Lisa Geller ’93 became a student at Hyde in 1990. During her three years in Bath, she distinguished herself as a scholar, receiving Baccalaureate distinction in math, science, and languages. She took any and every challenge seriously, earning respect from peers and faculty.
After graduating from Hyde, Lisa went on to Mills College (CA) before transferring to Brandeis University from which she graduated Magna Cum Laude with a B.A. in sociology. She went on to receive her J.D. from Syracuse University College of Law.
Following her formal education, Lisa embarked on a promising career as an attorney. Just as this career was taking off in 2010, Lisa was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, causing her to take a leave from her legal practice. In the years following, Lisa courageously faced a recurring roller coaster of periods of recovery alternating with the return of cancer symptoms.
During this time fighting cancer, Lisa launched a blog titled “the whipped cream conundrum” where she shared her experiences for the benefit of anyone in the world facing cancer. She has also shared her story with various media outlets.
In midst of this journey, Lisa made the decision to return to Hyde and begin a new career as an educator. Beginning in the college counselling office, Lisa has evolved into an outstanding Government teacher in the tradition of such Hyde pedagogic stalwarts as Ed Legg and Paul Hurd ’67.
Hyde people of all eras will appreciate a comment made by Lisa’s nominator for this honor: “What do you say about someone who has defied the odds and continued to exemplify all 5 words, Courage, Integrity, Leadership, Curiosity, and Concern, during their toughest, darkest times of life?”
Both her teaching and the example she has set on her road to recovery inspire our community on a daily basis.
