Strong Tradition

Kalamazoo College retired faculty membersKalamazoo College retired faculty members meet weekly on Thursdays. Every quarter the group has a special dinner (including spouses in the fall). And once a year they meet with new faculty members. “There are no papers or program for our weekly meetings,” says Joe Fugate, professor emeritus of German and director emeritus of the foreign study program. No agenda does NOT mean what happens at the meetings isn’t important. The meetings keep faculty together and serve to pass along the traditions that make Kalamazoo College what it is. The teaching experience represented by the group spans the 1950s through 2013. “Our conversations range widely,” says Fugate. Topics include, among others, College matters, political developments, education issues such as the defense of the liberal arts, and practical advice on healthcare subjects. “It’s an important way to keep the K community alive and vital,” adds Fugate. One of the more well attending meetings occurred this June. Pictured are (l-r): front row–Con Hilberry, English; George Nielsen, mathematics; Henry Cohen, Romance languages; Romeo Phillips, education; Sally Olexia, biology; Mary Beth Birch, music; Margarita Campos, Spanish; Marigene Arnold, anthropology and sociology; Tish Loveless, physical education and athletics; second row–Jean Calloway, mathematics; Rolla Anderson, physical education and athletics; Ed Baker, physical education and athletics; Larry Smith, music; Carol Smith, library; Don Flesche, political science; back row–Paul Olexia, biology; Joe Fugate, German and foreign study; Dick Carpenter, mathematics and computer science; Jeff Smith, mathematics; Stan Rajnak, mathematics; and Bob Stauffer, anthropology and sociology.