The Albert L. Waldron Chair in Classics

was established in 1982 by Mr. W. Hayden Thompson, ’45 in honor of Albert L. Waldron, who served as head of the Latin Department at US from 1915 to 1949. Latin courses were central to the experience of US boys until the late 1960s when some more topical concerns nudged them out of the curriculum. By 1982, Latin had returned to the Middle School and there were beginning and intermediate Latin classes in the Upper School, but the Classics were not as important as they once had been. The Waldron Chair’s purpose is to foster a renaissance of the study of Classics at US and provide resources to supplement the teaching program. It is based on the strong belief that a challenging Classics curriculum is a solid preparation for life.

Chair holder Karl Frerichs teaches Latin and has taught both Greek and Western Civilization. Mr. Frerichs joined University School in 1993 and has held the following positions: Head Cross Country Coach; House Master; Member of the Education Committee of the Board of Directors; and Coordinator of the Sherman Prize Speaking Contest.