MCC honors eight retirees for impact on students, program, community
At Meridian Community College, the work of eight retiring employees can be seen in many places.
It can be seen in the nurse caring for a patient, the machinist learning a trade, the child whose teacher was trained at MCC, the student who found confidence in a classroom, and the song that helped bring a community together.
MCC recently honored that kind of lasting work during a retiree reception on campus, recognizing eight employees whose service helped shape students, programs and the College itself.
Those honored were DeNay Farrar, Medical Office Management Technology Program coordinator and instructor; Susie Gibson, Social Sciences and Business Division chair and psychology instructor; Joseph Knight, vice president for workforce solutions; Michelle Martin, Associate Degree Nursing Program instructor; Tammy Miles, choral director and music instructor; Dr. Vanessa Norman, Associate Degree Nursing Program instructor; Win Maxey-Shumate, Early Childhood Education Technology Program coordinator and instructor and BEEP project coordinator; and Brian Warren, Precision Machining Engineering Technology Program coordinator and instructor.
MCC President Dr. Tom Huebner said the event was both joyful and difficult.
“Things like this are a gift,” Huebner said. “They are joyful because we get to celebrate people we admire, but they are difficult because we are saying goodbye to colleagues who have meant so much to us. That is never easy.”
Dr. Huebner said the retirees built a legacy at MCC through years of service, teaching and leadership. He said their work will continue through the lives of students, families and communities they have touched.
He also told the retirees that MCC is stronger because of them.
“We are better because of you,” he said. “Because of what you gave, what you taught and how you led. We will miss seeing you on campus.” He encouraged them to stay connected to the College as they begin their next chapter.
Knight, who began working at MCC in 2013, also shared remarks. A first-generation college student, he said serving at MCC had been a privilege, and he thanked the College administration and cabinet, calling them “an awesome group.” He added, any success during his time at MCC was due to the hard work of the team around him.
Knight said his faith, family and work have guided him, and his time at MCC has taught him the value of service.
His advice to his colleagues: “It is about enjoying your work and growing every day,” he said. “Trust the Lord. Work hard. Love people.”
Dr. Huebner said the example set by the retirees continues to motivate him and others at MCC. He said their service reflects the mission of the College and the power of people who give their time and talent to something larger than themselves.
“When I got to MCC, I found my home,” Huebner said. “I found the place I was supposed to be. What a blessing and joy it has been to be president at MCC. And it is a blessing and joy because of people like these people.”
He closed by thanking the retirees for the mark they left on the College.
“In moving into this next chapter, do so knowing that you leave with our gratitude, our admiration and our deep appreciation for all you have meant to Meridian Community College,” Huebner said. “We will miss all of you more than we can adequately say.”
For more information, visit meridiancc.edu.