Alice was the secretary of the Philosophy Department when I joined it in 1972 and we were housed in Brown Hall, sharing the corridor with Geology. Alice was always a sunny presence and someone who did her job well. She welcomed me to St. Lawrence very generously, as was typical of her. Although I knew Alice only in this way, and many years ago before Philosophy moved to new quarters, I feel that I have lost an old friend.
Baylor Johnson
Alice was a joy to be around, with an infectious laugh, droll, unpretentious, caring, a beautiful soul. I knew her both through working at SLU and in the local Episcopal circles.
Ellen Galo
I had the pleasure of teaching Alice how to use a computer. For those who knew Alice, I am sure the thought puts a smile on your face. So many funny stories surrounding this adventure. Alice would light up a room and make you laugh just by standing there, smiling. I will never forget you Alice!
Rene Thatcher
Alice was, quite simply, one of my favorite people.
Chris Watts
It was always a pleasure to run into Alice...in the photocopy room, when she visited our department office, on the way in to work, or around town. Alice made us all feel special, and those of us in Psychology who knew her offer our deepest sympathy to her family.
Tom Greene
Without a doubt, Alice has one of the biggest hearts. She retired my first semester at SLU, but she was instrumental in my life as a geology student and as an alum. She was much more than department secretary to us, she filled in as mom and listened to our stories and problems, she gave advice, and she could always make the day better by offering a smile and a laugh. She had continued to stay in touch with many of the geology alumni and her presence will be missed next fall at the alumni conference as she has attended every one, even those long after she retired. I will miss her greatly.
Sarah Zimmerman McElfresh '98
We send our sincerest condolences to Alice's family on her passing. Nellie and I remember her best in her stellar role as a hockey booster extraordinaire, both as fellow boosters and parents of a player. We will miss her great enthusiasm and we will retain fond memories of times shared.
Tom and Nellie Coakley
And of course Alice was the consumate professional through it all. She knew how to do all those things I listed before I punched the wrong button and submitted before I should have!! Alice would never have made such a clumsy error! Or she would have known how to fix it!!
I do most all (but not quite all) of those things my self these days - as do most other faculty - but it all takes me away from the real mission of teaching and research that the institution expects of me (us). I miss Alice because she knew what it was all about and she made it happen as if she could read our minds. She was a female Radar O'Riley with an outgoing personality and a warmth of spirit. She was a booster of hockey, of Geology and of SLU. Few secretaries have made such an impression on the students (now alumni) as Alice Quackenbush. And few faculty have had a better friend than I had in Alice Quackenbush! Of course I miss her. I have missed her at work for years; now I shall simply miss her at the P&C or the dentists office or any of the other places around town that we would cross paths. At least I was fortunate to really see her in action! Bless you Alice.
Mark Erickson
Alice was a great person, a great friend. We have known each other for almost 40 years. I have many fond memories of Alice from her inviting me to her home for dinners when I first came to work here and bowling together when the bowling alley was still here on campus. We had a great time. She loved people. I will miss her.
Rosemary Taylor
For more than a decade my office was right down the hall from Alice's. Every morning as I past her door I was greeted by a booming "Hi Al". Nice way to start a day. Often I could hear Alice's laugh from my office. I always appreciated the wonderful "spirt de corp" the geology department created with its students but it took me a while to realize what an important part Alice played in creating that atmosphere. Many times when I walked in for a chat or to get an update on Alice's news and views of the university, I would find her talking to a student. I think she knew the name of virtually every student major in the department. She will be missed.
Al Schwartz
Alice truly had a warm heart. Often she made personal comments about my kids which touched me deeply. She was friendly, easy going and always had time for a little chat no matter where I came across her.
Chanchal Singh
