David M. Berwind - Headmaster from 1968-1981
The fourth headmaster of Rivers came from within. David M. Berwind, who succeeded George Blackwell, had been head of the Lower School since 1958 and a history teacher when he became headmaster in 1968.
Mr. Berwind placed great value on individualized attention for each student, and worked to update Rivers’ systems and programs to reflect the school’s commitment to an intimate academic environment. For example, each student was assigned a faculty advisor, and each advisor worked with a small number of students. Student/teacher ratios were kept low, by limiting class sizes and maintaining the number of faculty.
Mr. Berwind also bolstered support for faculty. He helped establish a faculty endowment to supplement salaries and to fund sabbaticals, and promoted the acquisition of faculty housing.
A 1950 graduate of Bowdoin College, Mr. Berwind used his financial knowledge and expertise to improve the fiscal health of Rivers, establishing the position of business manager to oversee the school’s finance and operations.
Mr. Berwind also expanded the curriculum, adding, for example, the arts program. The arts became a requirement for graduation, and art courses were graded on an academic scale. When the second phase of the fourth classroom building was constructed in 1973, space was allocated for art studios and the performing arts. That building also included more classrooms and quiet space for studying. Under Mr. Berwind’s leadership, when the New England Conservatory of Music closed its Wellesley branch, its new location became the Rivers Music School.
Other new facets of Rivers life during Mr. Berwind’s tenure included English Department electives, a community service requirement, and annual trips to Camp Chewonki by the seventh and ninth graders.
Athletics grew during Mr. Berwind’s years as headmaster. The varsity basketball, lacrosse, and wrestling teams won championships in the 1970s; varsity soccer scored two 11-2 seasons; and varsity football finished three seasons at 6-1. Varsity hockey returned to Rivers in 1975.
Mr. Berwind took a sabbatical in 1978-79, returned to school for two more years, and retired from Rivers in 1981. In 1986, the Berwind Building was dedicated in his honor.
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