This article is from the EMU News Archive. Current EMU new is available at www.emu.edu/news

EMU Cites Retirees, Gives Service Awards

EMU retirees Mamie M. Mellinger and Paul T. (P.T.) Guengerich
Photo by Jim Bishop

The faculty and staff of Eastern Mennonite University recognized two colleagues who are retiring and cited 49 others for years of service during the school's annual recognition dinner held May 2.

Mamie M. Mellinger is retiring as director of health services after serving 20 years in this role. Before that, she was a member of the EMU nursing department faculty, 1970-76 and 1980-86, serving the university a total of 32 years.

Paul T. (P.T.) Guengerich is retiring a second time. He served in a variety of roles at EMU from 1964 to 1981 – dean of men, dean of students, registrar and an associate in the admissions department. Less than a year later, he joined the alumni and parent relations office in a new, part-time role - compiling news on alumni activities for the university's "Crossroads" magazine for the past 24 years.

Mellinger and Guengerich received engraved plaques and their choice of a captain's chair or rocker from President Loren E. Swartzendruber. They also received special tributes from their respective departments.

Other Awards

Beryl H. Brubaker, provost, and Jim Bishop, public information officer, received 35-year service certificates amd royal blue glass bowls etched with their name and the EMU seal.

Thirty-year service awards were presented to:

• Vernon E. Jantzi, professor of sociology;
• Galen R. Lehman, professor of psychology;
• Samuel O. Weaver, associate director of development.

Each was given a certificate and a wooden hand-crafted pen and pencil set etched with their name and the EMU seal.

Helen L. Benoit, professor of counselor education, and Lewis R. Driver, heating and plumbing assistant in physical plant, received 25-year certificates along with a glass desk clock personalized with their name and the EMU seal.

Recognized for 20 years of service were:

• Ann G. Hershberger, professor of nursing;
• Renee L. Leap, assistant director of financial assistance;
• Helen I. Nafziger, director of career services/testing;
• Ronald E. Piper, vice president for finance;
• Audrey H. Shenk, aquisitions administrator/library automation coordinator;
• Nancy Good Sider, assistant professor of conflict studies;
• Arlene G. Wiens, professor of nursing.

These honorees were awarded gift certificates and certificates of appreciation.

Fifteen-year service awards went to:

• Bonnie W. Bowser, circulation/office manager, Hartzler Library;
• Kim G. Brenneman, associate professor of psychology;
• Karen R. Cline, accounts payable coordinator;
• Dawn E. Kreider, assistant to the provost;
• Roger E. Mast, head coach, men's soccer;
• Ellen B. Miller, director of housing and residence life;
• Wendy J. Miller, assistant professor of spiritual formation;
• Linford L. Stutzman, associate professor of culture and mission;
• and Lonnie D. Yoder, professor of pastoral care and counseling.

Ten years:

• Beth Bergman, seminary registrar;
• Jan R. Butcher, assistant professor of nursing;
• Suzanne K. Cockley, director, Adult Degree Completion Program;
• Joan Griffing, associate professor of music;
• Theodore (Ted) Grimsrud, associate professor of theology and peace studies;
• Edwin M. Lehman, mechanical services supervisor;
• Lucinda S. Mathews, office coordinator, music department;
• Marcia K. Myers, office coordinator, Bible and religion department and Center for Justice and Peacebuilding (CJP);
• Sara Wenger Shenk, associate dean of the seminary and associate professor of Christian education;
• Jennifer L. Sommers, administrative assistant, teacher education department;
• Twila K. Yoder, assistant to the president;
• and Howard Zehr, CJP co-director and professor of restorative justice.

Five years:

• Belinda Beya, assistant director of admissions;
• Doug Blyer, fleet and equipment coordinator;
• Jayne S. Docherty, associate professor of conflict studies;
• Michele R. Hensley, director, financial assistance;
• Douglas C. (Doug) Hertzler, associate director of the Washington (D.C.) Community Scholars Center and assistant professor of anthropology and sociology;
• Brenda Martin Hurst, associate professor of practical theology;
• Lawrence W. (Laurie) Miller, director, student programs and orientation;
• Janelle Myers-Benner, administrative assistant, Center for Justice and Peacebuilding;
• Melody M. Pannell, director, multicultural services;
• Linden Rhodes,University Commons custodian;
• Samuel L. Sauder, senior web programmer-administrator;
• Mark Metzler Sawin, associate professor of history;
• Jeb Swartzentruber, web programmer/data base administrator;
• and Earl Zimmerman, assistant professor, Bible and religion.

Mennonite Central Committee language assistants Daniel Agreda, Sarah Hardegger and Ximena Rodaro were also recognized during the ceremonies.

— article by: Jim Bishop; posted May 3, 2006