After 21 years, Dauw closes Galva chapter

If not for a change of heart during her sophomore year at Iowa State University, Lorna Dauw might have been a veterinarian, instead of a long-time junior high science teacher in Galva.

Her idea to switch from a pre-veterinarian track to a major in Zoology (with minors in Botany and Education) allowed her to share her love of science with numerous students throughout her career.

After 21 years in the Galva school district, Dauw is retiring this week. It was not an easy decision for her, and she considered waiting until 2010.

But Dauw, of Colona, was ready to spend additional time with her family, which includes her husband of 37 years, Dan; children, Danielle and Lance; and their families.

“I want to be more a part of their lives,” she said of her five grandchildren, “and go to more of their activities.”

Another factor in her retirement decision was the long commute to Galva. While it was tiring, she always had someone to carpool with to lessen the burden. For the past four years, that’s been Lee Ann Hoovey, Galva High School math teacher.

“It was a pleasure to share the 30-minute drive from Geneseo every day with Lorna,” said Hoovey. “We talked about anything and everything, and I got to know her children and grandchildren quite well even though I had never met them.”

Galva Junior/Senior High School Principal Richard Kucharz noted how committed Dauw has been to her students.

“Lorna Dauw is the kind of teacher who comes early and stays late,” he said.

Besides spending time with family, Dauw’s retirement plans include working as a substitute teacher closer to Colona and possibly traveling to China this fall. She and her husband have been invited to Beijing to stay with a pediatrician they once hosted in their home. During a 25-year span, they have welcomed home-stay guests from 17 countries, mainly through the U.S. State Department’s National Council of International Visitors.

For more of this story, see the June 4 Galva News.