More than 200 faculty and staff attended this semester's University Meeting, held in the Student Center Atrium and the Betty R. Tipton Room. In the atrium, the University honored five staff with 10 and 25 years of service, and recognized four retirees. Those with 10 years of service included Cheryl Durand, custodian; William Leahy, associate executive director of the Institute for Sustainable Energy; and associate librarians Carolyn Coates and Susan Herzog. Shirley Audet, associate director of fiscal affairs, was recognized for 25 years of service.
Cheryl Durand Bill Leahy
Carolyn Coates Susan Herzog
Shirley Audet
The University also honored retirees Rochelle Gimenez, dean of the School of Continuing Education, who retired after 10 years of service; Hector Tirado, police officer who retired after 22 years of service; Walter Zincavage, information security officer who is retiring after 27 years of service; and Michael Pernal, who is retiring after 43 years of service.
Rochelle Gimenez Hector Tirado
Walter Zincavage Michael Pernal
The second part of the Jan. 11 University Meeting was held in the Betty R. Tipton Room where faculty and staff reviewed and offered suggestions to proposals that are being considered for the next University Strategic Plan. Titled "COFE PLAN IT," the event focused on the following initiatives: "Public Awareness and Institutional Reputation"; "Student Support and Professional Development"; "Academic Rigor and Relevance"; and "Experiential Learning," all designed to enhance Eastern's mission as a public liberal arts institution.
Eastern President Elsa Núñez said input from the broader University community would help her set priorities as the University faces tough fiscal times ahead. "Many people have worked to ensure broad participation in the planning process. I want to be guided by what you think, so that when this inclusive, transparent process is finalized, I can make decisions that are in the plan. Your thoughts, observations and reflections are critical."
Núñez thanked Political Science Professor William Salka for co-chairing the COFE committee with her, and noted that more than 80 people had already participated in producing the first draft of the 19 proposals. Salka said campus community feedback was invaluable, adding that "all community members will be able to provide their input throughout the spring semester. As we saw with the previous strategic plan, these plans provide the basis for decision- making over the next several years. Thus, it is very important that all members of the University community have an opportunity to shape the future direction of Eastern by participating in the planning process." The final draft of the Strategic Plan is due on April 15.
