In service: Goshen College celebrates commitment of staff to college’s mission

GOSHEN, Ind. — To celebrate the holiday season together and to recognize years of commitment among staff members for serving the institution with excellence, Goshen College held a banquet in December in the Church-Chapel Fellowship Hall.

President Shirley H. Showalter gave a Christmas greeting to the group following a meal catered by College Church catering service. She said that the community of college employees works together like an “organized, magnified sense of family, as much as possible” and “a place where we practice God’s love by seeing one another in a Christ-like way.”

Honoring all staff members gathered for the banquet, Showalter reported that GC students, responding to a recent on-campus survey, felt that campus staff members are responsive and meet their needs. “Each contact and encounter with a student makes a difference in how they feel about their experience here,” Showalter said.

David Janzen, director of human resources, recognized employees and welcomed the supervisors of those who have worked at the college for more than 10 years to share stories, praise and thanks for specific individuals.

Recognized for 30 years of service is Marilyn Bayak, teacher education secretary.

Recognized for 25 years of service are:

  • Marge Brandeberry, secretary for sociology, anthropology and social work, art department and switchboard supervisor
  • Myrna Kaufman, public relations secretary
  • * Doris Yoder, Science Building secretary.

Recognized for 20 years of service is Melba Nunemaker, printing and mailing specialist.

Recognized for 15 years of service are:

  • Jane Hunsberger, accounting office manager
  • Nancy M. Miller, athletics and physical education secretary.

Recognized for 10 years of service are:

  • Galen Bontrager, physical plant systems supervisor
  • Dallas Miller, maintenance supervisor
  • Jerry Schoenauer, plumber.

Goshen College staff recognized for five years of service are:

  • Cindy Anderson, custodian
  • Mary Ann Bean, administrative assistant to the vice president for institutional advancement
  • Willie Deegan, groundsperson
  • Bryan Glover, heating, ventilation and air conditioning technician
  • Olga Panchelyuga, custodian
  • Karen Sommers, Music Center office assistant
  • Jennifer Stutzman, assistant custodial supervisor
  • Barb Swartzendruber, Newcomer Center secretary
  • Betty Yoder, administrative assistant to the president

Goshen College, established in 1894, is a four-year residential Christian liberal arts college rooted in the Anabaptist-Mennonite tradition. The college’s Christ-centered core values — passionate learning, global citizenship, compassionate peacemaking and servant-leadership — prepare students as leaders for the church and world. Recognized for its unique Study-Service Term program, Goshen has earned citations of excellence in Barron’s Best Buys in Education, Kaplan’s “Most Interesting Colleges” guide and U.S.News & World Report‘s “America’s Best Colleges” edition, which named Goshen a “least debt college.” Visit https://www.goshen.edu/.