Cynthia Haaf-Murphy

Fall 1986

Full Name Cynthia Lynn Haaf-Murphy

Did you (or do you still) have a nickname? None that I knew of.

Family I'm married to a wonderful man named Tim. He is, by far, the nicest and most generous man I've ever met. He would give a stranger the shirt off his back if they could benefit from it. We've been happily married now for over nine year (this August), and I never knew what happiness was before we met. We had a beautiful son named Connor Haaf Jacob Murphy and have a picture perfect daughter (above) named Paige Kennedy Murphy. Sadly, our son died at birth on September 7th of 1999. His tiny presence has changed for the better how we both view life, people and situations. For that we will always be grateful. Our little curly haired, red headed, dimpled faced Paige will be 2 next month. She's every bit of 2 and humbles me everyday with her shenanigans. What a miracle she is...

We also have two smoochie faced Labradors. Our black one is named Rocky and he's 11. Our yellow one is named Luke. They are as much our children as Paige is.

What do you do for a living? When Paige was born, I exchanged my heels and suites for sneakers and jeans. I'm very fortunate to be able to stay at home and enjoy every second of Paige's life. Prior to Paige, I was employed by the ever so famous WorldCom as a Government Services Manager. I loved the challenge and excitement of the telecom industry, but wouldn't change my life for anything. Bottom line: play dates and story times are just more fun than conference calls and business trips.

Where were you born, where do you live now? I was born here in Syracuse and grew up in Cazenovia, New York. A small, rural suburb of Syracuse. Currently, Tim, Paige and I live in Manlius with hopes to build in Cazenovia.

What are your hobbies? Hobbies... hmm... well, I love to putz around my yard and gardens in the summer. Always trying to live up to the Martha Stewart magazine that adorns my mailbox every month. I dabble with golf here and there and would love to play more tennis. We would love to get Paige started on skis next year so we can enjoy that as a family during the Winter months. However, nothing rocks my world more than entertaining at home with family and friends. I just love having those that I care about, around me in my home. I'm not implying the cuisine is always edible, but a fun, relaxing time is usually had by all.

Favorite Food Veal Saltimbocca or Beef Tenderloin with sautéed spinach.

Favorite Movie Hope Floats or any typical girly movie.

Favorite City The Big Apple of course!

Favorite Book or Author Honestly, I'm not much of a reader, however I did manage to read Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas. Loved it!

Favorite Quote "When life throws you a lemon... ask for tequila and salt!"

Pledge Class Fall 1986

Big Sister and Big Brother Nicole Dow and Jim "JJ" Johnson.

Number of Pledge Sisters Seven: Myself, Jamie Varco, Monica Muraco, Kathy Gangemi, Tracy Ray, Cindy Rockhill and Tracy Spinner. That may even be our pledge line in order.

Office(s) Held Pledge Mistress Spring '89 (or was it 88?).

Who did you take to your first AXO formal? It was so long ago... Possibly Tim "Nickelbag" Nicholson (TG).

If you could relive one moment as an active member of AXO, what would it be? The last night of pledging for the Fall 1987 members. I had a great time, secretively cheering them all on. The lessons of AXO traditions can sometimes get lost in the heat of the moment, so I truly enjoyed being the secretive angel on the scene. I was voted to be Pledge Mistress for this pledge class, however the Dean thought it best I take a semester off to re-evaluate my future plans. So I had a soft spot in my heart for this pledge class from the get go. This may have been the only class that saw this side of Miss Haaf, however.

What did you learn during pledging/orientation that has stayed with you for the rest of your life? Dancing in the dining hall during prime lunch hour is NO fun!

What advice would you give to a woman who is thinking of pledging? Don't EVER feel compelled to do something you didn't believe, in your heart, to be right. If you remember that everything has a meaning, only to be understood in hindsight, then you'll be fine. Put your chin up, take a deep breath, see the humor in ALL of it (but laugh only on the inside) and hang on for a three week ride of your life!

What advice would you give to an active member of AXO (still at school)? Have a great time right now and live it up!! When you're in the working world, nobody will give a hoot about you being an AXO. One more thing - Yes, other pledge classes actually are pledged the same way!