This year's crop of retirees shared some witty, poignant and
(sometimes) brief memories of Union at the recent Employee
Recognition Luncheon.
Here are some excerpts:
Sigrid Kellenter,
Thomas Lamont Professor of Ancient and Modern Literature, professor of German
(27 years): “My whole life has been a 'converging to some center' (referring to
an Emily Dickinson poem) and I thank Union College and all you lovely
colleagues and friends for having allowed me to be this 'converging guest' at
your table for a time.” Prof. Kellenter also shared some memorable student
conversations, including — Kellenter: “I hope I didn't see you looking at your
neighbor's test paper.” Student: “I hope you didn't see me either.”
Alice Marocco, director
of gift planning (19 years): Recalling a trip to visit Jim Corbin '34 in Swansboro,
N.C., she described how she and colleague
Sally Webster accompanied Corbin as he drove his Jeep over the storm-washed
beach. “Suddenly, Jim stopped, put the Jeep in reverse, opened the driver's
door and leaned out to pick up something that was lying on the beach. He
turned, and handed me a large, nearly perfect, conch shell – the most beautiful
I had ever seen.” Marocco, who sold her home to travel the country in an RV
several years ago, kept the conch shell that “has become one of my favorite
possessions.” Corbin died in 1999. “I like to think that if I hold that shell to
my ears, I might hear pieces of the conversations I've had over the years with
Jim and the countless other wonderful Union alumni and friends I have had the
privilege and the honor to know in my work at Union.”
Sandy Marshall,
secretary, Admissions (15 years): “I started working in West
College as line server. One of the
students who worked with me handing out food to the students is now handling my
money.” The student has also become a financial consultant to a number of Marshall's
family members. “Thanks to a Union graduate who handed out food, we are able to
retire with financial security.”
Marianne Moore,
secretary, political science (15 years): Recalling when she applied for her
job, she described the conversations she had with the late Prof. Charley
Tidmarch and emeritus Prof. Joe Board. “To tell the truth, if it wasn't for
Charley and Joe, I don't know I would have decided to work for Union.
They both helped me through the years. It has been one of the most comfortable
positions I have ever had, mainly because of those two wonderful people.”
Jeane Sinnenberg,
assistant registrar (36 years): “My most memorable moment while working at Union
College was the first day I went to
the engineering office in Carnegie Hall [now Reamer]. There stood Carm St.
George with a wonderful smile to greet me. Of course, there have been other
special moments, but this particular one always comes to mind. Union has been a
part of my life for a very long time. I have enjoyed working with faculty,
staff and students too numerous to mention. Working in the dean's office and my
tenure as assistant registrar for 12 years was especially challenging and
rewarding. Union College
will remain a meaningful part of my life.”
Jim Underwood, Chauncey Winters Professor of Political
Science (40 years): “While dean [of faculty], I was in Milano Lounge with
[President Roger Hull], the Founders Day speaker/honorand and other members of
the platform party. In the midst of confusion and lively conversation, Jan
Ludwig, the marshal, rushed into the room and said, 'Time to go, follow me.'
Somehow, none of us heard him. Jan proceeded to march to the chapel, climb the
stairs, walk up the aisle and mount the stairs to the stage. All the faculty
were in their places in the front rows. However, there were no members of the
platform party on stage as we were still blathering in Milano Lounge. Next
thing we saw was red-faced Jan rushing into Milano once again. This time, we
marched behind him into the chapel and onto the stage.”
George Williams, professor of computer science (33 years): “I appreciate the attention of
the employee recognition luncheon. As for the 'memorable moment story,' I
really just want to thank the faculty and staff who put up with me for all
these years.”