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In Memoriam Phyllis Mevoglioni Colin, Class of 1953, New Jersey College for Women January 8, 1932 – April 3, 2019

In Memoriam Phyllis Mevoglioni Colin, Class of 1953, New Jersey College for Women January 8, 1932 – April 3, 2019

In Memoriam
Phyllis Mevoglioni Colin, Class of 1953, New Jersey College for Women
January 8, 1932 – April 3, 2019

With a heavy heart, Douglass Residential College sadly announces the passing of a wonderful alumna, Phyllis Mevoglioni Colin, to our NJC-Douglass community. Surrounded by loved ones, Phyllis passed away on April 3, 2019, when she succumbed to heart-related complications at St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Bridgeport, Connecticut.

Born and raised in Paterson, NJ to parents Ernest and Ceile Mevoglioni, Phyllis was a devoted champion of New Jersey women’s education for the entirety of her life.  After graduating Eastside High School in 1949, she enrolled at the New Jersey College for Women (NJC), a predecessor to Douglass Residential College, and graduated in 1953 with a degree in American Studies.

In the years following her time at NJC, Phyllis continued to support the NJC-Douglass community. As a dedicated alumna, she kept in touch with many classmates, not only from her Class of 1953, but with alumnae from across generations.  

“Phyllis always talked excitedly about her four years at New Jersey College for Women. She believed that the education she had received, plus the many friendships she made there, were additive to her confidence to achieve the various goals that she set for herself throughout life,” said her husband, Bob. 

“On campus, Phyllis will long be remembered for her smile, her attendance at many college events, and her warm encouragement of Douglass students—and for a unique, beautiful brooch that she always wore on the sleeve of her sweater or jacket!” said Dean Jacquelyn Litt, Ph.D., “Phyllis was deeply committed to the forward path of the College, hoping to see current and future students experience the life-changing opportunity she enjoyed. Always energetic, kind, and generous, Phyllis will be deeply missed.” 

Inheriting a love for the thrill of travel from her parents, Phyllis and her husband, Bob, who is a Rutgers Business School alum, traveled extensively over the years and visited all 7 continents in the process. Just a few years ago, the couple embarked on a special trip to Tuscany, Italy, where all of their children and grandchildren joined them for an unforgettable family reunion.

Phyllis’s appreciation for all things international led the couple to be strong supporters of study abroad opportunities for Douglass students and of the Douglass Global Village. The College is also very grateful to Phyllis and Bob for their generosity in helping to fund the recent renovation of Carpender Hall on the Douglass campus, which now houses all of the Assistant Deans and their staffs for Douglass’s signature programs. Additionally, they contributed the beautiful garden at the Douglass Dean’s campus residence, which is marked by a plaque for Phyllis and Bob. 

In addition to her contributions to NJC-Douglass, Phyllis was an active member of several communities. Phyllis and Bob spent many years as residents of Darien, Connecticut before moving to Battery Park City, Manhattan in 1994. During her years in Darien, Phyllis was very active in the YMCA, serving as a Red Cross volunteer lifeguard and swim teacher to both young children and adults.  Some of her other local memberships included the Newcomer's Club, the Darien Community Association, and the United Methodist Church.  In Manhattan, she did volunteer work at NY Downtown Hospital and was an active member of the Community Gardens in Battery Park City.

Outside of her community contributions, swimming was Phyllis’s passion. She was a member of a number of synchronized swimming groups throughout most of her life, including at NJC.  As a member of the Ridgewood Aquacons, she participated in Buster Crabbe's swimming shows at the New York World's Fair in 1964.

In addition to her husband, Bob, Phyllis is survived by her three children and their families: Douglas Heitsmith, his wife Diana, and their three children, Glenn Heitsmith, his wife Donna, and their three children, and Victoria Colin Wagenbach, her husband Stephen, and their three children. She is also survived by her three step-children, Michele Colin, Gregory Colin, and Bradley Colin.

A memorial service was held for Phyllis on April 27th at the United Methodist Church in Darien, Connecticut, where loved ones shared many warm stories about her loving and kind nature, her extraordinary organizational skills, and her bright and inquisitive mind. Phyllis’s contributions to the college were extraordinary, and the NJC-Douglass community will remember her as a woman who embodied the core values of NJC-Douglass excellence.