On a clear bright September day in 1964 a very shy naïve 17 year old arrived on the campus of Trinity College bright eyed and eager to begin a new adventure. Having absolutely no idea what that might be, she proceeded through the lines for registration, book buying, cap & gown purchasing, as she met others along that fateful yellow brick road preparing for whatever was to unfold.
Flash forward – May 1968 as we all came tumbling down the steps of Ira Allen Chapel the question for me still remained – what in the world?!
Off to DC went this little Susie snowflake fresh out of Burlington, VT who somehow magically morphed, (or so it seemed to me}, into a teacher of English as a Second Language. It was a great gig, and I felt so lucky to be there. The following fall, Fran Finnigan and I drove to San Francisco where we rendezvoused with Nancy Phillips and her husband who were living there. Flowers in our hair we weren’t but we found jobs, a place to live, and quite simply the joy of living in the Bay Area – and oh how totally delightful the climate compared to VT.
After a couple of years I returned to New England, bought a very heavy down coat, (the only option for living in New England weather after experiencing the northern CA climate), and found a job at a large arts institution in Boston – a step for me in the process of researching various career options.
Another couple of years down the road I closed my eyes, held my breath and took a sales position with a large multinational organization. To my great surprise, I found the position suited my skills and interests, however the idea of working for a company with a record (at that time) of approximately 99.9% male hires just didn’t seem to be a work environment where I would be comfortable for an extended period of time. By that time I had paid off my college loans, put aside some savings, and after three years started my own small firm. It seemed to have been a positive decision as forty years later I’m still enjoying it – truly each day a new adventure.
Not lost on me is the irony of my ‘investment’ of ten years discovering such a suitable niche for an English major from Trinity College of VT. Who could have imagined?! Certainly not I…..
Now fifty years after graduation it’s transition time once again for us as we face these next phases of our lives. What we’ve learned and experienced not only will protect us, but also challenge us. We will continue to reassure and frustrate ourselves – learning and growing through our joys, our deeply rewarding loves, as well as our crushingly devastating losses. Lucky us….. our lives are rich and full and on we go....
Throughout my Trinity years, I dated the love of my life, Richard Graff (nicknamed “Chip” back then). Although he attended Boston College, he enjoyed weekend visits to Trinity. We married on May 24, 1969 and moved to Boston, where I taught first grade and Dick went to grad school. During our four years in Boston, our two children were born. Kristin in 1970 and Brian in 1972.
During a 1973 trip to Colorado, we fell in love with the state and moved here shortly thereafter. We are avid cyclists, skiers, hikers, and snowshoers. The strong emphasis here on fitness makes Colorado a great place for us to live.
My career was in education. First, as a classroom teacher, then as a reading specialist, and finally a principal. I have always enjoyed school and earned three graduate degrees: one from the University of Denver, two from the University of Colorado, Boulder.
Re: retirement, I was a slow learner and retired four separate times. I have finally “caught on” and love the freedom it provides. Time with Dick and our grandkids, golf, volunteering, cycling, skiing, and travel fill up my days.
Dick was a partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers. Following retirement, he has been an advisor to the mining industry and serves on the Boards of Directors of global mining companies. He travels extensively for board meetings. I have enjoyed accompanying him on trips throughout Asia, Australia, South America, and Europe.
Our daughter, who resides in the Bay Area, is an attorney and our son, who lives nearby in Denver, is the CEO of Energy Acuity. Kristin has three children and Brian two. They range in age from 6-16. Last summer we took the whole family to Greece, which was truly a special experience!
After years living in the Denver suburbs, six years ago we moved to a high rise in the city. We love being able to walk or Uber everywhere. Although we enjoy the city, our real love is our log home at the Winter Park Ski Area, where we congregate as a family and enjoy the beautiful Colorado mountains.
As with everyone else, there have been rough times over the years. One of the most difficult, was a traumatic brain injury suffered by Dick in 1998 when he fell down 14 granite steps on a rainy evening. Fortunately, he was treated at Craig Hospital, an amazing rehab facility in Denver, specializing in spinal cord and traumatic brain injuries. Although, this was an extremely challenging time in our lives; we feel that our lives were enhanced as a result of this experience. Dick is deeply committed to supporting Craig Hospital and has served on the hospital and foundation boards in many capacities over the years, including Board Chairman.
As I look back over the past 50 years, I am so thankful for my amazing husband, family, parents, and friends, my four years at Trinity, and my fabulous grandchildren.
After graduating from Trinity, I began teaching on the elementary level in Burlington and then Connecticut.
In 1972 I married Ken Kadish, SMC ’68. We lived in Connecticut for three years before returning to Vermont. We were blessed with five children (in three years), two sets of twin boys and a girl. All are now married, and we have nine beautiful grandchildren.
Along the way I obtained a librarian license and became an elementary librarian in Colchester. I began a Masters in Education Degree at Trinity, in their site based program, but my degree was from Southern New Hampshire University, which bought the program from Trinity when Trinity closed. I was fortunate to take a two-year leave of absence, after our kids were on their own, and taught for two years in England, at an International School. This allowed Kenny and I to travel extensively.
I retired four years ago, but am now sharing a school substitute job in Burlington with my brother. This allows me to continue to work with children and have time for grandchildren and travel. For me, this is Perfect! We currently live in our "starter home" (of forty-three years) in Colchester
I have often said that my obituary will be an interesting one. I have not been one to stay too long at any one career path---a true Gemini---always looking for the next adventure in life. From high school business teacher, to mutual fund coordinator, to stock broker, to housewife and mother, to real estate broker and appraiser, to grad school student at 50, to college English instructor, to grant consultant--life has brought joy, challenges, and rewards during my 70+ years.
A 40+ year marriage, a wonderfully successful son, a precious and loving granddaughter, a career that I did on my terms, may have not have made me fabulously wealthy, but in terms of happiness, I have been truly blessed with richness of life. Add to that the success of fighting breast cancer three times---and winning each bout, the most recent in 2017, I can honestly say that life has been good.
Trinity College brought me many things that I’ve used throughout my life: A sense of independence and “can do” spirit during times that were not conducive to women being the boss; a love of adventure for what I would experience throughout the ages of my life, and most of all the wonderful gift of still being so close with many of my Trinity friends---meeting for lunch; visiting for the weekend; talking on the phone, or emailing or texting. I know of no other friends that I have who did not attend Trinity who have such a strong bond with their classmates from the 60s.
Fifty years is a long time that has passed in a flash, but I can honestly say that “Damn, we still look great!!!”
In 1968, I continued working part time at the laboratories in both of the Burlington medical centers and spent 4 years at UVM, graduating with a Ph.D. in physiology and biophysics.
I came to Boston as a postdoctoral fellow and spent the next 16 years teaching medical school, training graduate students and doing research, primarily in neurophysiology, at Tufts University and Boston University Medical Centers. I went back to school to obtain board certification in toxicology and left the academic world to focus on pharmaceutical R & D. I retired for real (yay!) in 2016.
Keith Nelson and I were married in 1979, with Libby Generous Smith as my maid of honor. Our adventurous life together continues, now split among our homes in Boston, Maine, and Florida. We sailed out of Boston for many years, but now just run around in a “stinkpot”!
We both love opera and fishing. We’ve traveled all around the world but we are now focusing on U.S. travel. A retired computer engineer, Keith is a terrific artist….specializing in Chinese brush painting and bone carving. (I'm his installations assistant.)
Since retiring, I have spent a lot of time on my book collection, also volunteering at the Boston Public Library, sorting donated books and setting up book sales.
All in all, I’ve been blessed with good health, a wonderful family and many fantastic friends.
After graduating, I decided to live, and work in Boston. After being introduced to my future husband by my roommate, Eileen Hardigan, my life has never been the same!!
We were married a few years later, and because of David’s profession, newspaper publisher, we have lived literally all over the US.
One of our best adventures was when we lived in Alaska. Having done some type of teaching most of my life, I taught Eskimo students English, as a second language.
We have a wonderful daughter, and of course an 8 yr. old “Perfect” granddaughter.
In 2010, we bought an old, completely restored farm house (1754) in Midcoast Maine. We retired, and have never looked back. We say it feels like we are living a “Leave it to Beaver” life. Mainer’s are still so kind, friendly, and don’t seem as stressed as the rest of the world.
Right before we moved to Maine, (while I worked full time) we had a part-time business. I had started to collect sea glass, and self taught myself how to design, and create sea glass jewelry, and decorative art pieces. Now after 10 years, we sell our line to over 15 stores from northern Maine, to Florida, and even California. Also, doing a dozen, or so Artisans shows, all over Maine.
So, God has been very good to us, and we feel very lucky to have met each other, and shared, “One hell of a life!” together. Or, as they say in England, “Bob’s your Uncle!
Biography and photo not provided
It’s been a wild ride. Plenty of ups and downs but overall, my journey has made me appreciate having been born into a loving, supporting family who knew how to have a good laugh and handle life’s occasional curve balls.
Early life: I enjoy telling people in our quiet New England Village (400 +/- residents) that my first home was in “The Bronx”. But early, my family moved to Westchester County and there began my 17 years of Catholic education – finishing up at Trinity with a degree in Biology. What I cherish most about those years are the lifelong friends I met that remain close to this day.
After graduation, the degree from Trinity led me to my first job at Sloan Kettering Research working on the early application of Interferon to treat Cancer before it later became the go to drug for HIV.
After a year, I put my brain on the shelf and married Jay Roper UVM ’67 who was in the Air Force at the time which shipped us off to live first in Hawaii where our daughter was born, and then North Dakota (talk of extremes).
After a discharge from the Air Force, we moved back to New York and in with family until our son was born. We then moved to the DC area while Jay attended Georgetown Dental School and remained after graduation while Jay practiced as an officer in the Navy. Our marriage ended in divorce after 17 years but we were blessed with our two wonderful children who have given us 6 terrific grandchildren.
There has been one other long term relationship – again for the same length of time. Seems that 17 years is my romantic relationship expiration date. Think I’m done in that department but who knows – another 17?
Career path – there have been more than 23 different jobs after that first Sloan Kettering position – as varied as marketing Tommy Hilfiger lingerie, waitressing and even parking cars. The longest lasting positions were: developing and running the senior ski program at our local mountain for 26 years and, at the same time, real estate sales.
Upon retirement from the ski program, I was honored by being inducted into our Town’s Hall of Fame. However, it’s Real Estate that has turned out to be most rewarding. After I established the Roper Real Estate company, my son Chip then daughter Tess joined me in our now, family business. That is where I am today – still working and enjoying the time with my kids and grandkids – still skiing and playing competitive tennis on a traveling team – thanking God for every day I remain in good health. It’s all good for now.
Biography and photo not provided
I earned an MBA, taught for a bit, worked in college administration, dabbled in antiques and design, and finally figured out what I’m good at. Sales! I’d actually been doing that all along but didn’t realize it. I used that sales talent in real estate and made a little money. But I used it raising kids and living life and did a lot more than just earn money.
I’ve been married almost 50 years as I write this. It’s a wonder it lasted, considering we grew up together after that July, ’68 wedding. We managed to raise three lovely kids, now adults, who are good, decent people and who’ve produced 6 grandsons for us. Yes, only boys, a particular torment to me as I shop for any clothes for them. All navy blue and tan. No pink. Sigh. But we’ve also managed to have a happy, loving life, and it’s gratifying.
We left Long Island 20 years ago and moved to Norwich, Vermont. We wanted to leave early enough so that we could make another life. We have. I’m busier than ever with selling my causes in Norwich.
Two of our three children and their families live in Vermont, and we see the boys all the time. I’d say that’s a darn fine life. I have two replaced knees, tattoos on my breast from cancer treatment, and no gall bladder. That’s it for the health summary. We spend time in Siesta Key, Florida, every November and April, but stay in Vermont for the other 10 months. Why wouldn’t we? So while it’s 50 years gone, it’s a lot of living, mostly small, and of the perfect variety.
After leaving graduation I returned to Trumbull (CT) for the summer, working as a secretary for a labor law attorney, who tolerated my shorthand. However I knew I was ready for a big city. In September I moved to Boston, rooming with 3 fellow grads, Carol Lyons Muller, Judy Mullins Ward and Eileen Huff. Nearby was Leona Kirk Blanck.
My job was once again as a secretary, this time at a very old, prestigious law firm in downtown Boston. Unfortunately it was doing wills and trusts. It didn’t keep my interest!!! Next came a position as a “head hunter”in an employment agency. It was perfect, for a time. Judy and I shared a 2 room apartment ( AKA a one bedroom, one bath and one room for everything else apartment) on Marlboro Street in Back Bay Boston.
Next adventure was working in Human Resources at Boston University. My University career had begun. One of my applicants for a position also in HR was the man who 7 months later became my husband (now 47 years ago). We stayed there for about two years until he knew if he wanted to continue in University administration since he needed a PhD.
We headed to Ithaca, NY and Cornell University. My position there was as Assistant to the Provost for Academic Personnel. It was probably my favorite position of my career. Jim finished his program in 2 1/2 years and we headed to Richmond, Virginia and he joined the dental school faculty at Medical College of Virginia, now Virginia Commonwealth University. I became Administrator for the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and stayed for 25 years. For the first 20years I had an amazing chairman. At the age of 55 I was ready for other challenges— one was to improve my golf game.
In 2004 jim retired from VCU and we moved to Venice, Florida. We have been settled in ever since. We love year round warm weather. Volunteering keeps me focused. I deliver Meals on Wheels weekly and as an Ombudsman through the Agency on Aging with eleven facilities that I visit regularly. Both are so rewarding.
We have no children but are very happy to be very close to our two nieces (their dad was my brother who died at the age of 42). We have 4 “almost grandchildren” and no college debts.
I am living a wonderful life and hope it will continue for many years more.
Thank you to all who are making this gathering a success. I look forward to reconnecting.
Martha Olsley here. I am reporting on my last 50 Year’s.
After graduating from Trinity, I stayed in Burlington to finish my hospital rotation in Medical Technology. When that ended, I became an employee of the Medical Center in the lab at DeGoesbriand Hospital. I soon specialized in microbiology.
While there I met my wife Carol Tandy who was working in Physical Therapy. That was the best thing I have done in my life! It’s now 46 years and counting.
In the meantime we have had several cats-2 or 3 at a time. Now we have 2, both rescues. We also travel a fair amount thanks to Carol’s family living in several states- Alaska and Colorado mainly.
And now that I am retired I do Jazzercise daily. I usually find a center to go to when we travel.
Lastly, the other Anniversary I am celebrating in 2018 is my 60th year with Type 1 Diabetes, and still being pretty healthy. See you all in June.
Biography and photo not provided
After Trinity, I pursued a career in Social Work. I began working for Catholic Social Services, Archdiocese of Philadelphia in September 1968. I had just returned from a fantastic trip to Europe with Mary Lee Eisert and Mary Dort. I began as a case manager for Children and Families.
After a few years I was given the opportunity by Catholic Social Services to attend graduate school at Temple School of Social Administration where I received a Masters in Social Work. I was also licensed with the State of Pennsylvania. After securing a degree I was promoted to Supervisor and then Administrator of one of the Regional offices. Later moving to Administrator of the Domestic and International Adoption Programs for the five county area.
I left social work for about five years to do pastoral care work as Director of the Respect Life Program for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, which included the Pastoral care of persons with AIDS, persons with disabilities, and the deaf. I left the Archdiocese of Philadelphia for the Diocese of Allentown were I finished my forty-five year social work career as Secretary of Health and Human Services, providing oversite for Social Services, Health Care and Senior Housing Programs.
I married the love of my life and best friend, William (Bill) Kelleher who worked for the Philadelphia Fire Department for 36 years. Yes, we were both of the mind to serve others. We have been married for 23 years. Live in Montgomery County, Pa., a suburb of Philadelphia. We have enjoyed traveling, theater and our summer home in Ocean City, New Jersey. We have experienced losses and difficult situations over the years but have always been there for each other.
After many years of skiing, I turned my skis in for golf clubs, now I enjoy my retirement by playing golf, gardening, needlework and spending time with friends and family. I can say I have been very fortunate to have had the relationships and experiences in my life. I continue to enjoy and cherish relationships formed in grade school, high school and while at Trinity. Also in my professional career and personal friendships over the years. What more to say about fifty years, except Life is Good!
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