We asked Paul Reichenbach, Director of Camping and Israel Programs for the URJ, who has worked with Dorothy for more than 30 years to share his memories of "the early years" with the NFTY Community:

I stepped off the Warwick Transit bus from New York's Port authority bus terminal on Monday afternoon July 21, 1969. I walked up the stairs and into the lobby of the Kutz camp to attend a two week NFTY Leadership Institute. Sitting at the registration table was a warm and welcoming lady who handed me my name tag and participant package. Her name was Dorothy Walrond and she had already been in the employ of NFTY and the Union for more than 5 years. As we approach the anniversary of Dorothy's more than 40 years with the Union, I'm honored to reflect on the extraordinary accomplishments of this remarkable lady.

NFTY has had many heroes and visionaries in its 66 year history. Rabbi Sam Cook (of Blessed memory) was our founder and inspiration from the 40's until the 60's. The beloved Rabbi Hank Skirball directed NFTY in North America and then in Israel where he and Sheba reside today. Rabbis Steve Schafer and Allan Smith transformed NFTY during their tenure. The one constant during much of NFTY's history has been Dorothy Walrond. Virtually every NFTYite who participated in NFTY programs, especially at Kutz, will tell you of their respect and warm feelings for Dorothy. Those who had the privilege of working with Dorothy will tell you how much they learned from her, especially her commitment to treat every individual, teen or adult with dignity and respect. Working with Dor was always a lot of fun. Dorothy exudes positive energy. In more than 30 summers at the Kutz camp, Dorothy registered and personally welcomed thousands of teen leaders from across North America and around the world. Dorothy's words of wisdom in English, Spanish and yes, in Hebrew and Yiddish delighted all those with whom she came into contact.

We are truly indebted to Dorothy for her total dedication to NFTY and young people. Moreover, Dorothy, for longer than anyone can remember has been the voice of NFTY on the phone to generations of kids and their parents. Dorothy's knowledge of our programs and especially her compassionate concern provided comfort and peace of mind to all those who were about to embark on a NFTY adventure. Parents felt confident that their children would be well cared for after speaking with Dorothy.

The next time you visit our offices in NY look across from Dorothy's desk at the two fading photos on the file cabinet. There she is, surrounded by the Kutz staff in the summers of 1969 and 70. Those in the photos are men and women in their 50's and 60's who continue to look back on their time in NFTY and at Kutz as among the most meaningful experiences in their lives. Some of those special people are no longer with us, many are Rabbis, educators, Jewish communal leaders, parents and even grandparents. Dorothy was a valued member of our community then as she is today. She is our continuity, our conscience, our friend. We love you Dor and thank you for all you have done for us and will continue to do.