Class of 1971: Patricia Hougland Phillips

Remembering 54 years ago, when I enrolled a ISUE as an "older" student. I was 33 at the time and enrollment was in the old Centennial Gymnasium. I was scared to death and would have run out the nearest door, had I not shot my mouth off to so many people about going to college. I was just lucky enough to get Eric von Fuhrmann's table to enroll in [his English class and Dr. Donald Pitzer's history course]. [Professor Von Fuehrmann] asked what I had written in the past 16 years. "Uhhh, grocery lists and notes on the refrigerator."

Several days later, when I sat in Dr. Pitzer's classroom with my notebook and pencil in hand, curling plaster falling on the floor, a certain calm engulfed my body. The 16 years had not made a difference. I was ready!!!

Patricia Hougland Phillips '71

Elementary Education