Maxine Houck '58

Maxine Houck

Maxine Houck credits Oberlin with allowing her to find her way to a profession she loved.
Photo by Tanya Rosen-Jones '97

Maxine Houck's musical studies brought her to Oberlin, but her education quickly took a sharp turn toward government, history, and economics, then wound its way through musicals and theater productions in Hall Auditorium.

Her undecided nature is precisely what led her to become a high school English teacher.

"I am thankful that I could browse through so many educational opportunities and dabble my way to a profession I truly loved," says Houck, who graduated in 1958. "I brought to public education and the field of English a diversity of interests and ideas so that my students could explore almost anything they wished while gaining proficiency in reading, writing, and thinking. On a good day, I prepared them to be future Oberlin College students; even on a bad day, we all benefitted in expanding our view of the world."

A resident of Kendal at Oberlin, Houck has continued to hone her passion for writing and performing while serving as a class president or class agent every year since 1973. She's well known for her humorous and inspiring class letters.

"I've enjoyed being a continuing part of Oberlin and its culture of service, and I like reminding my classmates that they were part of it too."

Houck recognizes that Oberlin works to continue its original goals of service and learning for the general good, and that's why she supports Oberlin through a Charitable Gift Annuity and an IRA Charitable Rollover. Both contributions provide benefits in return.

Maxine says, "Oberlin College endeavors to produce conscientious and intelligent individuals to go into the bigger world. It deserves our continued support."

To learn more about Charitable Gift Annuities, IRA Charitable Rollovers, or other planned gifts, please contact our Office of Leadership and Planned Giving at (440) 775-8599 or gift.planning@oberlin.edu.