Riverside, Calif., May, 2000--La Sierra University honored its employees with a "Service Awards" luncheon, held May 25, in the Cactus Room of the Campus Center.

More than 35 employees were honored for 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 50 years of continuous employment. In his remarks, university President Lawrence Geraty thanked employees for their loyal service and commitment to institutional cause. "These are the people who make up La Sierra and who give our students the true 'La Sierra Experience,'" Geraty said.

During the ceremony, the university also honored employees who are retiring at the conclusion of the 1999-2000 school year. These individuals are Dorothy Comm, English and Communication; Virginia Orr, Library; Donald Pester, Grounds; Vernon Scheffel, Health, Exercise Science and Athletics; Hilde Tejeda, Human Resources; and Helen Weismeyer, Health, Exercise Science and Athletics.

Honored for five years of consecutive service were: Carlos Caceres, Custodial; Fernando Guiterrez, Post Office; Stefani McFarland, Accounting; Tom Smith, Enrollment Services; Valerie Smith, Developmental Education; David Tan, Computer Information Services; Jeffrey Tosk, Biology; Warren Trenchard, Academic Administration; and Jennifer Tyner, Student Life.

Honored for 10 years of service were: Cheryl Bauman, School of Business and Management; Barbara Favorito, Music; Silvia Gonzalez, Food Services; Tracy Morgan-Tyler, Housing and Facilities; and Kimo Smith, Music.

Honored for 15 years of service were: Karen Carillo, Registrar's Office; Pamela Chrispens, Financial Administration; Sanford Harlan, Physical Plant; Norman Powell, School of Education; and Tavo Vega, Food Services.

Honored for 20 years of service were: David Dudley, Counseling Center; Vernon Scheffel, Health, Exercise Science and Athletics; and James Walker, Library.

Honored for 25 years of service were: Ilse Azevedo, Bursar's Office; Maynard Lowry, Advancement; Dorothea Myers, Accounts Payable; Adeny Schmidt, Psychology; Kitty Simmons, Library; and Donald Thurber, Music.

Honored for 30 years of service were: Bailey Gillespie, School of Religion and Vera May Schwarz, Library.

Honored for 50 years of service was Earl Gillespie, Accounting. Gillespie, former university controller and currently a university accountant, first started working full time at La Sierra in 1950 in the Accounts Payable Department, a post he took upon his graduation from the university in that same year.

"Earl is a guy who knows his history, who is 100 percent committed, and who is calm and cool under all circumstances," said Jorge Heyde, vice president for financial administration. "We stand in awe of his talents, his professionalism and his commitment to La Sierra."

The total number of years of employment at La Sierra for all five retirees and the service award recipients is 643 years.

"Individuals like these are the backbone of this institution," said Patricia Larios, Human Resources director. "And the years they've invested in La Sierra speak toward an awesome commitment to our students and to the mission of our university."

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