This
Reading Day, we will celebrate the life of one our own who passed away
last December. A Memorial Tree Ceremony will be held this morning for
William T. “Bill” Joseph, Virginia Wesleyan's former Vice President of
Finance. Though I only knew Bill for a short time, it was clear to me
that he loved Virginia Wesleyan and was committed to the College
throughout his 40-year career and into retirement.
Bill arrived
at Virginia Wesleyan as our first business manager in September 1966.
Beginning as a two-person operation, the business office grew with the
College, and Bill’s responsibilities ranged from handling student
accounts, purchasing supplies, and arranging campus signage, to
negotiating with lending banks, exterminator companies and federal OSHA
officials. He oversaw the operations of food services, the bookstore—run
for a short time by his wife, Faye, who will be joining us today—other
auxiliary services, and the expanding physical plant. He retired from
the College in 2006.
Mr. Joseph was an integral part of our
community and helped make Virginia Wesleyan the special place it is
today. We will honor his legacy with a Memorial Tree Ceremony this
morning at 11 a.m. on the lawn behind Godwin Hall. In case of inclement
weather, the ceremony will be held in the Barclay Sheaks Gallery in
Godwin Hall.
Later in the day, we will say farewell and best
wishes to retiring Virginia Wesleyan faculty members Dr. Cheul Kang,
Professor of Management, Business, and Economics, and Dr. Garry Noe,
Associate Professor of Physics and Chair of the Earth and Environmental
Sciences and Physics Departments. With 32 and 29 years of service
respectively, these professors have undoubtedly left their mark on our
institution and will be greatly missed by all. Please join us this
afternoon for the traditional commemorative tree planting in Wilson
Arboretum to celebrate their distinguished service. The event will begin
at approximately 12:45 p.m., rain or shine.
I’d also like to
recognize two staff members who are retiring this spring. My deepest
gratitude to Jane Kiefer, who has served our community for 21 years in a
variety of essential roles, most recently as Administrative Assistant
to the Birdsong School of Social Science. And to Genai Hill, Manager of
Academic Advising Support, thank you for supporting Virginia Wesleyan in
so many valuable ways throughout your 11 years of service.
Today
will be bittersweet, as we remember a friend we have lost, yet
celebrate the unforgettable imprint left in his place; as we say
farewell to our cherished colleagues, yet send them off toward fantastic
new adventure. I hope you will join me as we gather our Marlin family
together for these important moments.
