Nebraska Wesleyan University recognized nine retiring faculty and staff members with a special reception at Great Hall in Smith-Curtis on April 30. Together, this distinguished group contributed 265 years of dedicated service to NWU and its students.
The people honored included:
- Professor of Theatre Jay Chipman (’77)
- Professor of History Patrick Hayden-Roy
- Professor of English Gerise Herndon
- Professor of Biology Jeff Isaacson (’83)
- Professor of Music Richard Jones
- Head Football Coach Brian Keller (‘83)
- Professor of Social Work Jeff Mohr
- Director of Physical Plant James Ruzicka
- Professor of Nursing Becky Voight
Friends and colleagues shared tributes to each.
“I owe my career in many ways, to Jeff (Mohr),” said Associate Professor of Social Work Toni Jensen. She lauded Mohr’s service as both a teacher and a medical social worker serving oncology and AIDS patients. “Thousands of Jeff’s students and clients have improved lives thanks to his good work.”
Professor of History Steven Wills called Hayden-Roy “a constant, reassuring presence, and an outstanding colleague, mentor and friend.”
Associate Professor of Theatre Ryan Kathman said, “I want to be Jay Chipman when I grow up.” He lauded Chipman as “a keen observer who habitually notices what needs noticing in his students.”
And Assistant Professor of Nursing Erin Putney (MSN ’18) recalled her experience as one of Voight’s students. “Becky met me with a smile and a calm curiosity, guiding me to find answers for myself.”
Putney also passed on congratulations from nursing alumni who couldn’t be there in person, one of whom said, “Make sure Becky gets extra hugs today on behalf of all her students.”
Do you have hugs, memories or tributes to share with any of these retirees? We’d love to be your messenger. Reach out at alumni [at] nebrwesleyan.edu (alumni[at]nebrwesleyan[dot]edu).