Tracey Stoll's Bio

Greetings from sunny southern California! I will try below to describe the Tracey - post Ames High below:

Let's see, after a summer of fun and mischief in 1974, my family took me to Laramie, Wyoming, where I spent the next four years and graduated from the University of Wyoming in 1978 with a BA in Journalism/Public Relations. (Just between us kids, I think that even though Mom cried when they dropped me off at the women's dorm in August of 1974, they were actually relieved to have me making trouble elsewhere!) Aside from academic work and sorority activities, I made my name at UW as a sports feature writer and sports photographer.

For 13 years, I worked in public relations, advertising and publications; then another 10 years in higher education, working in alumni relations and fund development. Since 1997, I have been vice president of Marketing & Community Relations at Mt. San Antonio Gardens; a beautiful, 30-acre senior community which provides Life Care and Continuing Care for more than 400 residents. I am so fortunate I get to use all of the skills and knowledge I acquired in my previous positions, and I am blessed with a great boss who has pushed me to grow in this role, and I have a very talented staff. Our residents are healthy, vibrant and very active when they are initially admitted to the Gardens; my life is enriched each day in conversation with one of these amazing (older grown-ups) who live here.

My main community involvement is with the Claremont Sunrise Rotary Club; I am on the board and I have a variety of fun jobs that I do for the Club. For many years I was involved in leadership roles with the Presbyterian Church, first at Pasadena Presbyterian Church (California), and more recently at Claremont Presbyterian Church. There has been a lot of turmoil and transition at the Claremont church, so for the last year I have been worshipping at the United Church of Christ, Congregational, at the early Sunday morning service.

I enjoy participating in local political campaigns and usually get involved in one every other year or so. (This year, my only political goal is to oust George Dubya.)

My main hobby is working on my extensive yard and gardens. It is a lot of work, and when I move some day in the distant future I hope to have a tiny lawn so my water bill and lawn guys' charges don't exceed $200 per month (total) in the summer! (I still had my Ames "big lot" mentality when I purchased my first home; this is not the way to view property values in southern Cal.!) I also enjoy reading books, walking on the trails near my house, travel & visiting friends and family, buying & wrapping gifts, making beaded jewelry and watching movies, documentaries and "Law & Order" - preferably Special Victims Unit.

I am still single, although I've had a few significant relationships with nice men. Either I'm too picky or impossible to get along with or both!? I love children and since I don't have any of my own, I am "Auntie Tracey" to my two nieces and several of my friends' children. The only kids at my house are my three cats. ( Yikes! I hate how that sounds!) I am not one of those weird little old cat ladies! (I ended up with the two additional kitties because a friend begged me to take them so the local pound wouldn't trap them and destroy them.)

I am a blond now - this is an effective way of camouflaging the gray. And yes, I AM having more fun!

I plan to be in Ames for the reunion July 30 and 31, 2004 and look forward to seeing you all!

Adios & hasta luego,