University Celebrates Retiring Faculty and Staff
Together, they have served 澳门六合开奖 for 155 years, longer than Rockhurst has existed as an institution.
In recognition of that service, the University celebrated eight faculty and staff members who will be retiring this academic year in a ceremony Friday.
Sandra Cassady, Ph.D., University president, said all those retirees have made significant contributions to the University. But they also made an impact on their students and colleagues, evidenced by the heartfelt comments submitted for Cassady to read in honoring the retirees:
Matt Quick, Ph.D., vice president of student development and athletics, on Elbert Darden, Ph.D., director of the Counseling Center: 鈥淚t鈥檚 not an understatement to say that Elbert鈥檚 work for some was life-saving, and for most, was life-altering, in the most beautiful and transformative ways.鈥
Colleagues on Rocio Duncan, Ph.D., professor of modern languages and literature: 鈥淔rom high standards maintained in teaching and learning, to groundbreaking investigations into literature and film, with a commitment to social justice, especially in contemporary work from Central America, Dr. Duncan has maintained depth and relevance in her academic work and has displayed our core value of 鈥榤agis鈥 in so many ways.鈥
Colleagues on Rick Janet, Ph.D., professor of history: 鈥淗is great strengths as a leader are also some of his most remarkable and admirable personal qualities: His personal integrity, his trustworthiness, his kindness and his humility鈥 Rick is, in short, our touchstone.鈥
Julie Harding, associate registrar, on Brenda Laney, registrar: 鈥淏renda always showed she cared for us. There were thoughtful gifts at Christmas and apple fritters for just no reason other than she wanted us to have a sweet treat. Gestures don鈥檛 have to be big and extravagant in order to show someone they are really appreciated.鈥
Jordan McKinney, nursing student services coordinator, on Vicki Meek, MSN, associate professor of nursing: 鈥淰icki Meek has been an exemplary leader and mentor. She鈥檚 a person whose dedication to her role never superseded her humanity, and there are thousands of nurses helping today in our society as a direct result of her guidance, instruction and mentorship.鈥
Myles Gartland, Ph.D., dean of the Helzberg School of Management, on David Vicknair, DBA, associate professor of accounting: 鈥淔or over 30 years, David has been a pillar in our school. His devotion and compassion for our students has created an entire generation of CPAs and other accounting professionals. He has taught them ethics as the most important part of their job.鈥
Colleagues on James Waterman, assistant professor of nursing: 鈥淛im was involved with the initial implementation and development of the simulation center at the Westport campus and he investigated and implemented evidence based solutions to promote student learning through simulation.鈥
Gartland on Doug Dunham, Ph.D., provost and senior vice president of academic affairs: 鈥淒oug is a kind soul a great mentor. I owe him a lot. He has always been there to listen and guide with a gentle hand. You work with Doug, not for Doug. At least, that is how he makes you feel. His leadership and supportive nature have been ingrained in me for the rest of my career.鈥
Each retiree received a specially commissioned print by artist Michael Savage featuring the Kansas City skyline and Rockhurst iconography. Cassady recognized all of the retirees together 鈥斅燼nd welcomed them back any time.
鈥淎s you leave Rockhurst, I hope that you will have many fond memories that will go with you,鈥 Cassady said. 鈥淎nd know that wherever life takes you, you will always remain companions in advancing our Catholic Jesuit mission.鈥