Eleven Retire From SU

SALISBURY, MD---A psychologist who inspired students to work with youth; an executive office manager noted for her devotion to her department; bookstore employees who for more than a generation made sure students had the materials they needed for classes; administrative assistants who touched the lives of nearly all faculty, staff and students; and physical plant workers who shared their individual hobbies and interests with the SU community—all retired from Salisbury University during the summer, fall and winter terms. Combined, they represent some 278 years of service. They are: Dr. Eva Anderson, assistant professor of education—29 years; Shirley Aydelotte, executive administrative assistant in the Seidel School of Education and Professional Studies—37 years; Clarence Ballard, groundskeeper—27 years; Michael Edwards, multitrades chief at the Physical Plant—14 years; Mary Gillespie, special assistant in the Provost’s Office—18 years; Lawrence Grant, housekeeper—27 years; Kaaren Kundel, textbook manager in the Bookstore—25 years; Janie Melvin, administrative aide in the Registrar’s Office—30 years; Wyman Newborns, housekeeper—17 years; Faye Tyler, administrative assistant in the Admissions Office—23 years; and Nancy Watson, program management specialist in the Bookstore—31 years. Anderson earned her Ph.D. from Syracuse University. She came to SU in 1975 from upstate New York, where she was a practicing psychologist. For many years she taught courses to aspiring teachers and graduate students on learning and assessment, human development and teaching learners with special needs. A licensed psychologist, she also worked with many local schools, hospitals and prisons and is president of the board of directors of Dove Pointe, a Salisbury organization providing community services to developmentally disabled children. She plans to continue her community involvement following her tenure at SU. Aydelotte was well known throughout campus, and her abilities made her indispensable at the Seidel School. “Shirley's connections to every office on campus made her an ideal assistant to a new dean,” said Dr. Dennis Pataniczek, dean of the Seidel School. “As to her personal style, what can I say? Shirley is one of a kind. We miss her.” Ballard will be remembered for his sense of humor and his willingness to lend a helping hand, especially in the area of cars, said Rebecca Rosing-Johnson, manager of horticulture and grounds. “He enjoyed helping friends and neighbors work on their automobiles,” she said. Edwards, an accomplished finish carpenter, was known not only for his quality work, but for his love of family, spending his free time with his wife and stepdaughter and most recently enjoying being a grandfather.             Grant will be remembered for his leadership skills, sense of humor and ability to carry a tune on the job, helping keep the atmosphere light, Pinkett said: “He was a remarkable human being who often sang while he worked,” she said. “He was dependable and took pride in his work.” Newborns started as a housekeeper at the Maggs Physical Activities Center and moved on to residence halls and classroom and administrative buildings. He worked as hard at his last assignment, in Henson Science Hall, as he did at his first, Pinkett said. “Whatever he started he wanted to complete and took great pride in doing so.” Kundell served the Bookstore for a quarter century, managing the textbook needs of SU’s faculty. Beyond that, she shared her hobbies, including her love of quilting, with the SU community. With the Lydia Quilting Guild, she coordinated a hands-on children’s quilting demonstration at SU’s first FUNDay festival that resulted in a 35-square-foot quilt in SU maroon and gold displayed at subsequent University buildings. In addition, she helped plan storytelling events for SU’s 75th anniversary town-gown celebration, strengthening ties with the greater community. Gillespie was a key person in SU’s Teaching Learning Network, which helped bring many faculty up to speed in using information technology to improve student learning. During her final years at SU, she was an assistant to the provost, managing academic budgets and organizing the University’s commencement exercises each semester. “We miss her and wish her well,” said Provost David Buchanan. Melvin established herself as the go-to person in the Registrar’s Office when it came to graduation applications and students’ academic career information. “She was the epitome of professionalism, working with students, faculty and staff and carefully attending to details in the graduation diplomas,” said Jane Dané, dean of enrollment management. Many students had contact with Tyler at the beginning of their SU careers. The administrative assistant helped prospective students and their families learn about SU during the often difficult college selection process. “She worked arduously compiling their applications, transcripts and other application materials,” Dané said. Ultimately, that hard work paid off for students seeking to earn their degrees from SU. Watson spent the last 15 years of her SU career as the Bookstore’s general merchandise buyer, a position through which she was responsible for purchasing the store’s non-textbook stock—everything from folders to T-shirts. “Products are always changing,” said Bookstore Director Lisa Gray. Watson helped keep the Bookstore stocked and up to date with those changes throughout the years. For more information call 410-543-6030 or visit the SU Web site at www.salisbury.edu.