Interviews
Your StoriesA growing collection of personal stories, shared in the voices of those who lived them.
Each interview reflects a life shaped by family, work, belief, service, and community. Together, these stories form a living archive—reminding us that every life carries wisdom, and every voice deserves to be heard.
Ms. Dorothy A. Swope
A lifelong educator, creative entrepreneur, and ordained minister dedicated to being a "walking church" of love and service.
A Legacy of Joy: 80 Years of Faith, Art, and Education.
From my roots in Buffalo to the vibrant streets of Chicago, my life was a 50-year journey through the classroom and the community. As a teacher and the Educator Emeritus of Learning Dimensions, I didn’t just teach lessons—I sought to ignite souls. Whether I was opening my own private school or running summer camps in the 80s, my goal was to provide every child, especially those in the inner city, with the supplies, the love, and the belief they needed to succeed.
“I’ve always believed that every child is a masterpiece of God, just waiting for the right hand to help them shine.”
“People often asked where my energy came from. It came from my faith. To me, being a Christian meant being a ‘walking church’—bringing flowers to the hospital, jumping double-dutch with my students, or sharing the Good News around the world through my travels. I found God in the stroke of an oil painting, the rhythm of a Hyde Park street festival, and most clearly, in the lives of my two daughters, Felicia and Monica. Even when life challenged me, my dream of a foundation stayed alive, and seeing it award scholarships today is my greatest joy.”
Ms. Aleta Ballentine
She wove partnership, motherhood, and generational love into a legacy that continues to hold her family together.
Ms. Aleta Ballentine is deeply committed to her family and the people around her. Together with her husband, Dexter Ballentine, she modeled a strong, loving, and nurturing Black partnership that anchored both family and community. Their shared commitment to love, support, and collective goals wove a steady foundation for those who followed. When challenges arose, she met them with patience, resolve, and care, showing others how to endure while staying connected.
“Love was the foundation of her life, built through partnership with her husband, Dexter Ballentine, her high school sweetheart.
Family sits at the center of how she lives, leads, and gives to others.
She never allowed anyone to believe quitting was an option, consistently encouraging joy, perseverance, and purpose.
Her presence brings reassurance and stability, especially through the care and love she pours into her grandchildren.”
Mr. Pat Baccellieri
Educational leader. Mentor. Steward of legacy.
Legacy and the Courage to Act
Shaped by family legacy and personal loss, Pat led with courage, care, and a deep sense of responsibility to others.
Pat’s life and leadership have been shaped by a deep connection to family history and a commitment to service. Inspired by grandparents who immigrated from Italy and transformed lives of hardship into opportunity through determination and work, Pat learned early that resilience is inherited and practiced daily.
The loss of Pat’s sister, Janice, became a defining moment, reinforcing the importance of living consciously and acting with courage. Across a forty five year career in education, Pat consistently challenged systems, mentored others, and worked to ensure equity was not just discussed, but built into practice.
“Family history is not something Pat studies. It is something Pat carries forward every day.
Leadership means having the courage to act while remaining deeply aware of how decisions affect others.
True strength is protective, thoughtful, and grounded in care for those entrusted to you.
Even in reflection, Pat believes the work of service continues.”
Mrs. Cabrina Hale
Wife. Mother. Woman of faith. Builder of meaningful relationships.
Goodness, Mercy, and the Life Between
Her life shows that when faith leads, goodness and mercy follow.
Cabrina Hale’s life has been shaped by faith, perseverance, and the people who surround her. Giving her life to Jesus became a defining moment, grounding who she is and how she moves through the world.
She draws strength from her entire village—family, friends, church, teachers, coworkers, and even those who challenged her—believing each played a role in her growth. Through trust, prayer, and steady belief, she achieved milestones once thought impossible, including purchasing the dream home she once never imagined she could own.
“Faith anchors her decisions and gives her peace in every season.
Her strength comes from the village that has supported, stretched, and shaped her.
She lives by the wisdom of the Serenity Prayer, choosing trust and prayer over worry.
Her greatest joy is found in her husband, children, family, church, and relationships that give life meaning.”
Ms. Heather Patay
Educator. Writer. Advocate for women’s voices and social justice.
Voice, Courage, and the Power of Education
She learned early that voice, when paired with courage, can open space for justice and change.
Heather Patay’s work as an educator and writer has been shaped by a deep belief in inquiry, voice, and equity. While writing for the student newspaper at Roosevelt University, she learned that asking thoughtful questions and publishing them was itself an act of participation. Influenced by Eleanor Roosevelt’s human rights legacy and by the moral courage modeled within her own family, Heather became comfortable engaging others in meaningful dialogue. Her work reflects a conviction that education is not passive, it invites people to question, speak, and act with intention.
Heather Patay’s legacy is rooted in her commitment to education as a pathway to empowerment. Through writing, teaching, and advocacy, she encourages others especially women and students to find their voice and use it responsibly. Her story reminds us that social justice is built through learning, dialogue, and the courage to engage rather than remain silent.
“Her father and uncle modeled courage early on, showing that standing together for justice sometimes requires visible resolve.
Writing for the Roosevelt University student newspaper taught her that questions are often the most powerful place to begin.
Eleanor Roosevelt’s belief that human rights begin “in small places, close to home” continues to shape her thinking and work.”
Mr. William Bundy
Faith. Family. A life devoted to caring for others.
Purpose, Belonging, and Service to Others
Mr. William Bundy lived a life guided by faith, family, and responsibility to others. Through his work as a taxi driver, he served his community with humility and consistency, offering not only transportation but presence and care. As an assistant pastor, he extended that same devotion through spiritual guidance and encouragement. His entrepreneurial efforts reflected a desire to build, provide, and support those around him. Across every role, his purpose remained clear—to care for others and honor each moment as a blessing.
Mr. William Bundy’s legacy is one of quiet service and steady presence. By cherishing each moment and living his blessings through care for others, he created belonging wherever he went. His story reminds us that purpose is often found in everyday acts of faith, humility, and service.
“Cherish the moment and live your blessing.”
“Faith shaped how he lived, worked, and served others.
Family, especially the influence of his mother, grounded his values and sense of purpose.
His work was always about connection, not just occupation.
He believed that blessings are meant to be lived and shared.”
David Meyer & Patricia Meyer
Married partners. Lifelong learners. Author and educator.
Learning Together and Building a Shared Life
They built a life of partnership, purpose, and curiosity, always learning how to do life together.
David and Patricia Meyer have built a shared life rooted in learning, service, and partnership. David, an author and retired book publisher, brought reflection through words, while Patricia, a retired educator and school leader, served through teaching and guidance. Together, they showed that real learning is how you live and who you live it with.
David and Patricia’s legacy is a model of shared purpose. Through marriage, learning, and service, they created a life rooted in support and mutual respect. Their story reminds us that lifelong learning is not only academic. It is the daily practice of listening, growing, and building a life with intention.
“Learn to do life.
We have always believed growth is something you choose together.
Partnership means showing up, even in the quiet seasons.”
