Interview

Thank you to Dan Rosen ’92, P’22, ’24

Chairman of the Board, 2021-2026

WHAT DO YOU REMEMBER AS A RIVERDALE STUDENT?

Riverdale was always about the people, and it still is. It was the friendships, the kind that begin in those formative years and endure long after you leave. Many of my closest friends today, not to mention my wife, are the same friends I had during my time at Riverdale.

The faculty and deans, who were not just educators or administrators, are the backbone of the experience. They knew and cared about us, and they created an environment where you always felt that someone had your best interests and future in mind. There was always someone to turn to, someone who would listen, guide, and support. More than 30 years later, I remain in touch with our Deans and still take advantage of every opportunity to share a meal with them and reconnect whenever we can.

I remember the spirit and fun. Riverdale had an energy that was different from other schools. I felt it throughout my experience, as a member of the tennis team, in the audience cheering on friends in plays or performances, on our overnight trips or during traditions like Homecoming or the Buzzell game.

HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED WITH THE BOARD? WHAT WERE THE MAJOR ISSUES/DISCUSSIONS AT THE TIME?

I first became more involved with the board early in Dominic Randolph’s tenure. I was asked to engage more deeply as he set out a vision to take an already great school and elevate it even further. He was thinking expansively about how Riverdale could not only remain exceptional but also become a true global leader in the education space.

Dominic was willing to take real but important risks to bring that vision to life, including the decision to eliminate AP courses, allowing teachers to focus on developing students’ ability to think critically, independently, and deeply rather than teaching to a test. He also made character education a defining part of a Riverdale education, shaping the values and culture that have become such an important part of the school today.

I was also fortunate to see firsthand the example set by Jane Katz, an incredible board leader, who helped pave the way and demonstrated the kind of thoughtful, committed alumni leadership that has meant so much to the school.

WHAT ARE THE HIGHLIGHTS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS DURING YOUR BOARD TENURE? 

One of the most important accomplishments has been the school’s ability to strike the right balance between academic excellence and the kind of experiential learning that enhances their experiences and prepares students to lead in whatever paths they choose.

A major part of that has been Riverdale’s focus on discourse and on helping students become critical thinkers who are open-minded, curious, and able to engage thoughtfully with the world around them. We have always believed that our job is to give students the tools not just to succeed, but to make a positive impact on the world. Another important area of progress has been our efforts to put the mental health of our students as a true focus and priority. 

Just as importantly, the board has remained true to our values with a consistent guiding principle: above all, every decision we make is grounded in what is best for each and every one of our students. We have charted our own course regardless of outside pressures or the direction of the broader climate. For me, that has been one of the real highlights: a school that has continued to evolve while staying grounded in its core values. 

YOU WERE INSTRUMENTAL IN HIRING KARI OSTREM. WHAT INSPIRED YOU ABOUT HER WORK AND VISION? WHAT GETS YOU EXCITED ABOUT THE FUTURE OF RIVERDALE?

When we set out to find a new leader, we had a choice. We could look for someone simply to steward a school that was already thriving, or we could look for someone exceptional who could build on that strength and take Riverdale even further. 

What made Kari so compelling was that she seemed uniquely able to do both. She reflects the innovative spirit that has always helped define Riverdale, while also bringing the judgment, intelligence, warmth, and vision needed to lead the school into its next chapter.

What inspired me most about Kari from the start is how deeply student-centered she is. She has a rare ability to understand Riverdale at the institutional level and see the school from a broad strategic perspective while never losing sight of the individual child. I still remember meeting her on the River Campus on her first day in the role and seeing her literally bend down to greet each student at eye level. That instinct was not performative. It reflected something real about who she is as a leader. Time and again, I have seen that same attentiveness in the way she knows students and families and understands that each child’s experience matters.

What excites me most about Riverdale’s future under Kari’s leadership is her continued focus on making sure every student has the opportunity to take full advantage of all that Riverdale has to offer, both academically and beyond the classroom. This school has so much to give, and Kari is deeply committed to making sure that every child is known well, supported fully, and encouraged to make the most of every opportunity here. She often speaks about helping each student reach their X, their fullest potential. What began as an aspirational idea is something I have now already started to see become a reality. That is what makes me so optimistic about Riverdale’s future. It is a vision that is ambitious, student-centered, and deeply true to the school.

WHAT ARE THE TOP THREE THINGS YOU SHARE WHEN YOU TALK ABOUT RIVERDALE?  

First, I talk about the people and the sense of community. The faculty are thoughtful, dedicated, and deeply inspiring, and the students bring a level of curiosity, talent, and engagement that is extraordinary.

Second, the campus. It is not just beautiful, it is a dynamic learning environment that creates opportunities for growth, exploration, and well-being in ways that go far beyond the classroom.

And third, the school’s innovative spirit and breadth of opportunity. Riverdale is never content to perfect the ordinary. It is always looking to raise its own bar and find new ways to better serve its students. That shows up in the range of experiences available, from trips and independent study to research, robotics, and countless other opportunities. Students can truly shape an experience that is both meaningful and exceptional.

WHAT MAKES YOU PROUD TO BE A MEMBER OF THE RIVERDALE COMMUNITY?

It is not any one thing. It is the way so many people come together, in so many different ways, to create an environment where students can truly thrive.

You see that spirit everywhere. Faculty who go above and beyond. Deans who care deeply. Staff who keep everything running smoothly. Coaches who invest so much in their teams. Parents and alumni who open doors through project-based learning opportunities and internships. Board members who remain deeply involved long after their own children have graduated. And students who impress me every time I spend time with them.