Summer 2008 - Digitized Resources Murphy Library University of ...

touched had class,” she said. And the third: grace. “Eleanor Kennedy is
pure grace,” explained Clo.
“ank you for all that you did for UW-L,” Clo told Kennedy. “And,
thank you for being my friend.”
Others who worked with Kennedy on alumni projects agreed.
Among them:
• Ernie Gershon, ’37, recalled approaching Kennedy about involving
Beta Sigma Chi, which had held Homecoming breakfasts since the
’30s, in the new Alumni Association. “She said, ‘Well, it’s simple; just
call it the Beta Sigma Chi Alumni Club,’” Gershon recalled.
• Karen (Currie) Hoel, ’66, was one of the rst students to work for
Kennedy in the small, Graff Main Hall Office. Aer Hoel graduated,
she joined the Peace Corps and traveled to Nigeria. Aer four months
of living in the bush, she was becoming homesick until the mail
arrived with an alumni newsleer. “How you found me, I don’t
know,” Hoel said. “But, the homesickness went away.”
• Howard Mills, ’68, recalled going on one of the Alumni Association’s
rst tours, a trip to Hawaii. e group of nine had so much fun that
they stayed in touch with one another since. “at group still gets
together today,” he said, aributing the friendships to Kennedy.
Janie Spencer, ’85 & ’86, current executive director of the Alumni
Association, said while Kennedy didn’t have the advantage of modern
technology — e-mail, voice mail, the Web and online directory — there is
one constant in their work: alumni.
“You and I have met alums young and old, in our own backyard and
continents away. We have met famous and not so famous alums,”
explained Spencer. “e one thing that we all have in common is this place,
this campus. As alumni and friends of UW-L we share an important bond.
Other universities may have something similar, but being part of the
‘La Crosse Experience’ is truly something special.”
Kennedy, who turns 92 in June, said she was given “the ultimate in
retirement parties” when she retired 20 years ago. “But this is certainly the
frosting on the cake,” she noted.
Kennedy, who also earned a master’s from UW-L in 1976, thanked
those aending for helping her achieve her goals. “I have this opportunity
to thank UW-L,” she said. “It gave me a challenge and a purpose.
I’m privileged to live to continue to see the progress and growth here
at UW-L.”
Deep
roots, a
branch
c o u l e e c o d a
Alumni Association President Jennifer
(Ehlenfeldt) Shilling, ’92, called April 8, 2008
“unofficially Eleanor Kennedy Day” on campus.
“You by no doubt are the matriarch of the
Alumni Association,” said Shilling. “You’ve got
deep roots and you’ve branched out to touch
many.” The association will honor Kennedy by
planting a tree near the Cleary Alumni &
Friends Center.