Tom Way '76 and Sharlotte Way '78

How did you two meet?

"We grew up together in Painted Post, as family friends and at the same church."

When and where did you get married?

"We were married on July 8, 1978, in Painted Post."

What is your favorite SUNY CCC memory? This may be answered as a couple or individually.

Tom: "Taking Statistics and Dynamics class with Physics Professor Kenneth Keith."

Sharlotte: "Meeting new people in my classes and becoming lifelong friends with them."

Tell us your love story.

Sharlotte: "Tom and I grew up as family friends with many similar interests. We became closer when we both worked together at Tallman's Department Store in Painted Post. I lost my mom in a horrific accident in 1975, and Tom became my support. Tom graduated SUNY CCC as I was entering SUNY CCC. Tom went away to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute while I finished my degree. Despite a long-distance romance we managed to keep our love alive."

What does SUNY CCC mean to you today?

"It's fun to get newsletters to keep up with what's happening at SUNY CCC. We enjoy supporting programs and efforts of the College. SUNY CCC helped Tom get back into the academic game after taking a year off from high school. With the encouragement of faculty, he was able to get accepted into a university he thought he had no chance of getting into."

What does your life look like now?

"We currently live in Lebanon, Ohio. We have four married children, eight grandchildren, and we are both retired. Tom is retired from GE Aircraft Engines, Sharlotte from retail management. We are thoroughly enjoying retirement, traveling, and exploring new places."

Please share some advice for couples that you've learned through your own relationship.

"Number one is faith. Number two is communication. Number three is to respect each other. Number four is compromise. These are the keys to our successful 42 years of marriage."

Is there anything else you would like to share?

"We make it back to the Corning/Painted Post area a couple of times a year. We still love the small-town feel."