St. Andrew’s to Honor Beloved Educators and Travel Program Pioneers Pam Farmer and Sue McGann at Annual Saints Gala on April 24 at Five Bridge Inn
Barrington, RI — St. Andrew’s School of Rhode Island is proud to honor Pam Farmer and Sue McGann at their annual Saints Gala: Around the World with Pam and Sue for their dedication and generosity as devoted educators, mentors, and pioneers of St. Andrew’s School’s
international travel programs. The gala will be hosted at the beautiful Five Bridge Inn in Rehoboth, MA on Thursday, April 24, from 6:00 – 10:00 p.m. The evening will feature live entertainment by St. Andrew’s students and the Eden Casteel Trio, dinner and drinks by Easy
Entertaining, a live auction led by Landry Pop Auctions, a silent auction, and a raffle. All event proceeds will benefit St. Andrew’s mission and signature programs.
“Pam and Sue have given 75 years of combined service to St. Andrew’s School and have opened doors for our students to explore the world,” said Head of School David Tinagero. “Through their dedication and generosity in and out of the classroom, they have left a lasting impact on generations of St. Andrew’s students and alumni. We are grateful for all the ways they have enriched our school and our students’ educational experience.”
Pam Farmer began working at St. Andrew’s in 1980 as the school’s first Spanish language teacher, and during her tenure as a faculty member, she taught Spanish, American History, American Literature, and Geography, before transitioning to ESL and Spanish only. She was an on-campus dorm parent for six years, as well as the Language Department Head and the first Director of Student Life. Pam’s love of cooking inspired her to start the student club, Wanna Bite Caterers, which frequently catered parties for Headmaster Steve Waters and his wife Jane. It was Pam’s other passion, travel, that sparked St. Andrew’s travel program in 1982 when she took eight Middle and Upper School students to Spain. More than 40 years later, she continues this work as a Global Ambassador for EF Tours, taking St. Andrew’s alumni and their families around the world. Pam’s adventurous, caring, and generous spirit has impacted the lives of so many St. Andrew’s students, and she continues to serve as their mentor and friend to this day. She is currently St. Andrew’s Assistant Director of Development for Alumni Engagement and is beloved by her colleagues, students, and alumni alike.
Honoree Pam Farmer said, “What an incredible honor it is to receive this recognition. It has truly been my privilege—and so much fun—to take the St. Andrew’s community on unforgettable journeys around the world over the years.”
Sue McGann started as a teaching intern at St. Andrew’s School in 1983 teaching Consumer Education to Middle School students, and became a full-time Upper School faculty member the following year teaching European History. Sue also had a passion for travel and took her first international trip with St. Andrew’s students in 1983 as a chaperone. She soon became an EF Tour group leader and founded St. Andrew’s beloved Renaissance Florence (RenFlo) Arts Honors program. The idea for RenFlo was born in 2002, when Sue mentioned to colleagues that she longed to spend time in Italy, immersing herself in the culture and art. She spent five weeks in Italy, taking Italian lessons and classes in art history. Sue dreamed of bringing an experience like this to her students and through the support of Headmaster John Martin and generous donors, she built the program from the ground up. After 20 years leading RenFlo, Sue is handing the reins over to faculty member Amy Tinagero. As a teacher, advisor, dorm parent, and traveling companion, Sue has impacted 40 years of St. Andrew’s students and created memories to last a lifetime.
Honoree Sue McGann said, “I am both humbled and deeply grateful to receive this honor in recognition of my long standing work at St. Andrew’s. It has always been my passion to provide young minds with opportunities to explore, learn, and grow through first hand experiences of different cultures. The creation of the Renaissance Florence Program enabled me to do this and I appreciate the incredible students, educators and partners who have made it so successful.”
St. Andrew’s has been more than a workplace to these two sisters. It is deeply woven within thefabric of their own families. Pam and Sue care so deeply for St. Andrew’s students they expanded their family to include Billy ‘87, Helga ‘98, Camino ‘99, Eric ‘00, Antone ‘10, Saima
‘24, and Ahdia ‘25.
“Pam and Sue are trailblazers in education who have paved the way for students to develop a love of lifelong learning and curiosity,” said President of the Board Anton Giedt. “We are forever grateful for their incredible contributions and we are honored to celebrate their
dedication and commitment to St. Andrew’s at the 2025 Saints Gala.”
Tickets, sponsorship and underwriting opportunities, and honoree dedications are available online to support the Saints Gala at standrews-ri.org/gala.
