50 Years on the Hill

Champlain College celebrated its 50th anniversary of moving from downtown Burlington to the "Hill Section" on June 27 & 28, 2008. Alumni, faculty & staff (present and past), neighbors, and friends gathered for a block party which included tours of many of the historical buildings on campus, an interactive living history exhibit in the IDX Student Life Center, and a special dinner with Trustees and Emeriti, and even a few alumni, faculty and staff who made the move with the College in 1958. Photos of the events are in the slide show below.

As part of the celebration we asked people to share their memories of Champlain. Here are a sampling of what we received.

"The remarkable thing about living on the edge of Champlain's campus is that it provides the opportunity to witness the rituals of college life. Cars filled to the brim with dorm room paraphernalia. Soon-to-be matriculated students with their parents and siblings, walking the campus, each grouping a study in mixed emotions, family vignettes that bring to the surface strong memories of our own college experiences. Welcome banners, colorful and creative, hanging from each campus dorm. Pleasant conversations with students -- our neighbors for much of the year -- usually prompted by our dogs, Lucy and Charlie, who welcome the attention and are more than happy to interrupt their walk to play with a student missing a favorite pet back home. Students in shorts and flip-flops, as sure a sign of spring as the daffodils and tulips popping up on our front lawn. And then, in early May, a sea of black-robed graduates heading down Maple Street toward Memorial Auditorium and Commencement, bagpipes sounding in the distance. You see those family groupings again, most likely still intense with mixed emotions, but pride and excitement are the ones that fill the cool, spring air. Summer is quieter; we marvel at the extent of work conducted to ready the campus for the upcoming academic year. In the nine years we have lived in the neighborhood, we have interacted with students and administrators in formal and informal settings. We have been impressed with the energy and confidence that is the College's ethos. All things seem possible. And that, perhaps, is what is most remarkable about living in a college community -- the constant reminder that all things are possible, no matter your age, if you put your heart and mind into the task at hand. These are some of our reflections on Champlain College. We are pleased to be your neighbor and congratulate you on your fifty years on the hill. "

-Robert DiPalma and Theresa Alberghini DiPalma

"As I thought about my own personal experiences at Champlain over 20 years ago - several memories came to mind that reinforced to me how much this college has grown since I received my diploma in 1986. I remember arriving in front of Whiting Hall (an all women dorm with a live in house mother) in my grandfather's Lincoln continental stacked with clothes and dorm room stuff. I remember the first computer I ever used was The Commodore 64 at the Champlain computer center- a far cry from the Apple, Dell and Gateway laptops of today. I remember entrepreneurship was just becoming a concentration within a major and now Champlain is leading the pack with their BYOBiz program. I remember great professors that coached and encouraged your talent in the classroom and I am sure that dedication exists today, But mostly I remember an institution that gave me the confidence and skill set to pursue a enriching personal life and a rewarding career. "

-Julie (Germek) Snow (class of 1986)

"I live in NYS and just returned from a visit to Burlington. I am amazed that my old dorm "Sanders Hall" still looks the same after 42 years. I am always telling people about the beautiful homes that Champlain College has bought and how the school has maintained the integrity of the buildings. "

-Mary (Gilbert) Goleski (class of 1966)

"I am not sure my many stories can be published!!! But I will say, it's been a pleasure being part of the evolution of Champlain college and hopefully I have had a little impact upon it."

-Champ Soncrant, Accounting Professor

""My first job at Champlain was to start a Computer Camp for children, ages 10 to 16. We had 6 months to convert the campus to a children's summer camp in 1982, complete with canoes and sailing, bikes and horse-back riding, soccer and frisbee tournaments, overnight trips to State Parks, and camp fires and singing in the mess hall (aka, Hamrick Hall during the school year). Camp t-shirts were the new dress code, and the "new computers" were Ataris and Commodores. 50 camp counselors and 300 children would descend on campus for 8 weeks....from as far away as France and Belgium, and New York City or California. What a unique experience! We'd love to hear from some campers and counselors as part of our "memory archives"! 28 years later, and I'm still at Champlain College.....but the Camp is only a memory.""

-Shelley Richardson, Vice President for Development

"I was one of the campers at the computer camp. I remember playing Chariots of Fire in the talent show. But really I just thank you all for making this a special place for us. If any one of you remember my father on TV you will know this quote. " From all of us to all of you we wish you a merry Christmas.""

-Adam Skiff

"I was a transfer student when I started at Champlain in the summer of 1989, taking Accounting 101 & 102 with Professor Walt Luchini. I graduated in May 1990 with a degree in Computers in Management. In July 2006 I was thrilled to become part of the Champlain College community again as the Operations Manager for the Office of Development & Alumni Affairs. Congratulations Champlain on 50 years on the Hill."

-Roland F. Palmer (class of 1990)

"I was part of Champlain's first NJCAA Field Hockey Championship team. For the two years I was at Champlain, I made some great memories from being on this team....too many to talk about. Sue Rand was our leader, and an amazing coach. If any of the girls on the 1986 team are out there, I would love to hear from you. I will always cherish my years spent at Champlain and being a part of the athletic program. Stacey Seaver sseaver23@hotmail.com"

-Stacey J. Seaver (class of 1987)

"Although I have only been connected with Champlain College for the past two years, I already have a host of amazing memories and the consistent theme is all about true collaboration to move this amazing teaching and learning community forward. The creative students associated with the Emergent Media Center have been a complete delight to work with. The students from the Single Parents Program have taught me so much about courage, dedication and determination. Champlain parents are consistently curious, supportive and engaged. Faculty members are accessible, passionate, innovative, inspiring, and encourage participation from every corner of the campus. Staff members are dedicated, conscientious and mission driven. College trustees, friends, and supporters are loyal, enthusiastic, enterprising, generous, and just an all around great group of people. Who could ask for more out of a college? Congratulations on 50 Years on the Hill!!!"

-Hope Wittman Martin, Sr. Development Officer

"When I first started working at CC in 1986 my office was literally a closet with a view--as a matter of fact the best view immaginable of Lake Champlian and the Adirondack Mountains. The space was about 6 by 6 feet up four steps from the top floor of what was the original Freeman Building before it was remodeled sometime in the 90's. It is now the west view of the president's office, overlooking the IDX Student Center, and it still remains one of the best panoramas on campus! Now, I have a larger office--still in Freeman--but oh do I miss that view. At least I still have a window--looking the wrong direction at the brick sidewall of Foster Hall. "

-Fred Koch

"I arrived in Burlington in June of 1965, right out of law school, with my wife Bern, and our first born, Philip, age one month. I started teaching business law in September, 1965, while beginning a law practice, and began, what turned out to be, a very long love affair with Champlain College. I have seen Champlain in all its glory as a faculty member, legal counsel, trustee and now as trustee emeritus. I have witnessed four presidents use their considerable talents, leadership and passion to create a crown jewel among colleges. Of course, no institution can achieve such a spectacular success without a cadre of very special faculty and staff. From the beginning, Champlain's faculty and staff have been exceptional. Their enthusiasm is infectious and Champlain students respond accordingly. Go Champlain!"

-Peter M. Collins

""I have had the good fortune to have been involved with Champlain College for 42 of its ‘50 Years on the Hill'. First as a student from 1961 to 1963 then as a faculty member. In May 2008, I retired as a faculty member after 40 wonderful years working with remarkable students and dedicated colleagues, many of whom have become life-long friends. Good luck Champlain." Walt Luchini, CPA Professor of Accounting "

-Walt Luchini

"I grew up in Burlington and CC is as old as I am . My favorite Uncle, David Myette, started working for the college when I was just a kid- he's been there a LLLOOONNNGGG time in the financial aid department and has always loved and valued the Champlain College culture. His passion for the place has infused our whole family over the years, and when I had the opportunity to volunteer for the Single Parent Program I jumped at the chance (even though I am a '79 UVM grad!) I, too, wanted to be a part of this very special community that I grew up with, and plan to grow old with. Congrats! "

-Kim Myette Dannies

"After graduating from high school, I took a year off before diving into college life. I chose Champlain because it was marketed as a "business school." I received my AS in Business in '89. Then after working for a few years, I decided to go back and get my BS and graduated in '97. I love Champlain College and all of the memories it has for me. I am excited to be able to continue my education at Champlain and hope to start in the MBA program soon. Champlain has the best of both worlds - it's small enough that the teachers remember your name, but at the same time it has cutting-edge technology that puts Champlain College graduates in an elite group. I loved all my teachers at Champlain, but my favorites have to be Joe O'Grady, Jay McKee, David Mona and Peter Bridge. Congratulations to Champlain College on your Golden Anniversary!"

-Alison (Smalley) Johnson (class of 1989/97)

"I attended Burlington Business College during the 1950 - 1951 school year. It was upstairs over the business block on Main Street, Burlington across from the block where the Flynn Theater is located. The hallways were dim because of the lighting at that time. The experience was a pleasant one. One teacher, Mrs. St. John, was charming and had a special way about her. Our typing teacher, Alfred Amee, was studying to be an undertaker and would hold up a bottle of embalming fluid and tell us he'd like to use it on everyone in his class. He wasn't too well liked, of course. He was a good teacher, and I did well in his class. He did become an undertaker and opened his own funeral home in Richford. Our principal was a Mr. Tittemore. He was a tall, skinny, elderly gent. Good things came out of my year at BBC. Because of my education there, I was able to pass a civil service exam, which led to a 30-yer employment with the immigration & naturalization service. One of my classmates became best friend and has remained so for the past 57 years."

-Ellen Everitz (class of 1951)

"Hill Hall located at 227 S. Willard Street was originally owned by E.E. Clarkson, Mrs. Hill's father. Mr. Clarkson also owned the building at 2 Church Street with his partners. The store was known as Abernathy, Clarkson and Wright and in later years as Abernathy's. While attending college, our mother, Gertrude Pennington Walker lived with the Hill family as the governess for the Hill children - Ralph Nading Hill (a well-known writer and preservationist) and his sister Janet. Mrs. Walker graduated in 1929, the year of the great depression when unemployment was high and none of the schools were hiring teachers. She was asked to stay on by the Hills and continue to look after their children. Mrs. Hill was very active in charity work and Mr. Hill was president of Green Mountain Power. Our mother was introduced to Harold Walker by the spouse of the Hill family cook. They were married in 1936. Mrs. Walker remained in touch with the Hill children even after they were grown. We recall Ralph Nading Hill coming to our house to bring autographed copies of his books for her. "

-Alice Walker Vezina & Mary Walker Dillon

"August 1966 I began my 25 years with the college with assorted duties some of which were faulty member, biking the immediate neighborhood looking for private homes to house men, policing So. Willard and Maple to stop students from parking in front of neibhrods' homes, and being the women's basketball coach! The president drove me to the top of Main St. by UVM to view the beautiful Green Mts. to the east saying, "That's the rest of your salary!"...and he meant it! Yet, over the years, students, faculty, and staff were the keys to the college's success and growth. Verne MacDonald's new freshmen were always a challenge with their eagerness, excitement, and rewards as we saw them grow academically and socially. The diverse backgrounds and experiences of full- and part-time faculty provided a rich camraderie especially with our limited and shared office space and their ideas for new courses and progrzms. "Yes" characterized the college staff and its positve attitudes towards the many suggested changes which great;y help the college meet contemporary changes. These three strong elements and its new global view have become a unique academic model for other higher education institutions to consider. Peter G. Bridge, former professor and dean"

-Peter G. Bridge

"We met during our Sophomore year at Champlain, unfortunately for us it was at the end of the Spring semester and we were both going to be going home in a couple weeks and would be separated by a thousand miles (I was moving back to Chicago, and he was moving back to Franklin, Vermont). Thankfully, through mutual friends at Champlain and a little luck, we reunited on Church Street in 2006 and have been inseparable ever since. If it hadn't been for Champlain's MMG program and our mutual love for the web, we never would have met. Thanks, CC!"

-Leslie Haasch & David Rheaume (class of 2005)

"Just picture it. Pearl Hall, a beautiful three-story residence separated into four 'apartments'. Ten girls in one, sharing cleaning, shopping and cooking duties (we did not partake in cafeteria food). We each pitched in $5 per week. That provided breakfast, lunch and dinner for 4 days (Fridays and weekends -- you were on your own). I taught my roommate to hard boil eggs! The biggest wonder of that first year? Ten girls -- one bathroom!"

-Michelle (Burnham) Taylor (class of 1973)

"I began working in the Office of Academic Affairs Office in 1981. No desktop computers, no voice mail, the copier required a large roll of paper, tests were printed using a mimeograph machine, and the selectric typewriter was considered high tech. And although the College has certainly changed its technology and added some beautifully maintained buildings, the constant throughout has been the dedication, caring nature, and entrepeneurial spirit of its administration, faculty and staff as well as it's wonderful students. Congratulations Champlain!"

-Jo Corrow

"I was introduced to Champlain College in the early 80s via two cousins who both graduated from Champlain and played field hockey for Sue Rand. I carried on the family tradition and transferred to Champlain. I had the pleasure of playing the last two years we had this sport. We finished up right by winning the Nationals in 1988! My first experience on move in day was a quick one as my double was turned into a quad at Whiting Hall. I never unpacked my car until I got back home to Essex Junction so I ended up being a commuter student. Today, I'm proudly back on campus as a Trustee. Champlain is an incredible institution from the campus to the staff to our students. Keep climbing!"

-Susan Willey Lamaster (class of 1988)

"My education at Champlain College was a very special time for me. Of course, there were the usual problems of culture shock - suddenly having to live with people I had never met before was not easy. But I was impressed with the professors - the attention they gave each student and the guidance and kindness they showed was exceptional. However, the person who influenced me the most and inspired me to do the work I've done for the past 20 years was Joanne Bandy. I worked for her as part of my work-study. She was a special lady. She could multi-task like you wouldn't believe, and she always had a smile on her face. I have a lot of special memories of Champlain College. Congratulations on 50 years on the hill!!! "

-Katy Blue (class of 1989)

"Whenever I smell the fragrance of peonies, I am transported back to the image of my Grandmother with basket in hand going down the long grassy slope behind the C.P. Smith house (225 S. Willard Street -presently known as McDonald Hall), past the goldfish pool to pick her flowers. The house itself brings back memories of a vast number of expansive rooms to play in with my many cousins, of backstair areas where the maid and cook lived, of mysterious places such as the dark towers and the unknown third floor, plus the cellar with its musty smell and spider webs. I can see now my grandfather sitting at the head of the table in the oval dining room tucking the large white napkin under his white bearded chin before tackling the shredded wheat he ate every night for supper. It was a warm, comfortable home to visit."

-Ann Wheeler Weathers

"I just read the entries about the computer camp! My brother and I were the kids they took pictures of for the newspaper ads for the camp! I remember being told that I had to wear something colorful for the shoot and I wore a white sweatshirt with a big rainbow across the front. It didn't look very colorful in the black and white newspaper ads but I remember being in awe of the computers. "

-Deana Higgs (class of 1989)

" "I attended Champlain from 1987--1989, but my memories of the college go back much farther. My father started working at Champlain in 1956 when he was a student. The college, of course, was much smaller then. My father's classes were initially held in classrooms above what is now Nectar's. Is that the dream of every college student, or what?? Anyway, he was taken under the wing of the President of the time, Bader Brouilette. After graduation, my father became the bookeeper and eventually treasurer of the college. I remember how much I used to love going to visit his office - there was a mirror at the end of what seemed to be a long hallway, and my brother and I would chase each other almost into the mirror. As my father was getting settled into Bader Hall, my mother had just moved to Burlington with her parents. They rented an apartment on the second floor of what is now Hill Hall. My mother decided to enroll at Champlain College and at some point found herself in my father's office. He asked her if she wanted a tour and the rest is history..... They got married, had my brother and I and lived a happy life. My brother and I are proud graduates of Champlain and are hoping our children will be the third generation to attend Champlain College! My father retired a few years ago, a few years before I started working here at Champlain. I am sure I will be here until retirement as well because when I started my job at Champlain, it felt like I was coming home."

-Deana Higgs (class of 1989)

"CONGRATULATIONS ON 50 YEARS ON THE HILL Champlain College sparkles on the hill! It is a remarkable example of stewardship of the land and the architectural integrity of its extraordinary location. The College is visionary in its continuous improvement in the quality of education, caring for students and extending resources to enhance the community at large. I first came to appreciate the mission of the college in 1985 when Sallie Soule and I met with faculty and board members about creating a program to help young mothers attend college. It was during the Kunin Administration. I was Secretary of the Agency of Human Services and Sallie was Commissioner of Employment & Training. We had a mutual interest in improving the economic security of women with children, especially those who were receiving welfare assistance. We envisioned a comprehensive program to cover educational, child care and health care expenses. Our goal was to eliminate some of the barriers to opportunities that would increase the future earnings of women. Champlain College and Trinity College agreed to partner with our offices on the Single Parent Program. Champlain College took the risk and made a commitment to go above and beyond to assure the success of the Single Parent Program. The program continues at Champlain today and makes a significant difference in the lives of both young mothers -- and now some fathers -- who might not otherwise be able to attend college. The students bring a perspective that enriches the learning experience for all. Champlain College has a long tradition of service to the community and I was fortunate to be awarded the Citizen of the Year award at graduation in 2000. It was a very proud moment for me and my family. Holly Miller was Chair of the Board and when she honored me with this recognition, I was humbled because Holly is one of the all time great role models for community service. The award hangs in my office and is a daily reminder that education and knowledge, when exercised with acts of daily living, have the power to make the world a better place. I send my congratulations to the Board, faculty, students and friends of Champlain College. "

-Gretchen Morse