An Extraordinary Educator is Remembered

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 20 at 2 PM in the Meetinghouse for Phil Schwartz, a legendary teacher of English and Classics at Friends from (1966-2014). Phil is fondly remembered by generations of alumni, parents, faculty and staff. English teacher Marie Fahey shared this tribute of her friend and former colleague. For more information, contact Rebecca Holmes.

As is the tradition at Friends, upon Phil’s retirement in 2014 this Minute of Appreciation was read at the Faculty Emeritus ceremony in the Meetinghouse:

Friends Seminary is deeply grateful to Philip Schwartz for his 48 years of service to our School during which he has been a teacher of English and classical languages, Department Chair, Dean of Students and coach of two sports. He holds much of our School’s recent history in his memory; for five decades he has honored the primacy of our Quaker history and values. During his tenure, he has seen upheavals in world politics and their impacts on Friends, the growth of campus facilities, changes in school leadership through five principals, and the transformation of our New York City neighborhood. Philip’s passion for the life of the mind and his scholarly gravitas mix happily with an irreverent sense of humor and fun. We express heartfelt gratitude for the breadth and depth of service “Mr. Schwartz” has given to Friends Seminary and are proud to honor him as Faculty Emeritus.