There it is again — that Earlham connection

To Catherine Tinsley '75 (known as Melinda Montgomery during her years at Earlham), serving on the Board of Trustees and the National Leadership Council (NLC) is an honor rather than a job. She enjoys having more reasons to stay connected to Earlham College.

"As a member of the NLC, I have done several donor calls in the Washington, D.C., area with Newell Pledger-Shinn '02 from the Development Office," she said. "And while, I really don't know many of these people personally, the moment I'm with them and talking to them, I understand them. It's hard to put into words, but there's always a connection there.

"What I find true about Earlham people is that there's a set of certain characteristics present — and over the years that truth keeps being reinforced. It was true of my time on campus, the friends I've kept in touch with since, Earlham alums I stumble upon, and the donors I visit through my work with the NLC."

Catherine hopes her children realize a similar connection with their alma maters as she has found with Earlham.

"It's clear to me that there are only a few degrees of separation between Earlham graduates," she said. "I'll be talking to someone and getting along very well, finding those similar characteristics, and then I'll find out they're from Earlham.

"I can't help thinking, 'Wow, there it is again!'"