'I wish you all a third act full of happiness' – Robbins and other leaders honor retiring employees

'I wish you all a third act full of happiness' – Robbins and other leaders honor retiring employees

By University Communications
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Of the 283 employees who retired, 17 had more than 40 years of service.
Of the 283 employees who retired, 17 had more than 40 years of service.
Alison Deming, Regents Professor emerita in the Department of English, was at the University for 31 years.
Alison Deming, Regents Professor emerita in the Department of English, was at the University for 31 years.
Jim Cushing, professor, in the Department of Mathematics, retired after 52 years at the University.
Jim Cushing, professor, in the Department of Mathematics, retired after 52 years at the University.

Noting that more than 100 of this year's retirees spent at least 25 years at the University, President Robert C. Robbins expressed his gratitude in a video message, thanking the 283 faculty and staff members for making the University "a better place."

"Even though we still cannot celebrate your service together, I am very thankful for the many ways your hard work and dedication has enriched our institution," Robbins said. "I wish you all a 'third act' full of happiness, insatiable curiosity and new adventures."

Robbins also said he hopes the retirees stay connected to the University.

"I invite you to keep the University part of your heart and life after you transition," he said.

Robbins' comments were shared in a video posted on a website created by Human Resources to honor retirees for their service and contributions. The website features a full list of this year's retirees, as well as messages of congratulations and gratitude from other University leaders.

Helena A. Rodrigues, vice president and chief human resources officer, echoed Robbins' sentiments.

"Perhaps no one described the 'third act' better than Jane Fonda, encouraging us to think of our progression through life as a staircase, 'an upward ascension of the human spirit bringing us into wisdom, wholeness and authenticity.' Congratulations and thank you for your contributions to and influence on our University community. I wish you continued growth, happiness and well-being."

Elizabeth "Betsy" Cantwell, senior vice president for research and innovation, praised retiring employees for helping to create an inclusive, forward-thinking learning and working environment.

"And even as you achieve this richly deserved milestone marking the next phase of your life," Cantwell said, "you continue to represent the best of the University, embodying compassion, integrity and determination – particularly during the last year."

Alain-Philippe Durand, Dorrance Dean of the College of Humanities, also encouraged retirees to stay connected.

"While you enjoy your well-deserved retirement, stay curious and open and please join us at the Humanities Seminars Program, Poetry Center readings, our annual Tucson Humanities Festival, or any of the many public programs we sponsor all year long," he wrote. "Merci beaucoup."

Others offering remarks include Shane C. Burgess, vice president for the Division of Agriculture, Life and Veterinary Sciences and Cooperative Extension, John Paul Jones III, Don Bennett Moon Dean of the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, and Nancy Pollock Ellwand, dean of the College of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture.

Retirees will receive an email at a later date with details about their retirement gift from the University.

See a list of some of the longest-serving retirees below.

50 or More Years of Service

  • Jim Cushing, Professor, Department of Mathematics, 52 years
  • Madelyn Mock, Coordinator of Federal Excess Property, Office of the Vice President of Agriculture, Life and Veterinary Sciences, and Cooperative Extension, 51 years

40 or More Years of Service

  • David Chisholm, Professor Emeritus, Department of German Studies, 48 years
  • Jean Swedenburg, Information Analyst, University Libraries, 48 years
  • Charles Weidman, Lecturer, Department of Hydrology and Atmospheric Sciences, 46 years
  • Elizabeth Leko, Director, Interprofessional Clinical Skills Center, 45 years
  • William Boynton, Professor Emeritus, Lunar and Planetary Laboratory, 44 years
  • Vince Moreno, Senior Staff Technician, Steward Observatory, 44 years
  • Richard Heerschap, Financial Services Specialist, Financial Services, 43 years
  • Srini Raghavan, Professor, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, 43 years
  • Karen Tortorella-Notari, Accounting Assistant, Arizona Student Media, 42 years
  • Shirin Antia, Professor Emerita, Department of Disability and Psychoeducational Studies, 41 years
  • Lois Loescher, Professor Emerita, College of Nursing, 41 years
  • Htay Hla, Director of Information Technology, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, 40 years
  • Christopher Johnson, Assistant Professor Emeritus, College of Applied Science and Technology, 40 years
  • Marylyn McEwen, Professor Emerita, College of Nursing, 40 years
  • Helen Quihuis, Operations Supervisor, University Libraries, 40 years

Outstanding Faculty

  • Ann Baldwin, Professor, Department of Physiology, 38 years
  • Becky Bell, Associate Athletic Director, Edward T. Bell Jr. C.A.T.S. Life Skills Program, 36 years
  • Malcolm Compitello, Professor Emeritus, Department of Spanish and Portuguese, 26 years
  • Alison Deming, Regents Professor Emerita, Department of English, 31 years
  • Heather Enos, OSIRIS-REx Deputy Principal Investigator, Lunar and Planetary Laboratory, 30 years
  • Robert Glennon, Regents Professor, Morris K. Udall Professor of Law and Public Policy, 36 years
  • Sallie Marston, Regents Professor Emerita, School of Geography, Development and Environment, 35 years
  • Timothy Swindle, Director Emeritus, Arizona Space Institute, and Professor Emeritus, Department of Geosciences, 35 years

You can see President Robbins' video message to retirees below:

 

 

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