Interview: Maj. Jim H. Massey, Jr.

Jim, tell us about your Dickinson experience.
It was my late wife, Madelyn McDade Massey ’68, who was the Dickinsonian in our marriage. She grew up in Philadelphia and when she went to college, her father said, “You need to go to a school where you can have a real college experience.” Madelyn chose Dickinson because of the reputation for excellence in the liberal arts and the variety of activities that were offered to her as a student.

While at Dickinson, Madelyn participated in all types of activities, including chapel choir, theater and Greek life. She loved the experience of getting to know a lot of people from a variety of backgrounds, and truly enjoyed her Dickinson experience.

Can you tell us how Dickinson’s liberal arts education helped Madelyn in her life?
Madelyn went on to graduate school after Dickinson. She received a full scholarship to Drexel University and earned a master’s degree in library science. Madelyn returned to Dickinson to serve on the faculty as a humanities instructor and reference librarian. She enjoyed teaching students how to effectively go about their research in the library.

Madelyn also served as a reference librarian at Penn State Harrisburg, Fredericksen Library and Harrisburg Area Community College, where she taught for more than 20 years before retiring.

Madelyn sang with a variety of musical groups on campus and loved to participated in college activities with her students. She was a freshman counselor and got to know the students personally. She liked to listen to them talk about their life in college, and their goals for the future.

Jim, what inspired your gift to Dickinson?
Madelyn and I were both aware that she would not have been able to make it through her years at Dickinson without some help from scholarship funding. This is why I give back to the college. I want other students to have the same opportunities we did.

In Madelyn’s memory, I established the Madelyn C. ’69 and James H. Massey Jr. Scholarship Fund. I want students in the future to have the opportunity to attend Dickinson College and pursue a liberal arts education. I want them to be challenged academically and enjoy participating in any of the campus activities that interest them. I may not be a Dickinson graduate, but I have enjoyed meeting Dickinson students through Madelyn’s lifetime, and I’m continually impressed by their commitment and ambition.

Why is it important to give back to the college?
I count myself blessed. Madelyn and I both benefitted from an excellent education. I have a beautiful family, deep faith and many interests. Providing a scholarship at Dickinson College is one way I can remember Madelyn and influence the next generation. I enjoy knowing I’ve made a difference through philanthropy not only at Dickinson College, but also at nearby Shippensburg University and through my church. I plan to leave a legacy that is bigger than just myself and my own interests. Who knows what these students will go on to accomplish, and I’m proud to be a part of that.

What is one piece of advice you would give to today’s students?
Madelyn was a lover of theater, singing, music and travel. While at Dickinson, my wife participated in numerous musical ensembles and theater productions and was a member of the Chapel Choir, Seven Sisters, Tau Pi Chi, Pi Delta Phi, Wheel and Chain, Zeta Tau Alpha sorority and the Blue Hat Society. I would suggest today’s students indulge their interests and try out a few new ones. Dickinson is the perfect place to explore and learn.