Farewell to the Oddens Farewell to the Oddens - The Taft School

INFLUENCE AND IDEALS
Taking part in the annual Community
Service Day
it wouldn’t exist as we know it. We learn
in buildings he has built, under policies
he has implemented, in a school
he has shaped. It is not easy to imagine
his absence.
Remembering that Taft needs to replace
an educator, not a businessman or
a bureaucrat, the one thing we must not
do is fear, either for the school or for its
future. Change is difficult, true. It can
Always reminding us of Horace Taft’s motto for the school
Lance Odden often
claimed to have
“the best job
in the world.”
also be beneficial beyond all expectation.
We take heart in the fact that the last time
the trustees hired a new leader for Taft
they chose Mr. Odden.
This essay originally appeared in The Taft
Papyrus, of which Andrew is co-editor-inchief.
The ranking scholar in his class, he
received both the Harvard and Brown
book awards last spring.
It’s been great to get to know Mrs.
Odden both as my advisor and my
coach. She has always taken an interest
in me on and off the ice.
—Christina Jankowski ’02
Mr. Odden is one of the most versatile
and well-rounded thinkers I have
ever known. He spends so much time
broadening his many areas of expertise
that he has a supported opinion
on nearly everything we talk about. I
think his greatest strength has been
the genuine interest he has in every
area of Taft life.
—Christian Jensen ’01
I was timid about asking Mr. Odden
to be my advisor, as I am a freshman
and new to the school. He said “yes”
in the days before announcing his retirement,
and I was thankful I would
have the opportunity to spend a year
under his guidance. He made me feel
Taft was my home away from home,
encouraged me when a class proved
difficult, and invited me for a round
of golf, a sport he knew I loved. Each
time I would pass him in the hall, he
would speak a kind word or ask about
my classes and activities. He made my
first months at Taft special and rewarding.
I respect Mr. Odden for his
character, integrity, and intelligence.
I am thankful I had the opportunity to
work with him.
—Lauren Mielbrecht ’04
Mr. Odden has been my advisor for
two years. Some people are a little intimidated
by him because he is the
headmaster, but when you sit down
and talk to him, you realize that he is
an average guy. He likes hockey, plays
golf religiously, and enjoys what he
does. He is one of the most genuine
and sincere men I know. When you talk
with him he gives you his full attention
and the needed support. He has
taught me many important lessons
about confidence, personality, and
leadership. But the greatest thing Mr.
Odden has given me is his friendship.
On many occasions, he has taken me
to go play golf with him. As insignificant
as this may seem, it means a great
deal to me, as it’s times like this when
Mr. Odden becomes more than an
advisor, he becomes a friend.
—Colin Read ’02
Taft Bulletin 31