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Eight Pillars of the Hopkins Community Retire
“Every once in a while in schools, there’s a year when a number of iconic staff members choose to retire—and this is one of those years at Hopkins,” said Head of School Matt Glendinning at a special ceremony this spring honoring eight faculty and staff members moving on from the Hill. Collectively representing nearly 200 years of experience, the 2025 class of retirees spans nearly every corner of campus, from math, art, and modern language to college counseling, the business office, and the Junior School.
“Their many contributions are impossible to list fully,” said Glendinning. “We’re going to miss them all.”
In this feature, we hear directly from the retirees themselves as well as the colleagues who spoke in their honor at year-end celebrations.
Thom Peters, History Faculty and School Archivist
Years on the Hill: 33
Years on the Hill: 33
Over more than three decades, Thom Peters shaped Hopkins both visibly and behind the scenes—as a teacher, adviser, coach, and school archivist. From rich classroom discussions to curating the School’s 350th anniversary exhibition at the New Haven Museum in 2010, Peters approached every role at the School with care, historical depth, and expertise.
From Peters:
“My favorite part of Hopkins has been the rich conversations I’ve been able to have—often about history, but also about the complex lives of young people as they grapple with expectations of achievement and an innate curiosity about the world around them,” said Peters while being interviewed for The Razor—the Hopkins Student Newspaper.
“My favorite part of Hopkins has been the rich conversations I’ve been able to have—often about history, but also about the complex lives of young people as they grapple with expectations of achievement and an innate curiosity about the world around them,” said Peters while being interviewed for The Razor—the Hopkins Student Newspaper.
From John Roberts, Assistant Head of School:
“For Tommy, this place has been a calling. It’s been more than a vocation—it’s been about service to humanity,” said Roberts. “He wanted his students to be good citizens, good thinkers, great Americans, and mostly, really great people.”
A working artist and beloved teacher, Peter Ziou encouraged generations of Hopkins students to embrace creativity, stay open to wonder, and trust their unique perspectives. Known for his philosophical reflections and belief that “we are all artists,” Ziou’s impact extended far beyond the studio.
From Ziou:
“Hopkins allowed me to give back the gift that God gave me to use. It gave me a way to settle into life and know that I had some value—and I could pass that on to someone. That’s all that any of us can hope for.”
From Jacqueline LaBelle-Young, Visual Arts Faculty:
“Countless students and colleagues will never forget Peter’s kindness, wisdom, and generous spirit,” said LaBelle-Young. “One of his greatest gifts was staying open to the beauty and magic of the unexpected moment.”
Wendy Parente’s connection to Hopkins spans five decades—as a student, alum, parent, coach, and trusted member of the business office. Known for her loyalty, wit, and precision, she solved problems big and small, and brought warmth to every hallway she passed through.
“For Tommy, this place has been a calling. It’s been more than a vocation—it’s been about service to humanity,” said Roberts. “He wanted his students to be good citizens, good thinkers, great Americans, and mostly, really great people.”
Peter Ziou, Visual Arts Faculty
Years on the Hill: 32
Years on the Hill: 32
A working artist and beloved teacher, Peter Ziou encouraged generations of Hopkins students to embrace creativity, stay open to wonder, and trust their unique perspectives. Known for his philosophical reflections and belief that “we are all artists,” Ziou’s impact extended far beyond the studio.
From Ziou:
“Hopkins allowed me to give back the gift that God gave me to use. It gave me a way to settle into life and know that I had some value—and I could pass that on to someone. That’s all that any of us can hope for.”
From Jacqueline LaBelle-Young, Visual Arts Faculty:
“Countless students and colleagues will never forget Peter’s kindness, wisdom, and generous spirit,” said LaBelle-Young. “One of his greatest gifts was staying open to the beauty and magic of the unexpected moment.”
Wendy Parente ’75, Accounts Payable Manager
Years on the Hill: 31 (as a staff member)
Years on the Hill: 31 (as a staff member)
Wendy Parente’s connection to Hopkins spans five decades—as a student, alum, parent, coach, and trusted member of the business office. Known for her loyalty, wit, and precision, she solved problems big and small, and brought warmth to every hallway she passed through.
From Parente:
“I love walking through the halls and having everybody say hi. The interaction with everyone is what I look forward to the most every day.” Speaking about the job itself, Parente discussed relishing the small moments. “This may not sound exciting to other people, but when I resolve an issue—sometimes as small as connecting a receipt to a charge—you might see me cheering for a second in the hallway. I get a charge out of it.”
“I love walking through the halls and having everybody say hi. The interaction with everyone is what I look forward to the most every day.” Speaking about the job itself, Parente discussed relishing the small moments. “This may not sound exciting to other people, but when I resolve an issue—sometimes as small as connecting a receipt to a charge—you might see me cheering for a second in the hallway. I get a charge out of it.”
From Ozzy Parente Jr. ’05:
“She is a role model in all ways—wanting nothing more than for everyone to work hard and just get along,” said her son, Ozzy Parente, Jr. “Through her words and her actions, it was clear she wanted to create the best possible experience for Hopkins’ most valuable commodity: its students.”
Julie Roberge, Administrative Assistant to the Junior School, has been a steady, trusted presence—known for helping anyone and everyone who needed it. Her deep care for students and colleagues shaped the warm, supportive culture of Thompson Hall.
“She is a role model in all ways—wanting nothing more than for everyone to work hard and just get along,” said her son, Ozzy Parente, Jr. “Through her words and her actions, it was clear she wanted to create the best possible experience for Hopkins’ most valuable commodity: its students.”
Julie Roberge, Administrative Assistant
Years on the Hill: 21
Years on the Hill: 21
Julie Roberge, Administrative Assistant to the Junior School, has been a steady, trusted presence—known for helping anyone and everyone who needed it. Her deep care for students and colleagues shaped the warm, supportive culture of Thompson Hall.
From Roberge:
“I’ve had the chance to learn, grow, and contribute as a valued member of the Junior School team. It’s been challenging and rewarding, with a lot of laughs, a lot of tears, and a lot of love included in the bargain.” Roberge described the Junior School as a family. “We always say, to anyone who will listen, that the Junior School is the best place to be—full of dedicated people who enjoy knowing, teaching, and supporting seventh and eighth graders.”
“I’ve had the chance to learn, grow, and contribute as a valued member of the Junior School team. It’s been challenging and rewarding, with a lot of laughs, a lot of tears, and a lot of love included in the bargain.” Roberge described the Junior School as a family. “We always say, to anyone who will listen, that the Junior School is the best place to be—full of dedicated people who enjoy knowing, teaching, and supporting seventh and eighth graders.”
From Elizabeth Roberge ’09:
“She has always brought a rare mix of grace and grit to her work. She does it all with heart and humility,” said her daughter, Elizabeth. “Though she often worked behind the scenes, the impact she made is anything but quiet.”
“She has always brought a rare mix of grace and grit to her work. She does it all with heart and humility,” said her daughter, Elizabeth. “Though she often worked behind the scenes, the impact she made is anything but quiet.”
Elizabeth Edwards, Registrar and Administrative Assistant to College Counseling
Years on the Hill: 21
A welcomed presence in Hopkins House, Elizabeth Edwards helped generations of students navigate the college admissions process while maintaining alumni records with care. Her signature wit and generosity were well known and appreciated around campus.
From Edwards:
“For me, it is about the people. Each day I’m reminded how lucky I am to be surrounded by such remarkable colleagues. I can’t imagine a group of people I’d rather work with,” said Edwards when she reached the 20-year milestone at Hopkins.
Years on the Hill: 21
A welcomed presence in Hopkins House, Elizabeth Edwards helped generations of students navigate the college admissions process while maintaining alumni records with care. Her signature wit and generosity were well known and appreciated around campus.
From Edwards:
“For me, it is about the people. Each day I’m reminded how lucky I am to be surrounded by such remarkable colleagues. I can’t imagine a group of people I’d rather work with,” said Edwards when she reached the 20-year milestone at Hopkins.
From Erika Chapin, Director of College Counseling:
“Elizabeth has been a pillar of support,” said Chapin. “Our relationship has transcended being mere colleagues. When someone is in Elizabeth’s circle, they’re cared for and valued forever. I’m endlessly grateful to be in that circle.”
From Bennitt:
“Working at Hopkins has always filled me with warmth and given me a deep sense of purpose. The relationships I’ve formed with students and colleagues alike inspire me every day and bring me never-ending joy.” When celebrating her 20-year milestone, Bennitt reflected on the love she has always had for her job. “Even after twenty years, I keep driving a little too fast on my way to school because I’m so excited to get there.”
“Elizabeth has been a pillar of support,” said Chapin. “Our relationship has transcended being mere colleagues. When someone is in Elizabeth’s circle, they’re cared for and valued forever. I’m endlessly grateful to be in that circle.”
Susan Bennitt, Spanish Faculty and Tennis Coach
Years on the Hill: 21
From language lessons to championship tennis seasons, Susan Bennitt brought energy, empathy, and adventure to every space she entered. Her international trips, deep classroom connections, and athletic leadership created memories—and meaning—for countless students.
Years on the Hill: 21
From language lessons to championship tennis seasons, Susan Bennitt brought energy, empathy, and adventure to every space she entered. Her international trips, deep classroom connections, and athletic leadership created memories—and meaning—for countless students.
From Bennitt:
“Working at Hopkins has always filled me with warmth and given me a deep sense of purpose. The relationships I’ve formed with students and colleagues alike inspire me every day and bring me never-ending joy.” When celebrating her 20-year milestone, Bennitt reflected on the love she has always had for her job. “Even after twenty years, I keep driving a little too fast on my way to school because I’m so excited to get there.”
From Mike McManus, Faculty and Coach:
“Susan has shown what it means to be passionate, resilient, and endlessly kind,” said McManus. “She is a devoted mother, an accomplished athlete, and a treasured friend. Thank you for being a role model of strength, kindness, and joy.”
From Picarazzi:
“The exceptional students!” she said when asked what made Hopkins special to her. “Hopkins students embrace learning, don’t shy away from rigor, and can reach proficiency in a short amount of time. Hopkins has given me the academic freedom and support to create something truly special.”
From Lan Lin, Modern Language Department Chair:
“Her love and dedication to creating an Italian home at Hopkins has been extraordinary,” said Lin. Students and faculty alike say they will miss the sights and sounds of her traditional Italian dance lessons, pasta-making classes, and pizza trucks, just a few examples of the Italian culture she brought to campus often. “Her secret ingredient is her boundless love for her students—every single one of them was heard and seen, and above all, fed.”
As a math teacher, football coach, and wrestling coach, Jack Ayer brought grit, humor, and a quiet determination to everything he did. He helped hundreds of students grow—pushing them to do better, work harder, and never give up on themselves.
From Tim Phipps, Head Football Coach and History Faculty:
“If Jack saw something in you—potential you didn’t yet see—he’d let you know. He never quit on his students,” said Phipps. “Whether it was in the classroom, on the field, or in the wrestling room, Jack was always there—helping you do it again. And again. And again.”
“Susan has shown what it means to be passionate, resilient, and endlessly kind,” said McManus. “She is a devoted mother, an accomplished athlete, and a treasured friend. Thank you for being a role model of strength, kindness, and joy.”
Teresa Picarazzi, Italian Faculty
Years on the Hill: 20
Teresa Picarazzi—known as “Pica” to her students—brought the Italian language and culture to life at Hopkins. A former university professor, she expanded the program to include Honors and AP-level coursework and launched a Sister School partnership in Amalfi and Salerno, Italy.
Years on the Hill: 20
Teresa Picarazzi—known as “Pica” to her students—brought the Italian language and culture to life at Hopkins. A former university professor, she expanded the program to include Honors and AP-level coursework and launched a Sister School partnership in Amalfi and Salerno, Italy.
From Picarazzi:
“The exceptional students!” she said when asked what made Hopkins special to her. “Hopkins students embrace learning, don’t shy away from rigor, and can reach proficiency in a short amount of time. Hopkins has given me the academic freedom and support to create something truly special.”
From Lan Lin, Modern Language Department Chair:
“Her love and dedication to creating an Italian home at Hopkins has been extraordinary,” said Lin. Students and faculty alike say they will miss the sights and sounds of her traditional Italian dance lessons, pasta-making classes, and pizza trucks, just a few examples of the Italian culture she brought to campus often. “Her secret ingredient is her boundless love for her students—every single one of them was heard and seen, and above all, fed.”
Jack Ayer, Math Faculty and Coach
Years on the Hill: 18
Years on the Hill: 18
As a math teacher, football coach, and wrestling coach, Jack Ayer brought grit, humor, and a quiet determination to everything he did. He helped hundreds of students grow—pushing them to do better, work harder, and never give up on themselves.
From Jack Ayer:
“This is my fifth school, and it is the best place I have ever worked. The best part of being a teacher is when students recognize and thank you for what you’ve done for them. You’d like to think you made a difference,” said Ayer during an interview with The Razor.
“This is my fifth school, and it is the best place I have ever worked. The best part of being a teacher is when students recognize and thank you for what you’ve done for them. You’d like to think you made a difference,” said Ayer during an interview with The Razor.
From Tim Phipps, Head Football Coach and History Faculty:
“If Jack saw something in you—potential you didn’t yet see—he’d let you know. He never quit on his students,” said Phipps. “Whether it was in the classroom, on the field, or in the wrestling room, Jack was always there—helping you do it again. And again. And again.”
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Retirees were honored at a luncheon during Reunion weekend in May.
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