Retiring professors, staff recognized at ceremony
By Ryan Campbell, News Writing Student
Eight college employees are turning the page on a new chapter of life as they leave the working world and enter retirement.
On the list are Patricia Jimenez-Brooks, Charlotte Mulvihill, Lloyd Kingsbury, Sheri Hobbs, Shirley Crosby, Mary Gundlach, Jack Kraettli, and Richard Rouillard.
All were recently honored at a reception on campus.
Jiminez-Brooks taught Spanish at the college for 29 years.
During that time, she organized many international trips with students where, she said, students used the Spanish they learned to travel with classmates and personally experience the language and culture of many different countries around the world.
“Being with students as they experience new cultures and open themselves up to the world — it’s great,” Jimenez-Brooks said.
The mix of age, ethnicity, and backgrounds of students has been one of the many rewards of Brooks’ career.
“I have loved working at a community college because of the variety of students,” she said.
“Over the years, one thing that hasn’t changed is the fact that the community college really serves the community.”
Jimenez-Brooks expressed enthusiasm about her teaching career.
“I’ve always thought my job was a lot of fun. I’m just hoping that the next chapter of my life is as fun as this one.
“This place has such an energy about it. It’s a stimulating energy that makes you feel good to be here.”
Another person who has contributed to the growth of the college is Charlotte Mulvihill.
Mulvihill said she has been actively involved in the development of the biotechnology program at OCCC since the spring of 1999.
Because of her effortsover the years, OCCC has been awarded a total of $4 million in grants from the National Institutes of Health, Department of Labor, and the National Science Foundation.
Mary Gundlach will retire as the Health Professions Division Assistant on July 1, she said.
Lloyd Kingsbury retired as the Health Lab Coordinator in 2008. He had worked at the college for 20 years.
Sheri Hobbs served as the Arts and Humanities Division secretary from 1999 until her retirement in 2008.
Reference librarian Shirley Crosby has served as the afternoon and evening librarian since June 1997. She will retire July 20, 2008, said Sally Strebig, library secretary.
Professor Jack Kraettli taught Principles of Real Estate, marketing, and business during his tenure at OCCC. He left his position as the evening administrator in 2008. He began working at the college in 1984.
Professor Richard Rouillard had been a professor since the college opened its doors in 1972. He retired in 2008, but was recognized with the others at the retirement ceremony April 22.
