CGS students say goodbye to Dean of Students Brandon Woods

By Aarushi Phalke ‘20 and Caelyn Walton-Macaulay ‘20

Brandon Woods, the Dean of Students of the Upper School (US), will be leaving at the end of the school year to return to The Latin School of Chicago as an Upper School English teacher and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Curriculum Coordinator. 

Since joining Catlin Gabel School (CGS) in 2017, Brandon has connected with many CGS community members in the classroom, in trips, in his office, and around campus. Students recall fond memories with him over the past three years as the school prepares to say goodbye. Here are some tributes from students in the Upper School.

“Brandon wore a lot of hats in his time at Catlin, and he wore them all well. As a Dean of Students, he was always there to talk through any kind of stressful assignment or help figure out an academic issue with patience and kindness. As a brilliant English teacher, I loved talking with him about Shakespeare and womanist literature. The way I knew him best, though, was as a fantastic Debate coach and faculty advisor. As a new activity, Debate club had a lot to figure out about how to function as a club, and Brandon was there every step of the way to talk through funding and keep everything from descending into chaos. He never failed to ensure all the sophomore boys in our club would show up by bringing Cheez-Its and Oreos, and I can't remember a single practice where he didn't make me laugh. I was so much more comfortable as a club leader, and as a student, knowing I had Brandon on my side. I feel so, so lucky to have had him in my life for the last three years.” - Junior Catie Macauley

“I thought Brandon's speech during the Black History Month assembly was one of the best things I have ever heard. It was so honest and somehow felt very personal and relatable to me. I cried and told him ‘I felt that’ because I really did. I haven't spent that much time with him but I always thought he was someone really special in the Upper School.” - Senior Emma Latendresse

“I have countless memories with Brandon. It is hard to pick one. I just liked the fact that whenever he had a free moment, he was with students. He was constantly in the lounge, cracking jokes, settling debates and sharing joy. He was always honest and unapologetic. He reminded us to truly ‘Always be the best version of yourself.’ I also liked that Brandon and I always started off every interaction with a solid handshake.” - Senior Kenya Sei

“I know Brandon primarily as a teacher, rather than an administrator. As my teacher, he is so patient and so supportive. I feel comfortable expressing my opinions and talking openly, and Brandon is so enthusiastic about what his students have to offer. He has the sweetest heart. Even though half of our course has transitioned to be on Zoom, I still feel connected to Brandon and still feel like I am learning a ridiculous amount. With every text we read, I am always admiring of how much knowledge he has. I ask him about an obscure line in a random poem from Toomer's “Cane,” "Cotton Song," for example. Of course, he knows exactly what page I’m talking about, exactly what line. He always asks if I want to guess or if I want him to tell me. I love his insights, so for the most part I want to know his thoughts. Brandon always says his analysis is just the way he reads it and it may not be right. He’s very humble.

My freshman year, Brandon ran a diversity conference workshop called “Womanism.” I had never spoken to him nor did I know anything about his educational background or upbringing. But in the slight 45 minutes of his lecture, I was genuinely blown away. He discussed in depth how feminism for black women was much more complicated. Many believed they had to choose between civil rights and women’s rights. He went on to discuss his mom. The way he spoke of her showed his heart and a deep connection to urban life and the literature that came forth from it.

Brandon (along with Tony Stocks) opened up this world to me, the world of modernist literature. I feel so lucky to have known and to have been taught by Brandon, an experience I will hold very close to my heart.” - Senior Ellie Nicholson

“One of my favorite memories with Brandon was ninth grade Campus Day when we bonded over our shared lack of experience with outdoorsy activities. I think Brandon’s the type of person who makes people feel like they are never alone, especially in a place where it seems like everyone  either camps, hikes, or skis every other weekend. I feel fortunate to have had Brandon as a C&C advisor for the last three years; he always brought the most positive energy and the highest quality snacks.” - Junior Kelly Park

“There is a lot that I could say about Brandon, but I don't think it’ll fit. My first year at Catlin coincided with Brandon’s. Being who I was, I was at first terrified of him because the only thing I knew about him was his position as the Dean of Students. However, it didn't take long for me to realize that Brandon was one of the kindest people I’ve ever met. Over the course of three years, he has been a mentor and a role model for me. I really can't tell you how much I admire his patience and thoughtfulness. Last year, when I spent most of my free time in the office, Brandon was usually there and always had a piece of wisdom to share, or a clever joke to brighten my day. 

Though I am sad to say goodbye to Brandon, I can't help but be happy that I got to know him. He has supported me and helped me grow to become the person I am today. I feel like he helped me survive this institution. For that, I am forever grateful.” - Senior Caelyn Walton-Macaulay

“Brandon Woods has been such an instrumental part of my personal growth in the last three years. More than a dean, a teacher, or an administrator, Brandon has been a mentor to me. His humility, patience, kindness, and humor motivated me to persevere through some of my worst days in high school and made my best days special. I have no doubt he will do great things in The Latin School of Chicago as he has done here, but I, along with the other students of CGS, will miss him dearly.” - Senior Aarushi Phalke