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Celebrating Retirees and Employee Service Milestones
Twenty-five members of the campus community were honored for their service to the University
University News | May 5, 2023
Twenty-five members of the Virginia Wesleyan University community were recognized Thursday, May 4, at an appreciation celebration held at DeFord Manor and hosted by President and Mrs. Scott D. Miller.
“People are any organization's greatest asset,” said President Miller during his opening remarks. “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."
The event paid tribute to five retirees and 20 employees who have reached service milestones ranging from a decade of service to 35 years of service.
“Our retirees alone have contributed 136 years of combined experience and knowledge to Virginia Wesleyan,” noted President Miller. “Congratulations to each of you, and thank you for all you do for Virginia Wesleyan every day."
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.
Congratulations to following honorees:
Retirees
Elaine Dessouki, Assistant Professor of Management, Business, and Economics (33 years of service)
Lois Ford, Harbor Grill Supervisor, Sodexo Dining Services (32 years of service)
Joyce Howell, Professor of Art History (39 years of service)
George Jackson, Professor of Management, Business, and Economics (9 years of service)
Phil Rock, Professor of Biology (23 years of service)
35 Years of Service
Doug Kennedy, Professor of Sport and Recreation Professions
Deborah Otis, Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry
30 Years of Service
Craig Wansink, Professor of Religious Studies, Joan P. and Macon F. Brock, Jr. Director of the Robert Nusbaum Center, Chair of Religious Studies
25 Years of Service
Dave Macedo, Head Men’s Basketball Coach
Maynard Schaus, Professor of Biology and Environmental Science, Director of Graduate Programs, Coordinator of Sustainability Management
Steven Sparks, Maintenance Technician, Aramark Facilities Management
Ginny Videll, Coordinator of Conferences and Special Events, Aramark Facilities Management
20 Years of Service
Terry Critser, Manager of Systems Administration
Scott Liverman, Associate Professor of Criminal Justice, Chair of Sociology and Criminal Justice
Andre Marshall, Utility, Sodexo Dining Services
Margaret Reese, Thomas R. Fanney Distinguished Professor of Mathematics
15 Years of Service
Ben Haller, Associate Professor of Classics
Rebecca Hooker, Associate Professor of English
Maury Howard, Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Director of Nursing and Allied Health
Sue Larkin, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Professor of English
Lena Rudolph, Supervisor, Coastal Market/Sodexo Dining Services
Malleri Santiago, Administrative Assistant to the Vice President for Enrollment
10 Years of Service
Takeyra Coats, Assistant Professor of Sport and Recreation Professions
Eric Johnson, Associate Professor of Biology, Chair of Biology, Supervisor of the Greer Center Greenhouse
Arnold Selga, Shift Supervisor, VWU Security
Prior to the community celebration at DeFord Manor, members of the faculty gathered in the atrium of the Greer Environmental Sciences Center and the Wilson Arboretum for tributes to retiring faculty members and the traditional tree planting.
Since 1997, retiring faculty have commemorated their retirements by planting a tree of their choice in the Wilson Arboretum on campus. The Arboretum was first established by the classes of 1986 and 1995 to honor the memory of Dr. William M. Wilson, who served as dean from 1971 to 1994.
This year’s additions to the arboretum, specifically chosen by each retiree, include a Thornless Oak (Assistant Professor Dessouki); a Southern Live Oak (Professor Howell); an Atlantic White Cedar, (Professor Jackson); and a Yaupon Holly (Professor Rock).