Phillip C. Williams, Jr. – 50th Reunion Essay

Phillip C. Williams, Jr.

1104 Greenskeeper Way

Centerville, Ohio 45458

pcwjrmd@gmail.com

937-657-5622

Spouse(s): Bonnie Williams (1980)

Child(ren): Peter (1988)

Education: Columbia, MD 1973

Career: General and vascular surgery (30 years)

Avocations: Model trains, travelling, German language, golf

College: Calhoun (Hopper)

At first I wasn’t going to write anything. I am not particularly witty and I don’t like talking about myself. But then I decided that my experience at Yale had a significant impact on the shaping of my character, and I wanted my classmates to know how much I appreciated the fellowship we created. I also wanted my immediate family (wife and son) to gain more insight about my college experience from these recollections I am about to share.

It was a privilege to be a Yale student; I enjoyed every minute I spent on campus. I was particularly impressed by the honesty, integrity, work ethic, and ability of my classmates. I found many members of our class to be warm, friendly, and interesting people. I enjoyed the conversations we had over dinner. Someone once remarked to me, “You will never again be surrounded by so many talented people in such a small space for the rest of your life.” With the exception of my wife, he was probably right! My point is that our Yale community was truly amazing.

I think that the Yale experience shaped the strength of my character. I learned the value of hard work. It fueled my ambitions. It cemented a modicum of self-esteem at a time when uncertainty could have threatened my aspirations. It gave me the self-confidence to keep fighting and the resolve to complete the task at hand, no matter how difficult. These principles guided me throughout my career in surgery and in life situations as well.

I value our reunions. My recollection of Yale is inseparable from my memories of our class. I returned to Yale a few years after graduation to attend a football game; it just wasn’t the same. I was surrounded by people I didn’t know; I became nostalgic. I want my classmates to know how much I genuinely appreciated their irreplaceable companionship.

I am retired now after a 30-year career in surgery. I enjoy retirement, because it has given me the freedom to spend time with my family and to explore other (non-career) avenues. It feels like I have restored balance to a life once dominated by career concerns. I am a better person, because retirement has allowed me to gain a new perspective on my life and friendships. I am fortunate to be blessed with this opportunity. I look forward to our 50th reunion!