Wilmington College recognized a dozen faculty and staff members for long-term service ranging from five to 40 years.

Chip Murdock, senior director of diversity and student programs, introduced the honorees along with some almanac highlights from the years they arrived at the college. The seven five-year inductees arrived in 2019, when a Big Mac at McDonald’s cost $4.39.

They are Heather Schneder, manager of campus property and events; Tristin Durr, head athletics coach; Elizabeth House, director of reference and instructional services and the Watson Library’s Quaker Collection; Bryan Wallingford, assistant professor of theater and theater production specialist; Daren Wright, assistant professor of equine business management and director of the equine program; Daniel Trevino, assistant men’s basketball coach and associate director of sports communications; and April Crank, Physical Plant office manager.

Dr. Brianna Matzke, associate professor of music, is the only one who has worked here for 10 years. When she came to WC in 2014, gas was $3.23 a gallon, the Frozen soundtrack was topping the charts, the San Francisco Giants won the World Series, and a Big Mac cost $3.99.

Registrar Sue Hutchens was honored for 15 years, counting her current term, which began in 2016, and her original position, which she began in 1989, when “Batman” was the best-selling movie, Madonna’s “Like a Prayer” was the best-selling album and a Big Mac cost $1.65.

Dr. Kendra Cipollini, professor of biology, and Dr. Stephen Potthoff, professor of religion and philosophy, came to the college 20 years ago in 2004. Gasoline was $1.92 a gallon, Dawn of the Dead was a box office hit, Usher was the top-selling artist, and a Big Mac cost $2.71.

Finally, Hal Shunk, professor emeritus of art, was honored for four decades at WC. Although he will retire as a full-time faculty member in 2023, he continues to teach classes and is curator of the Harcum Art Gallery. In 1984, gas was $1.20, Sparky Anderson’s Detroit Tigers won the World Series, and the venerable Big Mac cost $1.35.

Becky Haines, a 1972 WC graduate, theatre technician and art assistant, remains the College’s current longest-serving member of staff with 51 years of service.

President Corey Cockerill thanked the honorees for their years of service and dedication to the college and presented them with a signature Wilmington College gift: items such as jewelry and keychains made by Rebecca Bowman from polished paint chips that fell from Campus Rock.

Editor’s Note: A free press is critical to well-informed voters and citizens. While some news organizations opt for paid websites or costly paywalls, The Highland County Press has provided a free newspaper and website for our community for 25 years. If you would like to contribute to this service, it would be greatly appreciated. Donations can be sent to: The Highland County Press, PO Box 849, Hillsboro, Ohio 45133. Please indicate “for website” in the subject line.