Retirement is bittersweet. While the idea of leaving behind late nights grading papers and early mornings giving lectures sounds quite pleasant, the thought of leaving the people and school you’ve made your home for decades is much harder to swallow. Despite this, Professor of Anthropology Anthony Andrews has chosen to view his departure from the college as positively as he can. After teaching at New College for 40 years, Andrews has reached the time for his retirement.
“I’ve had a lot of friends who have retired, and they all say the same thing,” Andrews said. “They don’t miss the faculty meetings, the committee meetings, all the bureaucratic shit we do. The one thing they all miss is the classroom.”
Of course, because New College is so different from other universities, many experiences here feel different.
“I’ve been at other schools, and I think the casual, intimate nature of this place is what has made my time here special,” Andrews said. “Some professors don’t mix much with the students—they just come in, give their lectures and go home. I’ve never believed in that at all, and I think that casualty is more like New College.”
Andrews continued to speak on the lasting relationships he has had with several students throughout his years here.
“Several of my students have become lifelong friends of mine,” Andrews reflected. “I stay in touch with quite a few of them who have pursued careers in anthropology and archaeology and it’s always nice to hear from students I haven’t heard from in some time.”
When asked about what he feels the proudest about in his time at New College, Andrews said that he was glad to have “brought students to campus from international backgrounds.”
“Being able to offer others the opportunity to receive an affordable college education is something that’s made me very proud,” Andrews elaborated.
Additionally, Andrews fondly remembered the renovation of the campus’ anthropology lab.
“Getting the anthropology lab looking the way it is, filled with so much history, also fills me with pride,” remembered Andrews. “Working with students to decorate the lab’s bookshelves will always be a great memory.”
Aside from reminiscing on the best times at New College and what he’ll miss about working, Andrews did speak about the positive side of his departure. Retiring and being free from the schedule of the work week opens up a lot of possibilities for ways to pass the time.
“I have family down in Yucatán and a whole bunch of buddies that I work with in the field [of archaeology],” Andrews said. “Now that I’m retiring I’m hoping to spend more time down there.”
Although retirement does mean Dr. Andrews won’t be at New College anymore, it doesn’t mean that these experiences and memories will be left behind. Dr. Andrews is walking proof that the impact New College has on someone, both professors and students alike, extends way past the 110 acres of campus land. The 40 years spent teaching here have largely shaped the way that Dr. Andrews looks at his relationships and his profession, and there’s no retiring from the New College experience.