Family tradition
Born and raised in Massachusetts, Kambour's parents instilled in him from a young age the value of community service that later contributed to his extensive dedication to volunteering and eventually his decision to join the Peace Corps. He remembers both of his parents always being involved in some facet of the community, especially his father, who was a high school principal and math teacher. "I guess the apple doesn't fall far from the tree," said Kambour.
Along with service, another family tradition-attending Amherst-made Kambour's choice to attend the College an easy one. In fact, he didn't even apply anywhere else. He was accepted and sustained the custom that began with Kambour's grandfather, a Greek immigrant who fled persecution in Turkey by coming to Amherst during the 1880s. His father, two uncles, and his older brother also attended the College. Years later, his oldest son became the fourth generation of the family to graduate from the College.
Kambour initially studied chemistry and biology, following in the footsteps of his older brother. Then, in junior year, Kambour altered his course of study to history. The then head of the department, Professor Dwight "Bucky" Salmon, became Kambour's favorite professor as he captivated Kambour's attention while encouraging his success in both academics and athletics. "He was a tremendous historian and intellect, as well as a wonderful, caring human being," said Kambour. "He would show his support for student-athletes by attending almost every baseball game."
Even though his history major gave him a good background in creative and analytical thinking, Kambour wishes he had known more about his future career path. "If I would have known then where I would have ended up in the business world, majoring in economics would have served me better," he said.
Kambour's experiences outside the classroom contributed the most to making his time at Amherst the best four years of his life. A talented athlete, he played four years of baseball and became captain of the team his senior year. Kambour also gained the position of head waiter for one of the dining halls in Valentine after working two meals a day for four years.
Yet, his self-admitted passions for baseball and being with people sometimes tempted him away from his studies, which Kambour now regrets. "I wish I had focused more on my studies and had gone on to graduate school. But by the time I ended my baseball career I had family responsibilities," he explained.
During his time at Amherst, Kambour did not give as much thought to volunteering as he does now. "At the time, there was little emphasis placed on contributing to the community or beyond," said Kambour. "I think it's wonderful that now so much interest is directed toward community service."
Going pro
After graduating, Kambour signed a pro-baseball contract and played for three years in the Milwaukee Braves farm system. When the first season concluded, Kambour needed a winter job that would occupy his time until the next season began. "I wanted to find a white-collar job that would put my Amherst education to use," he said.
A neighbor of his parents suggested he inquire about available positions at a pharmaceutical company in New Jersey. The market research department at Ciba-Geigy hired Kambour to work in marketing and sales. When Kambour retired from baseball two years later, that part-time job developed into a professional career spanning 29 years. It was during this time that Kambour began volunteering in the community, mainly because "that's just the way things were done there."
In 1988, Kambour remarried and left the company to work for Glaxo, another pharmaceutical group in North Carolina. There he actively involved himself in community service through the local board of recreation, planning board and the United Way. During this time, his wife Fran founded a public relations firm: The Kambour Company. When he retired in 1994, after spending a total of 35 years in pharmaceutical marketing and sales, he joined Fran as a senior partner in the firm. "Fran wouldn't let me just retire," Kambour admits.
The couple then decided to relocate themselves along with the company to New Hampshire. After eight more years in the business, the Kambours were ready for something new. An earlier experience helping to conduct an eye clinic in Tobago through Rotary Club International showed them the extent of their service potential outside of the local community. Not being the types to "retire to a rocking chair or the golf course," they looked to the Peace Corps for the next chapter in their lives together.
Peace Corps
The Kambours completed the extensive application and interview process, and became a part of the six percent of Peace Corps volunteers over the age of 50. Ted was 67 and Fran was 56 when they completed an 11-week language, culture and technical training program and health and safety instruction. They began their service in Cameroon in June of 2003. Fran's fluency in French greatly influenced their assignment to the bilingual country of Cameroon where both French and Pidgin English serve as official languages.
For the next 18 months, the Kambours served as advisors to Cameroon's leading micro-finance institution as well as small business enterprises in Bafoussam, the third-largest city in Cameroon. The conditions the couple encountered during their service sharply contrasted their surroundings in the United States. In a city of nearly 550,000 people, only 25 percent of the homes had running water and electricity was always an uncertainty. Presently in Cameroon, an estimated 33 percent of the people in the 15 to 35 age group are living with HIV/AIDS. Poor health and safety conditions have decreased the average life expectancy of Cameroonians to roughly 48. "When I told a local teenager my age, he remarked that he had never met anyone as old as me," says Kambour.
While in Cameroon, the Kambours were exposed to high crime and health risks, and had to be temporarily withdrawn from Cameroon and sent to Washington, D.C. for medical treatment after they were involved in a near-fatal taxi accident. After six weeks of intensive therapy, the couple requested a return to Cameroon to finish their service, even though the Peace Corps had relieved them of their duty.
Through all the hardships, they gained insight into a completely different culture and people. "The Cameroonian people show strong commitment to family with no one put out in the street, and older people viewed with great respect," said Kambour. "They are also hard workers that produce enough food through rudimentary practices to export food to other struggling African countries."
However, the political issues the country faces disturbed Kambour. "The reported democracy is a virtual dictatorship, not unlike Saddam Hussein's regime," he said. "The corruption and pay-offs permeate the government and police which is very discouraging to the people of Cameroon."
During their last few months in Bafoussam, the couple served as head trainers for the new recruits that took their place after they left in September, 2004. In an honorary ceremony, Kambour received the title Prince Tachou and was presented with a grand boubou-an embroidered ceremonial gown-and an official black knit hat as a crown.
Kambour's experiences in the Peace Corps strengthened his existing belief in the importance of community service in our world today. "We are so fortunate in the United States today.," he said. "I believe all young people should have exposure to Third World countries through community service."
Life back home
Now back in America, the Kambours recently moved from New Hampshire to Virginia in August, so Fran could accept a position with The Center for Field Assistance and Applied Research at Peace Corps headquarters. Ted remains strongly involved in College matters, and serves as president of the class of '57. He is currently busy planning their 50th reunion in May 2007.
In his frequent visits to campus, Kambour has observed many changes since he attended Amherst in the 1950s. "For one thing, there are girls on campus now," Kambour said with a laugh. "The College has continued to diversify the student body with more international students, an increase in students of different races and backgrounds and the introduction of a need-blind admission policy." Kambour also points out that not all things have changed with time. "Even with the addition of many buildings over the years, the College has maintained the outstanding philosophies, values and practices that make Amherst such a remarkable place."
Kambours goals for the future include meeting with Peace Corps officials to see how he can be of use. He is also considering other areas of international involvement that have to do with healthcare consulting. Through all his accomplishments, Kambour finds that his family still gives him the greatest sense of pride. "I have three sons and a stepdaughter with families of their own that I am so terribly proud of," he said. "I find myself continually wowed by what they can do," Kambour said. He has found satisfaction in his professional career in the pharmaceutical company, in the lessons he learned while playing sports and in the sense of fulfillment he received from doing community service. "I have risen from many challenges, disappointments, and setbacks during the tough times to lead a very fulfilling and active life," he said.
While Kambour looks to the future, he also reflects upon the influences his college years had on his life. He expresses his sentiments simply: "Amherst is family, a community in and of itself. It teaches you the impact of being part of, and learning to contribute to, that community."