Miriam, known affectionately as Mrs. Van, graduated from Bryn Mawr College with a major in Italian. She was a teacher for 47 years and worked at Garrison Forest School for 42 years as a Latin teacher, Chair of the Latin Department, college counselor, Dean of Students, Admission Director, Coach of the Field Hockey team, assistant to the Head of School, Board Member, and mentor to many students and faculty. In 1977, Mrs. Van was honored with the position of Trustee Emerita, a title she retained until her death in 2001. A widow with no children, she saw GFS as her family. A member of the Marshall-Offutt Circle, she made the largest gift in the school’s history up until that time as part of her bequest. The money provided an endowment to support faculty, as she wanted teachers to be able to retire with grace and dignity.