This post is to honor our friend, Dr. Thad Seymour, Sr., who served as the 12th President of Rollins College for 12 years. I’m sad to relay that he passed away last Saturday, October 26, 2019. He was 91 years old.
We mourn. Over the years, Thad and his wife, Polly, became our dear friends and we shall miss him sorely. To Polly and their children and grandchildren, I write this to say our family grieves with you and holds you in our hearts with tenderness.
Hoyt and Thad’s Rollins connection
Last Friday, the day before Thad left this life, my husband, Hoyt, and I had the unique opportunity to visit him and say goodbye. He was sharp as ever, in good humor, and ready to go peacefully. Thankfully, Hoyt and Thad had several minutes to share a few memories and even a few jokes.
While Hoyt was serving on the Rollins faculty (1970 – 2014) as professor of Philosophy, Thad arrived to serve as the 12th President of Rollins. Hoyt says Thad listened with seriousness to faculty eager to make academic changes to improve the quality of students’ education. Hoyt was thrilled to work with Thad. Perhaps Thad’s best quality, Hoyt tells me, was his encouraging attitude and his ability to make Rollins believe in itself and to deeply commit itself to the liberal arts.
They worked as colleagues, but through the years they also became friends. Besides a passion for education, each had an extra-curricular love of magic tricks, which also livened up their time together.
Both Hoyt and I grieve at Thad’s passing. It’s clear to everyone who knew him that he lived an outstanding life of service, commitment, and love.
Thad Seymour, Sr., committed leader
At the ceremony in 1990 when Thad retired and Rita Bornstein became the new president, I sat in the bleachers in the auditorium to watch. I had just begun my first semester in the Holt School Evening Program and had read about this momentous event in the student paper. Since I felt a part of the Rollins community—albeit one of its newest newbies—I wanted to go. Wasn’t it important to be present for such a major transition at my college? It seemed so to me. I was compelled to get there no matter what and feed my understanding of this dynamic community, this prestigious academic institution. I put on my best dress and went.
That day my heart was encouraged by the commitment I saw in those two leaders. I’d just graduated from Valencia Community College with an A.A., and at Rollins I intended to finish a degree in English Literature. (I did). Of course, that day I could not have imagined I would ever know either of those two college presidents personally, but life is full of surprises. When I married Hoyt in 2002, they made me feel part of the Rollins family.
Supportive friend
One thing I admired about Thad was that he made time for friends. One moment especially important to me was after I published my book, Undertow, and held a book party in our home. Thad and Polly made the time and effort to come and celebrate with us. When they came in the front door, I remember seeing Thad carrying his copy under his arm. He’d been one of the first to purchase a copy when I was selling it on my website.
While I had been writing Undertow, one night Hoyt and I were invited to dinner at the Seymours in their home. Just the four of us. A delightful evening of sharing stories! As Hoyt and I were leaving, I looked back and standing in the open doorway next to Thad, Polly called to me, “Keep writing. Write everything. Write all your adventures and misadventures!” With support like theirs, how could I not?
Thank you, Thad, for your openheartedness and kindness. We’ll miss you.
Obit for President Seymour
You can read it here.
A memorial service will be held at Rollins this Sunday at 2 pm in the Knowles Chapel.
Thanks for reading.
Your writer on the wing,
Charlene
Robyn
What a lovely tribute, Charlene. Hoyt’s and your last visit must have been so meaningful for all of you. Thank you for sharing these memories.
Charlene Edge
Yes, it was a real honor to share that time together. And with Polly, too, and their children who were there. What a terrific family.
Linda Goddard
Your tribute to Thad Seymour, Sr. is lovely, Charlene. Although I’ve never met this man, your detailed description of him, your relationship with him and his wife, Polly, and Hoyt’s close relationship with him have given me vivid and very touching ideas about how special Dr. Seymour was in your life.
Thank you for sharing your meaningful experiences.