In this post we recognize Julie Tumminia-Tomsuden, Sr Programmer Analyst at Information Technology Services, for her 25 years of Service to Middlebury. Julie shares some her recent relocation, some advice about working at Midd, and some special people from her career here. Read on to learn more about Midd from Julie’s point of view.

What did you do prior to work at Middlebury College and where were you located?

I had recently completed my bachelor’s degree at Johnson State College and was living in Montpelier, VT where I worked at the retail store job that helped pay my way through school.

What job titles have you held while working at Middlebury?

• Technical Support Assistant – until end of May 1992
• Programmer/Intern
• Programmer
• Programmer/Analyst/Applications Consultant
• Programmer/Analyst/Technical Lead
• Senior Programmer/Analyst since January 2005

Take us back to your first year as an employee at the College. What were the most significant things happening in your life outside of work then?

My first husband, Peter, and I were enjoying time learning about the history and people of the Champlain Valley.

What are the most significant things happening in your life outside of work now (that you’d like to share)?

I moved to South Carolina in August of 2015 after many years of putting the pieces into place. I’m a native Vermonter because that’s where my parents lived when I was born, but realized several years ago that my heart is truly southern.

Have your interests/hobbies/athletic endeavors changed over the past 25 years? Have any of these been influenced by your work at the College or due to your association with others who work here?

My second husband, Mark, is a hockey fan and we enjoyed being hockey spectators at Nelson Arena. I also took up a bit of cross country skiing at Rikert while my much braver son took snowboarding lessons at the Snow Bowl.

Many people change jobs/careers multiple times in their working life. Something must have kept you here for 25 years. Is it anything that you can put into words?

Many people I’ve worked with over the years have become like a second family, especially those who were there for me during my darkest days fifteen years ago when (Julie’s first husband)Peter’s life ended so suddenly.  I’ve also enjoyed the diversity of the students and programs available which has fed my enjoyment of history and travel.

What are your plans for the next 25 years?

I will miss my “second family” at Middlebury but have made the decision to move on to a different career path. Twenty-five years in the technology world is more than enough for me!

Is there any person on campus (or retiree, former employer) that mentored you, or you feel helped you grow into your job, grow to enjoy your work and your time at the College?

Ron McKinnon worked with me as a Programmer/Intern and gave me assignments to stretch my abilities technically as well as speaking in front of a group.

If you could give one piece of advice to a new employee at Middlebury, what would it be?

Be sure to take advantage of the opportunities available for personal growth and cultural enlightenment. Don’t get too busy to enjoy those glorious Champlain Valley sunsets!

In this post we recognize Sandra Carletti, Professor of Italian and Faculty Head of Atwater Commons, for her 25 years of Service to Middlebury. Sandra shares her favorite places on campus, her interests, and a wonderful “collage of many memories” with us. Read on to learn more about Midd from Ann’s point of view.

What did you do prior to work at Middlebury College and where were you located?
I was a graduate student at the Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD

What job titles have you held while working at Middlebury?
Instructor, Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, Professor, Commons Faculty Head (Atwater)

Take us back to your first year as an employee at the College. What were the most significant things happening in your life outside of work then?
I had been married for less a than a year, my husband, Kevin, was working in Baltimore, and I was working on my dissertation (while getting used to the freezing Vermont weather)

What are the most significant things happening in your life outside of work now (that you’d like to share)?
Being a mother to my children Selina and Max and adjusting to life after my husband passed away …

Have your interests/hobbies/athletic endeavors changed over the past 25 years? Have any of these been influenced by your work at the College or due to your association with others who work here?
Yes, I became interested in gardening, scrapbooking and other crafts after I moved to Vermont, inspired both by colleagues and people in the community …

What is your fondest memory or experience that you’ve had while working at Middlebury?
I cannot think of one in particular, it’s more like a collage of many memories: working, laughing and having dinner with my wonderful colleagues in the Italian Department; the satisfaction of teaching students who want to learn, inspiring discussions, those perfect moments of walking around campus while being aware of the natural beauty that surrounds us …

Many people change jobs/careers multiple times in their working life. Something must have kept you here for 25 years. Is it anything that you can put into words?
This has been the perfect job for me, not much I really wanted to change!

What are your plans for the next 25 years?
Continue to do what I am doing but better, learn new things, travel more.

Do you have a favorite place on campus?
The Library and the organic garden

In this post we recognize Ann Randlett, a Staff Nurse at The Parton Center for Health and Wellness, for her 25 years of Service to Middlebury. Ann shares some of her interests, both new and old, as well as some fond memories, and kind words. Read on to learn more about Midd from Ann’s point of view.

What did you do prior to work at Middlebury College and where were you located?
I attended Middlebury, class of ’87, with a degree in BioPsychology (now Neuroscience). I worked with people who suffered from Traumatic Brain Injury for a year, then decided to get my BS in Nursing from the University of San Francisco.

What job titles have you held while working at Middlebury?
Always been a Nurse at Parton!

What are the most significant things happening in your life outside of work now (that you’d like to share)?
Just started learning yoga; love the classes sponsored by the college.

Have your interests/hobbies/athletic endeavors changed over the past 25 years? Have any of these been influenced by your work at the College or due to your association with others who work here?
I was Head Nurse at Camp Keewaydin for several years, and the work at the college was great preparation for dealing with 200 boys!

What is your fondest memory or experience that you’ve had while working at Middlebury?
The college sponsored an amazing financial planning class which was held over the course of a few evenings. It would be great to offer something like that again!

Many people change jobs/careers multiple times in their working life. Something must have kept you here for 25 years. Is it anything that you can put into words?
I work with an amazing group of nurses, health care providers, and administrative staff.

In this post we recognize Susan Perkins, the Academic Dept. Coordinator for the Psychology Department, for her 25 years of service to Middlebury. Susan shares with us her favorite hobbies, the love she has for her family, and some of her fondest Middlebury memories. Read on to learn more about Midd from Susan’s point of view

What did you do prior to work at Middlebury College and where were you located?
My husband (Gary) and I were co-managers at Lazarus Department Store from 1984-1990. We worked alongside my mother, Helen Haerle, who purchased the store and the brick building (now the National Bank) from Stan Lazarus. We have lived in Weybridge, since 1980.

What job titles have you held while working at Middlebury?
During the last 25 years: Biology Department Administrative Associate (1990-1996); Assistant to the Director of Academic Facilities Planning (1996-1998); Assistant in Academic Administration (1998-2004); Assistant to the VPAA/Provost (2004-2009); Department Coordinator for Psychology & Geography (2009-2014); Department Coordinator for Psychology (2014-present).

I also worked at the college a bit, prior to 1984: Assistant Department Secretary for Political Science and Sociology-Anthropology (1982, temporary P/T); Department Secretary for Religion, Philosophy, and Teacher Education (1982-83, temporary P/T); and Department Secretary for Political Science and Sociology-Anthropology (1983-84, permanent P/T).

Take us back to your first year as an employee at the College. What were the most significant things happening in your life outside of work then?
In 1990, the most significant things happening in my life revolved around our family. Our son, Bryon, was in 7^th grade in Middlebury; and our daughter, Mandy was in 6^th grade in Weybridge. My husband and I were both starting new careers (within 2 weeks of each other!) after deciding the clothing retail world was not going to be the best fit for us–no pun intended. J

What are the most significant things happening in your life outside of work now (that you’d like to share)?
The most significant things happening in my life right now are still with our family! We have 3 grandsons (Tyler-8, Dylan-7, and Rowan—born on 6/2/15…just about the time we were leaving the 25-year Club Induction Reception!) Gary and I also took a “once-in-a-lifetime” trip to the south island of New Zealand (March 2015) where we backpacked, bicycled, white-water rafted, and kayaked.

Have your interests/hobbies/athletic endeavors changed over the past 25 years? Have any of these been influenced by your work at the College or due to your association with others who work here?
I first learned to love yoga, when I took classes offered by a current student at the time, Zubin Mistri. I also have participated in the American Cancer Society “Relay for Life” event, from the beginning when student, Ross Lieb-Lappen, organized the first very successful event at Middlebury College.

What is your fondest memory or experience that you’ve had while working at Middlebury?
Some of my fondest memories are from the old Science Center. When Joyce McAllister retired as the Chemistry Dept Coordinator, the staff in the building had a going away lunch for her. We decided at that lunch that we should try to get together more often…not just when someone leaves the college. So, from that point on (~1992), the Science Center staff started having monthly lunches–we called ourselves the “McAllister Group” in honor of Joyce. Our beloved friend/colleague, Ann Broughton (Physics & Geography Coordinator), kept the lunches going with regularity through about 2006. There are very few members of the original group still around, but the MBH version of the McAllister Group still tries to get together once or twice a year.

Many people change jobs/careers multiple times in their working life. Something must have kept you here for 25 years. Is it anything that you can put into words?
I’ve always enjoyed the positions that I’ve had, the people that I’ve worked with, the students I’ve gotten to know, and the friendships I’ve formed. I’ve always been treated with respect and felt like the people around me appreciated my work.

What are your plans for the next 25 years?
I plan to retire sometime within the next 10 years, so I have more time to spend with my husband, our children, and our grandchildren. Some of my pipe-dreams are to further explore the US and Canada with my husband— I’d like to travel cross-country once on our motorcycles, once on our bicycles, and at least once with our grandchildren (in a car)! We’d also like to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail, and maybe the John Muir Trail…and who knows what else!

Do you have a favorite place on campus?
One of my favorite places is to sit in the Adirondack chairs on the lawn surrounding Hadley Barn—it’s a beautiful, quiet, relaxing spot. I also love looking out my office window or the Great Hall to the Adirondack Mountains.

Is there any person on campus (or retiree, former employer) that mentored you, or you feel helped you grow into your job, grow to enjoy your work and your time at the College?
I have been lucky to have a number of mentors here: Randy Landgren, Jim Larrabee, Michael Geisler, Alison Byerly, Tim Spears, and each of the department chairs that I’ve had over the years. They each have helped me grow, and given me the confidence to achieve higher goals.

In this post we recognize John Quesnel, Receiver for Retail Food Operations, for his 25 years of service to Middlebury. John shares with us the source of his fondest Middlebury memories, some advice on success at Middlebury, and the person that influenced him the most here. Read on to learn more about Midd from John’s point of view.

What did you do prior to work at Middlebury College and where were you located?
Before Middlebury College I worked for 20 years in Aviation. I worked for my father Alphonse Quesnel at Middlebury airport. There I got all my pilot certificates: Commercial Pilot, single and multi-engine land, single Engine Sea, and instrument airplane as well as flight instructor in all categories. I also obtained my FAA mechanics ratings Airframe and power plant. I did flight instruction, Charter pilot and crop dusting duties. I also did some aviation mechanics. Later I took over the duties of State Airport Manager of the Middlebury and Rutland airports. I filled this role until late 80’s when we sold all of our aviation assets in Vermont.

What job titles have you held while working at Middlebury?
At Middlebury I have held catering truck driver, prep cook, receiver, receiver/inventory control clerk.

Take us back to your first year as an employee at the College. What were the most significant things happening in your life outside of work then?
When I first started at Middlebury I had been involved in general aviation all my adult life. I had been successful in aviation and wanted to see if I could look for a career that wasn’t as dependent on my medical health. At that time I wasn’t sure if this was a good fit or not, but would be a good career to fall back on as Aviation is dependent on passing a FAA Medical exam.

What are the most significant things happening in your life outside of work now (that you’d like to share)?
Today most of our activities revolve around friends and family. My immediate family and a good share of our relatives live within walking distance of our home. Many weekends there are many family members and friends at the house.

Have your interests/hobbies/athletic endeavors changed over the past 25 years? Have any of these been influenced by your work at the College or due to your association with others who work here?
Most of my interests have remained the same over the years. Middlebury hasn’t affected or changed my hobbies. Boating, Fishing, Hunting, and generally all outdoor activities still take up most of my spare time.

What is your fondest memory or experience that you’ve had while working at Middlebury?
My fondest memories connect to time I spent at Broadleaf campus. The rustic setting and gorgeous mountain aesthetics made my time there enjoyable.

Many people change jobs/careers multiple times in their working life. Something must have kept you here for 25 years. Is it anything that you can put into words?
The People that I came in contact with and the ever changing atmosphere has kept my interest over the years. Every day has been a new adventure.

What are your plans for the next 25 years?
I plan to stay at Middlebury as long as I can still be productive in my position. I am not a person that can easily relax into a full retirement role.

Do you have a favorite place on campus?
If I had to pick one place it would have to be Breadloaf Campus. The Rustic setting and Mountain views made my time there most enjoyable.

Is there any person on campus (or retiree, former employer) that mentored you, or you feel helped you grow into your job, grow to enjoy your work and your time at the College?
The person that has influenced me the most would have to be Rodney Degray. Rodney decided to give me a chance at a position at the Snow Bowl that I literally had no background in at all, having spent my whole adult life in the field of aviation. And no food service experience of any kind. This was a complete change in direction. The first few weeks were quite the trip. My supervisor after about two weeks was taken ill and Rodney informed that I was now in charge. Rodney was able to come up with all tips and information to get us through this period.

If you could give one piece of advice to a new employee at Middlebury, what would it be? Middlebury is a great place to work at. But patience here is a virtue. Things don’t always move at the pace you would like. If you do your best things will work out.

Is there anything else that you would like to share about your time at Middlebury?
Over the past 25 years I have made many friends here at Middlebury. The experience and friendship will last long after my time here at Middlebury.

In this post we recognize Erin Quinn, Director of Athletics, for his 25 years of service to Middlebury. Erin shares with us the variety of roles that he has held over the years, his fondest Middlebury memories, and some advice to new employees. Read on to learn more about Midd from Erin’s point of view.

What did you do prior to work at Middlebury College and where were you located?

I was the head men’s lacrosse coach and football defensive coordinator at Lake Forest College in Illinois.

What job titles have you held while working at Middlebury?

Assistant Football Coach, Assistant Men’s Lacrosse Coach, Head Men’s Lacrosse Coach, Director of Athletics

Take us back to your first year as an employee at the College. What were the most significant things happening in your life outside of work then?

Pam and I were married in my first summer back at Middlebury!

What are the most significant things happening in your life outside of work now (that you’d like to share)?

My kids attending Middlebury College. Hannah is a junior at Middlebury College, and Connor is a senior at MUHS who will attend Middlebury in the fall of 2016 after a gap year.

Have your interests/hobbies/athletic endeavors changed over the past 25 years? Have any of these been influenced by your work at the College or due to your association with others who work here?

When I first arrived here I did not participate in many outdoor activities. Over my 25 years I have done downhill and cross country skiing, snow shoeing, hiking, kayaking, etc. Lots of friends and colleagues participating in these activities encouraged me to do so. I also started doing Tai Chi with Professor Dana Yeaton and local alumnus Tom O’Connor over 20 years ago and have enjoyed getting back into this the past few year after some years off.

What is your fondest memory or experience that you’ve had while working at Middlebury?

Professionally I had an amazing coaching career, working with great colleagues and amazing students, and it was gratifying and humbling to be named Director of Athletics 9 years ago. Personally my fondest memory is my kids growing up in and around Middlebury.

Many people change jobs/careers multiple times in their working life. Something must have kept you here for 25 years. Is it anything that you can put into words?

Great colleagues in Athletics and in many other departments on campus, as well as working with amazing students, and we live in a great community.

What are your plans for the next 25 years?

Well, certainly for the foreseeable future I hope to be the Director of Athletics, hopefully improving as I go.

Do you have a favorite place on campus?

I am privileged to work in Athletics, so I work in a pretty spectacular place on campus, but I would always prefer to be outside when possible, so I am going to go with any number of tee boxes on the golf course on a sunny day.

Is there any person on campus (or retiree, former employer) that mentored you, or you feel helped you grow into your job, grow to enjoy your work and your time at the College?

My Middlebury College football coach, Mickey Heinecken, whom I also worked with in my coaching career was and continues to be a tremendous mentor.

If you could give one piece of advice to a new employee at Middlebury, what would it be?

It may not be for everyone, but our family has benefitted from a full immersion in Middlebury College and the community. Work and family have blurred lines over my career. Along with Pam, I have tried to be involved in the local community. This choice can be fairly consuming and there is no escape from Middlebury, but it has worked for us!

Is there anything else that you would like to share about your time at Middlebury?

It has been a blessing to be here for the past 25 years, and I am grateful for the opportunity to be able to do the work I do, and particularly to have worked with so many great people in Athletics and all over campus.

Congratulations to the 25 Year Club inductees!

Carole Cavanaugh, Japanese Studies

Norman Cushman, Facilities Services

Edward DeMatties, Facilities Services

Emmie Donadio, Museum of Art

Julie Hoyenski, Events Management

Christopher Klyza, Political Science

Jodi Litchfield, Student Accessibility

Susan Perkins, Psychology

John Quesnel, Retail Food Operations

Erin Quinn, Athletics

Sunder Ramaswamy, Office of the President

Allison Rimmer, Theatre

Timothy Spears, Academic Affairs

Michael Wakefield, Facilities Services

Stay tuned for future articles recognizing these individuals for 25 years of service to Middlebury.

In this post we recognize Kathy Jewett, Senior Associate in Science Instruction in Chemistry/ Biochemistry, for her 25 years of service to Middlebury. Kathy shares her joys and interests outside of work, as well as her future plans, both of which involve volunteer work. “A close community” is just one way that Kathy has described Middlebury College, read on to learn more about Midd from Kathy’s point of view.

What did you do prior to work at Middlebury College and where were you located?

Having been raised in the Midwest (with detours to Colombia and Argentina), after college I did R&D in Illinois. When my husband Steve and I moved to Northeast Vermont 36 years ago, we were starting our family (Sara and John), he pastored a small church, and I eventually taught at St. Johnsbury Academy.

What job titles have you held while working at Middlebury?

I’m a senior associate in science instruction in Chemistry/ Biochemistry, with senior being applied recently.

Take us back to your first year as an employee at the College. What were the most significant things happening in your life outside of work then?

When Steve accepted the call to be the pastor of Memorial Baptist Church, our children were eleven and eight. I walked into the old science center, and into this job. Our lives were so busy!
 
What are the most significant things happening in your life outside of work now (that you’d like to share)?

There is more time to read, Skype, spend time with family and friends, kayak, bike, etc. Being rigidly flexible is a good axiom to live by.

Have your interests/hobbies/athletic endeavors changed over the past 25 years? Have any of these been influenced by your work at the College or due to your association with others who work here?

Changes have mainly been influenced by the changes in our nuclear family – children growing up, going off to college, getting married, having children of their own, but right now I’m enjoying singing in the college community chorus.
Our family enjoyed having students over to our home for meals, and over the years developed many special relationships. Our volunteer work is more a reflection of our involvement with Middlebury and our church, but the students participation in the volunteer efforts always encourages us.

What is your fondest memory or experience that you’ve had while working at Middlebury?
 
I’ve always appreciated that our students want to learn, and the wonderful colleagues who generously share their knowledge, enthusiasm for learning, and participation in life.

Many people change jobs/careers multiple times in their working life. Something must have kept you here for 25 years. Is it anything that you can put into words?
 
We are a close community which respects and understands differences, yet we come to an accord on the essentials.

What are your plans for the next 25 years?

I plan to keep on working, but after I retire do more volunteer work, and spend time with Steve; Sara, Tielman, and Lincoln who are at present in South Africa; John, Laura, Joseph and Daniel in Tucson; my mom, and friends.

Do you have a favorite place on campus?
 
I never tire looking out windows in BiHall , especially 5th floor in the Great Hall.

Is there any person on campus (or retiree, former employer) that mentored you, or you feel helped you grow into your job, grow to enjoy your work and your time at the College?
 
Initially Bob Gleason took me under his wing, but over the years I have been encouraged and felt respected by my colleagues; I have loved working here.

If you could give one piece of advice to a new employee at Middlebury, what would it be?
 
Find people with your passions, and enjoy the beauty of this place.

In this post we recognize Tom Corbin, Assistant Treasurer and Director of Business Services, for his 25 years of service to Middlebury. Tom shares with us how his career has grown and changed over the years, while his hobbies and interests have stayed the same. Read on to learn more about Midd from Tom’s point of view.

What did you do prior to work at Middlebury College and where were you located?

I was the Executive Vice President of the National Bank of Middlebury and lived here in town.

What job titles have you held while working at Middlebury?

Assistant Treasurer

Assistant Treasurer and Director of Human Resources

Assistant Treasurer and Director of Business Services

What are the most significant things happening in your life outside of work now (that you’d like to share)?  

Gearing up for retirement.

Have your interests/hobbies/athletic endeavors changed over the past 25 years? Have any of these been influenced by your work at the College or due to your association with others who work here?

They really have not changed- fly fishing, cooking and travel.

What is your fondest memory or experience that you’ve had while working at Middlebury?

There are two- the completion of the first wage and salary program for staff.   The day we took the all Middlebury picture at the Football stadium for the bicentennial.

Many people change jobs/careers multiple times in their working life. Something must have kept you here for 25 years. Is it anything that you can put into words?

The great people who work here and the very changing challenges of a career in higher education administration.

What are your plans for the next 25 years?

Retire and spend time in the warm sun and warm water of North Carolina with my wife Marguerite, and travel.

Do you have a favorite place on campus?

Sitting on the deck at Kirk Alumni Center on nice fall day.

Is there any person on campus (or retiree, former employer) that mentored you, or you feel helped you grow into your job; grow to enjoy your work and your time at the College?

There are two people- David Ginevan who hired me and helped me transition into higher education, and George Whitney who I could always count on for advice or just to listen.

If you could give one piece of advice to a new employee at Middlebury, what would it be?

Never stop learning new things and meeting new people.

Is there anything else that you would like to share about your time at Middlebury?

I have had the privilege of working with hundreds of Faculty, Staff and students over the past 25 years. Middlebury is a great place to work.