Catching Up With Gary Crossman

Gary Crossman first came to OES in 1977 and has worn many hats, including math teacher, dean of academics, coach, and dorm parent. For a time, he and his family lived in Morris House in what’s now the OES Business Office! After spending the 2007-2008 school year teaching abroad in Spain, he worked for some time as a member of the  Alumni Office staff. Gary eventually returned to teach math courses in the Upper School until his retirement in 2016.

1. What have you been up to since retirement?

I would say that most of my focus has been on playing with grandkids, traveling, hiking/biking, and reading - with a few house projects thrown in.

2. What do you miss about OES, i.e., what was your favorite part of working at OES?

The fact that I am tutoring and subbing at OES tells you I miss it. In fact, I am back on the faculty this year teaching a class of one Middle School student!  I actually miss the math, and it has been fun to re-engage my brain with the subject. But mostly I miss the people: colleagues, students, advisees. I don't miss the meetings, the report writing, the administrative stuff. So don't get me wrong, I am not sorry I retired.

3. What do you think OES does best?

I always appreciated that OES offered my own children, and all other students as well, an atmosphere of high standards. The norm is for bright students to work hard led by capable faculty. That is a combination that is hard to find everywhere.

4. What are your OES alum kids doing these days?

My daughter, Kellin '02, is married with two little boys, works at Portland Community College, and just bought a house a mile from us.  My son, Brian '97, is married with two little girls and is an attorney for the City of San Francisco. Both are doing well - mostly from home these days.

You can catch up with Gary on OES Connect.

And watch for more fun interviews with alumni, faculty, and staff in future In the Loop newsletters.