David Abarr ’83, Doctor of Science

David Abarr ’83 received an honorary Doctor of Science at Grinnell College Commencement 2013.

About David Abarr ’83

Great educators do more than just teach their students facts. They encourage their students to be curious, inspire them to think differently about the world, and push them to achieve more than they thought was possible. Abarr, a fourth-grade math and science teacher at Davis Elementary School in Grinnell, has brought out the best in his students through innovative teaching.

In a world where math and science have become increasingly important, Abarr helps his students develop a love of these subjects early through his enthusiastic teaching. He does not limit his passion for science only to his classroom; every year, he arranges to bring in a portable planetarium to teach all Davis School students about astronomy. Through his work with the school’s Curriculum Advisory Committee, he has strengthened science and math coursework throughout the Davis School.

During his three decades of teaching, Abarr has received numerous awards. He has received a Golden Apple Award, a statewide award given by WHO-TV to recognize outstanding teaching. He received an award at the Governor’s Scholar Recognition Program and was honored as part of the Belin-Blank Center Teacher Recognition Ceremony at the University of Iowa.

Abarr is committed to being more than just a great teacher, but also an outstanding community member. He has served on an an array of boards and commissions, including the Grinnell Community Day Care and Preschool Board and the Mayor’s Art Gallery Committee. He is a former board member of the Grinnell Area Arts Council and directed the organization’s summer program.

For living up to the values of the College through his tireless work to motivate his students and make a positive difference in his community, Grinnell College is pleased to recognize David Abarr ’83.

Acceptance

Transcript

Good morning. Congratulations, graduates, parents, family members, honored guests, faculty, and administration. Children like to give advice, and they're good at it — though they're not always tactful.

When my students discovered that I would be recognized today, they had several bits of advice to offer. "Don't be boring. Don't talk too long. Don't do that weird thing where you raise one eyebrow — it's creepy.

Don't wet yourself when you receive your degree. Don't eat anything for breakfast that would get caught in your teeth."

And the one piece of advice stated in the affirmative, "Do trim your nose hairs." Well, it's always good to know one's learning targets and expectations, although I had no idea my personal grooming habits had grown so lax.

Still, self-reflection and self-assessment are important, so I have considered all suggestions and have tried to comply to the best of my abilities. And while incontinence may inevitably loom on my horizon, so far I have beaten the odds today.

Thank you for this tremendous honor. I have such affection for this college and faculty and this community, and I am very moved by this gesture. By acknowledging an elementary educator, you affirm that we play a vital role in the overall education of our students.

I am honored to be the inaugural recipient of this degree, and I enthusiastically endorse this new tradition. Each day in my classroom I hope my lessons will generate as many questions as they do answers.

I ask students to support and defend their claims. I try to get to know my students personally, and I aspire to create a community of learners who respect each other's differences and admire one another's talents. In essence, I attempt to pass on the hallmarks of my Grinnell education. I would like to thank the college community for so generously sharing your facilities, resources, talents, and time.

I would also like to thank the students for the many ways in which you contribute to the success of our schools. I am pleased to see the great numbers of students who serve as Big Brothers or Big Sisters, who volunteer in our classrooms or take part in organizations like ClickCats and the Never Land Players. I hope you will continue to serve as mentors in our public schools, regardless of where you may make your future homes. I extend a special thanks to my colleagues past and present, the late Jean Cousins, and my dear family.

I know that it is customary to share a few words of wisdom with the graduates. To that end, I have enlisted the aid of my students. I know that you will enjoy their wise counsel.

"Dear Grinnell College graduates. I hope you enjoyed college. I think you should try to get a job — not at McDonalds. Try not to get a night job so you are not as tired or on a nocturnal time schedule. Try to follow your interests, hobbies and passions."

I think that's great advice — I know you have been doing that nocturnal thing for the past four years — I do fear, however, that we may have lost a corporate donor.

"Dear college students. You should party hard!" Underline, underline, exclamation point. "You deserve it after all those tests."

Now, please keep in mind that our frame of reference for hard partying in fourth grade consists of a juice box and a cookie from the cafeteria, a considerably different definition from the definition I am sure you are used to. After all, I have lived in the vicinity of High Street or Elm Street most of my life.

Perhaps you can split the difference and stay safe.

"Dear graduate, I hope you had a great college. Choose the right job for you. Go on the correct path of life. Don't drink alcohol, and don't do illegal stuff." And this would be an example of conflicting advice.

Get used to it. There will be ample amounts in your future, especially if you go into education.

Finally, "Dear Random College Student. Take life as it goes and follow your passion and what you are good at. Don't try to make life revolve around you. Become a part of it."

Wow!

I add only this.

Be mindful of the impact you can have on others.

Be kind, be well, be happy.

Thank you.