Staff Speech Commencement 2011

Roberta Tudryn
Dining Commons Cashier

I want to thank you all for this honor you have given me here today. It was such a nice surprise to be asked to speak at graduation.

As you know, I have been here at Hampshire for a long time. It has been over 30 years. My being here so long has a lot to with the students that pass by me every day. They say their hellos, tell their stories and their jokes, their problems, and their excuses! Every person brings something different with them and they share a little bit of their life with me. And I share my life with them, like about my five sons, 16 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. I feel like the mom away from home for some of you and I love that!

All kinds of life come and go through the doors of this dining room here at Hampshire, and I have come to realize that what you bring is very important to my healthy and happy life. The Hampshire staff and workers are very dedicated to helping and going out of our way for all of you. I consider myself so lucky to meet the 500 students who come for breakfast and lunch each day at the dining hall.

I have a special nickname I call Hampshire College. I call it Happy College because of the happiness you bring to me. I have the best job on campus, even better than the president, Marlene.

Wherever your journey takes you next, I hope that you have a lifetime of happiness. I will be thinking about you. Good luck!