An accomplished professional and respected colleague remembers ODA fondly. This interview reveals a softer and more personal side of Mr. Runge than what might have been expected. Candidly, Mr. Runge cuts right to the core of what he finds most important in his life.  With excitement and determination,  Mr. Runge  takes a plunge toward a bright new future in Connecticut.

Q: What is your fondest memory at ODA?

A: My fondest memory was starting the track and cross country team. There were no facilities, and we started with a track team of six members my first year. But, two of them qualified for the state championship meet. Ultimately, the team grew to over 60 boys and girls. We had over 21 student- athletes make the state meet in the eight years I coached track and field. In each of the years I coached cross country, each team qualified for regionals, and we had one athlete qualify for the state meet three times.

Q: What is your biggest accomplishment?

A: I think the biggest accomplishment was defining a college counseling program that assisted the student body in helping their dreams come true. It’s a long and laborious task to achieve within the walls of a Cum Laude Society school, thus managing the students’ desires with real world application (college admission) was very defining and satisfactory to me.

Q: What is best part of being a college counselor?

A: The best part of being a college counselor was the relationships built. Fully, many of the students I counseled many years back are now friends and colleagues of mine. To observe tremendous personal growth is intrinsically rewarding. I have loved every minute of my time with the students.

Q: What are your future goals?

A: My future goals have more to do with being a good father, brother, son, and husband. My professional responsibilities are not quite what I am totally invested in. I think, and it is different for everyone, that being a good father and husband trumps anything one can do as a professional. I look forward to being that person.

Q: What do you want to see happen in the future of College Counseling here at ODA?

A: The future of the college counseling program is really in the hands of Mr. Harding and Mrs. Chait.  They are the best two individuals with whom I have ever worked and they will carry the torch forward!

Q: Leaving ODA, what will you miss the most?

A: What will I miss most?  It’s more personal than professional. Though it’s probably been difficult for my children, having the opportunity to be with one’s kids and seeing them at school each day was inordinately rewarding. Most people never have the opportunity to see their kids grow while at school, and I feel fortunate that I was able to see both Peter and Joey on an every day basis. They would always come to see me during lunch or a free period to discuss their day and work out issues. That was a blessing I never anticipated and I was always remember fondly.

Next year, Mr. Runge will be joining a new faculty at another independent school in Connecticut. We will miss you dearly, Mr. Runge.