Frederick G.H. Fayen II is retiring in June 2008 after 45 years as a member of the Pingry faculty. He graduated from Phillips Exeter Academy in 1957, Harvard College (B.A.) in 1961, and New York University (M.A.) in 1967. His Pingry career began in 1963 after he taught in California for two years.

From the perspective of the thousands of students and hundreds of faculty members who have benefited from his knowledge, mentoring, and camaraderie over the years, Mr. Fayen is well-known for his quiet dignity, calm demeanor, and unceasing eagerness to learn from those around him. He has taught English and history, among other courses, and has been a coach, an adviser, Director of Guidance, and a college counselor.

He was recognized several times during the 2007-2008 academic year for his dedication to the school. In April, he received the 2008 Henry Stifel Award, and, in May, faculty and staff honored him at a reception. During the Hall of Fame ceremony at Reunion Weekend in May, Paul Scrudato ’78, who had Mr. Fayen as an advisor and college counselor, praised him for his compassion and professionalism. Paul said that Mr. Fayen treated all of the students with the same devotion.

Another Pingry alumnus, Tim Lear ’92, Pingry’s Director of College Counseling, considers working with Mr. Fayen a learning experience. “I view working with Fred as being a major reason to come back [to Pingry], to be able to learn from someone who has seen four decades of college admissions trends and changes, and who has kept the same calm, encouraging demeanor.”

Tim values not only Mr. Fayen’s insights into the colleges’ decisions about students, but also his eagerness to consider his colleague’s opinions. “The first month I was here, Fred was asking me to review some of his counselor letters—after 45 years of writing these letters, I think he knows what to do, yet he was still looking for constructive feedback. That’s amazing to me.”

There will be an in-depth tribute to Mr. Fayen in the summer issue of The Review, including more recollections from the faculty and information about a new fund being established in his honor.



© 2008 The Pingry School