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Thoughts about Chris Stein’s Retirement

By Emmanuel “Mike” Argiros

FFS President/CEO

(Editors Note: After recuperating for the past six months from a serious accident in February, journalism teacher and Family Times publisher Chris Stein will retire at the end of August.)

My first thought of Chris Stein retiring was about his impact on The Family Foundation School as being the physical representation of his work: The Family Times and the yearbook. But those are just the tools or the framework through which Chris has supported and impacted the school and its mission.

These publications have won awards, have been praised by many in and outside of The Family Foundation School. They are a significant legacy to the school for sure and one which we look forward to continuing. However, it is the contribution that Chris has made to the lives of the students and their families that is most significant.

Through the sharing of his professional skills and his work ethic in journalism and through his personal sharing without reservation to so many families, Chris has positively impacted countless parents and students with a message of hope and the guidance to succeed.

Good journalism relies on facts. That fact is that in the past 30 or so graduations, there have always been several graduates who chose to use some of their precious three-minute speech to offer a comment of love, appreciation, and gratitude for the time that they shared with Chris Stein. That means something!

I, too, am blessed to have shared these past 14 years working with Chris here and I am grateful for our continued friendship which is now 30 years old and growing.

Comments

Barbara Thorbjörnsson

When I came to FFS as a staff member, there was an invisble list of names of faculty one never wants to upset and Chris Stein’s name was on it (OK, he was on the top 5). I am sorry I ever listened to the “talk” because the truth is, once I got an opportunity to work with Chris, he was a true gentleman, he was encouraging and not at all as I had feared. He was a man who demanded the best out of himself and assumed everyone else did also so the level of accountabilty was high. I can find no fault with that.
On a personal note, I had to move and it was only Chris and his sons who volunteered to help me and with the use of Mike Argiros’ borrowed truck, the job got done.
I hope his retirement brings him rest and peace and joy. Thank you Chris for your example of excellence.