Some members of the Baylor faculty will be retiring this spring or summer after long service to the University. In this series of blog posts, we asked each new retiree a few questions about their time at Baylor and what they intend to do once they step down from full-time teaching.
Rita Abercrombie, a senior lecturer in German and Russian, joined the Baylor faculty in 2003. Abercrombie earned BA degrees in German and French from Southwest Texas State University and an MAT degree in German from the same university in 1994.
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1. What brought you to Baylor?
To help out our children and be with our grandchild, and I moved from a temporary situation to 12 years of teaching.
2. What courses, or types of courses, have you concentrated on teaching at Baylor?
German language courses — first through fourth semester, and conversation fifth semester once a year.
3. Can you characterize the students you’ve taught while at Baylor? Are there things about your students that especially stand out to you after all these years?
My students have been kind, gracious and excited to learn the language and culture of Europe.
4. Have you enjoyed teaching at Baylor?
I have enjoyed it very much. The students were excited to participate in extracurricular activities and in the classroom. They learned so much during their studies abroad, sharing knowledge after their return. They made teaching fun.
5. Are there examples of research you’ve taken part in while at Baylor that you have had especially significant satisfaction with?
I made a number of presentations at teacher conferences during my time at Baylor.
6. Are there any of your Baylor colleagues you have had an especially productive relationship with?
My colleagues in the German division. We are a small division, and working together is crucial to help increase our student enrollment. Also, my colleagues in Draper suite 100 and 101 were great to discuss teaching ideas with, and to talk to about what we could do to improve teaching in the classroom.
7. When you look back on your time at Baylor, what about it will you remember most fondly?
The collegiate atmosphere and the smiles and helpfulness of the students and staff.
8. What are your plans for retirement?
Travel, paint, work on art projects, take some courses, refresh my French, and work outside.
9. Is there anything else about your time at Baylor or your career that you’d like to add?
I never planned to teach at Baylor, but it turned out to be the best part of my career. Someone must have been watching over me!
Frau Abercrombie’s classes were such a treat that I hardly cared when they were offered at 8AM 3 days a week. I would come into class a zombie, but it only took a few “Aufwachen!” to get me thinking. She’s earned her retirement for sure.
Hallo Toni –
thank you for remembering and your kind words, and not caring about the 8am time slot. Well, you have not forgotten the “aufwachen”….
Hope you are doing well 🙂
Vielen Dank Frau Abercrombie! I was so lucky to have been able to start my German courses with you freshman year and finish them my senior year as well. You were always one of my favorite professors and I hope you enjoy your retirement with the Col. and grandkids. #JustFlowWithIt #mitdemStromschwimmen
Congratulations, Frau A!
Having you as an instructor in grade school, MFHS, was truly an enriching experience and one I often cherish.
Wishing you happiness and adventure in this new chapter!
Cheers!
Michaelanne
Congratulations on retirement “Frau Frau”!! Your classes were my favorite at Baylor, and I miss them! (Herr Robert Taff misses them too). I recently met some professionals from Germany who were very kind when I tried out my German with them, and said they were surprised my accent was so good! I said ‘I had the best teacher and I miss her’. Hope you can relax and see your Enkelkinder often!!
I just found out you have retired! Congratulations!
I continue studying German and have developed such a love for the culture and people, thanks to you. You were hands-down my favorite Lehrerin. 🙂
My Dearest Frau and Friend,
Gosh! I am away for 4 years… Balancing my life with God’s will… And your gone when I return to finish my studies!
It is heart-breaking, yet, rejoicing that you are finally at a place where you can tend to those darling grandchildren! I’m thinking they are quite the hand full now!
So thankful to have known you and fallen into your strong determined teaching hands… You were one of my greatest blessings in coming to Baylor. What a great person to be able to see through my failures and help me overcome my medical and educational disabilities… You are an amazing soul… God bless you and good speed on all your endeavors… In my heart and prayers… You are honored and loved!