The Jonathan Kleier ‘01 Leadership Endowment was established by our family in 2009 after the sudden and heartbreaking loss of our beloved brother and son, Jonathan Kleier, Class of 2001. While a student at Horace Mann School, Jonathan was legendary in athletics. As the captain of both varsity football and lacrosse, he was an incredible competitor and fearless leader who commanded the respect of everyone around him. My brother never gave up – in the last game of the season senior year, he played the game as though he was fine, but when he walked off the football field, we saw that he had cracked ribs and torn ligaments in his leg. Known on the field as “Killer Kleier,” off the field he was a teddy bear, and equally as fierce and loyal in his friendships as he was in the game. Jonathan’s passion was infectious; so was his smile and his laugh, which you could recognize from across a room. His former co-captain and friend said “Jon Kleier taught me how to trust. With him I learned how to be truly dedicated to a cause greater than myself.”
Jonathan’s best memories were of his time spent with teammates, both on and off the field. His personality and leadership qualities were magnetic. He brought people together. Another former teammate said “Jon was the rare breed of leader that led vocally and by example. For Jon, it was all about pride. He took pride in himself, he took pride in winning, and he took pride in his teammates. He expected the best from those who surrounded him and pushed them to achieve it.” Those who were fortunate enough to play with him will never forget him. To our family, this statement from another teammate says it all: “without Jonathan, there would be no heart on the team.”
Our family hopes that the endowment we have established will ensure that Jonathan’s legacy - a legacy of leadership, laughter and love - will never be forgotten. The award we give in his memory recognizes an athlete who best exemplifies these characteristics: passion, pride, and leadership. This year’s recipient is certainly known for all three and we are very proud and humbled to honor Jonathan’s legacy by acknowledging this student today.
This year’s recipient has put a lot of time and energy into Horace Mann Athletics and could be found all over campus supporting other players, teams and non athletic events. As a three-sport student athlete who was the captain of two teams, you might question how he found the time, but he simply made it a priority to be there for his classmates.
He is an inspirational player and his teams rallied around him. He served as a mentor to young players and loved being able to help. As a result he taught them all to be better individuals and, together, a better team.
The water polo team voted him their captain this year and at the end of the season they also voted him their MVP. The season’s success can be credited to his efforts to create an environment in which all team members thrived. He was also a standout on the swim team where he constantly pushed himself and his teammates to their limits. Together they celebrated their 4th straight Ivy League swim title. Finally, as captain of the baseball team he led by example each day by being the first one on the field and last one off trying to hone his skills as a player and encourage others to do so as well. At this year’s spring sports banquet he was awarded the Stanley Shier memorial baseball award for dedication, loyalty, enthusiasm and concern for others. And now, confirming that he was the go-to guy for all seasons, we are pleased to present the 2011 Jonathan Kleier ’01 Leadership Award to Reuben Dizengoff.
A beautiful note from Reuben's parents following class day:
Dear the Kleier Family,
We wanted to express our gratitude and let you know how honored we are that Reuben was chosen for the Jonathan Kleier '01 Leadership Award.
While we did not know Jonathan, we were so moved by your remarks about him and his love of life and HM. Reuben shares these same qualities and in another world they would have been friends. We wanted to meet you after the awards ceremony but Dr. Schiller said you had left; perhaps another day.
A few things Betsy and I wanted to share with you:
Like Jonathan, Reuben loves Jay-Z (in fact, it was his quote in the Mannikin).
Like Jonathan, Reuben wore number 32.
Most importantly, like Jonathan, Reuben sees the best in everyone.
Like Jonathan, Reuben learned that leadership matters, it is a difference maker.
So, thank you, we are honored.
Fondly,
Betsy and Ira Dizengoff
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