Sandy Asendorf grew up in a musical family. Her father taught band, then orchestra. Sandy played piano, trumpet and violin. Music was the plan, and for most of her professional life, it was the path. Then came a career change later in life that her high-school self had always dreamt about.
Sandy had known since her candy striper days, volunteering at a local hospital every week, that medicine pulled at her. When it finally got its chance, Sandy ran with it. She finally became the nurse she always wanted to be. Later in life, she found a community at Beatitudes Campus that hasn’t stopped cheering her on.
The Violin Came First. Then the Stethoscope.
By senior year of high school, Sandy knew she wanted to be a nurse or a doctor. Her parents had other ideas. A full-ride scholarship for applied violin settled the debate, and Sandy went on to earn a bachelor’s degree followed by a master’s in music theory and composition.
“When I finished my degrees, I was married, had a son and a second son on the way,” she said. “I never really wanted to teach, but after moving from Kansas to Phoenix, I decided I needed to get a job.”
Sandy picked up her education hours at Arizona State University and spent more than a decade teaching string music to fourth through eighth graders. Along the way, she divorced and remarried.
Her medical dream got quiet but never disappeared. Sandy’s second husband was a doctor, and something shifted. “My desire to go into the medical field came roaring back,” she said. The idea of going back to school as an adult no longer felt impossible.
All Those Years Teaching Patience Were Practice
Sandy enrolled in a nursing program and earned her associate degree. She passed her state boards and stepped into a high-risk labor and delivery RN role. The career she had imagined in high school was finally hers.
She took to her new career immediately. “I loved my job!” Sandy said. Her parents, who had retired and moved to Phoenix by the time she started nursing school, came around, too. So did her longtime colleagues.
The music teachers who had watched her make the leap were skeptical at first, but not for long. “I’m sure my friends probably thought I’d lost my mind when I told them what my plans were, but they ended up being very supportive.” She still has lunch with them once a month.
What made changing careers later in life work for Sandy wasn’t just determination. It was the unexpected transfer of skills she had spent years building. Teaching strings, it turns out, is a master class in patience.
“Expectant mothers aren’t always cool, calm and collected,” she said. “Being a string music teacher requires a lot of patience. This undoubtedly helped me when I became a nurse.”
She Finished Two Careers. Now She’s Chasing New Opportunities.
Sandy and her husband, Al, moved to Beatitudes Campus four days before Christmas, already knowing they were coming home to familiar faces. Friends from their church, the Volunteer Nonprofit Service Association and members of her P.E.O. Sisterhood chapter were already living here.
Even so, the warmth of the community caught them off guard. “What probably surprises us the most about the campus is how friendly everyone is. It’s wonderful!” she said. “We have felt so welcomed here. That, in itself, makes it easier to join groups and take classes.”
The spring brought a beginning Spanish class, which Sandy and Al both loved. The couple spends their summers in Munds Park, but come fall, Sandy has her eye on getting more involved in gardening and finding a sewing group. More lifelong learning classes are already on her radar.
“Living at Beatitudes Campus has made both Al and me realize how many interests we have in learning new things,” Sandy said. “The Spanish class was just the beginning. We look forward to all of the new opportunities.”
For Sandy, the openness to what comes next is exactly what a second act looks like. “Living in a retirement community is definitely not a way to slow down, unless that’s what you want. You can be as busy as you want, or not at all. It’s up to you,” she said. “Second act to me means I still have time to learn. I still have time to make new friends. I’m not at the end of my road.”
Beatitudes Campus: Where Second Acts Thrive
For anyone who has wondered whether a career change for older adults is possible, Sandy is proof. Going back to school later in life didn’t diminish what came before. It completed it.
Second acts look different for everyone. At Beatitudes Campus, they’re welcome in every form.
To learn more about our bold and bright retirement lifestyle, call (602) 833-1358 or plan your personal tour.
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Many coming-out conversations take years of buildup and minutes to unravel. Clair Shields had hers at 89, and it was over quickly in a hug.
Then known as Charlie, Clair told Leona, her wife of 56 years, that she was transgender. “The first question she asked me was, ‘Does this mean you’re a lesbian?’ And I said, ‘I’m a lesbian.’ We laughed and hugged, and that was it.”
Now 91 with pink stripes in her hair, Clair avoids the word ‘change’ and is quick to push back on the idea that the moment required bravery.
“When you’re transgender, you’re that from birth. I didn’t change, and it wasn’t courage. I just became completely aware of who I really am,” she said. “I’m comfortable now. I would not be comfortable any other way.”
Leona had known Clair as Charlie for decades. The couple met when Leona was 23 and Clair was 33 through a chance encounter in the waiting room of a counselor they shared.
“Whether she was Clair or Charlie, there was always a sensitivity, always a certain softness. A concern for people who may have had a hard time in society,” Leona said. “It didn’t matter who the person was, whether they were famous or lived on the street. She was always open to people, wherever they came from. I think that’s part of what we’ve always shared.”
Clair built a chiropractic practice in Chico and Beverly Hills, California, working with celebrity clients and the American Ballet. Leona’s career spanned roles as a nurse practitioner, women’s health, and maternal and child health, licensed marriage and family therapist, and a role with the California Department of Public Health in Sacramento.
The couple ended up in Phoenix after spending years helping care for their daughter’s son, who required around-the-clock care. When he died, they stayed in a nearby condo to be close to their daughter, son-in-law and 13-year-old grandson.
Leona was frequently traveling back and forth from Sacramento, and the arrangement wasn’t sustainable. They did most things together, including home improvement projects, until age made some of those things less practical.
“At 91, Clair isn’t able to do all the things we used to do together,” Leona said. “That’s part of where Beatitudes Campus fits in. There’s no maintenance. You don’t have to change the air filters. They’ll do it for us.”
Testing the Waters, Finding a Home
Clair and Leona moved to Beatitudes Campus four months ago. They decided to start with a rental apartment rather than a patio home, testing the waters before fully committing. Leona held back at first, checking in from a distance to see how Clair was settling in.
“I wanted to see how she did,” Leona said. “And I think it’s been a wonderful place for Clair. For both of us, honestly. I’m now part of the community.”
Clair has found her footing in exercise classes, a free-thinkers discussion group and the buzz of daily campus life. The women’s breakfast group welcomed her without hesitation. “I saw them all sitting there, and they just invited me to join them,” Clair said. “I really felt honored.”
She describes a community full of people with remarkable histories: a former prosecuting attorney, a retired judge and a longtime opinion writer for the Arizona Republic. “We have some very bright people here,” she said.
Leona still travels occasionally between Beatitudes Campus and their Sacramento condo but spends more and more time on campus. “It has a real sense of community. You can go into the Town Plaza Bistro to eat, sit with different people and find out about their background,” she said. “There are physical activities, enrichment activities and music. We’re also about to start classes through the Lifelong Learners program.”
A Community That Gets It, And Gives Grace When It Doesn’t
For LGBTQ seniors, that safety isn’t something to take for granted. Inclusive senior living at Beatitudes Campus shows up in how the community communicates, programs, hires, trains and supports residents, team members and visitors.
One of the first questions Clair asked their sales representative was, “I’m transgender. Is that a problem?” The answer was no. And it hasn’t been.
Team members have approached Clair with curiosity rather than discomfort, asking how she’d like to be addressed. Even Leona occasionally gets the pronouns mixed up after 56 years of habit.
“One of the breakfast ladies said to me, ‘I’ve heard you say ‘he’ a couple of times and then ‘she,’” Leona said. “And I go, ‘Yeah, I get it mixed up.’”
Clair takes it in stride. “It’s OK. For 50 years, that’s what she knew my name as. I tell people my legal name is Charles, my preferred name is Clair, my pronouns are she and her, and I’ll answer to whatever you’re comfortable with.”
Where Late-in-Life Means Right on Time
Transitioning later in life means navigating a world that doesn’t always have a road map ready. For LGBTQ older adults who came of age when their identities were criminalized or pathologized, the path to living openly is rarely simple. Leona has watched this unfold at Beatitudes Campus in ways that go beyond Clair’s story.
“People didn’t feel safe or didn’t think it was acceptable in their family or their community,” she said. “Later, as they get more mature, they reach a point where they want to acknowledge who they really are.”
That point, for many Beatitudes Campus residents, has come here. Others have shared their own late-in-life realizations, such as coming out as gay or lesbian, or navigating major identity shifts after decades of marriage. The campus makes space for everyone.
“I feel safe. I feel comfortable wearing a dress, skirt, pants or whatever I want to wear,” Clair said. “It just hasn’t been a problem.”
Clair uses estrogen patches and testosterone blockers; transition surgery wasn’t on the table at her age. What hasn’t changed is her sense of humor. She and her daughter are, as she sees it, going through life’s changes in parallel, just in opposite directions.
“My daughter is going through menopause and I’m going through adolescence. I told her, ‘You’re having warmings and I’m having emotional outbreaks.’”
At Beatitudes Campus, every resident brings a lifetime of living. Explore more stories of older adults who are aging boldly and living brightly on their own terms.
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Peter and Judy moved to Beatitudes Campus on their own terms, years before their sons, Todd and Jay, ever needed to weigh in. “My parents have always valued their independence and wanted to be as little of a burden as possible on us,” Todd said. “They decided well before we would have to decide anything ourselves.”
Shortly after moving in, Todd’s father was diagnosed with a form of Alzheimer’s. The timing of the move, just before the 2020 lockdown, proved critical. Peter had a safe, supportive environment as his condition progressed, and Judy had a community around her and access to resources to help her prepare for what was ahead.
It wasn’t easy, Todd said, but it was the best possible situation. His father passed away in early 2024, and today, Todd has no doubt his mother will continue being well cared for, whatever the future holds.
Judy had the freedom to grieve at her own pace, with no pressure to join activities before she was ready. Her friends were there when she wanted company and gave her space when she needed it. When she was ready, she showed up fully. She took up darts and started mentoring new residents, including a couple in which one spouse had dementia.
“She is able to lean on her good circle of friends and be a shoulder for them as well,” Todd said. “I love that they lift each other up and enrich each other’s lives and focus on the positive.”
Through everything, Judy’s life stayed anchored to what has always mattered most to her, including learning, kindness and values that run deep throughout Beatitudes Campus.
“I enjoy the fact that everything my mother and my family hold as important – humanity, equity, social justice and being a good neighbor – is important to so many people in the community,” he said.
Todd isn’t worried about his mother anymore and doesn’t need to be. Despite so many things having changed in Judy’s life, it has not changed much. And that’s a good thing.
“Beatitudes Campus will allow your loved one to be who they are and live how they would like to live,” he said. “They can do so with their own will, their own comfort and their own independence for as long as they can.”
Learn about the lifestyle that allows residents to bloom at Beatitudes Campus. We invite you to connect with our team or schedule a personal visit to see what makes our community so special.
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For many LGBTQ+ older adults, home isn’t just about where to live but how to live. With limited gay senior living and LGBTQ assisted living options available, many are searching not just for safety but for a community that embraces their identity. A place where they can live openly, authentically and feel a sense of belonging. And for residents Ann Shannon, Conrad Egge and Sharon Dewey, that place is Beatitudes Campus.
As one of the most welcoming and diverse retirement communities in the region, inclusion and acceptance are part of our foundation. Whether it’s celebrating Pride Month with drag queen bingo or creating events that include everyone, the culture at Beatitudes Campus is one where residents are seen, respected and free to share their whole selves without explanation.
With an estimated 2.7 million LGBT adults age 50+ in the U.S. — and 1.1 million age 65+ — this population is growing, and so is the need for spaces that honor those identities. To celebrate Pride Month, we spoke with Ann, Conrad and Sharon about their journeys, reflections and what it means to live authentically at Beatitudes Campus.
Ann Shannon: ‘All belong here.’
Ann moved to Beatitudes Campus in January 2025, and from the start, she felt the genuine hospitality of a diverse elderly group that embraced her without hesitation.
“I received a couple of notes from residents on my door welcoming me,” she said. “Several people, seeing my name badge, mentioned they knew I was the new person in the building. Most people speak whenever they see other residents — even if they don’t know them.”
For Ann, inclusivity goes beyond pleasantries. She noticed many non-LGBTQ residents proudly wearing rainbow-colored stickers on their badges. “I’m unaware of anyone who seems to care if I am gay,” she added. “To me, that is inclusive and accepting.”
What impresses her are the Beatitudes Campus events reflecting this inclusive culture. “There will be a bingo party in June presented by a well-known Phoenix drag queen – a celebration of who we are,” she said.
Her advice for others researching lesbian retirement communities? Ask the tough questions. “If possible, visit several places. Ask if they are LGBTQ-friendly and accepting. If they don’t understand the question or seem uncomfortable with it, you probably shouldn’t move there.”
Conrad Egge: ‘It’s home. I feel a real sense of belonging.’
When Conrad, and his partner, Bob — together for 33 years — chose Beatitudes Campus, they did so knowing it was one of the most inclusive communities in Phoenix.
“We knew that Beatitudes was gay-friendly. So it was a no-brainer,” said Conrad, who moved in March 2020. “Being a gay man here is not a big deal. I have not once had anyone be unkind to my face.”
Bob’s health declined soon after the move, and he eventually transitioned from independent living to assisted living and memory care. “I don’t know how I, or we, could have managed that decline living in our private residence,” Conrad said. “Difficult as it was, I’m sure Bob found it more helpful as well.”
Conrad found healing and friendship in the community, building a stronger social network than he had ever known. “I decided I needed to get out, make friends, do things and volunteer for tasks that I could do. And that’s exactly what I did,” he said. “I’ve made many friends who I meet for dinner at Elaine’s or Buckwald’s or coffee. Or we’ll go for walks or to their homes.”
When asked what makes Beatitudes Campus special, Conrad didn’t hesitate: “What’s unusual about this place is the people. Diversity is encouraged and fostered. We have a diverse staff and residents, and a lot of them are gay.”
To those considering a move, he offered this advice: “You should come here when you’re doing well, not when you may have to go in and go right to bed. Come when you can still spend time connecting with the community.”
Sharon Dewey: ‘It is a perfect place for me.’
Sharon and Nan, her wife of nearly 50 years, began looking at senior living options three years before she made the move. “The comment I most often hear is, ‘Oh, I’m not ready for that yet.’ But we started early so I could live authentically in a safe, friendly place accepting of all faiths, where everyone belongs.”
When Sharon arrived at Beatitudes Campus in April 2024, she immediately felt the community’s inclusive vibe. “I was made welcome long before I even moved in,” she shared. “Sara and Ray from the marketing team invited me to events, and when I got here, there was a newcomers’ gathering, neighbors stopped by, residents greeted me and everyone made me feel at home.”
Sadly, Nan passed away in 2023 but the heartfelt reception Sharon received after moving to Beatitudes Campus was healing. “When I told people my wife died, I could feel their compassion. I was never made to feel any different because I had a wife instead of a husband,” she said. “Many people here have gone through extremely painful losses. Talking with others who understand has helped me manage the pain.”
Sharon chose Beatitudes Campus for its safe environment, vibrant energy, and abundant social opportunities that keep her active and engaged. “The events are so well done and organized,” she said. “There’s always something fun to do and plenty of options to choose from.”
From educational workshops (like learning to play the ukulele or mastering her iPhone) to concerts, movie nights, themed street parties and lively social hours, Sharon dives into it all. One of her favorite campus events was Oktoberfest, complete with brats and German beer.
She also loves staying active with power walks, aquatic classes and workouts in the fitness center. And when it comes to off-campus adventures, Sharon’s taken full advantage, enjoying scenic cruises on both Lake Pleasant and Canyon Lake.
Her experience is proof that being part of a community that honors senior living diversity means gaining a life full of energy and connection. “Beatitudes Campus is not a perfect place, but it is a perfect place for me. I’m happy here.”
Living Out Loud: Pride, Inclusion and Belonging at Beatitudes Campus
At Beatitudes Campus, senior living diversity shines through in every program, celebration and connection. With visible support for the LGBTQ+ community and a culture rooted in respect, this is what LGBT retirement communities should strive to be.
For those seeking gay retirement communities, or simply a welcoming place to live life out loud, Beatitudes Campus offers a model for the future of aging with pride. This Pride Month, we celebrate Ann, Conrad, Sharon, and every resident who’s helping redefine what it means to age in a community, with courage, love and authenticity.
Interested in learning more? Discover how diverse retirement communities such as Beatitudes Campus are creating spaces where diverse elderly groups can live and thrive together.
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Beatitudes Campus celebrated an incredible milestone this year — 60 years of serving older adults with heart, purpose and community. But we’re not the only ones marking a momentous anniversary. Three resident couples — Harold and Joyce Baldwin, Gary and Barbara Tonkin, and Bob and Lynne Orf — celebrate 60 years of marriage this year. Even more special, they’re all neighbors in our Central Park South apartments.
Each couple has a story filled with love, growth and resilience. Their relationships are a testament to the power of partnership and a reflection of what it means to thrive in community. We chatted with them to learn how they met, what kept their marriages strong and why they chose to make Beatitudes Campus their home.
Harold & Joyce Baldwin: A Love That Spans Generations
For Harold and Joyce Baldwin, May 21 is more than just an anniversary. It’s a family tradition.
“My parents were married on May 21, 1925,” Joyce shared. “Then Harold and I married on May 21. And years later, our daughter and her husband chose May 21. We had three generations in a row that were married on the same date.”
Joyce and Harold met as teenagers at Phoenix College — she was 17, he was 19. Just a year later, they were married and beginning a life together. Like any long marriage, it’s had its ups and downs but was always rooted in partnership. “We worked together,” Joyce said. “That’s the key.”
Joyce remembers hearing about Beatitudes Campus back in 1965 when it was new and making headlines. “When it came time for us to find a place, this was the first community we thought of — and we’re so glad we did.”
Gary & Barbara Tonkin: A Bond Built on Friendship and Patience
Gary and Barbara’s story began at a St. Patrick’s Day party in 1962. The event was organized by a group from Gary’s workplace, featuring music, dancing, and — by chance — a group of nursing students, including Barbara. The two clicked immediately, and just a few years later, in 1965, they tied the knot.
Their first decade of marriage was full speed ahead — three children, two degrees for Gary earned through night school, and Barbara building her career as a nurse specializing in allergy and asthma. “It was busy,” Gary said. “And we couldn’t have done it without Barbara’s support — in both my career and our family.”
Married 60 years on April 24, the Tonkins point to patience, kindness and daily expressions of love as the glue that’s held them together. “Say ‘I love you,’ every day,” they advised. “And never go to bed angry.”
The Tonkins moved to Beatitudes Campus nearly two years ago, drawn by its welcoming community, access to all levels of care and robust calendar of activities. “There’s just so much to do, and we’ve made wonderful friends here,” Gary said. “We even had a dinner party with 16 people to celebrate our anniversary. If we hadn’t moved here, we certainly wouldn’t have had that kind of a crowd.”
Barbara enjoys reading, swimming and chair yoga, while Gary loves playing ping pong, attending exercise classes, helping neighbors and being a caregiver for Barb. “It’s a friendly, active place,” they both agreed. “We feel supported, connected and at home.”
Bob & Lynne Orf: A Lifelong Adventure of Love and Laughter
Bob and Lynne met as students at the University of Colorado Boulder. Lynne knew Bob’s sister first — they lived on the same dorm hall and pledged the same sorority. Bob working in the sorority house kitchen (and his guitar playing) first caught Lynne’s attention. “He was cute,” she said. “Blonde hair, blue eyes and charisma.”
Married for 60 years on Jan. 23, the Orfs have built a life full of family, travel and shared joy. Lynne taught kindergarten and first-grade students for 27 years, while Bob enjoyed a successful career in the heating and cooling industry.
With three children, five grandchildren, and a long list of travel adventures under their belts, including trips to Switzerland and the South Pacific, they say their lasting bond comes down to a few simple things: commitment, kindness, humor and communication.
“We’ve always put family first. That’s the most important thing to us. Everything else is secondary,” Lynne said.
When their kids were getting married, the couple offered honest advice: not every year will be easy — some will be tougher than others — but if you stick with it and keep moving forward, it’s worth it. Their secret? A great sense of humor and plenty of laughter.
The Orfs moved to Beatitudes Campus in October 2024, after being familiar with the community for several years through friends and attending lifelong learning classes. “We felt like we belonged here even before we moved in,” Bob said.
They’ve since taken full advantage of the active lifestyle — tending to their gardening, serving on the new resident welcome committee, and enjoying campus events and programs just steps from their apartment.
“What’s wonderful is you can just walk out of your apartment and go see a movie, a performance or a concert, and then walk home,” Bob said. ““You don’t have to buy tickets and fight the traffic downtown.”
As Beatitudes Campus celebrates its 60th anniversary, the Orfs say it feels meaningful to mark the same milestone — they and the community are thriving together.
“It’s fun to think that Beatitudes Campus was starting when Bob and I were getting started in our marriage,” Lynne said. “Who would’ve thought 60 years ago that we’d be here? But here we are and we’re loving it!”
60 Years of Heart, Home and Happily Ever After
As Beatitudes Campus honors its 60th anniversary, we’re proud to share the celebration with Harold and Joyce, Gary and Barbara, and Bob and Lynne. These couples embody the spirit of community and connection that has defined us for six decades. Their marriages are a reminder that lasting love grows even stronger in the right environment — one filled with friendship, purpose and shared celebration.
Discover more inspiring resident stories and learn about the bright and bold retirement lifestyle they enjoy at Beatitudes Campus.
When Tom and Patty Ware moved into their Patio Home at Beatitudes Campus in June 2024, they brought a lifetime of experiences, adventures and a deeply ingrained commitment to service. Their story is one of resilience, adaptability and a passion for making a difference — qualities that make them an inspiring addition to the community.
A Journey Through Careers and Continents
Both Tom and Patty have taken fascinating paths through life. Patty’s professional journey began with a degree in human development from UMass Amherst. She initially worked with at-risk children but soon realized her true calling was nursing. Her career in cardiac care spanned decades until she retired in early 2006.
Tom’s career was equally dynamic. After starting as an avionics technician with the U.S. Air Force, he transitioned into education, working with special needs children. While teaching, he spent five years attending law school at night. His legal career took him back to active duty with the Air Force as an attorney, and later, he worked for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Tom and Patty’s careers took them across the country, from Texas to Louisiana to Vermont, and along the way, they raised two children who, much like their parents, have embraced change, diverse experiences and the importance of volunteering.
Throughout their lives, the Wares have learned the importance of flexibility. “We both changed careers three times and did so in many different locations,” said Tom. “While it may be easier to deal with the same things and same people, in today’s world we need to be open to dealing with others — in fact, we gain much more when we learn from other people and cultures.”
That openness has carried into their approach to aging. They see the importance of staying engaged, the benefits of volunteerism, continuing to contribute and maintaining meaningful connections.
Giving Back, One Project at a Time
For the Wares, retirement has never meant slowing down. Tom’s involvement with Habitat for Humanity has taken them around the world, including a memorable trip to Nepal, where he and Patty helped build homes for families in need. One moment, in particular, left a lasting impact on him.
Their dedication to service and volunteering for seniors extends beyond international projects. While living in Vermont, Tom helped open the Habitat Restore and spent years collecting donations. Patty, deeply moved by the disparities she witnessed during their travels to Nepal, Peru and Bolivia, has become a steadfast supporter of food banks, both at Beatitudes Campus and in the broader community.
“We’re blessed with reasonably good health and finances, and it is important to share those resources and our time to help make a better world,” Patty said.
Finding a True Community at Beatitudes Campus
Despite their many adventures, the Wares recognize the health benefits of volunteering and importance of belonging. That’s what drew them to Beatitudes Campus.
“Especially since COVID, we notice that when walking around town outside of Beatitudes Campus, so many people are either looking at their phones or avoiding eye contact,” said Tom. “At Beatitudes Campus, people make connections. They stop and say hello. They make eye contact. It truly is a special community where people want to engage with others, regardless of race, gender, religion, politics or health conditions.”
They’ve embraced the community’s active lifestyle, participating in exercise classes, excursions and social gatherings. For them, aging isn’t about slowing down — it’s about making the most of their time and continuing to give back.
Finding Purpose and Connection
Many seniors worry about staying socially active as they age, but the Wares offer this simple advice: Watch less television, get up and get out of your house.
“Greet people and their pets as you walk around the community,” Tom said. “There is great need in today’s world, but the one thing we can do regardless of our finances is give our time and attention to others.”
Tom’s commitment to making a difference extends to the students he encourages to donate blood and volunteer at blood drives. Now in his 49th year as an adjunct professor, he teaches at Vermont State University, where many of his students are the first in their families to attend college. “Having been the first and only person in my family to attend college, I’m constantly reminded of how I can help people attain success in college.”
Lives Well-Lived, Legacies of Kindness
For Tom and Patty, a life well-lived is one filled with purpose, kindness and connection. Their global experiences have only reinforced what they’ve always known: “Even with diverse backgrounds, locations and cultures, we have more in common with other people than we have in differences.”
Reflecting on his years of service, Tom remembers being inspired by President John F. Kennedy’s words: ‘Ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country.’ That sentiment has shaped his life, leading him to serve in the military, government and countless volunteer projects.
Added Patty, “If we could share one piece of advice with future generations, it would be this: Be kind to others, even if they do not appreciate it — you will feel better about yourself.”
With their unwavering commitment to service and connection, Tom and Patty exemplify the spirit of Beatitudes Campus. Their story is a testament to the idea that no matter where life takes you, the greatest benefits to volunteering come from giving back, staying engaged and embracing the community around you.
Hear from other Beatitudes Campus residents who fill their days with passion and purpose.