Good afternoon. Today we have the pleasure of honoring four longtime North Central team members with a combined 81 years of service to the college. We congratulate them and wish them well in their retirement!
Professor Ralph Christensen, Ph.D. (chemistry), hired in 2000
Gene Hodulik, M.A., adjunct math instructor and math tutor, hired in 1993
Robert Marsh, Ph.D., Associate Dean of Research and Assessment, hired in 2001
Professor Shanna Robinson, M.F.A. (art), hired in 2005
Bob Marsh (remarks by President Finley)
Please help me recognize Bob Marsh for his services to NCMC these past 19 years. Bob’s last official day here on campus is tomorrow.
Dr. Marsh was hired as Associate Dean of Research & Assessment in 2011. Prior to this work, beginning in 2001, he served as Associate Dean of Occupational Programs.
Bob holds a B.S. in mechanical engineering and a B.A. in mathematics, both from U.C. Santa Barbara, an M.B.A. from LSSU, and a Ph.D. in Operations Management from Michigan State University.
Bob was responsible for collecting/compiling appropriate and accurate data to fulfill institutional, state and federal reporting requirements. He responds to requests from other agencies, organizations and individuals and supports the data needs of strategic planning and grant-seeking/reporting efforts, including IPEDS, Perkins Core Indicators and Voluntary Framework of Accountability. He also collects, archives and reports student outcome assessment data and results and educates staff on the interpretation of data.
Bob, we want you to know that your passion for reporting, wisdom, upbeat positive attitude, and sense of humor will be greatly missed.
Shanna Robinson (remarks by Dean of Liberal Arts Sara Glasgow, Ph.D.)
It is my great pleasure to wish several outstanding faculty from Liberal Arts a very happy retirement. Shanna Robinson…Shanna holds a B.F.A. in Fine Arts, and an M.F.A. in Art, both from Eastern Michigan University, and has earned recognition for curating shows at the Jordan River Arts Center and elsewhere; in the fall of 2021, her work will appear at the Lowell Gallery in Grand Rapids as part of the “Love of Place” exhibition. But as we know, teachers often define themselves less by their credentials and more by the good work they do with their students. In addition to serving as Professor of Art, she has served as the Art Program coordinator for North Central, nurturing connections and opportunities for students with the wider art community.
Most especially, Shanna, I will remember your passionate advocacy to bring the vision of A.F.A. degrees to North Central to nurture students’ artistic dreams; however that dream yet unfolds, it has been my great privilege to work with you. We will miss you!
Ralph Christensen (remarks by Dean of Liberal Arts Sara Glasgow, Ph.D.)
Ralph Christensen…Ralph holds a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Brigham Young University, a M.E. in Engineering from the University of Utah, and a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Texas A&M University. Over his time at North Central, he has sparked students’ interests in both Chemistry and Physics—most especially because he always meets them where they are at, and finds ways to connect their passions to the content.
What stands out to me over our years serving together, Ralph, is your unwavering dedication to those students—so many times over the years, you would take on extra sections to accommodate their schedule needs, counsel them on educational and career opportunities, and serve as a tireless advocate on their behalf. We will miss that energy tremendously—and not to mention, those amazing science T-shirts!
Eugene Hodulik (remarks by Dean of Liberal Arts Sara Glasgow, Ph.D.)
Gene Hodulik…Gene holds a B.S. in Mathematics Education, and an M.A. in Mathematics, both from Bowling Green State University. Over his time at North Central, he has generously assisted students both in and out of the classroom—as a mathematics instructor and as the lead Math Tutor here on campus. It has also been my great privilege to work with him on the annual Math Boot Camp, which he also delivers as an instructor to eligible incoming students.
Whether teaching or tutoring, Gene, your grace and good humor have been such a blessing, most especially in all your efforts to help students build their confidence and sense of accomplishment. We wish you all the best as you embrace this new adventure!
President Finley:
Many thanks to our North Central Michigan College Food Service and Conference Center staff and the Employee Recognition Committee for organizing an outdoor, socially distanced celebration, and thanks to our IT Department for setting up livestream capabilities for those unable to attend.