Ladycliff Remembered, A Personal Journey
Linda Buzzeo Best writes that her book project turned into a personal reflection and a way back to old friends, and asks alumnae to keep the college's story going.
Linda Buzzeo Best, class of 1972, writing on October 2, 2004, about her book on Ladycliff. The responses to her calls for information had been many, each lead adding detail, and the project had become personal as she reconnected with friends and looked at her own development. She closes by opening the journal: since the alumnae are now separated from the college by its closing, this is where they can keep its story going by telling stories and sharing news.
October 2, 2004. My work to write a book about Ladycliff has taken many exciting turns. Responses to my calls for assistance and information have been numerous, reflecting the enthusiasm and generosity of spirit I recall from my years at the College. Each lead brought fascinating detail to the story, which has become more rich and more comprehensive than I ever imagined. At some point, my project went beyond paying a tribute to Ladycliff to become a personal journey. I re-connected with friends, made new friends, reflected on my own story, and came to understand my personal development more fully. We will all agree about how deep our regard for Ladycliff and the Franciscans Sisters is. This sentiment has urged us to keep in touch, to meet regularly, and to support the Sisters. It is important that we continue our College's story, and this journal will allow us to do just that. Now that we are separated from our College experience--in the harshest way possible with its closing--let us re-connect and keep the spirit alive by telling stories and sharing news here.
A few questions
What does Linda Best say happened while writing her book?
She writes that responses to her calls for help were numerous, and each lead added detail. The project moved beyond a tribute to Ladycliff and became personal, as she reconnected with friends, made new ones and came to understand her own development.
What does she ask of alumnae?
After the college's closing, she urges alumnae to reconnect and keep the spirit alive by telling stories and sharing news in the journal. She notes that their regard for Ladycliff and the Franciscan Sisters has led them to meet regularly and support the Sisters.
More from the archive
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A 57-page book by Linda Buzzeo Best, class of 1972, reflecting on Catholic education for women at Ladycliff from 1933 to 1980, issued in a limited run of 300 copies.
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A reader found a handwritten note behind a framed 1905 watercolor and traced it to Ladycliff. She asks the alumnae site what it knows about the booklet, the artist and the building.
ReadCollege historyAbout Ladycliff
A short profile of Ladycliff College: founded in 1933 by the Franciscan Sisters of Peekskill, located beside West Point, and closed in 1980 for financial reasons.
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