By Helena Prusak ’23
Jane Slaff, who has been at Sem for 37 years, is retiring at the end of this academic year. She says that, just like the senior class, she is graduating.
Watching each class graduate has been extremely important to Slaff. “That moment when they are getting ready to start the next leg of their journey is special,” she says. “They are just starting their lives, which fits the word ‘commencement.’”
For years, Slaff held the role of Graduation Marshal, where she led graduates and faculty during the ceremony. This role is just one among numerous other positions that she has held at Sem.
She was hired as a French instructor, and she has been teaching French at Sem for all 37 years. Additionally, Slaff taught ELL for roughly 20 years, ran the ELI summer program for 18 years, taught Spanish and English, and mentored new faculty members.
Slaff is also the current Director of College Counseling. She has been working with college guidance for 34 years. Her ability to connect with students and guide them through the difficult college process has been integral to the success of so many.
Regarding her own college experience, Slaff attended Tulane University in 1969 as an informational engineering major. She did not love this course of study, and she did not love dealing with computers that were as big as an office. But, Tulane required that students study a “living language,” so Slaff took French, a subject she actually hated in high school. She fell in love with French literature, and soon called her parents to tell them she was switching majors.
“I’m not spending $5,000 a year for you to read a menu!” her dad said when she told him this news. But the money was not wasted, as she went to graduate school to study Medieval French literature, as has had a 50-year long teaching career.
Slaff has a deep love for learning that she carries with her through every aspect of life. At Sem, she says that the most profound learning experiences she has are not in the classroom. Instead, “the time outside of the classroom where [she] can interact with students from all over the world has been the most special.” She says, “I love how Sem brings the world together on our campus. … There are 46 countries that I know I’ve taught kids from. I’ve learned so much.”
Her first piece of advice to all of her students is to “be kind and listen.” Her second piece of advice is to keep all opportunities open. She says, “It’s okay to tell your dad you’re going to study French. Happiness will follow the things you work hardest at because those are the things you take the most pride in.”
If you see Mrs. Slaff on campus, in class, or in the college guidance office, make sure to congratulate her on her retirement. We are so grateful for all she has done for the Sem community.
