May 21, 2025
After nine years of working as the Water Resources Science Graduate Program Coordinator, Tracy Fallon announces her retirement from the University of Minnesota. Fallon has left a lasting impact on the people she has worked with, coworkers and students included. She will continue doing impactful work as she shifts her focus to her own life coaching business. We asked her a few questions about her experiences working at the University of Minnesota.
How long have you worked with WRS, and how has your role developed over the years?
I started as the Graduate Program Coordinator for Water Resources Science in the fall of 2016. Being an interdisciplinary program unlike any other at the University of Minnesota, it had its opportunities and its challenges. It's been a blessing to be a part of utilizing and addressing them all for the sake of the students.
What are some of your favorite memories about working here?
A highlight from the last eight years was addressing the sense of community these students needed to thrive. Every year I've watched students form connections that will last the rest of their lives. My favorite memories are tied to a group of students who graduated pre-pandemic. Two of them became a couple while students and I had the honor of officiating their wedding in 2024.
What will you miss most about WRS?
There aren't enough words to express how much I'll miss the students. They are the most amazing scientists and by far the best group of graduate students on either campus. It's been fun to watch them all grow and become professionals.
What do you look forward to most about retirement?
That all being said, I'm super excited about retiring so I can put all my time into the coaching business I've been building the past few years. I'm a certified life coach and health coach. I love to motivate people to navigate the chaos of mid-life and then reinvent themselves, thanks to it all. The skills I've learned while at the U will be put to good use.
Any additional thoughts you would like to include?
My journey on the St. Paul campus started in 1992 when I was a student with the then-College of Ag. That experience and the 16 years as a staff member have solidified this place as home. I'm grateful to the WRC, BBE, IonE, and all the friends I've made here. Once CFANS, always CFANS, so I'll be around.
Tracy's final day at the University will be May 23rd.