Bluffton University honored 39 members of its faculty and staff for their years of dedication and service at the annual New Year's Recognition Dinner on Jan. 24. Honorees were recognized for five, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 and 45 years at Bluffton.

In comments preceding the awarding of service recognitions, Dr. James M. Harder, Bluffton University president, paid tribute to the role of Bluffton's faculty and staff.

"Year after year, it is the faculty and staff who interact with our students on a daily basis-in the classroom and in many other campus settings-and who give life and inspiration to our educational mission," he said. "Thank you for that high level of dedication, through which you have a transformative impact on the lives of our students."

President Harder also paid tribute to 16 emeriti faculty and staff members who were present for the event. "All of us who have committed to carry Bluffton's mission forward in the present day are mindful of the fact that we are building on the inspiration and dedication of those who worked before us," he said.

Sue Hardwick
Sue Hardwick, advancement office manager/box office manager, was honored for the longest term of service at 45 years. Hardwick was recognized for her contributions to Bluffton as an administrative assistant. "She quickly grew into her role as the hospitable constituent relations voice for Bluffton's senior administration-over the phone or in the office for more than four decades. Hardwick's colleagues take note in her ability to be positive, professional, warm and knowledgeable with all who enter our offices," said Hans Houshower, vice president for advancement.

Rick Lichtle
Rick Lichtle, a 1974 Bluffton grad and current business manager, was honored for 35 years of service. "Bluffton University relies heavily on Rick for supervising much of the business office detail that provides support and financial accountability for our educational and student life programs," said Willis Sommer, vice president of fiscal affairs.

Willis Sommer

Sommer himself was honored for 30 years of service. He is a 1967 graduate of Bluffton University. "Willis has earned the trust and respect of students, faculty/staff colleagues, other members of the president's cabinet and Bluffton's board alike. His day on campus often starts early, and typically ends late, particularly if there is an evening athletic, music, dramatic, artistic or other cultural event to support and enjoy," said President Harder.

Gregg Luginbuhl

Gregg Luginbuhl, professor of art, art department chair and gallery director; Jeff Gundy, professor of English; Tami Forbes, assistant professor of health, physical education and recreation (HPER) and HPER department chair; and Marcia Gallant, Marbeck Center secretary; were all honored for 25 years of service.

Luginbuhl, a 1971 Bluffton graduate, "Has made Bluffton noticed, as he has exhibited pottery and ceramic sculpture in more than 100 regional and national shows and has received numerous prestigious awards including three prizes at Feats of Clay National in California," said Mary Ann Sullivan, emeritus professor of English. His works are also visible on Bluffton's campus, including his eight piece ceramic plate work, "Creation Series" located in Yoder Recital Hall.

Jeff Gundy

Gundy's 25 years of service, "He has embodied the best of a Bluffton faculty member, with a devotion to teaching and mentoring students, a passion for his writing, a willingness to serve on committees and a warm collegiality to those around him," said Dr. Lamar Nisly, professor of English. Gundy has continually been invited to speak in many settings, and in 2008 was awarded a Fullbright Lectureship at the University of Salzburg, Austria.

Tami Forbes

Forbes has been connected with the HPER department since its beginning stages at Bluffton. In 1999, she became chair of the HPER department and was also promoted to associate professor. "Tami is a boss' boss. Her managing skills are beyond reproach. She directs the department with a sense of professionalism and a friendly nudge that makes one want to do his or her best. She has an infectious personality that permeates the department," said Carlin Carpenter, emeritus assistant professor of HPER.

In her role as Marbeck Center, secretary, Gallant "has made significant connections with our students to serving as an advisor, counselor, conscience and friend. More than any other, she has helped make the mailroom and information desk area feel more like a family to the students and staff alike," said Mark Bourassa, director of Marbeck Center.

20 years

Dr. Todd Rainey, professor of biology; Roger Luginbuhl, residence hall maintenance supervisor; Bourassa, director of Marbeck Center; Diane Neal, assistant professor of education; and Guy Neal, assistant professor of HPER and men's head basketball coach; were honored for 20 years of service.

Dr. Rainey "has served Bluffton as well as the broader community by his participation in various projects such as the Black Swamp Benefit Bazaar and is commonly found at the Schumacher house during the Fall Festival in Bluffton. With his avid reading of scientific literature he broke new ground and added geology to the list of the topics he teaches," said Charles Daws, professor of chemistry.

Luginbuhl was described by Mustaq Ahmed, director of buildings and grounds, as "a most organized and talented person. His amazing attention to details and his ability to fix or repair things that are broken is an inspiration to us all. It may not be obvious, but our students enjoy clean, functional and safe residents halls because of what Roger does every day."

In his 20 years at Bluffton, "Bourassa has been recognized by his peers for excellent service as a student union administrator and in 2007 received the prestigious Gretchen Latsch Outstanding Service Award from the Association of College Unions Internationals, Region 7. Mark is one who continues to give at every turn and can be counted on when needed. He is encouraging and supportive to all those with whom he comes in contact," said Eric Fulcomer, vice president for enrollment management and student life.

Diane Neal, "known for her outstanding teaching methods and challenging classroom experiences is a wonderful and supportive colleague. She continues to be an invaluable member of our department who readily assumes new responsibilities and accepts the many challenges to support her students and her colleagues.," said Dr. George Metz, professor of education and department chair.

According to Forbes, "Coach Guy Neal is known in our department for being a dedicated and disciplined educator. He teaches his students and players how to prioritize the important things in life: faith, family and basketball."

Others recognized include:

15 years:
Kathleen Aufderhaar, technical services and systems librarian
Dr. Perry Bush, professor of history, history and religion department chair
Susan Collier, administrative assistant for academic advancement
Ron Epp, director of buildings and grounds heating and electrical
Dr. Don Hooley, professor of mathematics
Mel Gingrich, Centennial Hall custodian
Dr. George Lehman, Howard Raid professor of business; economics, business administration and accounting department chair; director, graduate programs in business
Louise Matthews, director of The Lion and Lamb Peace Arts Center; nature preserve resident caretaker; International Connection advisor
Nancy Neff, administrative assistant to academic affairs and Pathways
Debra Niswander, assistant director of financial aid
Dr. Lucia Unrau, professor of music

10 years:
Dan Fultz, assistant professor of communications
Brenda Groman, help desk coordinator
Nita Hashbarger, assistant to the business manager
Theresa Henry, director of multi-cultural affairs
Peggy Reichenbach, business office secretary and receptionist

5 years:
Dr. Trevor Bechtel, assistant professor of religion
Dr. Jeff Boehm, professor of music
Dr. Laura Brenneman, assistant professor of religion
Darryl Moody, assistant professor of art
Jessie Oliver, assistant professor of Spanish
Tim Pannabecker, regional development officer
Dr. Jo Ellyn Peterson, assistant professor of education
Josh Smith, advancement services manager
Margaret Smith, administrative assistant, registrar's office
Dan Stanowick, assistant director of Marbeck Center
Cathy Yoakam, financial aid counselor