Paula Treckel
Alex Holmes
Co-Features Editor
How long have you been at Allegheny?
32 years
Where else have you worked?
I worked for three years before this at St. Benedict and St. John’s in Minnesota.
Where did you go to college?
Kent State University.
What have you done research on?
Primarily on American women’s history.
Where is your hometown?
Kent, OH
What are your plans for retirement?
I have none and that’s my plan.
What was your dream job as a kid?
To do what I do now. My father was a professor so that made me want to be.
What are you most proud of in your life?
What I do every day- teaching.
Who has been the most important person in your life? Why?
That’s impossible to answer because in different facets of my life there are different people. Professionally my father because he is a role model. Personally, my husband for the support.
How would you like to be remembered?
As a good teacher and a good mentor for my students.
What is your favorite story from Allegheny?
I don’t have one favorite, the wholeness makes it remarkable. There are moments in class that make me laugh that make it fun. One of the best “moments” was the Fall 2008 semester, I had a class that was magical. The group really connected and we all learned more because of that.
What are your hobbies?
I don’t have hobbies, but things I really enjoy are reading, working out, watching golf and travelling.
If you had $1,000,000 what would you do?
Nothing different that what I’ve done. I have never been motivated by money and I think money wouldn’t have changed who I am.
What advice would you give students?
Find something you love doing. Sometimes we surprise ourselves in finding the good in situations and that brings joy.
Where have you travelled?
All around the world for both research and fun. Japan is fascinating, Scotland and Italy are my favorites, as is Charleston, SC- where I plan on spending more time. My husband is a golf pro and a golf coach so I have travelled a lot to watch him. I look forward to going beautiful places to watch a game I think is amazing.
If you could go anywhere, where would you go?
Home. I have been commuting for 32 years, I have an apartment here where I stay during the week but I live in Ohio with my husband.
What would your perfect day look like?
That’s a hard one, there’s a lot of things. I’ve had perfect days at work where I learn, my students learn and the discussion is good. The perfect day would be one where I had complete and utter control over what I do, not being responsible for anyone, an absence of responsibilities. It’s what I’m hoping retirement is.
