"Stan the Man" -- In Memory of: Stan Mulder

One of the great influencers in my teaching career, Stan Mulder, is now waiting for his Savior to return. My heart is sad for the loss, but grateful to have known such an amazing man.

When I came to Newbury Park Academy in 1992, Stan Mulder was a seasoned and much-loved teacher, who served the students of NPA/NPAA for 27 years. He brilliantly taught Biology and sciences, exuding his love for the field to his students. His knowledge was vast, yet he had a way of making the complex easy to understand. Often I would see Mr. Mulder’s class head out the back of the property on a great adventure only to see the students come trudging back, dusty, thirsty, and hungry. However, he would come back with a spring in his step, a floppy hat on his head, and a smile that said it all…a successful trip.

Stan Mulder’s creativity knew no limits. Working with students to produce a yearbook is not a small job, especially before the digital days. He would have the students out getting photos which would become a memory book to be cherished. His artistic ability inspired students to study art and explore their creativity as they had not ever dreamed of doing. His art often stretched into class and ASB decorations, which always had students engrossed in the process and loving every minute with him.

As a young teacher, I watched the students as they interacted with him in and outside of class. They respected “Mr. Mulder’s” knowledge, effective teaching and his creativity, but they thoroughly enjoyed “Stan, the Man.” I’m not sure they were brave enough to use his first name to his face, but these students are now the” younger” teachers and parents of students at NPAA. Even as he neared retirement, the students still would choose Stan Mulder, in a second, over anyone else. It was his joy of life, his love of teaching, and genuine care for high schoolers that drew students to his side. 

But it was his love for his Savior, reflected in so many aspects of his life that made us all love him so much. He taught me how to grow old as a teacher, continuing to love fun, the absurdity of life, and not care if one’s appearance seemed ridiculous (his crazy wigs and costumes). What mattered was “being all in.”  As a Christian educator, he lived fully, sharing his faith, insights, and love.

I look forward to heaven, where I can wake up with the rooster (his crowed if I, as his neighbor, turned on the bathroom light in the night) and go traipsing across the heavenly fields of flowers with my friend.

- Tracy Harder, English Department