| Retired teacher a world traveler (2/08) | | Print | |
| Written by Cynthia Chau | |
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“The first thing I’m gonna do is get some hip clothes that don’t scream teacher. No union t-shirts.” English and drama teacher Thomas Drain, who began teaching 17 years ago, is clearly excited about retirement. He is currently writing two books on art history and the architecture of Oaxaca, Mexico. In addition, he plans to “brush up his work” on the harpsichord, a 15th-century keyboard. Other future activities include “lots of clothes shopping,” as well as sculpting, painting, writing, practicing Chinese calligraphy and traveling. “I’m going to Paris for Easter,” he said. Drain retired in the middle of the semester for financial and personal reasons. “The raises were not worth waiting for, as the last one was three percent,” he said. “I can earn money but I can’t buy time.” Although Drain is retired from the school community, he will still be spotted on campus from time to time. “Right now I’m helping (the tech crew) backstage to organize the storage,” he said. Art classes will also see more of Drain, as he intends to use his training to assist with projects. Drain made many contributions to the school. Before he arrived, the drama department had stopped producing plays, according to visual and performing arts department head Teresa Bookwalter. “He brought a lot of flavor to the department,” she said. In addition to plays, Drain also created the Brown Bag Theatre, located in room 110, where student perform short skits during various mods of the day. He used his knowledge in the field of architecture and art to design the plays’ posters, according to Bookwalter. “He is a Renaissance man who is very knowledgeable,” she said. Many of his former drama students appreciate this breadth of knowledge. “He was an eccentric, worldly man,” senior Ramon Solis said. “If I ever had anything that I needed help on, I would turn to him. It was as if he played Trivial Pursuit every day.” In addition to drama and English, Drain also taught Latin. He can speak and write a variety of languages, including ancient Greek, Mandarin, French and Russian. Drain credits this aptitude to his childhood. “I had an education that included Latin and the taxonomy of languages,” he said. “Place me anywhere in the world and I can always learn to speak the language.” Drain’s retirement announcement prompted a “pretty normal reaction,” he said. “Nobody threatened suicide. The majority of the staff knew I wanted to find a convenient time to settle down.” Nonetheless, many people on campus will clearly miss his presence. The English and visual and performing arts departments threw a party to express their gratitude for him. “It was sad to see him go,” English department head Svein Arber said. “He was an expert in classics and Shakespeare, and he taught those classes in an excellent matter.” Bookwalter praised Drain’s patient and helpful attitude with his students, pointing out that he often took time to help edit students’ college essays and write them letters of recommendation. “I was amazed at how many students he helped,” she said. “He had the patience to read with them and help them. He will be sorely missed.” Drain will be remembered for more than his knowledge and personality. “He had a glorious mustache,” Solis said. “And a nice, proud walk.” |
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to listen.
