Remembering Randy Zell

The Newman community is saddened by the passing of one of our School’s longest-serving and most beloved educators, Mr. Randal J. Zell. The iconic “Zell,” who served the School for nearly three decades as an Upper School science teacher and a multi-sport coach, passed away on Thursday, July 2, 2020.

Originally from West Valley, New York, and a graduate of Allegheny College, Coach Zell (as he was most often referred to on campus) made New Orleans his home when he joined the Newman faculty in 1993. He quickly endeared himself to students and colleagues as a biology teacher and Cross Country and Girls Basketball coach. By 1997 he was so esteemed that the students dedicated that year’s Absinthe yearbook to him, and dozens of graduating seniors listed him in their dots as an inspiration – a tradition that continues to this day.

In his 27 years of service to Newman, Randy Zell consistently embodied Newman's core belief of strong relationships and high expectations. A master teacher, he instilled in his students a love for the life sciences and inspired many to seek careers in the biological and medical fields. He communicated his enthusiasm for genetics, anatomy, and biotechnology through his interactive class lectures and hands-on projects. Students appreciated him for his clear expectations and honest, direct, and caring feedback.

Moreover, Coach Zell’s deep knowledge of and strong passion for science made him not only an inspirational teacher but also a leader among the faculty in adopting new technologies, tools, and methods for teaching science at the secondary level. He was a trailblazer in making full use of our newly built Rupa and Tarun Jolly Science and Technology Building. He offered research-based directed study courses in our Biotechnology Signature Lab and summer internships in biotechnology for interested students that rivaled the offerings of university programs.

Coach Zell is equally admired as a coach of our Cross Country and Track programs. Hundreds of student-athletes have been inspired by his tireless support, boundless enthusiasm, and wholehearted encouragement over the years. Students fondly remember attending his summer running clinics in Upstate New York, where team bonds were forged and strengthened. His ability to motivate his athletes has not only resulted in broken records and state recognition, but has guided the post-Newman lives of countless alumni.

Coach Zell is survived by his parents, Floyd and Gisela Zell; his beloved cousin Paul Zell, who donated a kidney to Randy in the past; wife Dr. Katherine Gracki Zell, a French teacher in Newman’s Upper School; and stepdaughter Amelle.

Randy Zell will be missed, but his impact will not be forgotten. He taught his students how to think for themselves and how to love science. He taught his athletes how to care, to dig in, and to never stop improving. He modeled true passion for education and life-long learning to his colleagues, and he made an indelible mark on Newman.

Please click here to view a photo album and slideshow of Coach Zell through the years.