Written by Nina E. Woody
“My mother convinced me that I could do anything I “set my mind to” and that “anything worth doing was worth doing well” – what a gift. It is my hope that I have lived up to that advice.”
photos by Steve Babin
Nancy Colin, though now retired, devoted her adult life to the nonprofit sector, with leadership positions at Hospice of Huntsville, United Way of Madison County and the ALS Association, Alabama Chapter. She has volunteered with organizations ranging from Little League baseball to VOICES for Alabama’s Children to the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra.
EVENT: What organizations are you involved in?
NC: I have been most fortunate to get the opportunity to serve in various groups over the years. Currently I serve on the Board of Trustees of the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra as Past Chair, member of the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Guild, Cuddler in the NICU at Huntsville Hospital, Church of Nativity Stephen Ministry and Altar Guild, member of Madison County 301 Board, Girl Scouts Development Board, and the Huntsville Humane Society Advisory Board.
EVENT: How did you become so interested in music and the arts?
NC: I think I was born with a love of music and dance. I even took ballet lessons for three years in my 30s. I took piano as a child, and again in my 50s for three years. I began taking violin lessons several years ago – it is a joy but the hardest thing I have ever attempted. I will never be really good but the fun is in the trying. Every once in a while it sounds like I am making music! I believe that the arts complete life. They are the living force of beauty in a world that longs for beauty. The arts have a healing power that I have experienced more than once.
EVENT: Is there an organization you’ve been involved with that holds a special place in your heart?
NC: I think there are two. One would be Hospice of Huntsville where I worked from 1987 to 1992. The care and compassion shown by those I worked with is a testament to what is best in people. The courage of those at the end of their life, and their family’s expressions of love were beautiful to witness. It was a privilege to journey through those five years. The other would be the Symphony which works so diligently (musicians, board and staff) to bring beauty to this community.
EVENT: Are you a lifelong Huntsville resident or a transplant?
NC: I moved here at age 10 from Nashville. I actually feel like a native – this is home.
EVENT: What do you like most about Huntsville?
NC: Hard question. I think it is a remarkable community in so many ways. I love the mix of Old South and high tech – the mix of people from all over the world, the entrepreneurial spirit, and the vibrant feel. There is a willingness to try the unknown and go for the brass ring. It just has a “go forward” mentality. In addition, there are many choices of things to entertain and enlighten. The people – the most important component – are warm, engaging, and community minded.
EVENT: What can you tell us about your family?
NC: I’m married to Ernest “Skipper” Colin, and I have three children and 9 grandchildren…my treasure.
EVENT: What do you like to do to unwind?
NC: Truthfully, I love to attend my grandchildren’s sports events. I am very competitive and have loved sports all my life. I am also a fierce follower of college football but have to confess that I don’t unwind that way.
EVENT: Where is your favorite place to visit, either in Huntsville or beyond?
NC: [I love to visit] Huntsville-Madison County Public Library where you are surrounded by wonderful books and helpful people. I have always loved libraries, and ours offers a wealth of knowledge and entertainment. [I also love] Italy and Scotland, Italy because of the history, art and the people. The people are so very alive, expressive and seem to really enjoy life. Scotland had such an ethereal feel for me. The beauty of the landscape, the pride of its people, and its turbulent history were enchanting.
EVENT: What would you like people to know about you?
NC: I am a woman who has always enjoyed a challenge. I have been very fortunate in that most (not all) of the challenges have been rewarding. In looking back, I have been blessed by the people who formed me. My mother convinced me that I could do anything I “set my mind to” and that “anything worth doing was worth doing well” – what a gift. It is my hope that I have lived up to that advice. n
EVENT: Where is your favorite place to visit, either in Huntsville or beyond?
NC: [I love to visit] Huntsville-Madison County Public Library where you are surrounded by wonderful books and helpful people. I have always loved libraries, and ours offers a wealth of knowledge and entertainment. [I also love] Italy and Scotland, Italy because of the history, art and the people. The people are so very alive, expressive and seem to really enjoy life. Scotland had such an ethereal feel for me. The beauty of the landscape, the pride of its people, and its turbulent history were enchanting.
EVENT: What would you like people to know about you?
NC: I am a woman who has always enjoyed a challenge. I have been very fortunate in that most (not all) of the challenges have been rewarding. In looking back, I have been blessed by the people who formed me. My mother convinced me that I could do anything I “set my mind to” and that “anything worth doing was worth doing well” – what a gift. It is my hope that I have lived up to that advice.
