This academic year, four faculty members are retiring from the College. The Record invited each of them to share a photo, their favorite class they have taught at the College, and to write in with any wisdom or advice for the community. While Professor of Economics David Zimmerman’s words are not included in this article, he retired from the College effective December 31, 2025. 

Lee Park – Professor of Chemistry since 1993

Favorite course: I’ve loved teaching all my courses, to be honest.  There’s always something new to learn, even when you’re teaching something that you’ve taught before. 

Words of wisdom: As far as words of wisdom, I guess I’d say that you should try to approach each new thing, even if it’s something you’re nervous about or think you won’t like, as a chance to learn something new. You never know what lessons will turn out to be helpful somewhere down the line.

Karen Merrill – Professor of History since 2001

Favorite course: If I had to choose (which is hard, because I loved all my courses) I’d probably say my tutorial, “The Suburbs.” Whether they came from the suburbs, exurbs, cities, or small towns, students wanted to understand how the United States became a largely suburban nation — and why we have such a love/hate affair with suburbs. 

I also gave students a lot of leeway to think historically about where they grew up, and how it intersected with the history we were reading. Teaching “The Suburbs” never felt like work.

Words of wisdom: Liberal arts colleges aren’t perfect, but I think their greatest virtue is that they’re still people-centered places. 

So build those relationships — not just with those closest to you, but also with your professors, the staff you see everyday, classmates whom you recognize but maybe have never talked to. 

Say hi, ask them how their day is going, make small talk. It’s great practice for being a human in this world!

Kenneth Kuttner – Professor of Economics since 2008

Favorite courses: Developing Country Macroeconomics at the Center for Development Economics (Econ 515/359), and Monetary Economics (Econ 360).

Words of wisdom: (Brevity being the soul of wit) Plant trees. Literally and metaphorically.