In addition to a joyful gathering of alumni, faculty, and friends, the All Alumni Reception at Beaver Reunion 2025 also included heartfelt tributes to two extraordinary educators whose legacies have shaped the Beaver experience for decades: Jon Greenberg and Debi Ellman. Together, they represent the bookends of the Beaver journey—from a student’s first 6th-grade class to their final steps toward graduation.
To G, With Love
Jon Greenberg, affectionately known as “G,” arrived at Beaver 24 years ago after leaving behind a career in antiques—and quickly became a legend. With his unconventional approach to teaching and boundless empathy for Middle School students, Jon has been compared to everyone from Robin Williams’ Mr. Keating in Dead Poets Society to Ms. Frizzle and Mr. Feeney. His classroom has always been a place where students are challenged to think deeply, question the status quo, and show up as their full selves.
Long-time colleagues of Jon, Director of Middle School Tiffany Smith and English teacher Kathleen Kosberg, talked about Jon at Reunion through the lens of a fictional Netflix pitch titled To G, With Love—a dramedy based on Jon’s one-of-a-kind career.
Each “episode” captured a slice of his influence: championing student voice, guiding overwhelmed colleagues, leading timely conversations on current events, and offering powerful reflections that change how we see our work. And of course, talking about sports.
As Middle Schoolers navigated the tricky terrain of adolescence, Jon was there: patient, curious, and endlessly affirming. His magic? Helping each student feel uniquely understood—like a rare antique, deeply valued.
[Jon] changed the game at Beaver, and no one will ever really touch what [he has] done here.
Tiffany Smith, Director of Middle School
Heart. Dedication. Joy.
While Jon helped shape the start of a student’s journey, Debi Ellman was often the guide on their way out, whether as an English teacher, Upper School Director, or—most recently—beloved college counselor. With more than 40 years(!) at Beaver, Debi leaves a legacy of wisdom, care, and a deep commitment to seeing students for who they are and who they could become.
Described as a curator of ideas, objects, and people, Debi’s office was a legendary mix of Post-its, treasures, and soul. Her letters of recommendation didn’t just list accolades—they told stories, captured essence, and reflected her unparalleled ability to listen and connect.
Director of Upper School Lisa Brown and Director of Academic Service Lesley Colognesi shared stories of Debi at Reunion. They called her “a sanctuary of presence”—someone whose attention could ground you, whose questions could challenge you, and whose warmth could carry you through even the hardest days.
Brown and Colognesi also shared remarks from former students and coworkers: how she championed joy in the college process, showed up during crises with clarity and care, and how her eye for the quirky and beautiful mirrored the way she saw each person as unique, meaningful, and full of possibility.
Debi herself is a treasure.
Lisa Brown, Director of Upper School
As Jon and Debi begin their next chapters, Beaver celebrates not only their individual impact but also the enduring spirit they’ve left behind—one of curiosity, care, and unwavering belief in the power of students.