Alumni Spotlight: Rob Collier and Pete Remington
While in the living room, I recently picked up my head to see two Northwood grads with their wives walking in. They were instantly recognizable as Rob Collier and Pete Remington, both from the class of '73. I am apparently still fat enough to be remembered as their erstwhile -- and somewhat clueless; I am an English teacher, not a mathematician -- Algebra teacher. I was also one of Pete's football coaches; Rob played soccer. We had a great time reminiscing, touring the campus, and telling stories from those years. We found a 1973 yearbook, and the guys decided to recreate the photograph from that volume. Both versions are reproduced here. The nice thing for me when seeing alums is that they are somehow frozen in time as if they were in a blob of amber, still teenagers. For a couple of hours, I am 23 again, kidding and being kidded, seeing their teachers and classmates just as they were, well, maybe "with advantages," as Shakespeare said of the memories of great times. In any event, they graciously agreed to catch all of you up on their lives by answering the questionnaire that follows.
- Stephen Reed, Director of Alumni Relations
Rob Collier '73
On your recent visit, what were the memories evoked by being on campus?
Walking into the living room and seeing Reno sitting outside John Friedlander's old office brought many memories! I was happy to see that with all the changes on campus, the living room remained pretty much the same as it was in 1973. Walking around campus, I remembered sliding on the ice between the main building and the new dorm. I had a very slippery pair of shoes that, with one stride, I could slide all the way down the road to the new dorm. I also remember washing dishes! Between scholarship and some well-deserved probation time, I did a lot of them!
I have great memories of Reno's first year at Northwood teaching us math in 6th period after skiing. Reno would be completely covered in chalk by the end of the period from banging his head against the chalkboard! Northwood students then and now will be forever grateful to have had Reno in their lives.
I also have great memories of Yocky in his Knickers and bow ties. He was one of the most charismatic people I've ever met and was great fun to be around.
Additionally, believe it or not, I have great memories of the language lab and Mr. Hicks. I had spent some time in France as an elementary student, and I credit Mr. Hicks with enabling me to retain the French I learned as a child.
What have you been up to over the years, career-wise and personally?
I am retired now but spent almost 40 years working in the logistics and transport industry. When I started in the industry in the early 1980s, I was fortunate enough to work for a company headquartered in the North Country yet had offices all over North America. Although I started working for them in the North Country, I eventually transferred to New York, where they had offices in the World Trade Center and JFK airport. The World Trade Center was a fascinating place to work. Just watching the sheer number of people moving in and out of those buildings every day was a sight to see. Fortunately, the company had moved out of the World Trade Center by the time the terrorist attack on 9/11 happened. Still, that was one of the saddest days of my life. About four years ago, I was in New York and had the opportunity to visit the WTC memorial, which was extremely moving.
What have been the most satisfying aspects of your work?
My work required quite a bit of travel, and I enjoyed meeting people from different countries and learning about their cultures and customs. I enjoyed the time I spent in South America managing a project for a US telecommunications company. It was challenging work as, depending on the country, getting things done was much more time-consuming than it would have been in the US or Canada. Along the way, I spent time in the Amazon, on the coast, and in the Andes, which I loved and would like to go back to someday.
What aspects of your Northwood experience had the biggest impact on your development as a person?
The friendships I made at Northwood have lasted me a lifetime. I recently had a six-year battle with cancer, and aside from my wife and son, the people who checked in on me the most were my Northwood buddies. They mean the world to me.
What advice would you give to graduates today?
I'm not big on offering advice, but if you are lucky enough to find the right partner and grow old together, it's pretty special! My wife Laura and I just celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary this month. I can thank Peter Remington for introducing us 47 years ago.
Treat people with respect, especially those less fortunate than ourselves.
Protect the Adirondacks, and in so doing, you'll help protect the planet.
Peter Remington '73
On your recent visit, what were the memories evoked by being on campus?
Doing dishes all the time with Rob Collier and Brian Carr...having my hair freeze walking up the hill to go to breakfast...The snack bar with Madore heating up some sort of processed food. Falling asleep in class after skiing. The time spent in the Headmaster's office. Then came the memories of camaraderie with the students. We were living the same experience and needed each other to cope. Also, how young the teachers were. If they weren't our teachers, they would have been friends and, in many cases, became friends. While living in Aspen, Tom Bucken, a math teacher, visited and skied for a week.
What have you been up to over the years, career-wise and personally?
I have helped save the human race by not procreating. However, I have taken on the role of a coach, teacher, leader, and promoter of people I come in contact with. Media has been my work path for 40 years. I have been fired three times and bounced forward each time. I've written three books and published one that became a best seller on Amazon e-books. I'm married to Karen, and we enjoy going to Europe. I have run with bulls in Pamplona, Spain, and other towns for 30 years. Skiing, hiking, wine, and food are some of my favorite past times.
What have been the most satisfying aspects of your work?
Helping my employees and my clients succeed. Because through their success, I become successful. It must be the same feeling a teacher gets when they see their alumni succeed.
What aspects of your Northwood experience had the biggest impact on your development as a person?
I'm not sure if this is relevant, but I think not getting "kicked -out" was pretty impactful. It taught me that some of your mistakes might be forgiven if you bring value to an organization. Dealing with so many different personalities at such young age under one roof was a good lesson too. Especially the PGs from Boston! Hi guys.
What advice would you give to graduates today?
People would say, "Life is a bitch, and then you die." I would say, "Life is a coach, and then you thrive." Always look for the lesson in everything you confront and learn from it. Don't stop learning. There are no obstacles, only obstacle-illusions, and you can't conquer what you don't confront. Finally, Never, never, never, never ever, never, never, never give up! -Winston Churchill
"The temptation to quit is always the strongest just before you succeed"