Alfred Geddes Papers

Alfred Geddes dedicated his life to education. He spent most of his life in Connecticut and became a fixture in the city of Danbury.

Alfred Thomas Geddes was born in Waterbury, Connecticut, on March 14, 1909, to William Geddes and Maryann Ryan Geddes. He was raised in New Haven, Connecticut, and lived there until he left to pursue his education. For most of his adult life, he lived in Brookfield, Connecticut.

In 1929, Geddes received his first college degree from Arnold College (in New Haven) where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in physical education. He went on to receive his Bachelor of Science in education from Boston University in 1932. In 1939, he earned his Masters in education from Yale, and in 1955 he received his Doctorate in Student Personnel from New York University.

His teaching career began shortly after he was finished at Boston University. His first teaching job was at Oliver Perry High School in Providence, Rhode Island. He moved on to the Hamden School system in Hamden, Connecticut. He served as a teacher in physical education at both schools. Geddes also worked as an administrator at the Southbury Training School in Southbury, Connecticut. In 1937, Geddes began his tenure at Danbury State Teacher's College, now known as Western Connecticut State University. He served as the Dean of Men from 1947 until he retired in 1974.

During his tenure as Dean of Men, Geddes met his wife, Claire Trisch. She served as the Dean of Women from 1946 until she retired in 1975. They worked side by side as Deans for several years before they got married in 1958. The Geddes worked as deans of the college while Ruth A. Haas was the president. In fact, they were two of the original administrators hired by Haas. When all three retired (Alfred in 1974 and Claire and Ruth Haas in 1975), it marked the end of an era in the history of the university.

Geddes joined the Army Air Corps in the 1930s and served in World War II. He left the military with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Besides serving in the war, Geddes was fascinated with military history, and collected books about military history. Geddes was also a member of several clubs including the Rotary Club of Danbury and the Yale Club of New York City.

Alfred Geddes died in Danbury Hospital in Danbury, Connecticut, on April 15, 2001, at the age of 92.