50 Stories for 50 Years: Diane Proctor, Former ASSIST Board Member, Former English Teacher at Middlesex School

To celebrate our 50th anniversary year during 2018/19, we collected stories and profiles of people and institutions that have helped us build our organization, which first began as one person's dream in 1968. We will feature one story per week on our blog. Please enjoy these “50 for 50” profiles featuring ASSIST's dedicated board members, dynamic staff, welcoming host families and enthusiastic ASSIST Scholars.

Diane Proctor
Former ASSIST Board Member, Former English Teacher at Middlesex School

The date was January 17, 1991. Ken and Betsy Lindfors, Ferdie Wandelt, and I were enjoying a lovely dinner at the home of the American Consul stationed in Köln, Germany. It followed a vigorous day of interviews at the Amerika Haus, where we were absorbed in meeting myriad impressive students. We had already anticipated that the scholarship choices would be difficult, as there were so many multi-lingual, musically talented, and athletically strong German students.

As we were about to enjoy dessert, our host was urgently called away from the table by an aide not previously in evidence. They headed to a secret hotline somewhere in the house. The Consul returned with the news that President George H.W. Bush had just ordered the aerial and naval bombardment of Kuwait in an effort to expel Iraqi troops. Move over, Judi Dench—we were in the center of international intrigue.

The evening was abruptly ended. We quickly thanked our host and hostess as we were ushered into a darkened limousine and moved from the Holiday Inn (an obvious American target) to the gracious Dom Hotel—a German institution. We were cautioned not to speak English while we were on the streets and found ourselves surrounded by increased security at every turn. Protestors filled the streets, chanting anti-American slogans about our engagement in the Gulf War.

Never had the work of ASSIST, and Paul Sanderson’s vision, seemed more poignant. In the midst of these hostilities, our work represented a continuing discourse and relationship with students in Germany and the promise of a continuing dialogue with American students as the next academic year commenced. It is through conversation, not conflict, that our world can hope to find understanding and peace.

About Diane:
Diane Proctor has enjoyed teaching at Milton Academy (history; Director of College Counseling; Director of Admissions), The Hotchkiss School (Dean of Faculty), MIT (special report on admissions for the President), and Middlesex School (Director of College Counseling, teacher of English and essay writing). She has most recently, in retirement, served as the President of the League of Women Voters of Concord-Carlisle. She also serves as a Study Group Leader in three Lifelong Learning Programs: Brandeis University, Regis College, and Concord’s Village University.