For Ben Rein, University School’s new Headmaster, “the boys come first,” so it is no surprise that he wants the students at US to play a big part in his big day.
On Thursday, September 17, Ben Rein’s installation as the school’s eighth headmaster will kick off Founders’ Day, a beloved tradition for students that celebrates the founding of the school in 1890. Boys in grades K through 12 will gather for a day of camaraderie and friendly competition with each “house” of students participating in games and activities.
September 17 has a special significance because it was on this day, 125 years ago, that University School held its first day of classes at the original building on Hough Avenue in downtown Cleveland.
All events will be held on the football field at the Hunting Valley Campus (2785 SOM Center Road, Hunting Valley, 44022). In case of rain, activities will be held in the Weatherhead gymnasium and in other areas of the school.
The installation, which begins at 9:30 a.m., will feature students, faculty members, and others welcoming Rein in a program with tributes and singing. Afterwards, Founders’ Day begins. Middle School boys will join their Upper School housemates to enjoy battleball, tug-o-war, relay games, capture the flag, soccer, and a picnic lunch together. The day culminates with an awards presentation.
“This is not so much about me, as it is about honoring those things that make this school so great,” said Rein. “The traditions, the history of excellence, the boy-centric learning, and the depth of the relationships that happen here…these are what matter. It is amazing and humbling to be ‘officially’ installed as we celebrate the 125th anniversary of US. What better way to do this than to involve the US community, and especially our students, in the moment?”
Rein, 44, who comes to Cleveland from the Collegiate School in Richmond, VA, where he served as Head of the Upper School, succeeds Stephen Murray who now heads The Lawrenceville School in Lawrenceville, N.J.
Rein previously worked at the all-boys’ Haverford School in Philadelphia where he spent 14 years teaching AP US history, economics, and world history, eventually becoming Upper School Dean and later the Assistant Head of the Upper School.
He grew up in the Washington, DC, area where he attended St. Albans, an all-boys’ independent school. From there, he went to Amherst College where he was a member of the varsity basketball team, and eventually served as captain his senior year. He received his master’s degree in educational leadership from the University of Pennsylvania in 2006.
Rein and his wife, Claudia, have two sons who are students at US. The family resides in Shaker Heights.
Ben Rein’s installation coincides with the school’s 125th Homecoming Weekend, which will be held on Saturday, September 19, at the Hunting Valley Campus.
