LaRock set to retire after 41 Years with the Language Schools

Audrey started with Middlebury in 1981 as the Coordinator of the Chinese School and School of Japanese. In 1986 she transitioned to the School of Spanish. She has worked in many roles with the Language Schools, and has made a lasting impact on the students, faculty, and staff.

Audrey retires as the Assistant Director of graduate programs for the School of Spanish. Audrey has worked with graduate students who are completing their degree over four 6-week summers in Vermont with the option to study in Buenos Aires, Argentina. She also works with graduate students who will study in Madrid, Spain at the Middlebury School in Spain for the academic year.

“Audrey has been the heart and soul of the School of Spanish graduate programs for much of its existence! Many alums and friends of the School told me that her visit to Madrid for the centennial celebration was one of the highlights of the event. It’s hard to imagine Sunderland without Audrey, but I know we all thank her amazing time with us and take some comfort in her plans to stay close by,” said Steve Snyder, Dean of Language Schools.

“Audrey has supported me in my many roles with the Language Schools throughout the 25 years that I’ve been here. Not only is Audrey an awesome colleague with so much institutional knowledge, she is also respected by all who’ve worked with her, a confidant, and a great friend with a great sense of humor,” said Kara Doner, Admissions Systems Specialist.

Director of the School of Spanish, Jacobo Sefamí said, “I met Audrey in 1987. It was her first summer in the School of Spanish, and my first as a young PhD student going to teach conversation classes. I knew how skillful she was because whenever I approached her, she had answers for any of my questions. Audrey became THE person to know in the School. I believe she worked for six directors. When I interviewed for the job in 2008, I told Michael Geisler, then Dean and Vice Chancellor, that I hoped Audrey would stay in the School for many more years. Indeed, I was right! She has been the key to the success of the School. We have a great relationship. Audrey tells me unequivocally her advice, no matter if I agreed or not. She is a New Yorker, direct and to the point. I loved her emails with “yes” or “no” as answers!”

Sefamí continued, “Students love her because she is very attentive and guides them on any logistical issue. At every opening or closing ceremonies, whenever I said her name, she would get an ovation. Faculty also love her, as she helps them in so many ways, from housing to classroom issues. And our staff, assistant and associate directors, and bilingual assistants couldn’t praise her more. This is why it is sad for all of us in the School of Spanish. She deserves to retire, but it will be difficult not to be able to see and talk to her in the summer. I wish the best to Audrey, with good health and happiness, hoping she will enjoy the new stage in her life. We will miss you!”