Chair
As many of you know, our friend and colleague, Donna Tuckey, is retiring this summer. We had a wonderful celebration of Donna on April 12, 2024. So many of you were able to attend and celebrate Donna in person. Former Director, Judy Page, made a lovely and deeply meaningful surprise dedication to Donna. Many who couldn’t be there in person sent messages of celebration and good wishes.
It is impossible for me to capture the sense of love that was palpable at the celebration event for Donna. Her family, friends, colleagues, students – we all were there together in community because of Donna. I take this opportunity to share what I shared, through lots of emotions, with Donna at the event:
It might be a cliché to say that Donna is the heart and soul of our department, but it’s true. Donna is also the spine, the muscle, and the connective tissue of our department. What I mean is that she embodies the spirit and the labor of Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies. Donna is so deeply committed to the work that we do, and importantly, to the people that we are. I don’t know how we got so lucky to get to have her with us all these years.
Donna, when we all think of you, we think of your love, your care, your warmth. You put people first, you love your family so deeply, you remember and check-in with all of us, you get things done with grace and care, you create lovely spaces in our building with your keen eye for decorating. I couldn’t believe you sewed curtains for my office so it would be cozy before I started the job.
I have so many moments with you that I treasure – all the times we’ve laughed and cried and commiserated. One of the things I remember so clearly is that time you sang “let it go” from frozen to me when I really needed to hear that. I still conjure that image of you singing when I need to be reminded to let it go. It’s not going to be the same here without you. I’m going to miss you every day.
We’re all going to miss you every day.
We have much love and gratitude for you Donna