Alumni Spotlights

Fannie Hobba Shenk ’84 P ’15 ’19

Fannie Hobba Shenk has had a profound impact on Washington College through the many projects she has been involved with and the different positions she’s held over the past 15 years. Reflecting on her career after her recent retirement from the advancement and alumni relations team, she said that her contribution has been consistent, straightforward, and meaningful.

“My title kept changing, but I was always a fundraiser. I always felt like it was an honorable position to be in, to ask someone to support something that means a lot to them,” Shenk said. “I know it’s corny, but one translation of ‘namaste’ is ‘the best of me sees the best of you.’ I’ve always felt that when I’m asking for a gift, I’m seeing the best you and the generous you. It’s an honor to bring out the best in people.”

A graduate of the class of 1984 with a major in humanities, Shenk returned to Chestertown in the summer of 2009 as an administrative assistant in the advancement office. 

“At the time, I was just trying for a job, but it turned out to be the best thing for me because it’s the best department at this college,” Shenk said. 

She remained the administrative assistant for two years before becoming a gift officer, initially focusing on 25th and 50th reunions. She excelled in that role, and in 2020, was given responsibility for the 1782 Society, members of which are the College’s most generous annual donors. 

In her time at Washington, Shenk has played an integral role in everything from raising funds for capital projects, like the Hodson Boathouse, to helping bring beloved traditions to life, including the annual Fish Fry, which she has been involved with since its inception. No matter the project, she took pride in her work, and that pride always shone through. 

“Sometimes I’d look around at an event and think, ‘Yeah, I made this happen. This is a little better because I’m here,’” Shenk laughed. At the heart of it, she felt that her job was to make sure everyone felt good about coming back to Washington College. “I hate to see that shy person alone at events. If I talk to them, I can find out why they’re back, or what their favorite part of college was, or share something new that’s on the horizon at the College. If you both went to Washington College, you’ve already got something in common.”

By the time she was finished at Washington, Shenk shared that bond with two other very important people: her daughters, who graduated in 2015 and 2019.

She looks back fondly on the years they were at the College and seeing each of them walk across the stage at graduation. 

“It’s all about family, so those were my best experiences here.”

Eric Dalski ’05

Sixteen years ago, Eric Dalski and his brother, Mark, started a green roof design and build company called Highview Creations. 

“In New York City, you have thousands, and thousands, and thousands, of rooftops that are just flat nothings,” Dalski said. “The concept we’re trying to integrate into the city is taking those empty rooftops and making them into urban oases, both for environmental and economic purposes.”

For the first year or two of this venture, Dalski and his brother were a two-man show, doing everything themselves. Their big break came when former New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg announced a city-wide program for green infrastructure funding at one of their rooftop installations. “No pun intended, but we’ve been growing the business ever since,” Dalski joked. They’ve since expanded and have a well-established team, including three employees who have been with the company for over 10 years.

Washington College had a huge impact on Dalski. When he arrived at the College, he wasn’t sure what he wanted to study. His father worked in finance, and he initially planned to follow in his footsteps, choosing to major in economics. However, a short study abroad course changed all that.

At the end of his junior year, on a whim, he chose to take a summer course in Ecuador with Professor Donald Munson. They went to the rainforest, the cloud forest, Tiputini Research Station, and the Galápagos Islands. Dalksi returned from his trip with a newfound appreciation for the environment. 

“It was literally a life-changing experience,” Dalski said.

It opened his eyes to the world of ecology, environmental issues, and awareness. When he returned to Washington, he found himself drawn to this newfound passion rather than economics. He went to his advisor, Professor Robert Dawson, and explained his new perspective. Dawson proposed that he try bringing his economics major and his ecological interests together. 

Dalski ultimately wrote a thesis in economics with an environmental focus. Even though he didn’t end up in finance, Dalski said that his grounding in economics at Washington gave him a good perspective on life. And through the business, he continues to combine his economics know-how with his environmental values.

“Looking back, they offered so much in that liberal arts setting that you could explore. I think that’s kept pace with how I live my life. It’s the root of who I am today,” Dalski said. “I’m always saying yes to things and experiencing new things. I’m not hyper-focused on one specific thing, and I think that’s a good thing. You get to experience all aspects of life at a liberal arts college like Washington College, and I appreciate that.”

—Timothy Corrao