How old are you? 72 /Senior%20of%20the%20Month/Ann%20Lippel3.jpg "Ann Lippel")
Where were you born? Bronx, New York
When did you move to Montclair? 1977
Why did you move to Montclair? My husband and I were attracted to the walkable streets, the easy commute to NYC (where we both were working at the time), and the Montclair Schools for our sons.
Are you currently employed? If so, doing what? If you had a career, what was it? I am retired now. A few years after we moved to Montclair, I switched my employment location to New Jersey where I worked in NJ college administration for 30 years - first at New Jersey institute of Technology (NJIT) as the Director of Distance Learning and then at University of Medicine and Dentistry as the Director of Web Communications and On-line Learning. It was very exciting to be involved in the forefront of these cross-disciplinary applications where computer science and communications were becoming intertwined. This involvement was especially significant since a well-meaning CCNY science professor in my undergraduate days discouraged me from pursuing a career in science. She warned me that a woman’s pathway to success in a science field was more than difficult at that time. So, I pursued my other passion, English Language & Literature, and started a teaching career in that discipline. My career path switched to college administration at NJIT where fortune placed me in an environment where e-learning development was in its infancy. Here, at the intersection of technology and communications, my undergraduate dream to pursue a career in science was somewhat fulfilled.
How are you currently engaged in the community? I am serving my second term as the Chair of the Montclair Senior Citizens Advisory Committee (SCAC) where I have been a Board Member for seven years. I am also a Board Member of the Connections at Home health organization which has been innovatively using technology (IPads & Computers) to electronically link physically isolated seniors to supportive services and social connections. I folk dance regularly, participate in two book groups, vigorously walk in Montclair’s lovely parks, listen to music, and try to keep up with dear friends. I also volunteer at my synagogue, Congregation Shomrei Emunah… when I have a spare moment.
What is your mantra or words you live by? Make a difference!
What are some of the most important lessons you feel you have learned throughout your life? My father taught me to never underestimate the complexity of a problem. In pursuit of most of life’s goals, you will experience disappointment, obstacles and surprises; the trick is to enlist your problem-solving skills to find a way through to the other side.
What are your plans for future? How does Montclair fit into these plans? I hope to complete my term as SCAC Chair in 2019 and then take a long vacation. After that, I am sure a new opportunity for making a difference will show itself to me.