Staying connected to Meliora: Dan Mantell ’82 and Marcia Mantell ’83’s commitment to volunteering and giving back across generations of alumni

Meet Boston Network Leadership Council Members Dan Mantell ’82 and Marcia Mantell ’83

What Dan and Marcia have been up to and reflecting on their time at the University

What Dan and Marcia have been up to and reflecting on their time at the University

Tell us a little about yourselves and your journey since graduating from the University of Rochester. What paths have your careers and personal lives taken?

After our 4 years at the University, we got married and moved to Minnesota where Dan got his PhD in chemistry from the University of Minnesota, and Marcia set out to find what she wanted to do for work.

Over the past 42 years, Dan’s built two careers – the first at Polaroid as the lead scientist in the black and white instant film division and then as an investment manager and certified financial planner. Marcia tried her hand at many professional jobs in marketing and product development before finding her niche: having her own retirement consulting business. She celebrates 20 years of helping financial firms, financial advisors, and individuals navigate the extremely complex world of transitioning to retirement.

Can you share the story of how you two met?

We met at the Susan B. Anthony dorms—Marcia was on Morgan 2, and Dan was on Gannet 2. We both served on the dorm council, and to be honest, it was not love at first sight! However, our paths kept crossing, and we eventually became friends. Dan even tutored Marcia in chemistry and physics. Over time, our friendship grew into something more, and we started dating in 1980—Marcia was a freshman, and Dan was a sophomore. This February, we’ll be celebrating 45 years together and 42 years of marriage.

Looking back, what are some of your favorite memories from your time at Rochester, and do you have any shared experiences that stand out?

Dan’s chemistry success charts back to the two years he worked in Marshall Gates’ lab. It was an extraordinary opportunity for a 20-year-old to work with such a distinguished scientist.

Marcia treasured the independence afforded to her as a student. She built friendships with her roommate and hallmates that have lasted nearly 50 years. It was also an amazing time to learn aerobic dancing, racquetball, and watch the first evening “soaps” like Dynasty and Dallas with the girlfriends.

We both loved going to Pat and Sandy’s, movie night at Strong, and Pontillo’s pizza.

Volunteerism and making an impact

What inspired you both to get involved with the Network Leadership Council (NLC), and how has that experience strengthened your connection to the University?

We were invited to join the Boston NLC after Dan attended an engaging lecture on the Beatles by one of the professors—it was a fantastic way to reconnect with the intellectual energy of the University. Dan especially enjoyed the opportunity to network and form meaningful connections with fellow alumni, while Marcia found so much joy in getting to know the young alumni and hearing their stories. We strongly believe in the importance of cross-generational connections, and the NLC provides the perfect platform to foster those relationships.

Marcia, as a member of the Women’s Network and an upcoming participant in the March Women’s Summit event, what excites you most about this opportunity?

The University of Rochester Women’s Summit is a multi-day event designed to empower attendees through panel discussions, keynote speakers, and networking opportunities with spaces to connect and engage.

My career has largely focused on empowering women—particularly women in the Boomer generation—to take charge of our futures and finances. It’s a privilege to have the opportunity to share a few insights on why it’s so crucial to get involved and take control.

How do you both approach giving back to the University, and what do you find most rewarding about staying involved as alumni leaders?

We’ve given back in several different ways to the University. The most fascinating thing about giving to the University is the endless opportunities to find something to support. We’ve given to the women’s volleyball team (in honor of Marcia’s roommate), to the food pantry (as we understand how crucial it is on education to have such basic resources), and to the first-generation students (who may require additional support to achieve their full potential). And if there isn’t something on the list you’d like to donate to the alumni department will help you set up a custom effort.

Your gift helps Rochester maintain the standard of excellence. When you join with other alumni, parents, and friends in supporting the University, you contribute to our efforts to be “ever better.” Customize your gifts and learn more about what and who you can support.

What has been the most fulfilling part of staying connected with the University as a couple and alumni? Looking ahead, what are your hopes for the future of the University of Rochester alumni community?

Staying connected to the University has been incredibly rewarding for us, especially as we witness the exciting progress it has made—whether it’s through enhancing education, the work at Rush Rhees Library, or the accomplishments at Eastman. We take pride in being part of such a transformative institution.

By continuing to give back, we can stay connected to the University and make a lasting impact on our communities. The bond we share with Rochester should always be meaningful, well beyond graduation.

How has living near Boston shaped your connection to the Rochester alumni community?

Living near Boston has given us a wonderful opportunity to stay connected to the Rochester alumni community. The effort to come together is always worth it because of the shared bond we all have. It’s such a joy to meet alumni from our era—it’s amazing how a 40-year gap can feel insignificant when you share a connection like this!

We especially love meeting younger alumni. Before COVID, we hosted a dinner party at our home for a small group of young graduates. For many of them, it was their first time attending a dinner party! We brought out our old yearbooks to show off how “cool” we were back in 1982 and 1983, and they were fascinated—they’d never even seen a yearbook since they aren’t done anymore. We had a blast sharing stories about what campus life was like back then, and in turn, they shared how incredible their experience was in the 2010s. It’s moments like these that make the Boston-area alumni network so special—it bridges generations and fosters meaningful connections between graduates from all walks of life.

How you can get involved like Dan and Marcia

What advice would you give to fellow alumni who are considering getting more involved with University initiatives and volunteer opportunities?

My advice to fellow alumni is simple: get involved—you won’t regret it. The University has grown into an incredible institution with a vibrant, interdisciplinary range of opportunities and a dynamic, supportive community. Alumni from our era would be amazed and proud to see how much the University has evolved. I encourage everyone to return for Meliora Weekend, September 18-21, 2025; it’s an inspiring experience that will leave you unexpectedly dazzled. This is where we all began—there’s something truly special about reconnecting with it now.

Check out volunteer opportunities with the University today!