Sue Negro 1760 Announces Retirement

May 2, 2024

Sue Negro 1760 to Retire

It’s a fact that nothing means more to Sue Negro 1760 than her family. Immediate, GA, overseas, or other, family has been the most common denominator in her successful 25-year tenure at GA. She is a skillful leader who will retire in June; an Upper School math teacher whose style, knowledge, and experience reflects the countless hours she has put into her craft.

“Love. Connection. Creativity. Reliability. Adaptability. Strength. Nurture. Dynamism. Adventure. Optimism. These are just a few of the words that come to my mind when I think about legendary Sue Negro 1760,” said Head of School Rich Schellhas 1760. “It isn’t an exaggeration to say that I feel like my life would have been supremely better had I had the gift of having Sue as a math teacher, because I have seen first-hand how many lives she has changed by being the consummate teacher and advisor. So many of us think of her as Mama Negro because she leads with love, empathy, kindness, and the proper spoonful of discipline when we need it most (followed by a hug). Dozens of seniors every year have her atop their college recommendation list because they know how well she knows them, cares about them, and will advocate for them. A remarkably adept math teacher at any level, Sue never gives up on any student, and she helps each one discover their best math selves, even (or especially) if they define themselves as staunchly anti-math. Beyond her stellar work as a teacher and advisor, Sue has initiated and led a string of important initiatives during her tenure at GA – far too many to list here. Whatever the task, I have always had complete faith that, with Sue in charge, it wouldn’t just get done right, it would exceed expectations. That’s who she is – a human who constantly exceeds our expectations, who makes her classroom a home, and who makes every individual she encounters feel that much better about themselves thanks to her unyielding faith in our ability to grow and thrive. Simply put, I can’t imagine GA without her, but I am so happy for her and her family that she will take all the love and energy she has shared with us for so long with them.”

Negro’s love for GA is infinite. Not only has she taught math in the Upper School for the past 18 years, but she was also a Middle School science and math teacher for seven years before that. She served as Senior Projects Director, Academy Scholars Director, Yearbook Advisor, Class Facilitator, Assistant Director of Summer Programs, Science Camp Director, MS/US Summer Academics Director, MS Student Council, and others. She is a proud member of Galloway House and a RED team family.

Our award-winning family member’s most prized accolade was when she was inducted into the Class of 1760, GA’s honorary alumni society. Negro was also lauded for her work as the Director of the London exchange programs with induction in the Dove Becker Society and was a two-time Distinguished Achievement Award winner. Kudos aside, Negro's logic always revolves around her students. “I stayed this long because of the students who still manage to teach me something every day.”

While the Negros’ GA family album will soon be full, there are plenty of ways she will stay connected. She looks forward to traveling, helping with the grandchildren (one more on the way in October!), and walking the dogs at a time other than 6am. She plans to remain a part of many GA traditions, including attending the Class of 1760 reception, and her measurements for success will continue to live on through the hundreds of students she has molded. Negro is most grateful for the incredible colleagues who nurtured and taught her children (Natalie '08, John '09, and Olivia '19), gracious math department friends who shared their wisdom with her, and a supportive administration who always leads with yes. In the end, Negro's equation, family+school+travel, has equaled a memorable career.

Extra Credit

Lasting Memories:

Octoberfest, senior sleep out, watching my own children graduate, House Olympics, house talent show – shout out to the Galloway trash bag debacle, prom, Rich having his head shaved as a result of a GA win on GA/PC Day.

Memorable Quotes:

“Where would any of us be without teachers?” - Fred Rodgers

“A good teacher: someone who retains a clear, compassionate sense of what it was like not to know.” - Alain de Botton

What I Will Miss Most:

The little things…students thanking me after every class, grabbing coffee with a colleague, my early morning math extra help sessions with students, are just a few.

Photo Credit:

The top photo was taken at the Hardiman Hotel in Galway, Ireland during Spring Break 2023. The Negro family, 10 of us, traveled there to trace our Irish roots – all the way to the Aran Islands.

Send Sue a Note

Sue would love to hear from alumni, parents, and colleagues. Share a memory with Sue using the NOTES button.

NOTES

Honor Sue with a Gift to GA!

Making a gift to the school in honor of Sue's retirement is a wonderful way to celebrate her tenure at GA.

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