Velma Rendel graduated in 1932. She was the second oldest of seven children of Ben and Lottie Rendel of Maybee, Michigan.

She married Thomas Thayer Hirst who also had been a student at AA having come from Ladysmith, Wisconsin. Together they had four sons and a daughter, all who are living now in February of 2004. Three of their sons (Robert, Rodger and Richard) also graduated from AA. Tom owned a propane business and a bus he used occasionally to drive AA students to group concerts or to Camp AuSable.

They lived in Maybee, Michigan for many years and later moved to southern California. Tom died on February 8, 2003 and Velma died on November 28, 2003 being 90 years old. She was always proud of AA and grateful for her academy education. This bio was submitted by her oldest son, Robert Hirst.