Fortier Class 1955 Classmate Memory Book 2/17/10
Lansing, Tess L Schutte
Name of Classmate: Lansing, Tess L Schutte - Married: Thomas (Tom) F. Schutte for 51 years -
Residing in Brooklyn NY
Further Educational accomplishments: B.A. and
M.A.; some extra undergrad. (Including 2 summer courses at Tulane) & Graduate
courses along the way.
Family history: Tom and I
met in college, as undergrads, in Indiana. He has B.A., M.B.A., and Ph.D.
degrees. After leaving Indiana, we lived in Colorado, Pennsylvania, Rhode
Island, and New York. Also for many years we have owned an historic
17th c/18th c home on the north shore of Massachusetts.
Our two sons live in NYS and are doing well professionally; the older (B.A.) owns
a financial services business; the younger (B.A and M.B.A) is a senior V.P. and
chief marketing officer for a major company – modern design furniture, office
systems, textiles. Our four grandsons and one granddaughter (ages 12-21) – all
super kids - are doing well in school and are active in church youth groups,
sports, music, dance. The oldest is spending this semester of his college junior
year in England; the next oldest (6’4”), a high school senior, is being offered
scholarships by colleges that are courting him for their football teams.
Achievements and Occupational History: Most of my professional experience since college has been in
education (preschool through 1st grade and some adult instruction).
My last year of teaching was in 2001-02 when I taught kindergarten at a private
school in Brooklyn, a couple of blocks away from the Brooklyn Bridge and within
sight of lower Manhattan and the Twin Towers. Tom and I have not yet “retired.”
I have enjoyed working for the past several years in college alumni relations.
Since 1975, my husband has been the president of three major art and design colleges
in the Northeast. Our lives have been and continue to be replete with many fulfilling
and exciting experiences professionally, socially, and in pursuing our interests
in gardening and in 17th – early 19th c. American antiques,
folk art, decorative arts and historic preservation.
Fortier Reunions attended: 25th
reunion; unfortunately, I learned about the 50th reunion two days after
it occurred.
Other
personal comments: I miss my annual visits with family
in N.O. and am sorry not to be able to join you for our 55th year reunion.
Do you remember when McMain and Fortier students marched to the N.O. school board
to protest the decision to make the schools co-ed?