It is with bittersweet feelings that I tell you that I will retire from my position as departmental assistant with the International Studies Department at the end of this school year.  It is really hard for me to believe that 19 years have passed since I started working at Rhodes. 

I can’t begin to explain how much watching all of you grow during your years at Rhodes and then going on to find your places in the world has meant to me.  The IS department has alumni all over the world and you have always been a great source of pride for me and for the entire department with what you have achieved.  So for selfish reasons I will make sure that I keep getting the IS newsletter so I can stay up on all of your news.  My home email address is b.somes@yahoo.com.  I will remain in Memphis and my phone number is (901) 529-8107.  Now that you know where I will be, I would love to continue hearing from you.

Also, please don’t be worried that I will retire and spend all of my time sitting in a rocking chair, in spite of the fact that the department surprised me with a beautiful Rhodes College rocker on the occasion of my retirement.  Hopefully, I will use that chair for rocking my grandchildren.   My other plans include visiting family, spoiling my grandchildren even more, continuing to enjoy life on Mud Island.  I also plan to travel more with my husband, Grant, spend more volunteering more, and having additional time to perfect the art of healthy cooking.

Finally, I hope I have left even a small impression on any of the students and faculty that I have had the privilege of working with. I want you to know that my relationships and experiences with the IS department have left a profound imprint on me.   I thank you for everything!  

Stay well and happy,
Brenda

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