We received a ‘catching up’ note from Herbert Nickels. He enrolled at UMaine as a veteran on the GI Bill and lived in married housing with his wife. Graduating with a BSEE degree, he went to work for Martin Aircraft in Baltimore. While there, he earned a MSEE. Next, he worked for two small companies, developing flight simulators. Those projects included simulators for the NASA Lunar Lander and the Boeing 747. Later he joined McDonnell Aircraft in St. Louis. He retired from the company in 1997 and now lives in a retirement community of 500 people in the city. Herb and his wife have traveled extensively in the states, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, China, and Tibet. As he says, “We are healthy, happy, and living life to its fullest.”
I did a little survey asking ’59 classmates the question: “What interests and activities do you carry on now that you are in your mid-eighties?” Here are some answers from our amazing classmates.
Peg Mahar Steck has been active in 5K and 10K bike races. She has won gold medals in races for her age group.
Helen Inman Boomer has been a Troop Greeter at Bangor International Airport, welcoming service men and women on their return home. She also volunteers one day a week at the Greeters airport office. She has done this volunteer work for several years. She is a rabid Black Bear football and hockey follower.
Gary Priest has done extensive research about the history of the Rangeley area, where he maintains a summer residence. That research has turned into his writing several books. He and his wife have traveled all over the world. He has put travelogue presentations and materials together as an in-home business venture.
Alola Giffin Morrison has served as a leader of her local American Legion organization; she has also done dietitian consulting for groups and individuals. She majored in home economics and went on to obtain additional education qualifying her as a professional dietitian.
Evie Stevens Smith ’87G serves on the executive committee for the Senior Alumni Student Scholarship Fund; is an avid supporter of the UMaine women’s basketball team; is a dedicated supporter of the fundraising campaigns and other activities of the public library in her hometown of Carmel; and enjoys maintaining her garden.
These are just examples of life after 80 for some our classmates. Please email me and let me know what your interests are and what you are doing these days. Thank you!