RETIREMENT SEASON: FAREWELL DR. ANDERSON

Q. I heard that you climb a mountain every year, and I was wondering if you could explain why you do that.

A. Not every year, but most years. George Mallory was once asked why he kept attempting to climb Mount Everest, and he said, “Because it’s there.” My reasons for climbing mountains go a bit further. I like the combination of physical and mental challenges. I like being taken out of my comfort zone, in responsible ways. I like achieving something I didn’t think I was capable of. The sense of achievement is compelling. It cleans out the cluttered mind because your sole focus is on finding the way up and down safely, allowing you to totally shut out worries, pressures, and stresses. It is challenging but decomplicates life for one day. But mostly, near and at the top, there is a spiritual element. There is something therapeutic for the soul to feel small in the face of nature and the universe. It’s a good reminder of the vastness beyond the minutiae of our daily lives. It restores proper perspective. I get such a strong sense of both the divine and eternity, of both time and space.

Q. What are your retirement plans for next year?

A. I plan to step away from everything for several months, to rest and take stock. I know there are other opportunities I want to pursue eventually, perhaps more writing, maybe a part time job, maybe some volunteer work, certainly more time with family and friends, but I need a clean break from everything for a bit so I can be objective in discerning what comes next. I’m ready to retire from the 24/7 responsibilities of fulltime administration, which I have thoroughly enjoyed and still do, but neither do I fully want to step away from all work of any kind.

We wish you all the best in your retirement, Dr. Anderson. Congratulations on an outstanding career.