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David Strasenburgh, Harley’s Director of Development from 1974-83, passed away in December.

From A History of The Harley School: 75th Anniversary by Ruth Ewell P ’66, ’70 (Headmaster’s Secretary and Registrar, 1960-80, College Counseling Office, 1980-86):

August 6, 1974

Harley Trustees authorized construction of the Center for Communications and the Arts and the new Lower School. That Fall, David Strasenburgh moved from consultant to Director of Development with responsibilities in all areas of fund raising. From 1974-1983 he brought competence and care to help bring to fruition a major building program foundational to Harley’s future. He worked under three Harley Headmasters: Stephen HinrichsDexter Lewis, and John Skillman. Importantly, Dave embraced all things Harley in his involvement with Board Members, Parents, Alumni, Faculty, and Students (even coaching a soft ball team). During those extraordinary times of hopes, challenges, and accomplishments, Dave worked steadily alongside others with understanding, a good sense of humor, and dedication. Ruth Ewell (Headmaster’s Secretary/registrar and College Counseling office, 1960-1986) stated, “As Development Office Secretary I was always thankful to have him as a valued colleague.”

Click here to read his obituary.

Students may create independent studies with supervising teachers throughout their Upper School experience or, during Grade 12, they can design Capstone projects—intensive collaborations with Harley faculty and off-campus mentors—involving rigorous academic study and culminating in public presentations. They are empowered to create their own curriculum, set goals, and work on time management skills in order to accomplish their objectives.

Independent Studies run the gamut from The Psychology of Sports to Furniture Design to The Neuroimaging of Alzheimer’s Disease. Capstones, meanwhile, are as diverse as the students who pursue them: Fictional Rochester, Autobiographical Art, Biomimicry Education, Organic Fuel, and Rochester Refugees. 

Indicative of Upper School curiosity and creativity, pursuits such as these distinguish our graduates in college. Through deep dives of this sort, Harley students master more than speaking, writing, and computing: they learn to communicate, advocate, collaborate, organize, listen, and empathize. 

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Citizen Scientists

Joy Moss: Storytelling Roots

In Every Issue

Class Notes

Diane Donniger Award

By the Numbers

From the Archives

What’s (Who’s) New at Harley

Divisional Highlights

Alumni Profile: Vandebroek

Alumni Profiles: Keller

HAC Athletics

2021 Lives of Great Purpose Awards

1000 Words

Commencement 2022

Reunion 2022

In Memoriam

Retirements and Fond Farewells