Colleen's letter to La Roche alumni:
Remember the dances you attended on the Gateway Clipper?
Remember the prizes you won at the Blizzard Beach Bash?
Remember the SGA meetings where you complained about parking, cafeteria food, and the library hours?
Remember the delicious floats you made at the annual root beer float event?
Remember the magicians and comedians you enjoyed in the Square?
Remembers the practical jokes you played on each other?
Remember cheering and playing for your favorite Redhawk (or Red Devils) team?
All these things continue to happen at La Roche, and for the past 30 years, I have been fortunate enough to continue to be a part of them. Being a part of the student life experience and developing such a special relationship with you - and with so many other students who have proudly called La Roche their alma mater - has been one of the most significant aspects of my life.
I watched so many of you come in as freshmen, unsure of what you wanted to do and how to navigate classes and life in general. During your time at La Roche, I watched you grow and change to become outstanding student leaders, thoughtful scholars with a global perspective, and successful young professionals. Your growing confidence and enthusiasm has kept me motivated for the past three decades. I treasured our relationship when you were a student, and I continue to be thankful for our friendship now that you are an alum. I follow many of you on Facebook and have enjoyed watching you meet significant others, build careers, have children, buy homes, and enjoy vacations. I’ve been at La Roche long enough that some of you have even sent your sons or daughters to La Roche - and I’m reconnecting with you through them.
La Roche continues to grow and change in many ways, but it is still the same La Roche that made a profound impact on you - challenging you and supporting you as you grew into such good and impactful people. It doesn’t seem possible that I have been here 30 years, but what a ride it has been! I thank you for your friendship these 30 years and as my dear friend, Coach Scott Lang would have said, “Stay Blessed.”
Colleen Ruefle
Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students
