Arcadia Love Through Generations
Sally Purrington Hild ‘94 attributes her initial love of Arcadia University to her late mother Winifred Wesner Purrington, Class of 1955. “She loved Beaver College, and that’s one of the reasons I ended up there too,” Sally said. Sally never intended to follow her mother’s footsteps through her undergraduate studies, but she says, “You live what you learn.” And that, she did. Although she did not know it at the time, attending the same school as her mother, Sally believes, was one of the best decisions she’s made. Sally still upholds her pride and love for her and her mother’s alma mater by contributing to The Fund for Arcadia to support current and future students.
Winifred attended Beaver College when women were coming into their own after World War II, studying English and History. She was also a Soprano singer, and part of the Glee Club at Beaver College, which allowed her to perform solo concerts in the Grey Towers Castle. She met her husband, Sally’s father, while working a summer job in Connecticut, where she was born and raised. Her love of learning did not stop once her studies ceased. After graduation, she became a middle school teacher and later, a librarian. Winifred relished her time spent commuting to campus and all that she participated in during her time at school. She was also a consistent donor to her alma mater for 62 years, never missing a year of giving.
Sally felt a connection to the stories her mother shared. When Sally started touring colleges in the 80’s, she realized then-Beaver College was an option that fit for her. Her mother never pushed her to that decision, but kept the now-University in her daughter’s forefront through discussions. Sally eventually settled on her mother’s alma mater.
Sally spent her first three years on Glenside’s campus living in Kistler Hall. It was much different from the experience her mother shared of her having to take a bus back and forth to the Jenkintown campus. Sally’s senior year was spent living in Grey Towers Castle, overlooking the now Health Sciences Center connected to Easton Hall. She also always appreciated the architecture and history of The Castle, but it had even more meaning that her mother loved it, too. Sally also took part in Arcadia’s choir and performed on The Castle’s renowned staircase. She goes on to explain that in that moment she “felt so connected to my mother” – knowing she had stood on those same steps four-decades prior.
Sally majored in English and Communications and studied in England through Arcadia’s Study Abroad Program. On that trip, Sally met her now husband, Jeff. She says, “I just wouldn’t have had the same life without Arcadia.” Sally really felt like she fit in at Arcadia and it had become her home. She shared that the care from faculty and staff truly aided her experience on-campus. Sally raved about Dr. Pradyumna S. Chauhan, Professor of English–he was a Professor that shared his brilliant knowledge and love for teaching with his students. It was comforting to her and her classmates to have teachers that genuinely cared. She recalls a fond memory of cafeteria worker Benny Tate. Sally says, “He was an amazingly generous man and really connected with us as students. If you were having trouble coping with school, Benny offered a welcome ear. He was truly special.” She goes on to note that another favorite memory was, she recalls, “Dr. Betty Landman carved the turkey at our Thanksgiving dinner. Before finals, we would get dressed up, and they would serve us this feast for dinner. We all loved it!”
After her graduation in 1994, she went on to study at Boston University for her Masters in Historic Preservation. Sally has worked in museum management and community engagement for several nonprofit organizations in the Boston area. She celebrated her 30th reunion from Beaver College this year.
