Honoring Rosemary Trainor

After 19 years teaching in the Jewelry Making & Repair (JM) program—16 of which were as the Department Head—Rosemary Trainor JM ’90 retired at the end of this school year.

Known affectionately as Ro, she worked as a welder for some time before arriving at the School as a JM student. After seven years in the industry, Ro began her teaching career at NBSS and ultimately came to lead the program in 2000. A force for intense, hands-on education, Ro implemented changes that helped NBSS usher in a new era for the program. This included not only adding new equipment (microscopes, workbenches, and a laser welder) but also lowering the upfront costs for students through a metals library supported by a generous donor. She also taught this year’s pilot high school jewelry program. She actively sought leaders within the field to round out and expand the curriculum. Top lecturers like gem expert, Barbara Lawrence, and Kate Wolf, a premier wax carver, were familiar guests. Ro made sure that all graduates were well- qualified for employment through the high standards she demanded in the classroom.

Post graduation placement statistics show that JM alumni consistently tend to advance quickly at well-paying jobs. As is often heard, employers hire NBSS graduates because they know those individuals will have the skills needed to succeed. Students kept it interesting throughout Ro’s 19 years at the School, and she credits the “‘Aha!’ moments—when a student has a break- through and understands something new,” as especially rewarding.

In her retirement, Ro and her partner, Barb, plan to spend some time traveling the world and visiting friends. They’re also looking forward to hiking The Long Trail in their home state, Vermont.

Ann Cahoon JM ’02, an NBSS faculty member since 2013, will take over as the Jewelry Making & Repair Department Head beginning this fall.