Extracurricular Evaluation: Dan Erlandson

2015

January

In his 24th year as a faculty advisor to the School Council, Dan is

beloved by the council students, appreciated by newly added council
adults, and essential to the smooth running of council events and
initiatives. Always willing to put in the necessary hours and behindthe-scenes work, Dan brings expertise into everything from gas grills
and flooring to student motivation. He is the voice of reason when
students are too grandiose in their plans; he is also their champion
when there is work to be done. Some efforts have become
metaphorical over the years. On the genie at the center of the tall
gymnasium ceiling, gathering and attaching 8 fifty-yard strands of
poundage of black material stands Dan with the 23-member council
below him working in concert to raise the fabric roof. It is a scene of
cooperation and effort with Dan at the center, leading the effort.
It is impressive to work with students for so many years in this
role and still be an exemplar of not only hard work, but patience and
humor. In the double cycle meetings and annual retreat, Dan is always
willing to talk through the ideas and issues. Of course, there have
been fleeting moments of exasperation, but always within the context
of expecting the best of students: something that the officers
understand. For these many years including the most recent and the
current one the school council president and class officers have
turned to Dan for advice and support and have strived to earn his
respect and admiration.
No matter what the responsibility, Dan is always open to new
ideas and constantly striving to perfect his work and improve the
experience of others. Whether it is the prom or graduation, Dan is the
quintessential professional while he is also fun (and willing to dance
during clean-up) and sincerely enjoys the work and the celebration.
Dans experience, tireless efforts, and wisdom are so valuable to
council and to Newark Academy. My only hope is that Dan continues
in this essential role as he is singular both in his knowledge and his
approach. To support students this way, it is important to make it
about them. Dan is unassuming - the antithesis of self-promotion
and will deflect any compliment (making them even more necessary!)
On council the single most difficult challenge is finding one class period
of uninterrupted time so I have 2 requests of Dan in his role as
scheduler: please schedule the conflicting half-labs during any time but
council meeting. That and stay on another decade, please. We need
you!

Respectfully submitted,
Pegeen Galvin
Dean of Students