Lynda Spielman ’64, PhD and Carolyn Hodges ’69, PhD do not know one another well, but they agree: An Arcadia education remains a good investment for future generations. That’s why both recently endowed scholarships at Arcadia, for History majors and international travel experiences, respectively. And if that weren’t remarkable enough, unrelated to their scholarships, Dr. Spielman celebrates her 60th Beaver College/Arcadia University reunion this year, and Dr. Hodges ’69 is celebrating her 55th. 

“Observing the growth of the campus, and marveling at the accomplishments of its students and faculty, inspired me to secure the future of Arcadia,” said Dr. Hodges, a retired Professor Emerita of German and Vice Provost and Dean Emerita at the Graduate School of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where she still lives. 

Dr. Spielman, a retired historian living in Albany, NY, echoes those sentiments. “It makes sense to invest in what I believe in. The Arcadia experience still encourages civic involvement, collaboration, and interdependence among its students, and those are qualities that society needs.”  

The Lynda Spielman ’64 Endowed Scholarship supports undergraduate students majoring in history. “As a historian,” Dr. Spielman said, “I hope students will enjoy studying history while being committed to its relevance for today and the future. A good education in its broadest sense is one of the most important avenues for securing a better future for our world.” 

Impacted by her lifelong love of international travel that was born from her time studying abroad as a Beaver College student, The Carolyn Richardson Hodges ’69 Study Abroad Scholarship aims to foster that same love of international travel for students with financial need. Dr. Hodges said, “I hope the scholarship will encourage more students to study abroad and engage in more intensive study of world languages and cultures as part of building their professional future. It is one way of replicating the University’s commitment to fostering intellectual curiosity by helping to build and sustain a global and inclusive academic community.” 

Both Dr. Hodges and Dr. Spielman hope to attend Alumni Reunion Weekend at Arcadia on April 26 and 27. “The point of reunions,” Dr. Spielman said, “is to spark reflection on what one experienced and learned, in a shared way, and for alumni to catch up on what the future may hold for the University. I enjoyed past reunions for reconnecting with my classmates and catching up on Arcadia developments.”

Dr. Hodges, too, is excited for her reunion. “I am looking forward to my upcoming reunion year because of the wonderful camaraderie among my classmates that I have enjoyed at past reunions. Not only do we catch up on the momentous events during our student years, but also about our lives after leaving Arcadia. We can reflect on the positive impact of our time as students and how we have given back to others at Arcadia and elsewhere as mentors and benefactors.” 

While it has been decades since either woman was a student, endowing scholarships and preparing for reunion is a good time to reflect on today’s Arcadia students and their experiences. Dr. Spielman said, ”I would advise students to stay flexible, acknowledge that you are learning skills like organizing, researching, communicating, and are learning to learn. I think such an outlook or attitude is key to personal as well as career successes in the short and long term.”

Dr. Hodges too has advice for today’s students. “I would advise today’s Arcadia students to engage, in various academic areas of study on campus, making connections with surrounding communities, exploring international initiatives (both at home and abroad), and utilizing the multitude of advising and mentoring services available to them from faculty, staff, and peers.”

Both agree that becoming an active alumni in some capacity is important. “When becoming an alum, I would encourage others to stay connected anyway he or she can – even if it means making a small donation each year, to acknowledge thanks for their educational experience, and to offer stability to the University’s mission,” said Dr. Spielman. 

Dr. Hodges agrees. “I believe that the accomplishments and dedication of each class of students become a mirror for the classes that follow and that the gifts we bestow connect that dedication across generations.”