Two Decades of Dedication

When Lynn Berrettoni and Andrew Caglieris moved across the country to join the Peddie community in 2005, they were doing more than escaping the Arizona heat: They were looking for a place where they could really make a difference.

Twenty years later, their influence on students, colleagues and campus life is undeniable.

Over their two decades at Peddie, Caglieris and Berrettoni have played key roles in the transformation and growth of their respective departments. When the history department moved from Coates-Coleman House to its current home in the Casperson History House, Berrettoni was a part of the department-wide initiative to shape the new space to encourage collaborative, discussion-focused learning. As the surroundings changed, so did the history curriculum, shifting away from a Eurocentric focus to reflect a more global perspective. “We’re always evolving,” said Berrettoni. “No pun intended, but we’re not stuck in the past.”

A passionate historian, Berrettoni worked to bring complex historical moments and marginalized voices to the forefront in her classroom, looking to college professors for inspiration and guidance in designing her courses. “She’s very dedicated, both as a teacher and a historian,” said Caglieris. “She’s more than someone who is just delivering the material. She’s passionate about keeping up with trends in the field.”

Although his favorite subject is statistics, Caglieris has taught every level of mathematics at Peddie, from algebra to calculus. “In the classroom, he has helped students be better, no matter what their level is,” said Berrettoni. “He’s there. He doesn’t give up.”

Caglieris brought his wide-ranging expertise to mentoring his colleagues and helping the department evolve, introducing game-changing, evidence-backed courses to Peddie’s mathematics curriculum. “Being in an environment with people who have innovative, interesting ideas keeps me motivated and excited,” said Caglieris.

His time as an international student in university gave Caglieris the perspective and understanding to serve as an advisor to Peddie’s international students, offering guidance and support for the unique challenge of seeking an education far from home. This led to Caglieris traveling to Peddie’s sister school, EFZ, in Shanghai to teach for a semester. “Being able to do that was really unexpected and delightful,” he said.

Outside the classroom, the pair have raised two daughters (now Peddie alumnae), and made contributions to both athletics and residential life. Caglieris served as assistant JV soccer coach, while Berrettoni served as scorekeeper for varsity basketball and soccer. As longtime members of the Mariboe Dormitory staff — Caglieris a dorm parent and Berrettoni a substitute — they created a warm and welcoming home for generations of Peddie students. “There’s a sense of community, where the kids look after each other,” said Caglieris of Peddie’s uniquely close-knit dorm culture. “They’re really tightly connected.”

Berrettoni and Caglieris will miss the enthusiasm of their students and the support of their colleagues, but they’re also looking forward to retirement, where they will settle in Delaware and use their newfound leisure time to travel and visit family and friends. They leave the community with good memories, and a legacy of dedication and navigating change.

“The passion and energy and enthusiasm and dedication that we bring to the classroom,” said Caglieris. “I hope that’s what people remember about us.”