What kind of opportunities lie ahead in retirement? Perhaps it's building community while gaining expert insight on staying active, retirement finances or art scholarship. All were part of a vibrant launch for TC’s Silver Roundtable, a new affinity group for alumni who are in or approaching retirement.
“It's exciting to think, ‘Well, what's next?’ and so now, we have a chance to give back, to explore interests, to develop new interests, to discover things, to embrace lifelong learning. What better place to do that than at Teachers College?” explained Patricia Vardin (Ed.D. ’84, M.A. ’72), a member of the Silver Roundtable’s planning committee, in her welcome address in Grace Dodge Hall. “We all have this common shared experience. And even though we all love and have these great careers that we gave so much to, [we’re] supposed to be with our people again. Remember how we were in classes with them? Many of us might have been in classes together in this room. And so it’s great to have a chance to come back together again and to have these experiences.”
Hosted by TC’s Office of Institutional Advancement, the eventful day featured informative sessions that immersed alumni in topics like exercise, arts, education philosophy, financial planning and life at the College today. A robust bench of experts included TC’s Carol Ewing Garber, Professor of Movement Science and Education; Judy Burton, Macy Professor of Education; David Hansen, the John L. & Sue Ann Weinberg Professor in Historical & Philosophical Foundations of Education; private wealth advisor Myah Irick (M.A. ’06) and President Thomas Bailey.
Following the day of learning and connection, members of the Silver Roundtable planning committee shared why they wanted to get involved.
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President Thomas Bailey discussed current affairs with Marion Boultbee (Ed.D. '96). (Photo: Chris Taggart)
Patricia Vardin (Ed.D. ’84, M.A. ’72) delivers welcoming remarks at the Silver Roundtable. (Photo: Chris Taggart)
Macy Art Gallery Fellow Jennifer Ruth Hoyden, also a doctoral candidate, discusses the current exhibit featuring alumni art with Silver Roundtable guests. (Photo: Chris Taggart)
In “Financial Literacy in Retirement,” Myah Irick (M.A. ’06) — private wealth advisor & Senior VP of The Irick Group - Merrill Private Wealth Management — shares her expertise in a conversation moderated by Bill Baldwin (M.Ed. ’87, Ed.D. ’81). (Photo: Chris Taggart)
Alumni connected with existing and new friends at the Silver Roundtable. (Photo: Chris Taggart)
In a wide-ranging discussion, Judy Burton (center), Macy Professor of Education, touted the importance of lifelong creative expression, shared wisdom on contemporary art scholarship and offered a historical glimpse at Art & Art Education at TC. “Her presentation was absolutely mesmerizing. You could hear a pin drop,” said Richard Santoro (M.A. ’74, not pictured). (Photo: Chris Taggart)
Alumni enjoyed a dance break led by Carol Ewing Garber (left), Professor of Movement Science and Education, during her session titled “Embracing Movement: The Key to Healthy Aging.” (Photo: Chris Taggart)
In addition to lively mingling and informative sessions, alumni had the opportunity to acquire new campus ID cards to ease use of the library as part of their alumni benefits. (Photo: Chris Taggart)
It went beyond all of my expectations...To see people chatting like old times, that was a tremendous feeling…It was a nice group of people and even though some of us didn’t know each other, we all connected...We’re not slowing down. Many of us are eager to keep learning and we want to be purposeful, and Teachers College is part of it.
I thought it was very enjoyable. The most rewarding part of the day was connecting with colleagues and the College, as well as feeling a sense of community and enjoying very substantive sessions.
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Teachers College leadership with several members of the Silver Roundtable Planning Committee. Pictured (from left to right): Roberta W. Albert (M.A. ’97), Vice President for Institutional Advancement; Richard Santoro (M.A. ’74); Patricia Vardin (Ed.D. ’84, M.A. ’72); President Thomas Bailey; Bill Baldwin (M.Ed. ’87, Ed.D. ’81), Professor Emeritus of Higher and Postsecondary Education; Marion Boultbee (Ed.D. ’96), Rhonda Clements (Ed.D. ’88 M.Ed. ’84); Margaret Bates (Ed.D. ’82, M.Ed. ’79, M.A. ’77); and Susan Scherman, Senior Executive Director, Annual Giving & Alumni Relations. (Photo: Chris Taggart)
Beverly Elmyra Johnson (Ed.D. ’86, Ed.M. ’83, center) and fellow alumni. (Photo: Chris Taggart)
Alumni shared questions during the Silver Roundtable's luncheon with President Bailey and David Hansen, the John L. & Sue Ann Weinberg Professor in Historical & Philosophical Foundations of Education. (Photo: Chris Taggart)
President Thomas Bailey and David Hansen, John L. & Sue Ann Weinberg Professor in Historical & Philosophical Foundations of Education, discuss philosophical questions related to education today. (Photo: Chris Taggart)
Alumni had the opportunity to purchase TC gear. (Photo: Chris Taggart)
President Bailey and alumni at the Silver Roundtable luncheon. (Photo: Chris Taggart)
Rhonda Clements (Ed.D. ’88 M.Ed. ’84). (Photo: Chris Taggart)
I loved the dancing and the whole talk by Carol Garber about the importance of moving…I really loved talking to people when we were having lunch. It helps you make a connection, and that’s one of the most important things about Silver Roundtable, because as you age and you live alone, it's really helpful.
TC has just been so much a part of my life for so long. It just seems natural to stay engaged, help when I can, and stay a part of the community.