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What is your inspiration for giving back through the Legacy Society?
SKIP and JUDY - The Westminster Legacy Society is a way for graduates to share their love for Westminster in a way that is meaningful and to “pay it forward” as the saying goes, for future students to benefit from the extraordinary liberal arts education that we received at Westminster. As supporters of Westminster, we are excited about the direction that the College is going and want to be, in a small way, a part of that story. Inspiration for supporting Westminster comes from the ideal that one must “give back” to those in life, whether it be family, friends or important institutions that provided you with a strong foundation for life. Westminster serves that need for us.
Tell us about WC professors who made an impact on your life?
SKIP - I was a History Major and have continued to have a love of History to this day. Dr. Art Jensen and Dr. Harry Swanhart were two of my favorite History professors. Dr. Jensen taught American history and Dr. Swanhart taught European history. My recollection is that I took almost all of the classes that both professors offered. At the same time, Dr. Wayne Christy was my Old Testament and New Testament professor from whom I admired and learned a great deal. Gary Mullin was a rather new Political Science Instructor who really elevated my love for the study of American Government and Politics. While I did not pursue any business courses at Westminster, the work ethic and study habits I encountered and formed at Westminster allowed me to earn an MBA. I would be remiss if I did not mention our Interim Chaplain in 1969, the Rev. Bill Jackson, who also came to speak at our 50th reunion in 2023.
JUDY - My original plan was to graduate with a degree in Chemistry from Westminster. However, I found that calculus and chemistry at Westminster were above my abilities, no matter how hard Dr. Whipkey (Math) and Dr. Long (Chemistry) patiently worked with me. I decided to switch to Elementary Education and study to be a teacher. My professors in the Education Department were wonderful and helpful, with fond memories of Dr. Miller, Dr. Cockerille and Dr. Hopkins. All of my professors at Westminster prepared me academically, which enabled me to teach for over 40 years and earn graduate degrees and specialized certifications.
What are some fond memories you have of Westminster?
SKIP - One of my favorite memories was playing intramural sports, as a member of Sigma Nu Fraternity’s football, basketball and softball teams. It was always great to play against the faculty who always had a participating team. The interaction between the faculty and students in the classroom and outside of the classroom was amazing. My purpose upon enrolling at Westminster was to graduate and attend Seminary and become a Presbyterian pastor. While that was not in God’s plan for me, the foundation and values that I gained at Westminster were instrumental in me becoming an active and productive lay leader in the Presbyterian Church.
JUDY - I joined Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority, where I made many good friends and had great experiences, while at the same time I enjoyed my time playing in the Marching Band. Volunteering serving as a Sunday School teacher at the Polk State School was a very rewarding experience. My volunteer activities continue today as I work with Literacy Volunteers of New Jersey, tutoring adults looking to receive their GED. As part of my work-study responsibilities, I worked in the McGill Library, which is where I met my husband of 50 years, Skip.
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