Sixty recent university retirees and their guests gathered June 12 at Evergreen Museum and Library's Carriage House for the second annual Retiree Recognition Luncheon.
Over appetizers and a plated lunch, Heidi Conway, vice president for human resources, welcomed the retirees and congratulated them on having managed their benefits and finances to reach this point in their careers. All othe honorees—who had retired between July 11, 2016, and July 10, 2017—received a certificate noting their years of service to the university. Stella Norman from the School of Medicine's Clinical Practice Association retired with the most years—46.
President Ron Daniels expressed his gratitude for the retirees' dedicated service, saying, "You are the foundation that allows us to advance our students' educations and aspirations to provide humane and excellent care to our patients and to pursue groundbreaking work in so many fields of research from eradicating cancer to discovering the potential for life on other planets to ensuring that our cities and our citizens thrive."
Ian Reynolds, director of WorkLife and Community Programs, shared responses that retirees had provided to questions about changes during their tenure, professional accomplishments, and what they were most looking forward to in retirement. Among the answers: the commitment of the university to carbon footprint reduction, being named one of the top 50 leaders in The World Fortune Magazine (2014), and "traveling across the U.S. in an RV that I built myself"—all of which added personalization and levity to the gathering.
When asked about the event, which also included a raffle of tickets and memberships to local attractions, Conway said, "I am impressed by the years of service of our retirees. I am also honored that we can help them celebrate this important milestone during an event specifically for retirees. They deserve our expressions of gratitude for their dedication and commitment to the important work of Johns Hopkins."
Last year, the Office of Work, Life and Engagement began specifically honoring retirees and the life transition they were making by splitting the longtime Staff and Retiree Milestone Recognition Dinner into two events: a dinner for staff and a luncheon for retirees. Positive feedback from attendees helped make the luncheon an annual tradition.
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