Volunteer Spotlight: Jane Schoenfeld Shropshire, J80

Name: Jane Schoenfeld Shropshire

Graduation Year: 1980

What volunteer activities are you involved in with Tufts?: Co-chair of 45th reunion committee

What made you decide to become a volunteer?: In retirement, I have more time to give to meaningful projects. I've prioritized Tufts because of the way it shaped my life and career and hope to help the Tufts community continue to thrive. Our 40th class reunion was tabled due to the pandemic. Those of us who made it to the rescheduled reunion enjoyed being on campus, retracing footsteps and rekindling friendships. Now, I want to encourage others to do the same as we approach our 45th. I also want classmates to be thinking ahead to our 50th, which will be a huge milestone.

What is your favorite part of volunteering with Tufts?: It's great to see old friends, meet alumni I didn't know previously, work with capable and caring staff, and strengthen the ties we all feel with Tufts.

What is one piece of advice you’d give to a new Tufts grad?: Look for Tufts graduates wherever life leads you! Thanks to having met my husband when he attended a summer conference on campus, I live on a cattle farm in Kentucky.  Fellow Jumbos are few and far between here yet when we meet, there's a feeling of kinship, special connection. Tufts instills something within us that's distinctive. Pay attention to that, and keep it in the forefront of your life. 

What artist do you have on repeat?: I'm a Luddite - no Spotify for me!

What was your go-to spot as a Tufts student?: McPhie pub

Uphill or downhill, and why?: Downhill first year, in Tilton.  Second year was uphill, in Houston, as was first semester of junior year, in Carmichael, before heading to France for second semester.  Senior year I lived mid-campus, in Bartol House, with a first-year friend whose room had been directly above mine in Tilton.  Accommodations weren't lavish, but we made the most of each place!