I retired on 31 Dec, 2005 following employment for 33 years as a teacher and administrator at the State University of New York at Potsdam. Initially, I was hired to work in the College's Counseling Center. Next I served as Director of the Educational Opportunity Program. Then I established and administered a new Advising Center. Eventually, advising responsibilities expanded into a wide-ranging operation known as Academic Services. During that same period I started teaching and coordinating a variety of international and domestic exchange programs.
After a sabbatical leave, I changed directions entirely and moved into Enrollment Management, coordinating Summer Orientation and Parents Relations programming. Soon I was merged into College Advancement or, as most people know it, fund-raising. Finally, the college president asked me to work with him directly as his advisor and senior writer. When he departed, I was recruited by the Dean of Arts & Sciences and became his special assistant. I closed out a very fulfilling career in the Dean's office serving the faculty.
That said, during all those years I enjoyed interacting with students the most -- especially the ones I'd counseled and advised. Of course, I also had considerable fun teaching -- particularly my annual London theatre course. Those last few years with the Dean were pretty interesting too.
I've been retired now for four and a half years. Retirement has been kind to me, but I will quickly confess that I still miss being part of the lively college community that once enlarged my daily life.
I trace my diverse career meanderings at SUNY Potsdam to classical training in the liberal arts and a great writing teacher. Also, I think my interpersonal ease with others, simple straightforwardness and a bit of empathy garnered from those early days working in the Counseling Center opened many doors.
If I were to offer up an attitude, it would be that I prefer spending time with folks who are still seeking the truth rather than with individuals who've already discovered it. Likewise, I find that travel is very broadening. And self-discovery is wonderful, though I'd quickly admit learning from others is a better way. Finally, at age 65 I'm beginning to truly appreciate the virtues of patience and laughter.
Beyond the above, I suppose I could note that I still possess endless curiosity, am persistent in pursuing my objectives, and able to communicate ideas and feelings reasonably well. I do enjoy writing, although real success at that task is ever-illusive. Mostly, I've learned that trying to be a good listener and a quiet observer reaps more benefits than speaking out reflexively. In the end, I'd say the best thing about spending those three decades in academia adjusting to change was important in and of itself. I hope I can continue working on that one for awhile longer.
Last edited: 13 Oct 2009
"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined."
Henry David Thoreau