Retirees Honored at Reception

Twelve Fairmont State employees were honored during the annual Retiree Reception on Friday, May 5.

"We thank these dedicated employees for their years of service to Fairmont State," said Dr. Daniel J. Bradley, FSU President. "They will be missed, but we wish them much happiness in their retirement."

This year's honorees were the following:

Virginia Caldwell, Food Service Assistant II, 1989-2006

During her 17 years at Fairmont State, Virginia Caldwell has been quiet and unassuming, always taking her life and employment very seriously.

Linda Caputo, Executive Secretary, 1980-2006

Linda Caputo worked in the Computer Center for 25 years, most of that time for Ed Bock. During most of her tenure, the office was closely associated with the Registrar's Office and did most of its data entry. Student grade reports were never late and were always accurate.

Mary Margaret Fletcher, Administrative Secretary Senior, 1983-2005

Mary Margaret Fletcher came to Fairmont State's School of Fine Arts following a 20-year career as a very successful legal secretary in downtown Fairmont. She also had a 20-year career as senior secretary to the chairperson of the School of Fine Arts. She worked to learn new computer programs and designed and produced programs and posters for the School of Fine Arts.

Neda Glover, Campus Service Worker Lead, 1984-2006

Neda Glover was hired by Fairmont State in 1979 and has worked in most buildings on campus. Throughout her tenure at Fairmont State, she has seen firsthand the changes and growth at Fairmont State. As a lead, she is concerned for the welfare and safety of workers assigned to her as well as the occupants of the buildings.

Mary Frances Hawkins, Manager Bookstore II, 1983-2006

Her dedication to her job and to Fairmont State is evident in the many hours that she spent making sure that the textbooks are on the shelves for students and faculty.

Dr. Deborah Kisner, Director of Nursing, School of Nursing and Allied Health Administration, 1972-1973, 1976-2006

Dr. Deborah Kisner was hired as faculty in the Associate Degree Nursing program in 1976 and then as the Director of Nursing Education in 1983. Prior to coming to Fairmont State, she also taught at Allegheny College in Maryland and at West Virginia University.

The Associate Degree Nursing Program was Awarded the Governor's Trophy in 1992 as the Outstanding Community College Program in West Virginia, and Kisner was honored by the Association of Deans and Directors of Nursing for "Significant Contribution to Nursing Education in WV." In 1993 she was again honored by three different entities, West Virginia Community College Associate Award, Fairmont State Community College Award and Junior League of Fairmont Community Service Award.

In 1994 Kisner completed the requirements for her doctorate and was promoted to full professor. Her doctoral dissertation, titled "Attitudes of West Virginia Nurses Toward Mandatory Continuing Education," became the impetus for requiring continuing education for nurses in the state. She has also been program director, advisor and faculty for the students in the Allied Health Administration program.

Shelby McIntire, Food Service Worker, 1992-2006

Shelby McIntire gave Fairmont State many years of productive and creative work. She took pride in the preparations and presentation of food.

Brenda Manzo, Purchasing Assistant II, 1988-2006

Brenda Manzo began her career at Fairmont State in 1988 at the Physical Plant as a Clerk III. Her position was reclassified in 1989 to a Purchasing Assistant I. After three years there, she moved to the campus Security Office and assumed the position of Secretary II for another three years. The last 12 years of her tenure at Fairmont State have been spent in the Department of Technology as a Purchasing Assistant II. As Purchasing Assistant II for Technology, she has consistently ensured that all faculty and staff receive equipment and supplies in a timely manner. She has helped everyone with all issues of purchasing.

Phyllis Michael, Administration Secretary Senior, 1979-2006

Phyllis Michael began her career at Fairmont State in 1979 as a Secretary II in the Commerce Division. She was reclassified in 1990 as a Secretary III. She transferred to the Learning Resource Center in 1992 and was later reclassified to Administrative Secretary Senior. In 2003 she began working with the Information Technology Department. Within the first year she became increasingly important to the integral operations of Computer Support Services. While continuing to perform her designated duties, she also volunteered to coordinate the work tickets that were generated through the Customer Support Help Desk. Michael maintained the student work team that monitored the computer labs and she made suggestions about how the people and facilities might be managed. She maintained timesheets and worked with the office of Student Affairs in these matters. In February 2005 she began working in the Housing and Residence Life area where she serves as Administrative Secretary Senior. She plans to begin phased retirement in July to work in the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs.

Frank Sermo, Campus Service Worker, 1998-2006

Frank Sermo is known for his organization and technical skills.

Ester Szczyt, Campus Service Worker Lead, 1984-2006

Ester Szczyt is well known by faculty and staff at Fairmont State. She has worked at Fairmont State for over 20 years, many at the old "Nickel." During her employment, she has seen the progress made at Fairmont State. She wanted to continue to work as a lead in an area where she could interact with the students and faculty in a relaxed environment. She worked at the new Falcon Center where she could continue to see both students and staff. Through phased retirement, she will continue to work part-time in the Falcon Center.

William Thomascheck, Campus Service Worker, 1999-2005

Bill Thomascheck, though only at Fairmont State for five years, was well known around campus. He was a fixture on day shift being assigned to cover several buildings around campus.