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Enduring impact

andover.edu · 2,087 words · saved by 1 readers

For 21 years, Pat Farrell P’08 devoted himself to teaching mathematics, statistics, and computer science—not just as a job, but as a calling. And his students felt it. “Your love of math was contagious,” said Richie Zhang ’16. One of Farrell’s signature phrases, “Life is like a sine curve, with its ups and downs,” has become one of Zhang’s cherished mottoes, a testament to Farrell’s passion for sharing the joy of math. When Farrell began teaching, he quickly realized the power beyond solving equations. “When I proved the quadratic formula to students, I realized that no one ever explained to me why math worked the way it did. This was a game-changer,” he says. His fascination with the “why” became central to Farrell’s teaching approach. From explaining probability in everyday decisions to how compound interest affects savings, he loved showing students the real-world value of math. In Math 380, his favorite class, he witnessed “students rise to the challenge” of increasingly difficult

Enduring impact Menu Alumni Family Engagement Community Visitors Employment PAnet The Hive Comptroller About Learning Living Admission Summer Applying to Andover Andover Today Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Athletics Our Community Events Arts Giving Trending Searches Summer Session 2025-2026 Academic Calendar Course of Study Head of School Tuition & Financial Aid May 16, 2025 Enduring impact Four retiring faculty have inspired students for generations with their expertise, enthusiasm, and care. by Nancy Hitchcock Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn Share on Email Print Pat Farr

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