Sherman, Texas — Austin College presented staff and faculty with custom lapel pins in recognition and appreciation of milestone years of service to the College. Pins were presented during a gathering in Wynne Chapel, Grum Sanctuary on Thursday, August 22, 2024.

“Each year, we recognize Austin College staff and faculty who have reached significant employment milestones,” said Melanie Oelfke, Chief Human Resource Officer. “The number of awardees and their years of service to the College demonstrate the loyalty of our employees and that, like our students, Austin College has come to feel like home to them.”

Employment milestone recognitions ranged from five years to an impressive 35 years of service.  Thirty-two employees were recognized, with a combined total of 455 years of working at the college.

Those receiving pins were:

With 5 years:      Emily Eldridge, Dr. Ruchan Kaya, Cece O’Day, Dr. Meg Brandl, Dr. Claire Wolnisty, Kathy Abate, Lane Henderson, Dianne Moyer, John Peden, Krystal Hutcheson, and Sheila Weaver

With 10 years:   Dr. Martinella Dryburgh, Dr. Matt Findley, Dr. Audrey Flemming, Dr. Jim Hebda, Dr. David Whelan, Cisco Garcia, Melissa Holmes, and Juanita Stas

With 15 years:   Raymie Barker and Joe Keitz

With 20 years:   Dr. Brett Boessen, Dr. Lisa M. Brown, Dr. Brad Smucker, and Cary Wacker

With 25 years:   Cathy Richardson, and Dr. Julia Shahid

With 30 years:   Dr. Bob Cape, Dr. Patrick Duffey, and Dr. Peter Schulze

With 35 years:   David Norman and Prof. Steve Ramsey