70 Years of Service to Colby
Colby names the presidential suite in honor of Sheila Ratte, who began working at the College in 1956
Colby is honoring the longest-serving member of the College family by dedicating the president’s office in her name.
The Sheila Ratte Presidential Suite in the Eustis Administration Building celebrates Ratte’s 70-year legacy of service to Colby as a member of the Dining Services team. Ratte, who lives in Fairfield, Maine, began working at Colby in 1956 while she was a student at Waterville High School.
She has extended her hospitality to five College presidents and is best known and widely admired for her service at the College’s catered events. She remembers the names of faculty and staff, as well as their children’s names, their favorite beverages, and other details about their lives. She has become so well-liked on campus that many people in the Colby community have hired her for private events.
Colby President David A. Greene noted Ratte’s smile, humor, and kindness.
“Sheila represents the very best of Colby—and of Maine. She has dedicated 70 years to this College, and she has done it with her trademark kindness and generosity, grit and determination, humility and humor,” Greene said. “She’s both a fast friend and a friend for life. Entering the president’s office will forever be a reminder of all that Sheila represents, including the thousands of people who worked tirelessly to build and sustain this College, did so with good cheer, and never once asked for recognition or special praise.”
‘Colby is family’
Ratte said she was humbled by the honor. But in a manner typical of her humility, she downplayed her accomplishment and said she was embarrassed by the attention. “I appreciate it, but it’s not necessary,” she said. “I love my job, I love coming to work, and I thank God for every day he gives me so I can come in here. But I just work part time. I am here only two or three days a week.”
She most appreciates Colby’s embracing atmosphere. “I love the people, and Colby is family. There is just no question about it. They were there when I needed them, and I have always tried to be there when Colby needed me,” she said.
Her daughter, Darlene Ratte, said her mother’s loyalty to Colby is genuine.
“I can’t think of another way to say it, Colby has just always been family to her,” said Darlene Ratte, who followed her mother to work at Colby for several years, also in Dining Services. “The people there have become her friends, and not just her coworkers but the whole Colby community. She has built the most wonderful friendships over the years with her Colby family.”
Patrice Franko, Grossman Professor of Economics and Global Studies, said she was thrilled with the decision to name the presidential suite in Ratte’s honor.
“Sheila is grace under pressure at big events. She remembers details of proper service and mentors those working with her to her own high standards. She also never forgets to extend small kindnesses, asking after your mother or kids, that quietly say, ‘I see you, and I care,’” Franko said.
“She embodies the core of Colby—a heart that weaves us together. She does this with her authentic Maine tone, which is understated and honest. Sheila shows up for the big moments and brings her same kind self to the everyday events.”
The Sheila Ratte Presidential Suite is the latest example of an honorific naming bestowed by the College to ensure that inspirational individuals are not lost to history.
In 2024, Colby dedicated new residence halls at Johnson Pond after four influential women—Paula Crane Lunder, D.F.A. ’98, Jane Powers ’86, Jacqueline Núñez ’61, and Carol Swann-Daniels ’69. The year before, Colby named the boardroom in the Eustis Administration Building the Dr. Frank O. Apantaku ’71 Boardroom in honor of a loyal alumnus. And in 2017, the President’s House was renamed the Osborne House to honor Samuel Osborne, a formerly enslaved man who served the College as a beloved, longtime janitor.
Adding Sheila Ratte’s name is a daily reminder of the contributions of so many who have helped build the Colby community.
