Cuba Birnbaum ’17

Cuba Birnbaum ’17

Cuba is a proud member of the Suffield Academy faculty, having completed a postgraduate year at the Academy in 2017. As a student, Cuba was a captain of the football team, played baseball, and was an active member of the theatre community. Following his transformational year at Suffield, he went on to attend Dickinson College where he majored in religion and minored in educational studies. He also played football where he was a four-year starter, two-time captain, and four-time all conference selection.

At Suffield, Cuba teaches biology and PG leadership, coaches football and track, and is a dorm parent in Fuller Hall. He lives in Fuller with his fiancé, Allie, and their chocolate lab, Millie.


What do you love about where you are from?
What I loved most about growing up in Newton, MA was being ten miles away from Boston and being able to experience all of the Boston sports championships. It's the best city in the world, in my opinion!

Where is your favorite spot on Suffield Academy’s campus?
I love Bell Hill because of the significance that it holds on campus. Whether I am walking to class or practice, you can always find Bell Hill and feel at home.

What is the first thing you do every morning when you get to work? 
The first thing I do is get organized and drink my iced coffee.

Who is your favorite artist? 
Zach Bryan.

Which of your roles at Suffield Academy do you relish the most? 
I enjoy all the various roles that I have on campus because each provides unique opportunities to connect with other members of the Suffield community. I am most excited about becoming a faculty advisor because of the extensive mentorship opportunities it provides.

If you could recommend one book to Suffield Academy students, what would it be? 
I recently read Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom and would highly recommend it. It focuses on life and death and everything in between. I think it is relative to our students because it is based on the relationship between a teacher and student with lessons that extend well after their time in the classroom.

What is your favorite motto that you live by? 
"The greatest compliment you can receive is to be counted on."

What is something you believe one can never over-invest in? 
I believe that you can never over-invest in your relationships with the people in your life. From family to friends and everything in between.

What is your favorite food? 
Chicken parm.

What are your summer plans?
This summer, Allie and I will be traveling to the Adirondack Mountains in upstate New York. In August, we are doing our annual trip out west to the great state of Montana! We are also planning to take a trip to Glacier National Park.