Joe Frank was a beloved figure at CRMS who brought exceptional intellectual breadth and demanding academic standards to the school after leaving a distinguished career in government service that included work with the Office of War Information, Voice of America, and the State Department in Paris and Algeria. A Columbia graduate who had been class valedictorian at age seventeen, Joe became a formidable teacher at CRMS who demanded excellence and thoroughness from his students while serving as a highly sought-after guest lecturer across multiple disciplines. His influence extended far beyond the classroom as he generously mentored new and apprentice teachers, spending enormous amounts of time guiding them and consistently advocating for high academic standards in faculty meetings. Joe was known for his remarkable ability to connect with people from all walks of life, his gourmet cooking skills (often collaborating with Steve Shanzer on elaborate dinners), and his genuine interest in helping others, insisting that the best way to thank him was for each person to offer the same kind of guidance, encouragement, and concern to others that he himself provided. His impact on CRMS and its community was immeasurable, touching students, teachers, and administrators alike with his warmth, intellectual curiosity, and unwavering commitment to excellence.

From Ravi Venkateswaran ‘69:

Joe, like all of the other awardees of the society, was greatly impactful at CRMS as a long time faculty member and mentor during the time we were students. I, particularly, got to know Joe quite well as he agreed to be my guardian during the two years I was a student as my parents were out of the country. I spent a lot of time with him during holidays and summer breaks and cherish the many interactions and conversations. I remain grateful for his advice and support.

Joe, in many ways, was out of place residing in an isolated Roaring Fork valley and teaching  at CRMS. He was born in and a longtime resident of New York city and one of the youngest graduates of Columbia University. He was a multilinguist with fluency in several European languages. He led a Great Books society on campus where students read and discussed philosophy and religion. He was fond of classical music and attended the summer Mozart festival in Salzburg. However, he loved being on campus and was always happy to share this world of knowledge with students for our great benefit.

Joe strongly believed that a CRMS education was a privilege and wanted students commit to taking full advantage of it. He didn’t hold back in letting us know if he felt that we were not serious or not reaching our full potential. This, sometimes, didn’t sit well with me and others. However, looking back, whatever he said resonated, was valid and was important for personal growth and success. I think this demonstrated Joe’s great love for the school, all that it represented and of course us the students.  It’s because of Joe (and others who are awardees of the 1953 Society) that I can say with strong conviction that my CRMS experience was life-changing.