….but never really saying “goodbye.” Either way…tomorrow I begin the official period of saying “this is the last time I’ll do that.” Teach that class. Go to that meeting. Advise students. Teach a May Term….the list goes on and on. It’s official. I will be retiring at the end of this academic year! (Technically, I’ll be on a year of sabbatical next year and then officially retire….details, details…)
How do I feel? Depends on when you ask me. I think it is fair to say that I am truly beginning to understand the term “bittersweet.” In fairness, I won’t miss meetings (most), paperwork, etc….but I can hardly stand the thought of not seeing and working with Hope students and some really amazing colleagues. But I have always believed that it is important to leave something when you love it. I am following that belief…..
What will I do? Although I am retiring from a career I have loved…I am confident that I am retiring to new opportunities – travel, writing, more time with family and friends, cleaning the house (just kidding!)…..you get the idea.
Is this because of the cancer? Nope. I just had my most recent tests and those little chemo pills continue to do their job and I am feeling well. Am I perhaps hoping to capture as much of that feel good time as possible during retirement? Okay….fair enough.
As the song says….To everything there is a season. It’s apparently time for that new season to begin. (I am calling it Spring by the way. People often see retirement as Winter. How depressing! Nah…..Spring it is…..)
That’s it friends. Word has begun to seep out and I wanted to be the first to tell all of you if possible…..
So….let’s go with the Hawaiian approach: ALOHA – meaning hello and goodbye…..
tonydonk.com 
Congratulations Tony! Well deserved!!
I think of you and a Theresa all the time!
Enjoy your last few months of work and have fun planning adventures fir your retirement!
Hugs, Diane
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Woo hoo! Congrats little brother. Wonderful adventures await you..enjoy every moment..love you♥️
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Congratulations, Tony! I hope you enjoy this last semester!
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Spring, summer,fall, even winter-you’re going to LOVE retirement‼️You’re probably not ready for Evergreen Commons and pickle ball…..there are endless possibilities for fulfilling involvement in life. My first was subbing in a kindergarten room at Jefferson. My subbing career ended at 3:30 that day! Tutoring and volunteering were a perfect fit. Then on to watercolor classes and swimming laps at MVP…..Anyway-I’m looking forward to reading about your entry into the world of retirement! Would love to get together for coffee.🤗
Sent from my iPhone
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Congratulations, Tony! Embrace this next phase of your life. You will be so busy, you’ll wonder how you had time to work!
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Congratulations! Enjoy your last of things. Retirement is such a wonderful chapter to be in!
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Congratulations, Tony! Enjoy this next chapter.
I have such fond memories of my time at Hope and cannot believe that it has been 20 years since I was wandering the halls of the ed. dept. I was just talking with friends the other day about my experiences on the Liverpool May term. Thank you for being such a huge part of my growth as a college student and future-teacher.
Happy New Year, and best wishes to you and your family.
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Congratulations Prof Donk! A well-deserved move on to tour next adventures. I have wonderful memories of our time together in Liverpool and the good ‘ole days of classes in the basement of the Knick. Thank you for all you have done for our profession!
Katie (Ergang) Meyering ‘00
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Congratulations Tony!
So well deserved! You have inspired the next generation of teachers and mentors. I hear “ retirement “ can be busier than the “ working” years.
Looking forward to seeing you in your garden 😉.
Blessings friend!
Sandi
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Wow! I’m excited for your next journeys… Thank you for all that you have shared with your colleagues, college students, … You have reached so many young ones through them. Wishing you the best!
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Well put! I am so glad that you are able to retire on your own terms. May you soak up the remainder of the semester with fondness for that very special place, filled with very special people, with the knowledge that you were one of those special people for a great many people.
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