Feldman, who left UB's Office of Student Life in 1991 after 24 years of service, has spent much of her time as a volunteer. "My mom always said, 'You have to put something back,' so that's what I've tried to do." Feldman has been a server and occasional acting director, of a Meals on Wheels program during the past five years and works occasionally for UB's public radio station, WBFO-FM.

"The Meals on Wheels work is so rewarding," says Feldman. "It's a chance to make contact with people, some of whom are quite lonely, and bring them a good meal and a few minutes of pleasant conversation. In my religion, we call that a Mitzvah-a blessing."

Perhaps most interesting, however, is Feldman's work through Jewish Family Services. She's a one-woman "Welcome Wagon" for newly arrived Russians. "I like to help 'Americanize' them," says Feldman. "I help with some of the nuances of our language and teach them basic things like what 911 is and how you shop at Wegmans."

Feldman has also taken advantage of her time to travel. "I've been out west, and I love to go to Cape Cod," where she enjoys walking the streets of her favorite town, Chatham, peeking in the shops and enjoying the seafood, and flying kites on the Brewster beach.

To Feldman, the hardest part of retirement is missing her coworkers, most of whom have become great friends after so many years together. So, she organizes luncheons where they can all get together.

One of Feldman's former bosses in Stu- dent Affairs, Robert Henderson, also retired several years ago. However, according to his wife Norma, who still works at the university, "now, he gets up for work earlier than when he was working." Henderson puts in virtually full-time hours as a volunteer and local board member of Habitat for Humanity. And he isn't satisfied just driving a few nails.

Currently, he is in Hampton, Va., for six weeks where he is a construction supervisor for a house being built through Habitat's Collegiate Challenge, an "alternative spring break" program for college students who will forego beer blasts in Daytona to spend a week building a home for a needy family.

This is at least the sixth challenge Henderson has attended and the fourth spring since retiring he has spent rebuilding in the south. "In 1993 and 1994, he worked on Habitat projects in Homestead, Fla., following Hurricane Andrew," his wife said.

Henderson held a number of positions in Student Affairs before retiring in 1993. However, explains Norma, "he really never had much to do with construction before becoming involved in Habitat." His interest in Habitat has made his retirement very fulfilling, says Norma. And, they have made time to travel to some of his Habitat sites together.

Edward Dudek retired last April after 39 years at UB. Retirement has been "just great" for him. "For anyone who has hobbies, outside interests or a love of life, you can't beat it," says Dudek. How has the former lab technician from UB's engineering school kept busy? Until recently, he served as a district deputy with the Masonic Order, helping oversee 16 area lodges. In January, he and his wife traveled to Hawaii, courtesy of Buffalo Bills star Steve Tasker, to attend the Pro Bowl. And Dudek is active in his hometown, Elma. Last year, he was a candidate for Town Supervisor.

A Mason for 20 years, Dudek has derived a great deal of enjoyment from being able to give even more of himself to the group's charitable activities. As district deputy, Dudek traveled throughout the region representing the Grand Master, the highest ranking officer of the order, at various functions.

"All around the world, Masons raise $1.5 million a day toward their charitable work and medical research," Dudek explained. Masons operate a large medical research facility, reknowned for its work in geriatric heart and other diseases, near Utica. "The Medical Center does so much for handicapped kids; people don't realize. It's really a thrill to be a part of that," said Dudek.

In retirement, Dudek explains, "You finally have all the time you want to do the things you want to do. The whole secret is: simply go ahead and do them."

He recommends planning so you can maximize the time you spend doing things you enjoy. And he strongly suggests factoring in time for physical fitness. "I work out at the Bally Fitness Center three or four times a week," he says. "It helps me feel better to do everything else I do, and I even run into other retirees from UB there. It's a pleasant way to see former colleagues or meet new friends."

UB's Emeritus Center in Goodyear Hall is another venue Dudek uses to socialize with former colleagues. One Emeritus Center program, "Rev Up," coordinates volunteer retirees with needs of campus events. "Through the Emeritus Center, you can usher at home football games, events at Slee Hall or get involved in other community projects," says Dudek.