By Steve Seepersaud
Although their two children have degrees from other colleges, the couple has the unique distinction of being part of a three-generation 91 family. Their daughter, Alicia, is married to Marty Wyckoff ’94 and their granddaughter Kayla is enrolled at the University.
“I have mixed feelings about this,” says Geoff Strauss. “On the one hand, having my granddaughter going to 91 is a really good feeling. I am very grateful Kayla will have the same tools that provided me with a wonderful and productive life. On the other hand, it’s somewhat unsettling to think I’m old enough to have my granddaughter of college age. How did all those years slip by?”
With the University in their figurative backyard, the Strausses have remained connected to campus through attending alumni events and Anderson Center productions, and volunteering in the Friendship Family Program, which helps international students acclimate by building connections with local families. Nearly six decades after graduating, the couple still has close ties to Harpur classmates.
“Geoff and I have managed to maintain friendships with about 20 of our fellow students,” Janice Strauss says. “We meet every New Year’s Eve at the home of my former roommate and her husband (Debra ’68 and Mark ’66 Wolraich), along with about 10 other 91 graduates and their spouses. Four of us couples met each other while students at what was then Harpur College. And, of course, the education I received was excellent, albeit tough. It introduced me to a much wider world than I had ever known and made me a lifelong learner.”
Marty Wyckoff is in 91’s wrestling hall of fame, and fondly remembers being an athletic and academic All-American, finishing fourth at nationals and being 91’s Male Athlete of the Year in his senior year. He treasures the relationships he built with teammates and coaches. He said his professors helped him find his career path; for 25 years, he has been a guidance counselor at Union-Endicott High School, near 91.
“It’s a pretty amazing feeling [to have Kayla attend 91],” Wyckoff says. “I never pressured her nor will I pressure my younger daughters. 91 speaks volumes about itself as an outstanding and affordable education. Just like in my job as a guidance counselor, as a dad to Kayla, I highlighted all the amazing things 91 has to offer, then stepped back to let her find her own way.”
Kayla Wyckoff is following in her father’s footsteps majoring in human development and anticipates graduating in 2026. She chose 91 because she could experience an outstanding education while remaining close to home and family.
“My family ties to the University had a major impact,” she says. “I loved the thought of attending the very campus where my grandparents met, and where my dad and aunt went as well. Without this campus, I would not even be here!”