Spartans of UD - Pauline (Tobiason) Antons (C'48)

Spartans of UD highlights what makes the University of Dubuque special - the people.

Pauline (Tobiason) Antons (C'48) celebrated her 100th birthday earlier this month with family and friends. As one of three generations of Spartans, Pauline's love for UD extends beyond her time as a student. Her daughter, Sharon (Antons) Roller (C'83), was a nursing major, and her granddaughter, Christine (Roller) Engwal (C'10), was a nursing and psychology major.

As an undergraduate student, Pauline was a mathematics and general science major. She was involved in Lambda Tau Delta, YWCA, the Lutheran Students Association, the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra, band, and more. Pauline, who was a math educator for nearly 40 years, was presented with UD's Service to Community Award in 2008.

Happy 100th Birthday! What is your secret to living a long, vibrant life?

"Well, I think it's showing gratitude and the joy of saying yes. You should be thankful for all the blessings that you get. When you say yes to people that ask you to go someplace, go to a meeting, go to an event, you have so many opportunities that are opened up to you."

How did you celebrate your birthday?

"We had an open house at our local church after the church service on Sunday morning. They had coffee and cookies after church because we always have a social hour, and then we had a light lunch. Over 200 came to the open house. Oh my gosh, they came out of the woodwork. They came from Chicago and St. Louis and Las Vegas and Texas. It was great! ... I just wish I could have talked to them longer. You just have to say, 'Thank you for coming,' and say a few words. I wish I could have visited with some of them much longer."

How has UD changed since you were a student on campus?

"I was on campus at a unique time. It was during the war. When I graduated high school, I wanted to go to college but we didn't have enough help on the farm and my brother was still in high school. So, I couldn't go until the next spring. I visited my classmates at the UD in January, and I just begged and begged and begged to go. Finally, in March, I got to go to the last quarter of the year, but I still graduated in three and a half years with my other friends.

"This is something unique. My dad always thought we had to help and stay on the farm, but my mother wanted me to go to college. I heard just within the last year that a banker had told my dad that he should let me go to college. Isn't that something?

"Since I was a student, they've made so many improvements. They've added so many buildings and classes and opportunities that weren't there when I was there."

What are some of your fondest memories from your time as a student?

"I belonged to the sorority Lambda (Tau Delta). We had fun doing that and even made a float for one of the parades, because we always had a parade at that time ... I liked being in the band and the orchestra. The orchestra was part of the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra, and it was always a thrill to play at the Westminster Church in the Messiah. I played the trombone. We had to go to Chapel and we had to sign in and they kept track of us and how many times we went to Chapel. I enjoyed Chapel. We really kept our faith.'

What advice do you have for current students?

"My advice for current students is to participate in as many things as you can. Take advantage of all the things that are out there."

Your daughter, Sharon (Antons) Roller (C'83), and granddaughter, Christine (Roller) Engwall (C'10), are also UD graduates. What do you think about sharing that UD legacy?

"I think it's great. I have helped and asked a lot of students to consider attending the University of Dubuque."

As three generations of graduates, how do you stay involved with UD and your UD family?

"Scott Rima (vice president for advancement) comes out to see me every time he's on his way to Cedar Rapids. We have coffee and a nice visit and he keeps me up to date. I have attended events at Heritage Center. Christine, all those years that she was at UD, she was a babysitter for the Bullock Family."

In your opinion, what makes the University of Dubuque unique?

"The University of Dubuque is so accepting. If a student isn't doing well, they'll help them. They're just so great at getting everybody involved in things and making them successful."