Dozens of family members and spouses joined University administrators Tuesday to honor 20 retiring University employees, many of whom have worked at the University for more than 25 years.
The annual event, held in the Gerlinger Hall Alumni Lounge, recognized a variety of University employees, including professors, University Health Center employees and classified employees.
Helen Stoop, benefits administrator for the Office of Human Resources, said this is the University’s way to appreciate retirees’ hard work.
“These individuals have given the University 501 years of valuable service,” she said.
University President Dave Frohnmayer presented all retirees with certificates and words of appreciation.
“There’s a real richness in the human cement that holds us together,” he said.
Among those preparing to retire is Jim Heiss, student loans manager, who began his University career in 1974.
“It’s been a lot of fun working with the students over the years,” he said.
Heiss said he has enjoyed working in the loans office because he helps make it possible for students to attend college.
“I’m one of 13 children,” he said. “If I hadn’t got a loan, I probably wouldn’t have gone to school.”
Virginia Sands, nurse-specialist project coordinator at the University Health Center, is also retiring after 25 years at the University. She said she is looking forward to having free time, although she will miss the students.
“My time here has been great,” she said. “But retiring is something everyone works for.”
Sands said she plans to spend her free time with her family, which includes five grandchildren and another one on the way.
“It’s going to be a big change in my life,” she said. “I’ll learn to be a stay-at-home wife.”
Rodney Jensen, custodial floater with Facilities Services, is also looking forward to retiring after 28 years with the University.
“I feel elated,” he said. “I hate to go, but it’s time.”