The Chase Family has a Strong Passion for Springfield College
At right, Fred '74 and Linda '74 Chase.
By: Damon Markiewicz
For Fred '74 and Linda '74 Chase, Springfield College not only represents the cornerstone of their academic achievements, but it also symbolizes their commitment to building a beautiful life and family together. They represent a legacy family that includes more than three generations of alumni, and they stay focused on supporting the College on many different levels.
As Fred and Linda returned to campus this past June to celebrate their 50th reunion year, it was the perfect time for the couple to reflect on the fact that they have made it a point to attend every one of their reunion anniversary years starting at year five.
“We love going back and enjoying the reunion weekends,” described Fred. “We have always been active with our class in helping with event planning and fundraising efforts. We had a great turnout of classmates coming back to campus this year for Reunion. Our class has always found it very important to stay connected and give back.”
Fred and Linda have made it a life-long commitment to pay it forward and give back to the College. They've made it a priority to contribute to the College for more than five decades. They are proud members of the Springfield College 1885 Society, which recognizes individuals who have included the College in their estate plans, and the David Allen Reed Society for leadership donors. Their longevity in supporting the College represents an authentic belief in what they feel makes the College so special.
“It’s not just about the education you receive, it’s living the mission and staying committed to providing service to others. It really is a lifestyle,” explained Linda. “Springfield College always feels like home to us. The connections we established as students have only grown stronger over the years. It has always felt like we were both meant to be there.”
As both Fred and Linda share their story, there are many examples to back up the ideology that they were destined to be a part of the Springfield College legacy. For Fred, his dad, Elwin W. Chase ’40, is a proud alumnus, who would have a long-standing career with the YMCA.
“I knew at a very young age that I wanted to go to Springfield College,” explained Fred. “I would say by 13 or 14 years old; I had my mind set on attending Springfield College. I remember going to my dad’s 25th reunion on campus, and thinking to myself, this is where I want to be.”
In addition to his dad, Fred has two older sisters who both attended Springfield College. Siblings Marilyn E. Chase Campbell ’67, and Barbara E. Chase Dietrich ’70, flourished on Alden Street. Marilyn’s husband, William F. Campbell ’67, and Barbara’s husband Richard Dietrich ’50, are also proud alums. So, by the time Fred was ready to enroll, he had more than enough family support reinforcing that his decision was the correct one.
“It was just a natural fit for me coming to Springfield,” explained Fred. “Having the family connections was very helpful, but I also felt very comfortable in knowing Springfield College was right for me. Growing up, I saw the positive impact the College had on our family.”
For Linda, it was her high school swim team coach during her days living on Long Island that inspired her to choose Springfield College. Following Fred and Linda’s first year on campus, Linda went back home to Long Island and checked in with the very same swim coach that recommended Springfield College. It was during this conversation that provided another example that it was fate that had Linda and Fred arriving together on Alden Street.
“I was talking with my swim coach again about how my first year went on campus, and I explained that I had met a guy from a small town in upstate New York," explained Linda. "She asked what his name was, and I explained his name was Fred Chase. And she went, ‘not Freddie Chase?’”
As it turns out, Linda’s swim coach was college roommates for three years at Springfield College with Fred’s oldest sister Marilyn.
As their student years continued on campus, Fred and Linda both would find their comfort zones. Linda was enjoying her time as a student-athlete majoring in Physical Education. Fred was very active in intramural activities, he was sport’s editor for the student newspaper, and student manager of the food service in Cheney Hall. Fred also enrolled as a Physical Education major before transferring to Community Leadership and Development, and focusing in on his desire to follow in his dad’s footsteps and work for the YMCA.
“With my dad attending Springfield College and making the YMCA his career, that’s all I knew growing up,” explained Fred. “We vacationed at the Silver Bay YMCA in upstate New York, I attended YMCA Camp Dudley (#10171) on Lake Champlain, N.Y., which is the oldest summer camp in the country. I just developed a strong passion for the YMCA and the spirit, mind, and body triangle.”
Following graduation in 1974, Fred followed his dad’s leadership and started his YMCA professional career. It would be a journey that would include serving as program director for the YMCA of Greater New York, transitioning to Youth and Family Program director for the New Britian-Berlin YMCA, followed by serving as branch executive for the YMCA of Greater Rochester. All of these accomplishments would occur during a 19-year span.
“The YMCA was my dad’s calling. We grew up with that, so it was natural that I ended up having a similar passion,” explained Fred. “It was special to be able to work for the YMCA, and I appreciated being a part of that tradition.”
Following graduation for Linda, she earned a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Counseling, and got certified in teaching special education. She would go on to teach special education at Penfield High School in Penfield, N.Y., for more than 22 years.
“Our family values have always been about giving back, and Fred and I both had careers where we were helping others,” described Linda. “Just like everything we learned about living the mission at Springfield College, we have always stayed true to giving back and supporting people.”
The natural alignment between the Chase family values and the Humanics philosophy continued on when Fred and Linda’s children decided that Springfield College was their institution of choice. Their son, Eric R. Chase ’99, and daughter, Robin B. Chase Abraham ’01, G’03, both experienced a Springfield College education. Robin’s husband, Ryan Abraham, G’02, is also a proud alumnus. Eric and Robin enjoyed careers as students-athletes competing in volleyball. Not only were Eric and Robin enjoying the sport of volleyball, but Fred and Linda were also getting their certifications to become NCAA volleyball officials and scorekeepers.
“Both of our kids enjoyed the Springfield College experience, and playing volleyball. Coach Joel Dearing (’79) had such a positive impact on their student experiences,” explained Linda. “Our involvement with officiating and scorekeeping for volleyball started around the time Robin was in college, and it was just recently that we decided it was time to retire from that as well.”
The impact that the College had on Eric and Robin was similar to the effect the College had on Fred and Linda. It’s the family belief that it’s quality people that make for a special community.
“Our kids have carried on the family values of helping people,” said Linda. “Our son is a lawyer (after graduating Boston College Law School in 2002), looking out for people. As well, our daughter earned a master's in Business from the University of Connecticut in 2011. She works for Kate Farms, a company that provides specialized plant-based nutritional drinks and medical shakes for all-ages, pediatrics, adults, and seniors. Both Eric and Robin provide a very welcoming environment in their personal lives as well. Their homes have a revolving door with the neighborhood kids coming in and out. It’s that lifestyle our family believes in, and it’s centered around building connections with people.”
And as Fred and Linda continue to cherish all of the great memories that Springfield College has provided to their family, they have a genuine belief in always staying connected with their classmates, and they stay loyal to their beloved adopted home.
“If you have a belief in helping people, the Springfield College experience will take you as far as you want to go,” described Fred. “Springfield becomes part of you. Linda and I always believe in the school and what it stands for. The experiences on campus have had such a positive impact on our entire family, and we are always proud to support the College anyway we can.”
