No catastrophes happened that day.  No earthquake.  No flood.  No embarrassing moments (well, maybe a few, but we won’t talk about them). 

Although this year’s All-Campus Retirement Party fell on Friday, the 13^th, it didn’t stop folks from coming out to celebrate with this year’s retirees — Mark Durfee, Libby Fiene, Kathleen Lynch, Debbie Mayhew, Marcie Riedinger and Andrea Rye.  (Retirees Dick Davis and Gayle Holm were not able to attend.)  These employees, who gave a total of 167 years to the college, worked as professors, administrators and staff. 

Their work helped students get the financial aid and scholarship money they needed to get in or stay in school.  They taught them to use their critical thinking skills beyond the classroom so they could find success in their careers and in their lives.  They supported them and told them they could succeed if they worked hard.  They made sure they had the tools they needed, including class handouts and other documents.  They went to their ball games and performances.  In the end, they all gave the same thing to our students – the ability to trust in and believe in themselves.  Thanks retirees.  You made a difference.

Arlene’s (Strong) cake once again brought smiles.  Rocks and a flowing river illustrated the river of life theme.  As always, folks enjoyed eating it as well as looking at it!

All retirees were honored and party-goers had the opportunity to offer comments, stories, etc. about their friends and colleagues who were retiring.  As should be, there were tears and lots of laughs.  Goodbyes were said and plans were made for future lunches.  Memories were packed away for later times — bittersweet moments.

Thanks to the Shoreline Community College Foundation, Shoreline Federation of Teachers and the Washington Federation of State Employees for co-sponsoring this special event!