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WOUB Member Spotlight: Berry Dilley
< < Back toDilley has been a member of WOUB since 1984
ATHENS, OH – Even though Berry Dilley didn’t grow up in Athens, she appreciates the diversity and culture in the town, its warmth and its vibrant history.
“I currently live in the Peden house, named for Don Peden,” said Dilley. Peden was the Ohio University football coach for 27 years after whom the current Bobcat football stadium is named.
She also appreciates the programming she can find on WOUB Radio and Television.
“I listen to WOUB radio and watch WOUB TV. I’m particularly pleased to be able to access WOUB Passport so I can watch when I chose,” said Dilley. “I like to watch Masterpiece, Frontline and Great Performances. There are excellent documentaries, thrilling dramas and great music.”
Dilley grew up in Connecticut and came to Athens after making stops along the east coast. Her first stop was in New York City where she lived and worked for a couple of years before going to college.
“When I was young woman, women were led to believe that their career was to be a wife and mother, only working before marriage. It was uncommon for a woman to want a profession, and unusual for them to pursue a career. Although I didn’t have a career in mind, after working a few years, I was eager to go to college. I was eager to get an education, to learn, and to expand my knowledge,” said Dilley. “I continued my education after my undergraduate work, gradually discovering that my primary field of interest was movement and dance. I finally earned a master’s degree in dance at Florida State University – at the age of 38!”
Then, Dilley came to Athens.
“I arrived in Athens in 1971, together with my 10-year-old son, to begin my career as a movement and acting instructor in the theater department at Ohio University,” said Dilley. “I taught at Ohio University for about seven years, met and married a physics professor.”
Over the years, Dilley continued her study of movement, meditation, and most recently she became a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner. Somatic Experiencing is a form of alternative therapy aimed at relieving the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental and physical trauma-related health problems by focusing on perceived body sensations (or somatic experiences).
Dilley’s husband died in 2008. During his life, Jim was a generous supporter of organizations which worked on environmental concerns as well as local organizations which enriched the community.
“Through his example, I began to recognize the importance of supporting these organizations and have added to the list. I have been an avid member and supporter of WOUB for several years,” said Dilley. “What’s especially important to me is that WOUB and public media are excellent sources for reliable, highly informative and well-balanced news and information.”