Float Forever

The #CoachJeff post retirement reunion tour took me to the campus of Maryville College this morning. 

I had a morning meeting in Maryville and, rather than doing my morning walk on the street or at the track, I did it around the perimeter of the Maryville College campus after the meeting. It was, quite literally, a stroll down memory lane.

I spent six glorious years working for MC and, even after all these years, it is a special place to me. 

First: some background. 

As I was wrapping up my Master's program, I was really hoping for a return to health care public relations. I focused much of my M.S. studies on beefing up my credentials to work in that industry. 

Funny how life doesn't always conform to your best laid plans.

My major advisor received a phone call from a contact at MC. The College was searching for a person to teach a little, advise student publications and maybe even work part-time in the communications office. She told my advisor to send his best guy.

So, he phoned me, told me about the opportunity and, when I seemed a bit lukewarm about the possibility, coached me up.  I interviewed in the professor's office inside the venerable Anderson Hall. And,  after UI was hired for the job, my office was also inside Anderson for several years.

Turns out, the experience was rewarding and the result of one of the best decisions of my life and the six years at MC were one of the happiest segments of my career. 

While on staff, I did all of the tasks mentioned above. My position became full-time in the Communications office. But I also served as student publications advisor and, also, adjunct faculty.

I also became a Presbyterian while working at MC. In fact, we were Baptised on campus in the Samuel Tyndale Wilson Center for Campus Ministry on a sultry August Sunday. That day felt much like the air this morning as I revisited the campus.

I got to know various students over the years and, hopefully, helped them along in their life journey. Even served as a groomsman in one wedding of two MC students. I also made many friends and, in fact, joined a group of college administrators for a regular poker night that still makes me smile as I look back.

Later this week, I hope to meet up with a couple other friends -- fellow former MC staff members -- as the reunion tour continues.

Lots of great memories from those years.  While I did my morning walk, I strolled past:

• The Cooper Athletic Center (Where my kids and I did parent-tot swim classes when they were little)
• Willard House (Where my boss' office was located)
• The aforementioned Samuel Tyndale Wilson Center for Campus Ministry

I got to experience many interesting times during my MC years. 

For instance, I was tapped to be part of the team coordinating the logistics for a 1996 campaign stop by vice presidential candidate Jack Kemp. I was frequently part of the planning committee for events such as homecoming or convocation. And, once, I was even drafted to teach the college's new orientation seminar.

There was nothing in the manual–nor anything in my Master's curriculum--that prepared me for coaching students about roommate relations, boyfriend breakups or study skills. And yet, there I was leading those discussions. And I wouldn't trade it for anything.

Many thanks to my advisor/coach for suggesting me as a candidate and then selling me on the opportunity. Six very special years that, then, led to another very strong step–to Roane State--on my own life journey.

Over the many years I worked at MC, I learned the College's alma mater song. Some of those lyrics echoed in my head as I visited campus this morning. 

Orange, garnet, float forever.

Indeed, I hope they do.

JG