Tompkins Cortland Community College
About TC3

Alumni Spotlight: Mona and Will Forney

Mona ForneyMona and Will Forney are our next features in a continuing series of alumni profiles. Mona earned her business administration degree in 1983, while Will is a 1994 graduate of the travel and tourism program. Both Mona and Will are members of the TC3 Alumni Association Board of Directors.

We asked them five questions about themselves, their lives and their experiences with TC3. The following are their answers.


Mona Forney

Please tell us about yourself.

I have had several careers. I went into teaching in my 40s and then retired from teaching. Traveling is now my favorite thing to do!

What are you doing now?

Lots of volunteer work: President of Groton Rotary; Chair Elder hosted Alumni; Red Hats; Sunday School Teacher; book club; piano lessons and live in Virginia Beach January-April.

To-date what is your biggest accomplishment?

  • Spent 20 years teaching high school students
  • Adjunct at TC3
  • Great Family
  • Being able to winter in Virginia Beach every year!

What is your fondest memory of TC3?

Not my fondest, but going to college at the local high schools while TC3 was being constructed was right up there.

Who were your favorite professors?

I would have to say that mostly all were good. I liked Hushang Bahar. Carl Haynes was my advisor!

Other comments, thoughts?

TC3 teachers really understand the older students and make allowances for work and family obligations!

Will Forney

Please tell us about yourself.

Married to Mona with three sons who all went in the military, two are now retired from the service. I love to kid around. I enjoy the outdoors in any season.

What are you doing now?

Retired after serving 35 years in the Army. I am a log buyer and timber consultant. TC3 Alumni Association Board member, too.

To-date what is your biggest accomplishment?

Married 49 years to the same woman with three wonderful sons and seven grandchildren.

What is your fondest memory of TC3?

I really enjoyed TC3. Pleasant experiences with teachers and students alike.

Who were your favorite professors?

Mimi Ansbro and Jorge Huayhuaca.

Remember, it is NEVER to late to return to school. Strive to improve and challenge yourselves daily. Start slow, try auditing a class and take a subject you really love. Getting back into the "college" groove will become so much easier, and TC3 is the place to do it.

If you would like to be featured or know of someone you would like to see profiled please E-mail us.