James F. McClelland, Jr. and Paul Wright Teaching Chair
The James F. McClelland, Jr. and Paul Wright Teaching Chair was established in 2015 by Jamie McClelland ’66. It is awarded to a faculty member, who, in the judgment of the headmaster, demonstrates an exemplary dedication to teaching and personal character that instills in students the lifelong love of learning and intellectual pursuit, particularly in the areas of engineering, math, and environmental sciences. The first holder of the James F. McClelland, Jr. and Paul Wright Teaching Chair is Albert L. Hall.
Bert Hall arrived at Groton in 2002. After completing his undergraduate studies in civil engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, where he also played ice hockey, Bert headed into the real world as a licensed professional engineer. During that time, he worked on designs for bridges, buildings, and telecommunication towers. Through WPI and his first few years of professional work, Bert spent weekends as a backcountry ranger for the U.S. Forest Service. After five years of this trying work, he headed to University of Wisconsin, where he received his master's degree in structural engineering and met his wife, Marci, a professional cyclist.
Bert then turned his attention and energy to teaching; at Groton, he teaches physics and engineering, coaches girls ice hockey, and acts as school scheduler. Bert and Marci live on campus with their daughter, Isabelle.
Groton School Mission: To inspire lives of character, scholarship, leadership, and service within a diverse, inclusive, and close-knit community.
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