05/18/2026
Shared from the EC Clan page--Created by alumni for alumni.
Farewell President Lindsay
By Patrick "Rocky" Carr '78
——————-
’Twas the end of the semester, and all through the quad,
Not a student was studying — which seemed slightly odd.
The books were abandoned, the papers delayed,
For word had spread quickly: a legend would fade.
For soon from his office, with bounce in his stride,
Would retire President Lindsay, with Janna beside.
And what made the sight that none could ignore?
Those size 12 purple high-top Converse sneakers we all adore.
They squeaked down the hallway with confident flair,
Paired proudly with purple and gold striped farmer jeans beyond compare.
A fashion statement? A mystery? Perhaps just his style —
But no president ever dressed quite so versatile.
Now Janna, his partner, his compass, his grace,
Brought steady calm to this colorful place.
When Chuck appeared dressed in something quite loud,
Janna would smile… though perhaps not too proud.
Then into the office came staff one by one,
Each bringing their own brand of campus fun.
First swept in Sydney, dramatic and bright,
A Marilyn Monroe look-alike in glamorous light.
With high-fashion flair and a confident swing,
You half expected violins… or a wind machine.
Next came the rumble that turned every head —
Paula Lee, sports car roared so they said.
Flashy and polished, it gleamed in the sun,
As if the Daytona 500 had suddenly begun.
Meanwhile, arriving with loyalty profound,
Came alumni faithful from miles around.
Tim Pierce with devotion that never ran thin,
Jamie Redmond who always knew where to begin.
And Lauretta Steenburg, steadfast and true,
An alum who bled purple through and through.
Through reunions and meetings and calls late at night,
They followed Chuck Lindsay with loyal delight.
But deeper than style or traditions held dear,
Was his love for the people who gathered each year.
For faculty wisdom and students so bright,
For staff who kept everything running just right.
For alumni returning with stories to share,
His pride in Elmira was always right there.
And out on the sidelines, in all weather and span,
Stood Elmira College’s number one fan.
Through wins and through losses, through cold winds that bite,
Cheering the Soaring Eagles with all of their might.
From the first whistle blown to the last fading cheer,
Their spirit and pride echoed year after year.
But legends aren’t measured in memos or rules —
They’re measured in moments… and occasional fools.
Like the Christmas banquet poem he’d proudly recite,
His version of The Night Before Christmas, a campus delight.
Where trustees were reindeer pulling the sleigh,
And finals were troubles that Santa took away.
Students would laugh and faculty grin,
As Chuck played St. Nicholas… sneakers tucked in.
And now as this April Fool’s story must close,
We pause for a moment before campus life flows.
For presidents come, and presidents go,
But few leave behind such a colorful show.
The laughter, the stories, the style and the cheer
Have brightened Elmira for many a year.
So here’s to Chuck Lindsay, both bold and sincere,
Who led with good humor year after year.
And here’s to Janna, who stood by his side,
Through fashion adventures both daring and wide.
But most of all — as the sun sets just right —
We salute those purple high-top Converse in sight.
For someday a student may walk down the hall
And swear they still hear those sneakers call…
A squeak on the tile, a confident stride —
Chuck Lindsay and purple sneakers… walking with pride.
Farewell, President Lindsay.
You leave behind big shoes to fill…
