DAVID WRIGHT, and wife, Kathi Sircy have been happily married for 23 years. photo courtesy of DAVID WRIGHT
If you have gone through the J30 class, you have heard about professor David Wright’s hobbies and family. Open sharing aspects of his personal life with countless semesters of budding first-year journalists, Wright is now willing to share anecdotes with the rest of Drake’s campus.
In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, Wright’s story of how he met his wife is fit for the movies. Wright’s wife placed a singles ad in a newspaper in Texas. In a mailbox full of responses to the profile placed by “F1190,” Wright’s letter caught her eye. After an extended game of phone tag, they finally had their first date.
The new couple’s second date was about a four-hour drive from San Antonio to the gulf of Texas. They talked the entire drive and knew there was something real between them. The two were engaged within a week, and the rest is history. Wright and his wife, Kathi Sircy, have been happily married 23 years. The secret to a successful marriage?
“Communication is key,” Wright said. “Absolutely, listening as well as sharing, and taking the time to do that.”
Wright, who has three kids, ages 18, 19 and 22, also said that it’s important for some of that communication to happen just between each other. The couple is observably the ideal picture of genuine companionship. Wright and Sircy share their secrets to marital success with other couples by doing marriage prep meetings for newlyweds
As newly weds themselves, the Wrights enjoyed sailing. Recently, Wright bought a twenty-two foot boat with a trailer on eBay for $1,600. You can find the Wright family sailing on the Fox River during the summer.
“There is something so relaxing about sailing. You have to be in tuned with nature,” Wright said.
Wright and his wife have also worked at the Civic Center of Des Moines for about five years. They work the doors, collect tickets and help with seating. (And no, it is not because Drake does not pay well enough.) The two enjoy seeing the different productions the Civic Center presents. Wright saw the Lion King from ten different views.
“You get to see the magic of the theater,” he said.
Wright has been with Drake University for 22 years and has been associate dean for about seven years. As associate dean for the School of Journalism and Mass Communications, he oversees everyday things that students are unaware of. Associate dean handles probation, schedules for every semester, open houses, alumni scholars, recruiting, administration, daily operation, curriculum, technology upgrades and handles the care of Meredith Hall.
“Have you seen the Wizard of Oz? I am kind of the man behind the scenes,” he said.
Wright’s hidden secret to his job: he signs off journalism students for graduation.
Between Wright’s hobbies, family and job one wonders if he ever sleeps.
“I go to bed early and wake up early, and do everything all on one cup of coffee.”
