Sad News

February 10, 2022

Dear all,

It is with sadness that I write to inform you of the passing of Lisa Reticker, retired Staff Therapist from the Counseling Service, on Sunday October 31st at her home in Rhinebeck.

During her 16-year tenure with the Vassar College Counseling Service, Lisa facilitated the growth and healing of thousands of Vassar students. She was an early participant in contemporary movements integrating spiritual and psychological insight and practice. Her warmth and capacity to understand the nuances of interpersonal and organizational dynamics led her to be a valued and trusted consultant, mentor, and friend for her colleagues and clients.

Growing up during the Women’s Liberation, Anti-War, and Civil Rights Movements inspired Lisa’s enduring commitment to women’s rights and social justice. She was involved in myriad social collectives–including forty years in “the Feminar,” a Marxist feminist support group, supporting women candidates for federal and local elections through the group Re-Sisters, and more recently a founding member of CollegeConnect, a local initiative to support students who are the first in their family to go to college.

Lisa stated in her retirement speech in October 2015, “I loved working with students as they struggled with the challenge of leaving home, adjusting to college, with identity formation, finding friendship and love, ….If we’re fortunate, work provides fulfillment, good colleagues, a sense of belonging and intellectual stimulation. I was fortunate.  I got all of that here at Vassar.”

A memorial celebration is planned for Saturday March 19th at 3 p.m. in the Villard Room, College Center and all are welcome to attend.  We extend our deepest sympathy to Lisa’s husband Mark, to her daughter Marta, to her extended family, and to all who knew and loved Lisa.

Elizabeth H. Bradley, President
Vassar College
Poughkeepsie, NY 12604
@EHBVassar