French Professors Judy Geiser and Ann Myers Begin a New Phase—Retirement
Merriam-Webster’s dictionary defines retirement as “withdrawal from one’s position or occupation or from
active working life.” But for professors of French Ann Myers, Ph.D., and Judy Geiser, Ph.D., who both retired
this spring after 39 and 32 years at Albright, respectively, being “active” is something they plan to continue.
Myers joined Albright’s Modern Foreign Languages department in 1970, and throughout
her time at Albright has served as chair of the Modern Foreign Languages department, chair
of the faculty, academic adviser and on many faculty committees. In 2003, she was awarded
the Lindback Distinguished Teaching Award.
Geiser began teaching at Albright in 1977 and during her tenure has served as associate academic
dean, assistant dean, director of the Honors Program, chair of the Modern Foreign Languages
department, chair of the Curriculum Committee and co-chair of the Middle States Committee on
the Curriculum.
Both Myers and Geiser said while they are looking forward to having more time for family, friends,
travel and the simple things, they also plan to continue learning. “I’d like to study things that I never
studied before or that I haven’t studied for a long time,” said Geiser. “I also see myself doing some sort
of teaching, not in a formal way, but tutoring or working with language skills people in Reading.”
With plans to audit courses at Albright and take advantage of things like Experience events and the
Schumo Center for Fitness and Well-Being, Myers hopes to treat her retirement as a sabbatical. “I loved
being a student,” she said.
They will both miss being a part of the Albright community on a daily basis. “Helping students and seeing
them change from freshmen to seniors is satisfying,” said Myers. Geiser will especially miss those moments
when a class is truly engaged. “I’ve had a few over the years where the students got really engaged and took
over the class. They add their energy,” she said. “And when that happens, it’s a lot of fun.”
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