Robert Maynard Schmitz

LIFE SINCE GRADUATION

So, what to say about the past 25 years since our 25th reunion? First things first. Connie and I have been fortunate to have sustained nearly 52 years of marriage, watched our two sons mature to the ripe ages of nearly 48 and 44, developed loving relationships with our wonderful daughters-in-law, who have brought us the joy of four grandchildren whom we cherish. Lucky in life.

After a career of consulting in a variety of fields, including health, education, and community development, in 2015 Connie wrapped up a very successful and rewarding career as PhD educator developing and integrating new teaching programs and systems in the Department of Surgery at the University of Minnesota. Her work has been presented nationally and integrated into a number of medical schools’ curricula. Though working with surgeons to change traditional teaching methodology was challenging, many of her surgical colleagues grew to value her innovative thinking. Connie loved her work. I am very proud of her achievements.

I continued to find new trends that I’d attempt to exploit. This led to businesses addressing educational travel (Restoration Travel), aging housing stock in need of a less expensive and intrusive bathroom remodeling system (BathFitters franchise), and the appetite for closet organization (StorageMeister).

In 2003, like many of those of a certain age, we sold the family home and moved into a very efficient downtown Minneapolis condominium located a block from the Mississippi. The river became my primary form of recreation. My solo canoe and single rowing shell traveled miles. I had a very accessible 13 miles of river to the north and another 14 miles of navigable (through the locks) river to the southeast. Great water. Unbelievable fauna. Pretty much everything, with the exception of bear. It kept my attention.

Then in 2009, recognizing the uniqueness and wonder of this Mississippi urban adventure and being aware that very few individuals used this resource, I imagined growing a paddling/rowing touring business on the Mississippi River from a downtown Minneapolis location. So, for the next almost 10 years, I operated Above the Falls Sports and had more fun than ever introducing thousands of experienced and novice paddlers and rowers to the Mississippi and its rich history as the engine behind the development of Minneapolis and St Paul.

Post Connie’s 2015 retirement, we’ve been spending a significant part of our time in a small town, Tubac, Ariz. It’s located 40 miles south of Tucson, 20 miles north of Nogales, Sonora (Mex.). As of Sept. 2021, we sold our condominium in Minneapolis and are full-time residents of Tubac. The amount of sun is significant, and the temperature meets our needs. From here during certain times of the year we head off to Minnesota, Oregon, the Rockies of N.M., the cool Pacific air of San Diego, New England, or wherever. Having one residence sets us free to experience any number of other places. Pretty swell life.

Speaking of “wherever,” Connie and I recently returned from the Class of ‘72’s Gettysburg Weekend. Not only was it an instructive weekend, but also a pleasant reminder of how important our Williams community is to us. Looking forward to seeing you all at the 50th!