Middbrief: Ross Commons Coordinator Sue Harris retires after 10 years

This Friday marks Sue Harris’s last day as Commons Coordinator for Ross Commons. She is retiring after 10 years at the College.

After leaving, she plans on moving to New Hampshire with her husband and working part-time elsewhere. Taunia Cantin, from the Dean of Students office, will be taking over for her.

Harris has been here since the start of the commons system at Middlebury. In that time, she has affected many generations of students.

“I think this is the best job on campus,” said Harris. “I’ve made so many lasting friendships and I’m really going to miss the students and personnel I’ve met here. The experience has been wonderful.”

Students have been dropping by to see Harris and have been making her cards she can take with her once she leaves.

For students, Harris has been the person to talk to about how to get an add card signed or sorting out a bad day. Students can often be found chatting with her in her office at any hour.

“It has been a complete joy and privilege to work with Sue,” said Robyn Whyte, the Ross Commons residential advisor. “Regardless of the day, good or bad, once I hear Sue say, ‘hello, honey!’ everything is fixed. She is a bright spot in anyone’s day.”

Laurel Gray ’10 was equally enthusiastic about Harris’s positive influence on her experience with Ross Commons.

“She is a wonderful woman who did a great job for the commons,” she said. “She was a really great asset to this school and she really brought the commons together.”