Since 1987, Empire College in Santa Rosa has benefitted from the strong and thoughtful leadership of Roy and Sherie Hurd. And while 24 years of consistent leadership is definitely something to boast, the college itself celebrates its 50th anniversary this year—an amazing accomplishment for any organization.
Roy is a lifelong educator, beginning as an instructor in the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Armed Forces Institute. He and Sherie met at Heald College, where both were in administration. They’ve now been married “30 wonderful, adventurous years” (Roy’s words).
Speaking of adventures, the couple shares a love of travel that’s taken them to many foreign countries. Says Sherie, “While I’ve enjoyed each and every destination, my favorites have been photographic safaris in South Africa and Kenya. The thrill of seeing a variety of magnificent creatures in the wild is incredible.”
Do you believe in destiny?
Roy: I believe we make our own destiny. We’re responsible for what we do and who we are. We’re in control of our future.
Sherie: I believe in personal responsibility. Our choices determine our destiny rather than fate determining it.
Do you write down your goals?
Roy: I visualize my goals, articulate them and then work to make them happen.
Sherie: I write down my goals daily. It’s the only way I can prioritize things and stay on track.
What movies have you watched over and over again?
Sherie: As a child, I watched “The Wizard of Oz” every time it was televized. It was an imaginative and scary story to me then. I still like to watch it, because it points out that we have the power within to do almost anything if we believe in ourselves.
Sherie: As a child, I watched “The Wizard of Oz” every time it was televized. It was an imaginative and scary story to me then. I still like to watch it, because it points out that we have the power within to do almost anything if we believe in ourselves.
If you could go back in time to any era, what date would you choose?
Roy: My great grandfather was a lieutenant colonel in the Civil War on the North’s side. I find this time fascinating.
Roy: My great grandfather was a lieutenant colonel in the Civil War on the North’s side. I find this time fascinating.
Do you have any regrets?
Roy: I have no regrets. My glass is half full. You must keep moving forward, learn from the past but embrace the future.
Sherie: Regrets are time wasters that focus your thoughts on negatives rather than positives. I try not to have them.
How competitive are you?
Roy: I want to excel, but I don’t want to win at the expense of someone else. If winning produces good for the many or the betterment of the company I’m responsible for, I feel I’ve won.
Sherie: I’m competitive with myself. I like to learn new things and push myself.
What quality do you appreciate most in a friend?
Roy: I appreciate knowing that whatever happens, I can depend on and trust my friends.
Sherie: A sense of humor. I need to lighten up once in a while.
What drives you crazy?
Roy: People who don’t accept responsibility for their actions. They blame others or see themselves as victims. Also, legislators who enact laws based on beliefs and not facts.
If you were to write a book, what would its title be?
Sherie: Things I’ve Learned from My Dog. The first item would be: Live in and enjoy the moment. Dogs really do take time to smell the roses (and anything else in their path).
Describe one of your proudest life moments.
Roy: Joining Empire College with Sherie and together fashioning an educational environment that’s changed the lives of hundreds of students over these many years. The ability to forge this type of legacy is indescribable.
Sherie: I don’t have big, stand-out moments. What makes me proud is making a difference in people’s lives, whether that’s Empire students or our grandchildren and family.
Describe one of your happiest life moments.
Sherie: Early in our marriage, Roy surprised me with a cocker spaniel puppy for Christmas. I’d never had a dog of my own, and I was thrilled. Since then, we’ve had two golden retrievers and three Coton de Tulears (a rare breed originating from Madagascar). Two of the latter, Sparkles and Ziggy, ”go to school” with us every day and are Empire’s pseudo-mascots.
Roy: Sharing my values, life, experiences and common interests with Sherie. It’s an ongoing process we share. Giving to her makes me happy.
