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Marge Dandridge
Marge Dandridge

Dean of Students Flossie Mitchell  took several opportunities to wish Marge well and sing her praises -- at the annual Staff Recognition luncheon, at Class and Charter Day and at the school-wide reception held to toast Marge and her many contributions to Hamilton over 28 years.  Mitchell, who was previously an assistant dean at Hamilton, said she was particulary grateful when she returned to the Hill as dean and Marge was still here. Her sentiments are echoed by many and Marge will be missed:

James Bradfield, Elias W. Leavenworth Professor of Economics:
I worked with Marge for seven years when I was associate dean.  I also live in the same neighborhood with her in Clinton.  Her daughters sat for my children when they were young.

Marge is always cheerful, decisive and direct.  Although she rarely makes mistakes, when she does she is quick to admit them, and to change.

Marge is maternal.  When she saw that I had what could be an infection in my eye, she made an appointment for me with her physician, then hounded me until I went.  "Does Alice (my wife) know about your eye?  If you were my husband, you would be IN THERE (to see the physician)."

My best memory of Marge is her ability to put things in perspective. During one of the many 'crises' that occurred in the Office of the Dean of Students, Marge said, "However this works out, do you think that the flowers will still bloom?  I think they will," said Marge with the characteristic twinkle in her eyes.

Ann Burns, staff assistant, Office of the Dean of Students:
I have worked within the Division of Student Life for most of my 21 years on the Hill.  For the past 10 years, I have worked in the same office as Marge Dandridge.  Marge has always been an inspiration to me in the way she dealt with crisis situations, the way she was able to connect to our students who were going through difficult times and the way she would handle the volumes of work thrown her way -- all with grace and style.

 

Marge was the glue that held us all together in the best and worst of times.  One of Marge's favorite lines would come up when things would get a bit hectic.  Marge would say to me, "Don't worry about a thing, because the grass is going to grow, the flowers are going to bloom, and the College will still be standing."  That saying worked every time!

Marge would wear a smile that could brighten a room just upon entering it!

Marge has been and will continue to be one of the most wonderful, thoughtful, caring, warm and loving people that I have ever met.  I will cherish her friendship forever.

Jan Coates, former dean of students
Have I told you lately?
Congratulations and thank you.

Karen Green, Wells College (former assistant dean of students):
Marge Dandridge was the epitome of professionalism; always gracious, caring and helpful.  She was a role model for women who had the ability to handle multiple tasks, care for her extended family and ailing husband, and yet remain committed to her job with the utmost care.  Those of us who had the pleasure of working with her were always nurtured and supported by her.  She paid attention to the "little things" in our personal lives and demonstrated her concern and care for our well being -- never overbearing, but thoughtful and supportive.  Women like Marge are rare and all of our lives are richer because of the time spent with her.

Regina Johnson, office assistant, Office of the Dean of Students:
Marge is one heck of a classy lady. She never lost her cool. Marge always stands up and says what she thinks but never offends anybody. She is kind and compassionate. We'll bring in someone new and they'll have to burn their own trail because no one will ever replace Marge. I miss her smiling face and cheery good-morning.

Nancy Perkins, residential life staff assistant: What can I say?  I have known Marge Dandridge since 1977.  She has shown me a lot about being a good human being and we have shared many experiences at Hamilton both professionally and personally over the years.

 

Together at Hamilton we have watched many, many students come and go, including a few who occasionally come back to say hello. She has taught me the importance of doing a job properly, thoroughly, and with pride. Working in an ever-changing college environment, she has mastered the ability to adapt to that environment in a kind and always professional manner.

The lessons I have learned from Marge I will take with me always.  She has a genuine respect and love for Hamilton, its students, the good people who have worked with her, and for life in general.

For me, she will continue to be the steady, dependable 'rock-solid' mentor and friend she has been all these years, and will always be someone I love and greatly admire.  The Dean of Students Office will never be the same.  I will miss her.

Nancy Thompson, senior associate dean of students:
Since my arrival at Hamilton 16 years ago as a very green assistant dean, Marge has been my model for the consummate professional.  Extraordinarily competent, Marge is also calm, discrete, assertive, smart, compassionate and has nerves of steel.  Her memoir, should she choose to write one, would be worth a fortune!  Marge has been such a key player in the Dean of Students Office that I can't quite imagine it without her.  I will miss her very much and wish her health and joy in her retirement.

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