Boehmke logs out: retires after 21 years of service
Marsha Boehmke considered announcing retirement via mass e-mail to campus; no replacement coming
David Steffen
Issue date: 9/18/08 Section: News
Many students may best remember Secretary to the Chaplain Marsha Boehmke for her campus-wide e-mails after she retires on Oct. 10.
"I know some students get really upset with me," Boehmke said, laughing softly.
But for English Chair Michael Jordan, her e-mail skills were a blessing. He recalled a secret e-mail invitation for former professor Bob Rice's surprise retirement party. Jordan accidentally sent the e-mail to the whole campus.
"Marsha, somehow, had managed to retrieve it and pull it from the machines," he said. "And I felt like giving her a hug for saving me the embarrassment of ruining the retirement party for Bob Rice."
Boehmke considered announcing her retirement to the campus - fittingly - through the medium in which many know her best.
"I was going to e-mail the campus saying, 'This is the last e-mail,'" Boehmke said.
But many know Boehmke as more than a name on an e-mail. They know her as a friendly woman dedicated to Hillsdale students and faculty.
"I like the students and the contact I have with them," she said.
Chaplain Duane Beauchamp has worked with Boehmke for 21 years, since Aug. 1, 1988, to be exact, he said.
"She's pleasant, charming and careful about not wanting to offend anybody," Beauchamp said.
She is a hard worker, as well, he said.
"She is absolutely honest and the best proofreader I've ever met - and I need it," he said, laughing.
But she's still more partial to proofreading hard copy than electronic documents. She prefers older technology.
"I fought the break into computers," Boehmke said. "I still have my typewriter. I don't like change."
But after 21 years, Boehmke is ready for some change. The 30-minute commute from Coldwater has become too much.
"Generally, when it snows, she says she's going to retire," Beauchamp said.
Boehmke said her husband will retire from an office supply company in Coldwater on Oct. 1, just before her own retirement. Though they have no solid plans, Boehmke said they hope to spend their winters in warmer places. They are considering Mexico. Beauchamp said the college will not hire a replacement. Instead, student workers will divide her tasks.
Jordan said her departure will be bittersweet. He fondly recalled how she would inquire about his children.
"I'm sorry to see her leave, but I'm happy for her and that she'll be able to enjoy retirement with her husband, Chuck," Jordan said.
Boehmke said working with Beauchamp has been more than a colleague-to-colleague relationship. She said they are friends.
"We worked together for so many years," she said. "We have been friends - not really just boss-secretary."
Beauchamp reciprocated that feeling.
"It's been a pleasure working with Marsha these 20 years," he said. "She is a dedicated employee of Hillsdale College who has served the college faithfully for more years than 21."
Boehmke said she cherishes the relationships she has developed at Hillsdale College.
"I never really got the feeling I ever worked for someone," she said. "I have been lucky to work with them."
"I know some students get really upset with me," Boehmke said, laughing softly.
But for English Chair Michael Jordan, her e-mail skills were a blessing. He recalled a secret e-mail invitation for former professor Bob Rice's surprise retirement party. Jordan accidentally sent the e-mail to the whole campus.
"Marsha, somehow, had managed to retrieve it and pull it from the machines," he said. "And I felt like giving her a hug for saving me the embarrassment of ruining the retirement party for Bob Rice."
Boehmke considered announcing her retirement to the campus - fittingly - through the medium in which many know her best.
"I was going to e-mail the campus saying, 'This is the last e-mail,'" Boehmke said.
But many know Boehmke as more than a name on an e-mail. They know her as a friendly woman dedicated to Hillsdale students and faculty.
"I like the students and the contact I have with them," she said.
Chaplain Duane Beauchamp has worked with Boehmke for 21 years, since Aug. 1, 1988, to be exact, he said.
"She's pleasant, charming and careful about not wanting to offend anybody," Beauchamp said.
She is a hard worker, as well, he said.
"She is absolutely honest and the best proofreader I've ever met - and I need it," he said, laughing.
But she's still more partial to proofreading hard copy than electronic documents. She prefers older technology.
"I fought the break into computers," Boehmke said. "I still have my typewriter. I don't like change."
But after 21 years, Boehmke is ready for some change. The 30-minute commute from Coldwater has become too much.
"Generally, when it snows, she says she's going to retire," Beauchamp said.
Boehmke said her husband will retire from an office supply company in Coldwater on Oct. 1, just before her own retirement. Though they have no solid plans, Boehmke said they hope to spend their winters in warmer places. They are considering Mexico. Beauchamp said the college will not hire a replacement. Instead, student workers will divide her tasks.
Jordan said her departure will be bittersweet. He fondly recalled how she would inquire about his children.
"I'm sorry to see her leave, but I'm happy for her and that she'll be able to enjoy retirement with her husband, Chuck," Jordan said.
Boehmke said working with Beauchamp has been more than a colleague-to-colleague relationship. She said they are friends.
"We worked together for so many years," she said. "We have been friends - not really just boss-secretary."
Beauchamp reciprocated that feeling.
"It's been a pleasure working with Marsha these 20 years," he said. "She is a dedicated employee of Hillsdale College who has served the college faithfully for more years than 21."
Boehmke said she cherishes the relationships she has developed at Hillsdale College.
"I never really got the feeling I ever worked for someone," she said. "I have been lucky to work with them."
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Phil Davignon
posted 9/21/08 @ 9:38 PM EST
In some sort of sick way I think we're all gonna miss Marsha Boemke
Post a Comment