President Ramon Torrecilha and Trustee Robert McGovern recently visited the oldest living graduate of the Westfield Normal School, Vivian Cordes Roberts ’39, who recently turned 100 and has a home filled with well wishes from friends, family, her church, Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker, and many others who have noted her centennial.
Torrecilha and Magovern brought some birthday gifts for Roberts, including a copy of Roberts’ 1939 yearbook. During the visit, Roberts, Torrecilha, and Magovern thumbed through the book, as well as photos taken during her college years.
As spry and engaging as is noted in her yearbook caption, Roberts regaled President Torrecilha with her time at Westfield and her recipe for a long life.
“Our class began with 89 women and one man, but because of the Great Depression, students dropped out to join breadlines and only 30 or so were left by graduation time. Tuition was $200 and my father struggled to keep me in school,” said Roberts, whose mother passed away shortly after she began college. In addition to the onset of her studies, Roberts also inherited the responsibility of managing the household.
Roberts taught in Agawam for more than 30 years and substitute taught as well. She still lives independently, does all of her own cooking and shopping, and works at her church one day a week. She advised her visitors from her alma mater to “eat like a king in the morning, a prince at lunch and a pauper at dinner.” She also encouraged the men to make their own meals, stay active, and remain involved in their community.
Roberts explained that she has visited the campus a number of times and recalls fondly her many friends and activities during her time at Westfield State.