On Monday, April 28, several employees of the college collected in Heritage Commons to celebrate the 389 years of service accrued from sixteen departing faculty and staff members, and to honor them as they leave. Retirees and departing employees came from several different departments around campus, ranging from ten years of service to forty. After a brief thank you and congratulations from college president Donald P. Wharton, 2001 Distinguished Teacher Bob Fitzpatrick, a professor in Lamson Library, took control of the celebration and honored each individual with personal remarks and amusing anecdotes. “Who were our mentors at Plymouth State College?” Fitzpatrick asked after referencing an abridged version of The Odyssey. “Who were the people who taught us how to do a good job, how to value our experience, and most importantly, how to share what we’ve learned from our Mentors with students and colleagues.” Fitzpatrick called everyone leaving this year, and those who have left in the past, his mentors for what they have taught him and what they have contributed to the college. Two of these departing mentors, Ed Wixon and Mary Lou Hinman, also spoke briefly to tell what they have learned through teaching, and what teaching means to them. The following were honored at the farewell reception and will soon be leaving their post at Plymouth State:
PSC Bids Farewell to Sixteen Faculty Members
Pat Campbell, Assistant Manager for Academic Affairs, having served 15 years at the college.
Dr. Bill Benoit, Professor in the Business Department, having served 22 years at the college, previously chair of the department and the MBA program.
David Kent, Professor in the Business Department, having served 32 years at the college, and architect of the new Criminal Justice program.
Dr. Mary Lou Hinman, Professor in the English Department, having served 16 years at the college, chair of the department and 1995 Distinguished Teacher.
Robert Tuveson, Director of Financial Aid, having served 34 years at the collge.
Dr. Art Bourgeois, Professor in the Health Physical Education and Recreation Department, having served 33 years at the college, formerly the Faculty Senate Speaker and department chair.
Gerd Lutter, Assistant Professor in the Health Physical Education and Recreation Department, having served 34 years at the college.
Dr. Nancy Strapko, Associate Professor in the Health Physical Education and Recreation Department, having served 17 years at the college.
Teri Swift, Business Services Assistant in Telecommunications and Information Technology, having served 16 years to the college, known as the face of Telecom.
Dr. Ed Wixon, Professor in the Mathematics Department, having served 40 years at the college, previously Dean of the college, department chair, and speaker of the Faculty Senate.
Marilyn Wixon, Skills Applications Teacher in the Mathematics Department, having served 13 years at the college.
Margo Swift, Skills Application Teacher in the Music Theater and Dance Department, having served 19 years at the college.
Dr. Larry Spencer, Professor in the Natural Science Department, having served 36 years at the college, previously chair of the department and member of the Executive Council.
Pat Welch, Administrative Assistant to the Natural Science Department, having served 29 years at the college.
Joe Morin, Plumber and Pipe Fitter in Physical Plant, having served 23 years at the college.
Joe Stripp, General Maintenance Worker in Physical Plant, having served 10 years at the college.