The Randolph-Macon College community gathered on April 27, 2016 in the Birdsong Hall Lindgren Pavilion to celebrate and honor faculty and staff retirees. President Robert R. Lindgren welcomed attendees to the reception.

“When we acknowledge the contributions of Elsie Cimorelli, Diana Lewis, John Rabung, Linda Neale, and Sarah Hamby we celebrate over 111 years combined of dedication to Randolph-Macon College,” said Lindgren. “Their extraordinary loyalty, commitment and contributions are indeed is reflected in the well-being and success of our students. We are inspired by all the ways that each of these wonderful people has been involved in transforming the lives of our students, and that inspiration—and thus, their contributions—will live on long after they retire.”

Photos: 2016 Retirement Celebration

The following faculty member was honored at the celebration:

John Rabung (computer science) joined the faculty in 1972-1974 in the mathematics department before returning in 1982 as a professor of computer science. He earned his B.A. from the University of Akron, and his M.A. and Ph.D. from Washington State University.

Rabung has taught a wide variety of courses during his tenure at RMC, including Programming, Theory of Computation, and Numerical Calculus, and he served as chair of the Computer Science department from 1985-1992.

He has been presented numerous awards over the years, including the United Methodist Award for Exemplary Teaching, the Samuel Nelson Gray Distinguished Professor Award, and the Thomas Branch Award for Teaching Excellence, which he was presented three times. Rabung also received several grants during his tenure, including a National Science Foundation Instrumentation and Laboratory Improvement Grant and a grant from the Walter Williams Craigie Teaching Endowment.

Rabung, who served as director of RMC’s First-Year Experience program from 2004-2007, is the author of many publications, several of which he wrote in collaboration with colleagues or students.

“Of all the faculty members who greeted me when I first moved to the Copley Science Center in 1983, John Rabung is the only one remaining,” said Provost and Physics Professor William T. Franz at the retirement celebration. “His greeting then was heartwarming and sincere, and today I want to return the favor: John, we will miss your kindness, your professionalism, and your dedication that, coupled with your incredible talent, made you the consummate professor.”

The following staff were honored at the celebration:

Elsie Cimorelli (operations manager, The Edge) joined the staff in 2002.

“Elsie has been a valued member of the Randolph-Macon Community for 13 years,” said Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students Grant Azdell. “Over the course of her career, Elsie successfully handled many responsibilities, ranging from meticulous budget record keeping to updating webpages to providing support for the Bassett Internships program, Majors and Minors Fairs, The Edge Career Connector, and The Edge Boot Camp. Elsie’s contributions, however, go far above and beyond her job duties. As one of her former supervisors said, Elsie is ‘recognized on a personal level for her willingness to help whenever asked.’ When the orientation program had a need for support, Elsie stepped up to fill the gap with her administrative support. In the early days of The Dance Team, Elsie served as The Dance Team’s coach. More recently, Elsie has served as advisor to the Randolph-Macon College Young Republicans. For her dedicated work behind the scenes, she received the 2012 ODK Unsung Hero Award. Above all, Elsie has always been a great friend and colleague, and we miss having her on campus. Elsie, we wish you the best in your well-deserved retirement and hope that you will come and visit us whenever you can at RMC.”

Linda Neale (operations manager, Campus Safety) joined the staff in 2000.

Moe Kiely, the assistant director of Campus Safety, worked with Neale for many years.

“From the moment that Linda joined our team, it was quite obvious that a new level of professionalism and customer service was in store for this department,” says Kiely. “Linda learned all the facets of the Campus Safety mission in short order, and she implemented positive changes in a measured, methodical manner. Her attitude and work ethic were infectious. Linda had the unique ability to train personnel on some of the most critical aspects of policies and procedures, doing so with patience and persistence. She instilled a sense of pride and professionalism in this department, the results of which are evident each and every day.”

“Linda was an amazing mentor,” says Mary Etter, operations manager for Campus Safety. “She taught me so much; I learned from the best. She truly is an inspiration to me.”

Sarah Hamby (operations manager, Student Life) joined the staff in 1986.

“Sarah was the very first administrative assistant in what was then the Office of Student Activities,” says James McGhee, assistant dean of students. “She worked with various campus organizations throughout her years of service, providing assistance with room reservations and other logistical needs. She was promoted to be operations manager for Student Life and took on the responsibilities of advising the Commuter Student Association, maintaining the supplies in the Office of Student Life and the Student Engagement Center as well as advising Rho Lambda National Panhellenic Leadership Honor Society. Sarah has an infectious love of life and for the students of Randolph-Macon College. She is a force of nature who makes everyone glad that they had the opportunity to work with her.”

Diana Lewis (administrative assistant, Provost’s Office) joined the staff in 1999.

“Few people are aware how much we’ve benefited from Diane’s amazing instincts as an interior designer,” said Franz, referring to Lewis’ help in the 2011 re-design of the Office of International Education, now known as Archways to the World. Lewis was integral in making the re-design a success.

Dean of Academic Affairs and Political Science Professor Lauren Bell says, “I want to make sure everyone knows that I truly do not know how we’ll be able to function without Diana. She is constantly finding ways to improve our work flow and processes in the office. Things just will not be the same without her.”

Sandi Robison, assistant to the Provost, says, “Diana is the most efficient, cooperative, organized and supportive administrative assistant with whom I’ve had the pleasure of working. She is always willing to take on challenges and opportunities to improve the workflow within the Provost’s Office and elsewhere on campus.”

In 2012, Lewis was the recipient of the Yellow Jacket Excellence Behind the Scenes award at a ceremony in Blackwell Auditorium.