Representing departments across the college, the 12 staff members retiring this year have devoted a combined 250 years-plus to doing the essential work of keeping Hope running — the computers and vehicles, the offices and programs — and the campus a welcoming, safe, clean and even homelike place for students, faculty, staff and visitors.
Put in a chronological perspective, their service totals longer than the United States has been a nation (reckoned from the signing of Declaration of Independence in 1776).
While faculty retirements generally coincide with the end of a semester, staff retirements take place across the year. Concluding their time at Hope across 2023-24, along with their departments and the years they joined the staff, are:
Abraham Anaya (Computing and Information Technology) (1987)
Sandra Bedard (Physical Plant) (2007)
Doug Braschler (Education Department) (2015)
Dale Bronsink (Physical Plant) (1998)
Shawn Drost (Physical Plant) (2005)
Jan Gibson (Admissions) (1992)
Dr. Kristen Gray (Counseling and Psychological Services, Center for Global Engagement) (1987)
Chris Mulder (Transportation) (2003)
Jeff Puckett (Philanthropy and Engagement) (2015)
Ann Schutt (Midstates Consortium for Math and Science) (2016)
Nancy Smith (Campus Ministries) (2013)
Kathy Waterstone (Music Department) (1989)
All of the retiring staff members, along with the eight faculty retiring this year, were honored during an open house held on Thursday, April 11, at the Maas Center auditorium.