By Laynee Timlin | April 8, 2012
Gratitude was certainly on the menu for the 2012 VWC Employee Appreciation Dinner on March 29. After a welcome and sincere thanks from College President Billy Greer and an impressive dinner, service awards were presented to employees who had reached noteworthy career milestones.
Director of Human Resources, Karla Rasmussen assisted President Greer in presenting the employee service awards to attendees at the event.
“This is a very special occasion for many of our faculty and staff,” said Rasmussen. “This year, we honored employees who have been with Virginia Wesleyan for 10, 20, 25, 30 and 40 years.” Professor of History Clayton Drees was one of the honored employees in attendance at the event.
“I know the word ‘family’ is often overused these days,” said Drees, “but it really does describe the feeling I've had working for two decades with the wonderful people who make up the Virginia Wesleyan community.”Â
Drees went on to describe the event as delightful and noted that it was nice to know that his efforts at the College have not gone unnoticed.
“The dinner and the awards ceremony certainly put an exclamation point on my entire career. When I finally retire I will take with me the lasting memories of the eager students and the warm faculty/staff friendships that made working at Virginia Wesleyan so rewarding.”
Congratulations to the following employees for reaching noteworthy career milestones in 2012:
| Dr. R. David Clayton     | 40 years | Professor of Music |
| Mr. David Buckingham | 30 years | Vice President for Student Affairs, Dean of Enrollment  Services and Instructor of History |
| Mr. Tom Farley | 25 years | Director of Adult Studies Program and Program Development Coordinator for K-12 Initiatives |
| Dr. Linda Ferguson | 25 years | Professor of MBE |
| Dr. William Gibson | 25 years | Professor of Political Science |
| Ms. Fayne Pearson | 25 years | Director of the Learning Center and Disability Services |
| Ms. Sheila Rouson | 25 years | Housekeeper |
| Ms. Vivian Teter | 25 years | Professor of English |
| Dr. Mavel Velasco  | 25 years | Professor of Spanish |
| Ms. Denise Wilkinson   | 25 years | Batten Professor of Mathematics and Director of First Year Experience |
| Ms. Bernice Bledsoe | 20 years | Housekeeper |
| Ms. Karen Devereaux | 20 years | Circulation Supervisor |
| Dr. Clay Drees | 20 years | Professor of History |
| Dr. Steven Emmanuel | 20 years | Professor of Philosophy |
| Dr. William Greer, Jr. | 20 years | President |
| Ms. Brenda Moore | 20 years | Housekeeper |
| Ms. Teresa Rhyne  | 20 years | Director of Financial Aid |
| Ms. Tia Caffee  | 10 years | Materials Manager for Copy Center |
| Ms. Maria Clemons | 10 years | Housekeeper |
| Ms. Lisa Fentress   | 10 years | Director of Career Services |
| Ms. Julie Houghton   | 10 years | Administrative Assistant to the Registrar |
| Dr. Terry Lindvall | 10 years | C.S. Lewis Endowed Professor of Communication and Christian Thought |
| Dr. Sara Sewell | 10 years | Associate Professor of History |
| Mr. Joshua Stewart | 10 years | Head Men’s Lacrosse Coach |
| Mr. Andrew Weaver | 10 years | Call Support |