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2024 Employee Milestone Celebration

Twenty-four members of the campus community were honored for their service to VWU

University News | May 1, 2024

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Twenty-four members of the Virginia Wesleyan University community were recognized on April 30 at an appreciation celebration held at Brock Commons. The event paid tribute to seven retirees and 17 employees who have reached service milestones ranging from a decade to 40 years of service. 

“People are any organization’s greatest asset,” said VWU President Scott D. Miller. “We are incredibly fortunate to have great people at Virginia Wesleyan—people who are wholeheartedly committed to our institution and students, and who are dedicated to our shared mission.” 

As is tradition at Virginia Wesleyan, retirees were presented with Virginia Wesleyan University chairs and service milestone honorees were presented with special certificates and tokens of appreciation for their years of service. 

“I hope you think fondly of your past with Virginia Wesleyan and all the lives you touched – students, parents, friends, and colleagues,” said Dr, Miller. “Please know that it has been my privilege to work with you during this exceptional time of progress at Virginia Wesleyan. On behalf of the University, I say thank you for your years of service. We wish you the absolute best in retirement and hope you come back often to visit and cheer on the Marlins in academics and athletics.” 

Congratulations to following honorees: 

Retirees

Barb Artis, VWU Security (14 years of service)

Clay Drees, Professor of History (32 years of service)

Patrick Goold, Associate Professor of Philosophy (30 years of service)

Larry Hultgren, Professor of Philosophy: Chair of Philosophy (55 years of service)

Deborah Otis, Professor of Chemistry (36 years of service)

Sharon Swift, Professor of Art (23 years of service)

Susan Wansink, Professor of German Studies: Chair of Foreign Languages (35 years of service) 

40 Years

Kathy Ames

Kathy Merlock Jackson 

30 Years

Polly Gaskins 

25 Years

Alain Gabon

Phil Guilfoyle

Keith Moore

Sally Shedd

Lisa Williams 

20 Years

Elizabeth Malcolm

Gavin Pate 

15 Years

Randy Lott

Laynee Timlin 

10 Years

Don Clark

Sandra Ewell ‘97

Chis Francis

Kelly Jackson ‘84

Crit Muniz