Helping Students on Their Heidelberg Journey

Tom Watts and Pam Radcliffe Watts chose Heidelberg for many of the same reasons: they wanted to see the world in a different way and explore different disciplines. From philosophy to art history, to lit and fine arts and Far East history, a small, liberal arts school was the ideal fit for them.

Monumental changes taking place in the world in the early ’70s were eye opening. For Pam, these led her to choose sociology as a major—“a perfect field to explore during this time in history.” Tom chose a career in information technology—traveling the world, leading teams in many countries and expanding his “understanding of business and the world in general.”

The shy, sheltered girl who came to Heidelberg from suburban Buffalo and the young man who grew up in a protected environment met at a society dance during their freshman year in 1967. A quick friendship ensued, and that ultimately led to a wonderful marriage.

Both Tom and Pam, ’71 graduates, found a sense of community at Heidelberg that allowed them to thrive during their college years and through their lifetimes.

“When I arrived at Heidelberg, it was time to learn to transition from a hometown where I had always lived to a new environment, establish new friends, focus on learning and dedicate myself to being successful in life,” says Tom. “Heidelberg helped me accomplish that.”

From Pam: “What stands out most to me about my experience is the sense of community, the people of Heidelberg.…it made all the difference in my life.”

For both, their coursework created a strong foundation for successful careers. As a sociology major, Pam says she never regretted her decision as it led to a passion for change in her community. She worked in human resources at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, Massachusetts, and then, with a broad with a broad background in liberal arts, she transitioned to a second career at age 43, earning her master’s degree in library and information studies from the University of Rhode Island. Tom’s economics major prepared him well for his career in IT, retiring after 29 years of heading up Global Systems Development for Hasbro, Inc.

“Heidelberg helped me focus and gain discipline and confidence,” Tom says. “I am grateful for that.” “Heidelberg instilled in me the confidence to pursue my dreams,” Pam adds.

Tom and Pam have always made it a priority not only to give back to Heidelberg in gratitude for their undergraduate experiences and friendships, but to pay it forward.

“I think a lot of other students just starting out in the transition to adulthood can be helped in their Heidelberg journey,” they agree. “We are honored to help support with financial giving, knowing others will gain the same kind of education and maturity that we did.”