down my trachea, and it's supposed to go down my esophagus," and she proudly explains to her grandparents how the alveoli in her lungs work.  You opened up a fascinating world to me (and now to my whole family), and I'm so grateful. Thanks for the energy, vigor and challenge you brought to the classroom every day.  Enjoy your retirement, and know that you've touched so many lives over the course of your career.
All the best,
Karen Kramer Mizell '02

# data[].attributes.body
My son Alex Meyer '21 told me you made the most impact on him because you taught him how to be a student and that details matter.  Thanks for all you've done for so many of the Cranbrook community.  Enjoy your next phase!
Deborah Wahl '81

# data[].attributes.headline
Thank you for your dedication to CK and all that you have done to improve the lives of students. You will be missed! Wishing you a fun filled and relaxing retirement! -Julie Rodecker, K'77

# data[].attributes.subject
Thank you for your dedication to CK and all that you have done to improve the lives of students. You will be missed! Wishing you a fun filled and relaxing retirement! -Julie Rodecker, K'77

# data[].attributes.body
I arrived in 1985 as an exchange student from Cranbrook School, Kent, England. I thought I knew everything, and swiftly learnt that wasn't the case. 35 years later I remain grateful for the sensitive way in which you handled an arrogant (with nothing to be arrogant about) foreign student. I am now a Trustee of Cranbrook School and hope to one day rekindle the relationship between the two schools, so that others have the opportunity to experience teachers like you.
Nick Addyman, 1986

# data[].attributes.headline
Congratulations, Russ! You have created lifelong memories at Cranbrook, now there are many more memories to create as you embark on new adventures! Have some fun out there!

# data[].attributes.subject
Congratulations, Russ! You have created lifelong memories at Cranbrook, now there are many more memories to create as you embark on new adventures! Have some fun out there!

# data[].attributes.body
-Molly McLain Hull '80

# data[].attributes.body
Mr. Conner thank you for all you taught me in AP Bio. Unlike some of the others I do not remember the Krebs cycle or other Bio related lessons.  You taught me to be prepared and to think on my feet. You taught me to listen.  You taught me how to give and receive a pithy sarcastic retort. And I will always remember stopping class at 8:15 to listen to The Adventures of Chicken Man.  I just hope you can learn to relax and enjoy retirement; the energy I always see in you doesn't seem compatable with life outside the classroom.
Mark Frankel CK'77

# data[].attributes.body
Thank you for being such a memorable part of my Cranbrook experience. Your ability to engage, challenge and inspire your students is incredible and definitely kept us all on our toes. You made complex material come to life, and completing your Bio 1 Honors class gave me the confidence and energy to work harder in my college years and beyond.

Claire Huttenlocher, CK '12

# data[].attributes.body
... for your incredible dedication to our beloved alma mater. You have a special space in an untold number of hearts.
Lucy Chase Williams KSC '73

# data[].attributes.body
Through grad school you've remained one of the best teachers I've ever had.  I'm so glad that hundreds of kids after me got to enjoy your classes, too.  Thank you for everything.

Krista Woodbridge, CK '90

# data[].attributes.body
Russ! Many, many memories of our years together at Kingswood Cranbrook. Congratulations!
Nina Machus

# data[].attributes.body
I cannot imagine Kingswood without you! You are the finest teacher I ever had. I can still drag out the Kreb’s cycle from deep in the memory banks, . I have lost track of the many, many times my mind would wander over to you in the last 48 years. You are one of the founding rocks of my life. Many thanks  for your existence and your dedication to expanding and honing the minds of all Woodies.
Connie Watkins Pass '73

# data[].attributes.body
You were my best and favorite science teacher.  You are an incredibly gifted teacher, one who inspires to learn.  Thank you and best wishes for your retirement.
Bonnie Kortes
Class of 1973

# data[].attributes.headline
I was in your first human physiology course....I went to med school and also received a public health degree....I’ve only been arrested twice...your systems approach was ahead of it’s time ....now come and teach in prison with me...congrats

# data[].attributes.subject
I was in your first human physiology course....I went to med school and also received a public health degree....I’ve only been arrested twice...your systems approach was ahead of it’s time ....now come and teach in prison with me...congrats

# data[].attributes.body
S.C Schwartz MD MPH
Boarder Criminal

# data[].attributes.headline
Congrats and thanks for all your incredible work! I loved biology class! You have made a difference in many people's lives! 

# data[].attributes.subject
Congrats and thanks for all your incredible work! I loved biology class! You have made a difference in many people's lives! 

# data[].attributes.body
Patrick Koepele, CK '89

# data[].attributes.body
The first day I stepped in Gordon Science Room 56, I had no idea what odyssey awaited me. It was a great fortune and, should I say, honor to take THE Bio IH class in my freshmen year. The "above and beyond" for lab report was probably my proudest accomplishment for highschool, and I was glad that our connections went on in AP Bio and  advisory group. You have taught me so much that I am, and will forever be in you debt. Thank you for a great education and countless invaluable memories.

Anonymous Dingbat, CK'18

# data[].attributes.body
Congratulations on your well-deserved retirement. I wish you the best in your new chapter and give thanks for your 50+ of service to Michigan’s greatest school. Good luck and God bless.

Frankie Misra, CK ‘15

# data[].attributes.body
Your Bio class stands out in my memory as one of the best classroom experiences I had.  34 years later I still remember the examples!  Your infectious presentation of the material made it fun to learn and exciting to master.  Thanks for the great education and memories.

Carl Klemmer, CK '89

# data[].attributes.body
...to a man who, above all, made us think. Enjoy the next chapter!

Harrison Woods, CK '08

# data[].attributes.headline
Thank you being such a wonderful part of the Kingswood experience for so many years.

# data[].attributes.subject
Thank you being such a wonderful part of the Kingswood experience for so many years.

# data[].attributes.body
Nancy Albert
Class of 1973

# data[].attributes.headline
Russ,I remember you were waiting to make it 50 and you did. Now ENJOY the next chapter. 

# data[].attributes.subject
Russ,I remember you were waiting to make it 50 and you did. Now ENJOY the next chapter. 

# data[].attributes.body
51 years - what an incredible milestone and accomplishment! I can't imagine how many students' lives you touched over those five decades, and I'm so grateful I got to have you as a teacher. Your class was one of the most memorable in my time at CK - the best teachers push you to achieve more than you think you can. Even though Bio H was tough, I looked forward to going to class, and you created an atmosphere that allowed students to bond with each other and feel completely comfortable. I made some amazing friendships, just from getting through your class together :)
Thank you for your incredible dedication to your students, and I hope you have a wonderful and well-earned retirement!
Best,
Olivia Chen, CK '13

# data[].attributes.body
Mr. Conner, congratulations on your incredible career!  I still remember walking into class that first day and you telling us that it was our job to come in with questions - every day.  You forced us to learn more than we thought, think beyond the book and take control of our own education.  Those lessons have stayed with me forever.  Thank you from a grateful student.

Aaron Charfoos, CK '93

# data[].attributes.body
Congratulations on many wonderful years of teaching! You taught me to study effectively and to rise to challenges. When I succeeded, you also taught me not to rest on my laurels, lest I get leaf-prints on my rear. Most importantly, you taught me that bringing personality and spark into a classroom makes real learning happen for students.

I think you can safely rest on your own very impressive laurels at this stage! I wish you all the best on your next adventures.

-Tessa Huttenlocher, CK'10
(Still a dingbat)

# data[].attributes.headline
Amazing that my teacher retired after I did. Your teaching style and persistence as well as stories- Grass in the RA's room- captivated me and led to my career in Environmental Engineering. Congratulations and enjoy the next stage in your life.

# data[].attributes.subject
Amazing that my teacher retired after I did. Your teaching style and persistence as well as stories- Grass in the RA's room- captivated me and led to my career in Environmental Engineering. Congratulations and enjoy the next stage in your life.

# data[].attributes.body
Jane Crouch Thapa class of 1974

# data[].attributes.body
Congrats on your retirement! I have such fond memories of Bio 1H and Bio AP with you. You gave me a great foundation to pursue my medical career - all I needed was my high school Bio AP notes when I studied for the MCAT. You challenged me and I loved it. I hope you have a great retirement!  --Lara Rosenbaum, MD, MHS, CK'03

# data[].attributes.body
I came to CK already excited about science but your bio class (DS AP) and Doc VanDam's chemistry class turbocharged that interest. I'm teaching at Smith College now and hope to be half as inspiring and rigorous as you were. I think of you whenever students complain my multiple choice questions are too hard :) I'm also still biking - with my daughter on an electro cargo bike. Sadly, there is no cider mill with donuts within a decent distance of our house.  Thanks for sharing your excitement about the world, scientific and otherwise, in the classroom and in the halls of Marquis.

Alex Barron, CK '96