Friday Knight Alumni Spotlight Q&A
Tell us about yourself. Where you live now, career, and/or family news. What have you been up to since you left Geneseo?
I have been teaching high school since I graduated in 1972 until the present. Originally in Kentucky (USA) and Western Australia for 5 years before returning to Virginia (USA) for 2 and a half years before travelling back to Western Australia, where I am currently still teaching, coming up on 50 years. Many senior and leadership roles in the schools I worked but always found my calling in teaching and renown for success with difficult boys which is necessary in today's educational landscape. I also had the opportunity to teach in China as part of my contract in Australia. I married another 1972 graduate - Janine Schmidt McCoy - at the College Interfaith Center in August 1974. We are still currently married with 5 children and 3 grandchildren. We travel back to the USA every few years when possible and always pay a visit to the old college even though I currently live as far away as possible.
What motivates you to work hard?
My upbringing was difficult and I like to share with young people that they can be successful even if everything seems against you.
What trait do you like most about yourself?
Honesty
Who are your heroes in real life?
Willie Mays, western heroes like Davy Crockett and medal of Honor winners
What are you passionate about?
My grandchildren, Baseball
Are you related or distantly related to anyone famous?
McCoy's in the McCoy Hatfield feud
If you could go back in time, what year would you travel to and why?
1968 - start of my college career
What kitchen appliance do you use every day?
coffee machine
Who is your favorite author?
Peter Fitzsimons
What was your favorite class or professor at Geneseo?
Philosophy classes