-Rob Edwards '81

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

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!

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

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

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

Xo

Annie Campbell

Class of ‘93

Your former student and babysitter

Jeff Wells