Rachel (Ray) Levy
I met Iris, like many HMC faculty, through the Critchell professorship, and subsequent work with Iris on the aero scholarships. We became closer when the Critchell professors delivered Sunday dinners over the last year of Critch’s life so that Iris could get out to fly then come home to dinner and some company. Over time Iris and I worked closely together on the Bates reunions and other special occasions. We also wrote down her stories for the HMC Aero Library collection.
Iris frequently expressed her hope that future Mudders would understand why there’s an Aviation Room in the cafeteria, and how the values and practices in the Bates program are at the core of an HMC education. Learning to fly wasn’t about controlling an airplane or travelling efficiently. It was about developing the combination of mental, physical and communication skills that could serve students throughout their lives, combined with the support of a family-like community and a good dose of humility+humor.
Though she was not a librarian, Iris spent decades collecting artifacts of the HMC Bates aeronautics program and related Southern California aviation history. She had lived it and knew most of the characters. She loved showing new scholarship recipients this collection and introducing them to the people that their scholarships were named after. While there probably won’t be a library at Mudd, I think there are some great ways that students can continue to explore HMC’s Aero collection, which has been cataloged by Michael Palmer and is located at the Claremont Colleges Library. By sharing what they learn at HMC, they can connect ideas from Bates and the origins of the college with the current community.
Iris impressed upon others who wanted to present her with accolades that her achievements were possible because she was well prepared by her parents and in the right place at the right time. We also know how diligently she worked to continue that preparation and share it forward.
When mapping became electronic, she continued her preparation by purchasing an iPad. She enlisted several folks to help her set it up and put it through it’s paces. My job was to deal with the login and associated security questions. After entering her birthyear as 1920, it asked her to enter her first car. Iris laughed and responded, “That’s not a security question. Everyone’s first car was a Ford!”
One of my favorite recent memories from her 103rd year was on a visit when Iris wanted to take a walk. She dragged her walker behind her to the door with me laughing and exclaining “I don’t think that’s how the walker is supposed to work!” I was supposed to be watching out for her but at one point when I thought we had stopped for a short rest and to admire some flowers I decided to take a picture. When I looked up she had taken off down the block – so I have a picture of her leaving me in the dust and having to run to catch up.
Swimming in the Iris’s backyard pool was always a treat – it took me years to get up the courage to ask permission. The swims into her 103rd year always included a lesson about the weather and flight paths of planes spotted overhead. In these later years I have been privileged to get to know Iris’s children, Sandie and Robin, and longtime caregiver Becky.
Many have shared how Iris continues to be present in their lives through their thoughts and work. In our family a tradition is that when we see a small plane we wave and say, “Hi Iris!” Now my grandkids do it and they never even met her!
Thanks to everyone sharing memories. I am working with the college to make good on my promise to the Bates’ers and other friends of the program to collect their stories into a volume. There will be a place to share photos and a way to submit whole chapters. More on this after we celebrate Iris’s life this Spring. Look forward to seeing you then.
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