Getting to Know Our Sustaining Saints
“Sustaining Saints” is our giving society that recognizes Laurentians who make consecutive annual gifts to the University for at least three years (or, for our newest alums, each of two years after graduation). Lynda Croker Moran ’69 and Bob Moran ’69 of Franklin Lakes, New Jersey, have made annual gifts every year since graduation. Here, in Lynda’s words, are some highlights from her life as a Laurentian.
My experience at St. Lawrence was wonderful from the start.
I was drawn to SLU because I wanted to ski and loved the northern part of the state. I found a community that was friendly and welcoming, which was a stark contrast to my competitive high school experience, and helped me become more outgoing and confident. The education I received sparked a lifelong interest in psychology and laid the foundation for my career in elementary education.
I even went on to get a master’s degree in the field. I loved teaching first-graders how to read. It’s so exciting and miraculous. I look forward to helping our grandson learn how to read in a few years. I’m pretty good at it.
I was the president of Kappa Delta during a pivotal time when we decided to offer a bid to an Asian woman, which was not acceptable to the national sorority. We went ahead and offered the bid anyway. With the support of the University and Panhellenic Council, we were able to found a new local sorority, Kappa Delta Sigma. This experience was incredibly rewarding and brought our sorority closer together.
Bob and I met through mutual friends in our sorority and fraternity. We’ve been married for 55 years now. The secret to a happy marriage? You have to laugh every day. I recently broke my leg, and through this whole experience, Bob has been so good at making me smile and laugh every day. I realize how much of a gift that is. Both Bob and I believe deeply in the power of education. We feel fortunate to have received an excellent education at St. Lawrence and were able to provide the same for our children. And we both made careers in education—Bob worked at the New Jersey Institute of Technology in student services.
By giving back, we hope to help other students have the same opportunities we had. A liberal arts education at St. Lawrence provides a well-rounded experience that includes not only academic learning but also personal growth and community building. In today’s polarized society, the ability to interact and get along with people is just as important as career-focused skills. St. Lawrence offers a nurturing environment that helps students grow into well-rounded individuals.
To current students, I’d say: Appreciate the community and the friendships you make at St. Lawrence. These connections will last a lifetime and are an integral part of what makes the University special.
