Wilmington College recognized a dozen members of its faculty and staff for service milestones ranging from five to 40 years. To put their years of service into a unique perspective involving the passage of time, a McDonald's Big Mac cost $1.35 in 1984 when Hal Shunk arrived at WC and $4.39 when those recognized for five years of service came in 2019.
Chip Murdock, senior director of diversity and student programming, presented the honorees along with some almanac highlights from the years when they arrived at the College. The seven, five-year employees came in 2019.
They are Heather Schneder, manager of campus properties and events; Tristin Durr, head track and field coach; Elizabeth House, Watson Library’s head of Reference & Instruction Services and the Quaker Collection; Bryan Wallingford, assistant professor of theatre and theatre production specialist; Daren Wright, assistant professor of equine business management and director of the equine program; Daniel Trevino, assistant men’s basketball coach and assistant director of athletic communication; and April Crank, office manager for Physical Plant.
Brianna Matzke
Dr. Brianna Matzke, associate professor of music, is the lone 10-year employee. When she came to WC in 2014, gas was $3.23/gallon, the soundtrack from Frozen topped the charts, the San Francisco Giants won the World Series and a Big Mac set one back $3.99.
Sue Hutchens
Registrar Sue Hutchens, was recognized for 15 years when combining her current stint, which began in 2016, and her original position that started in 1989 when Batman was the top-selling film, Madonna’s “Like a Prayer” the best-selling album and a Big Mac cost $1.65.
Kendra Cipollini
Dr. Kendra Cipollini, professor of biology, and Dr. Stephen Potthoff, professor of religion and philosophy, arrived at the College 20 years ago in 2004. Gas then was $1.92/gallon, Dawn of the Dead was a hit movie, Usher was the top-selling recording artist and a Big Mac went for $2.71.
Stephen Potthoff
Finally, Hal Shunk, emeritus professor of art, was honored for four decades at WC, While he retired as a full-time faculty member in 2023, he continues to teach courses and curate the Harcum Art Gallery. In 1984, gas was $1.20, the Sparky Anderson’s Detroit Tigers won the World Series and the venerable Big Mac was $1.35.
1972 WC alumna Becky Haines, theatre technician and fine arts assistant, continues as the College’s current longest-serving employee with 51 years of service.
President Corey Cockerill thanked the service milestone recipients for their years of service and dedication to the College and presented them with a distinctly Wilmington College gift, items such as jewelry and keychains made by Rebecca Bowman from polished chips of paint that fell off the Campus Rock.
PHOTO: Hal Shunk, emeritus professor of art, continues his work at the College as an adjunct instructor and curator of Harcum Art Gallery. WC recognized his 40 years of service.