Live Financial Forum – Financial Goals | May
23, 2019 | 9:00
AM (PST) & 12:00 PM (PST) |  Register Here.

Our next Financial Forum is
scheduled for Thursday, May 23rd. Financial Forums are held four times a year,
and the purpose is to answer live questions on any financial topic or this
forum’s theme of “Financial Goals.” Our panelists will be ready to
answer your questions on subjects ranging from debt and mortgages to
investments and retirement. If you are ready to set some financial goals, log
in to ask your question. The more the merrier, so please encourage any
co-workers that have questions on goals to attend.

Note:  If you register and cannot attend, a recording
of the webinar, along with a copy of the session presentation and handouts,
will automatically be sent within
24 hours.

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You work hard for your money, but is your money working
hard for you?

When
it comes to our finances, we always wonder if we are making the right moves and
searching for answers can feel overwhelming.

Middlebury College provides all employees access to
financial well-being thru My Secure Advantage (MSA).

MSA helps you make the most of your hard-earned
dollars!  When it comes to living a financially stress-free life,
every decision you make adds up.  Through MSA, employees and their
covered dependents can work with a personal Money Coach and utilize website
services to make financial stress a thing of the past.

What’s Included

• 90 days (per calendar year) of personalized
  money coaching with a personal, confidential, unbiased, and guilt free
  Money Coach.  Coaches don’t sell products or services: their
  only job is to provide expert guidance and improve your financial life.
• Guidance on financial topics,
  goals, challenges, or questions.  Whether you’re getting by,
  digging out, or saving big, connecting with a Money Coach to discuss
  options, identify things to consider, and build out a plan can only help

Work with MSA to tackle questions
like “Should I be saving more or paying down debt?” “When will I be able to
retire, and how much do I need?” “What type of portfolio is best for me?” “How
do I balance enjoying life now with saving for the future?” and more.

• Online tools include videos,
  calculators, articles, and budgeting software to help you stress less and
  save more.

Questions?  Learn more
about MSA here. To get started,
sign up, and schedule your first appointment with a Money
Coach call 888-724-2326.

*Benefits-eligible faculty and staff are
eligible for MSA benefits.

The latest issue of the GMHEC newsletter has been published! View the full newsletter here. Stay tuned to MiddPoints for future issues of The Connection!

In this post we recognize Brad Nadeau, Director of Athletic Communications, for his 25 years of Service to Middlebury. Brad reveals his fondest Midd memory, shares his future goals, and tells us about a trusted mentor. Read on to learn more about Midd from Brad’s point of view.

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

Attended college at the
University of Maine.

What job titles have you held
while working at Middlebury?

Director of Athletic
Communications

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
moved here a few months after graduating college in August of 1994 with my
fiancé, at the time, Sara. After a year living and working here, we got married
back in Maine in the summer of 1995.

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

Twenty-five
years later, we have a son who is a junior at MUHS and my wife continues to
teach at MUMS.

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

Right
out of the gate in my first year here, we hosted and won the 1995 NCAA Men’s
Hockey Championship – that was a whirlwind year. Watching so many of our
athletes put in great efforts and win championships has always a thrill for me.
I have also really enjoyed getting to know so many of them on a personal level
and especially my student workers over the years.

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?

Middlebury
is a special place, and to me, the Athletic Department is one of its bright
lights. I have never met or seen people more dedicated to their crafts and
professions then the group I work with in the Peterson Athletics Complex.

What are your plans for the next
25 years?

I hope to continue to help
promote the accomplishments of our student athletes here at Middlebury until
retirement, whenever that may be!

Do you have a favorite place on
campus?

Sitting at a baseball or
softball game on a warm/sunny spring day. Another favorite place is
watching/working a football game in the press box on a picturesque fall
Saturday afternoon.

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 worked side by side with
Carolyn LaRose in athletics for 20 years and miss her every day in the office.
I came in as a 22-year old, fresh out of college, and she was so great at mentoring
me. Whether it was how the old AS400 system worked or talking about the history
of athletics here, she was a great asset to have.

In this post we recognize Michele McHugh, Senior
Acquisitions Associate, for her 25 years of Service to Middlebury. Michele
shares her favorite hobbies, recalls an admired mentor, and offers some advice
to new employees. Read on to learn more about Midd from Michele’s point of
view.

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

I was the Head of Circulation at the Leominster Public Library, in
Leominster, MA.

What job titles have you held
while working at Middlebury?

I have had the same job for 25 years, though my title has changed a few
times.  I do not recall what it was
called previously.

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?

Moving back  after having been
living away for six years.  In 1988 I
graduated from Middlebury College and in 1994 I was back as an employee.  I applied for the position at Starr Library
and believed I would do that for just a few years and then find another
job/career.  Well, I’m still here.

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

This is a wonderful place to live and I try to take advantage of all that
is offered.  I am a trumpet player in a
few bands in the area and also enjoy spending time outside. Especially in
winter!

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?

For quite a few years I was a member of the Ralph Myhre Golf course and
enjoyed that very much. I took lessons here as well.  My Dad loved to play too, when he would come
visit.  I also have taken various classes
over the years that some of my coworkers have taught, including Toastmasters ,
Log Rolling and Swing Dancing.  I always
check the Winter Term course offerings and activity calendars to see if
something new to me is being offered.

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 Middlebury College Library has provided a superb community of people
with whom I have worked over the years.  
Also, the Middlebury area community quickly felt like home to me back in
1994 and I still feel that contentment.

What are your plans for the
next 25 years?

I do not have any specific plans for the next quarter century. I hope to
stay well and be able to enjoy my life. 
Whether I retire here in the Middlebury area, or move away, we’ll see
what happens.

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 man who interviewed me and became my supervisor is Bill Warren.  He worked at the Middlebury College Library
for more than 25 years and was my colleague until his retirement in 2010.   Bill has a very egalitarian way by treating
everyone with the same amount of respect: whether a student, a fellow employee
or a trustee.  I very much admire his
ability to do that, without allowing title, personality or demeanor effect how
he treats people. I hope I learned how to treat people in the same, fair way.

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

Take advantage of the College environs: 
Bread Loaf, the Snow Bowl, the walking/hiking trail around the Ralph
Myhre Golf Course, walking to the Knoll. 
I love to walk at all of these places. 
Wherever your new job may be—explore the entire campus.

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

I have had three roles at Middlebury College: student, alum and
employee.  I had a tremendous experience
in college and a few years ago I would have said, without hesitation, that this
is the most wonderful place to work.  I’m
afraid recent events have colored my view of the institution and I do not feel
as positive right now.  But maybe someday
my affection for the College will return.  

In this post we recognize Wayne Hall, Supervisor of Carpenters, Painters, & Locksmiths for Facilities Services, for his 25 years of Service to Middlebury. Wayne tells us about his hobbies, recalls his fondest experience here at the College, and shares his favorite spot on campus. Read on to learn more about Midd from Wayne’s point of view.

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

In 1973, after college, I worked on Martha’s Vineyard managing a tire store. After 3 years, not able to compete with Mia Farrow and James Taylor for real estate, I moved to Vermont and worked for two architectural woodworking companies as a cabinetmaker/woodworker and project manager. Some of that work was done as a subcontractor for Middlebury College. That contact and knowledge about the college got me interested in applying for a position as a maintenance carpenter.

What job titles have you held
while working at Middlebury?

Maintenance Carpenter and Supervisor of Carpenters/Painters/Locksmiths

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 was co-parenting my 14 year old son with my ex-wife. Living in Orwell, married and raising a six year old son. We were renovating our home, gardening, canoe camping and alpine skiing. I was also working side jobs for income as my initial pay was not enough for our expenses.

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

My oldest son is living the good life in Johnson, VT. My youngest son was married in October 2018. My wife Kitty and I continue to make improvements to our home and 10 acres in Orwell.  We will be building a two car garage soon. I am planning for my retirement sometime in the next 2+ years.

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 have added kayaking and fresh water snorkeling to my activities. I also enjoy a fun activity that I have been involved in due to association with others here at work for the last 10 winters. That activity is the Friday afternoon winter Alpine Ski Bum League at the Snow Bowl.

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

My fondest experience was the times spent preparing for commencements when Christopher Reeves and Bill Clinton were the speakers. Being involved in preparations for the Dalia Lamas’ visit was also very exciting.

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 enjoy the work and particularly the people that I work with. My coworkers in Facilities Services are very talented and have provided the opportunity for me to learn something new daily. The excellent benefits have had a lot to do with staying for 25 years.

What are your plans for the
next 25 years?

I plan on completing my work here in a little over 2 years. I look forward to having more time to pursue the interests that I listed above. I don’t plan on being idle.

Do you have a favorite place on
campus?

The view from the top of Mead Chapel is awesome.

The following employees have reported upcoming travel between Midd and MIIS:

In this post we recognize Mary Ellen Bertolini, Writing
Center Director & Senior Lecturer at the Writing Center for Teaching,
Learning, and Research, for her 25 years of Service to Middlebury. Mary Ellen
shares her interests, reveals her favorite spot on campus, and tells us her
favorite College memory. Read on to learn more about Midd from Mary Ellen’s
point of view.

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

Before working at Middlebury College, I was a high school
English teacher in Middlebury and in New York City. In Middlebury, I had also
been a school board member and a member of the board of Civil Authority and a
private writing tutor, and I taught SAT prep courses. In between, I had two
daughters and spent about five years as a full time mother. I learned more
about teaching in the time I spent at home with my daughters than I had learned
before or that I have learned since.

What job titles have you held while working at Middlebury?

I am currently Writing Center Director and Senior Lecturer, Writing and Rhetoric. I have been also been:

• Associate
  Director, Writing Program
• Assistant
  Director, Writing Program
• Acting
  Director, Writing Program
• Acting
  Director, Center for Teaching, Learning, and Research
• Acting
  Director, FYSE Program
• Director,
  Office of Academic Support
• Faculty
  Co-head,  Wonnacott Commons

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
1994 both my daughters were in high school; I had completed a second Master’s
Degree at BLSE, and I was eager begin a new career at Middlebury College.

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

• I have
  two wonderful adult daughters, one of whom, Francesca, is a Midd alum (’00).
• I am
  still married to John Bertolini, also retiring this year. John joined the faculty
  in 1975.
• I recently
  published an article on Jane Austen’s Persuasion
  and gave an extended talk on Persuasion
  at the Annual General Meeting of the Jane Austen Society of North America
  this fall. 
• Last
  spring, I traveled to Venice with my daughters and then last summer traveled to
  London and Edinburgh with my husband and daughters.

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 still have the same interests—reading, watching films, attending theatre, enjoying art, cooking, and traveling.  I have been able to travel to many wonderful places attending conferences for the College, and I have returned to visit some of those places with my daughters. I have had a world of books, films, theatre, and art within reach here at Middlebury College.

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

My
fondest memory would have to be my daughter Francesca’s graduation in 2000. She
was a double English-Italian major; my husband was Chair of the English Dept.
at the time, and he awarded her degree to her. 
Other wonderful moments include bonding with faculty and staff at the
Writing and Teaching Retreats and bonding with students in my “Writing to Heal”
course.  Finally, I remember the
excitement of moving to the new Davis Family Library and helping to launch the
Center for Teaching, Learning, and Research.

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?

Middlebury
seems like a family to me. Faculty and staff care about students and each
other.  It has been a wonderful place to
spend 25 years.

What are your plans for the next 25 years?

Voltaire tells us “We must
cultivate our own garden.” I am retiring soon, so I intend to cultivate
my garden physically, emotionally, and spiritually.  More practically, I am looking forward to
Septembers with no responsibilities.

Do you have a favorite place on campus?

I love the Davis Family Library,
and one of my favorite places is the third floor seating area, looking east to
the spectacular view of the Green 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?

Kathy Skubikowski hired me,
mentored me, and gave me the opportunity to grow. We worked together for many precious
years. In addition, I would say that every member of the Writing Program and
the CTLR past and present has helped, guided, and influenced me over the years.
These colleagues gave me the courage and confidence to dare to do things I did
not think possible. Finally, my husband John Bertolini has been a tremendous
support to me in work and in scholarship.

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

Find someone on campus that you can trust to
help you decide when to say yes and when to say no.

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

Long before I was born, my godfather was a frequent summer attendant at the Middlebury College Italian School. He died before I was five, but I like to think he has been watching over my career at Middlebury for the last 25 years.