Jackie (Emch '61) Felix and Linda (Keep '61) Atkins began their lifelong friendship at Mount Union when they were roommates in 1959 in McMaster Hall. Both women majored in sociology, with Atkins also majoring in psychology. Upon graduation, the two roommates decided to move to New York together and pursue graduate degrees.
Felix earned a master of social services degree from New York University and Atkins earned a master of science degree in social services from Columbia University. Both women later pursued careers in social work, with Felix working as the international adoption program manager at the New Hampshire branch of Lutheran Social Services of New England and Atkins working as a psychoanalyst in New York City.
The two friends traveled together on a trip to Changsha, China in January to accompany three families through the process of adopting Chinese girls.
"I invited Linda to accompany me because of our mutual interest in finding homes for orphaned children and our enduring friendship," said Felix.
The trip to China was an unforgettable experience for both women and made a new addition to the collection of memories that they have shared since their time as roommates on the College's campus.
"Being in China was an amazing experience," said Atkins. "I was glad to be roommates again after more than 40 years."