The Celebration Room of Shineman Chapel House was abuzz with bittersweet excitement on Wednesday, April 30 as members of the Hartwick College faculty gathered to celebrate the long careers of two cherished colleagues and wish them well on the next phase of their lives.
Between them, Professor of English Duncan Smith and Arkell Hall Professor of Art Roberta Griffith have dedicated some 66 years to Hartwick. They have touched the lives of countless students through, primarily, the Theatre Arts and Ceramics programs, respectively.
Recounting the events that transpired to bring Smith to Hartwick in the spring of 1985, Professor Emeritus of English Tom Beattie noted that the Theatre Arts program "needed just the right person, and Duncan was clearly the top choice."
Though Smith expressed some initial reluctance when offered the job, Beattie said, a phone call from Maggie Schramm was enough to convince him to join the team, and a long, fruitful Hartwick career was born.
"He revamped the major program, basing it on the concept of the director, on training students to be directors, in this way fusing the liberal arts in practice long before that became Hartwick's mantra," Beattie noted of Smith's immediate and significant contribution to the Theatre Arts program.
"You could say it was a marriage made in heaven," he said. "It certainly felt that way to me. Congratulations, Duncan, on a splendid career--and we're so glad you and Grace aren't leaving town. We need you at least as much now as we did in 1985."
Professor of English and Department Chair Kim Noling took the podium to recount Smith's travels, both his path to Hartwick and regular J Term trips to expose students to theatre in London.
Smith's longtime collaborator, Associate Professor of Theatre Arts Ken Golden, spoke glowingly of departmental collegiality.
"When you have somebody you work with, somebody who makes your work better and makes you proud of what you do, that's a very positive thing," he said of Smith.
To the applause of those assembled, Smith offered his thanks to his colleagues, and looked back on the decision to come to Hartwick.
"Our family said 'hey, let's just do it,'" he recalled, "and we've not regretted the decision."
Opening the remarks reflecting on the long career of another influential Hartwick figure, Beattie quipped, "This time I get to go first because Roberta Griffith is one of the few living faculty members who was already here when I was hired."
Beattie noted that teaching an interdisciplinary course with Griffith when they were both young faculty was among his "most exciting intellectual experiences at Hartwick," and spoke eloquently of his friend's wisdom, grace, and elegant art.
"Congratulations," he told Griffith, "we know there's more art to come."
Professor Emeritus of Geology David Hutchison drew an appreciative chuckle from the crowd, accurately and lovingly summarizing Griffith as "a woman of many words, and many talents."
Echoing the sentiments of many in attendance, Hutchison offered comments on Griffith gleaned from students, including "awesome" and "we'll really miss her."
Professor of Art Phil Young next led the crowd in an inspired call and response poem. In the style of the classic film Ghostbusters, audience members responded to Young's refrain "who you gonna call?" with a hearty "Roberta!"
Citing his friend and colleague's fondness for the finest gourmet vittles, Young presented Griffith with a sumptuous gift bag. It contained plastic bags to contain her late-night snacks, a chocolate bar, carrots, and, to the delight of Griffith and all those in attendance, pork rinds.
"Thank you," Griffith said when the applause had diminished. "Hartwick is my life. I love the students, and I like making art. It's been an incredible 43 years, and this is part of my heart."
Dean of Academic Affairs Gerald Hunsberger announced the promotion of both scholars to the rank of professor emeritus, and offered Smith and Griffith a token of the College's esteem in the form of inscribed rocking chairs.
Writer in Residence and Professor of English Carol Frost and Professor of the Library Nancy Chiang, both of whom also are leaving the College this spring after long and esteemed service, were unable to attend the celebration.
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Hartwick College is a private liberal arts and sciences college of 1,480 students, located in Oneonta, NY in the northern foothills of the Catskill Mountains. Hartwick's expansive curriculum emphasizes connecting the classroom to the world. Through personalized teaching, collaborative research, a unique January Term, a wide range of internships, and limitless study-abroad opportunities, Hartwick ensures that students are prepared for the world ahead. Strong financial aid and scholarship programs keep a Hartwick education affordable.
Contact: Christopher Lott
E-mail: lottc@hartwick.edu
Phone: 607-431-4030
