In his final year at Trinity-Pawling, Brian Foster ’79 stood before the Class of 2025 not only as their Commencement speaker but as a teacher, coach, mentor, and friend who has shaped the School community for nearly four decades. Head of School Bill Taylor introduced Foster with admiration, noting that even as a young faculty member, “he had that sense of gravitas.” Taylor reflected on Foster’s unwavering commitment to Trinity-Pawling and its students, describing him as someone who “thinks about students all of the time.”
Foster began his address with a heartfelt reflection on his long journey at Trinity-Pawling, saying, “In 1987, I began my career here as a math teacher and hockey coach, never ever thinking that thirty-eight years later I would be giving a graduation speech.” He then spoke to the themes of relationships and gratitude, values he has both modeled and instilled in generations of Trinity-Pawling students.
Reflecting on the year, Foster expressed gratitude for the many moments that made it memorable. He recalled the powerful messages shared during chapel talks — on faith, mental health, resilience, and identity — and the excitement around campus traditions like Thanksgiving dinner and Candlelight. He also thanked the seniors for their effort and heart on the athletic fields, highlighting hard-fought wins like football’s victory over Taft, soccer’s shorthanded win against Hotchkiss, and hockey’s comeback against Taft in overtime. “Those are the games that I will never forget,” he said.
Foster then turned to a tradition of his own: thank you notes. Inspired by a mentor’s simple gesture years ago — he made a commitment to write notes of appreciation. “It started with the seniors on my hockey teams, and I continued as athletic director, writing notes to all of your coaches following their seasons.” As one final gesture to the Class of 2025, Foster prepared a personal thank you note for each graduate, along with a blank card. “All I ask is that in the next few days, you sit down and write someone you love a note, buy a stamp, and send it.”
He closed his speech with the kind of heartfelt encouragement that has defined his career at Trinity-Pawling: “Your time at Trinity-Pawling has prepared you for the complexities of life. You, Class of 2025, are ready to embark on the next chapter. I love you all and wish you all that life has to offer.”