Nine retiring employees say farewell after decades of service
Nine employees said farewell to Goshen College this year as they retired from long tenures of service. Together, they have worked a total of 251 years and an average of approximately 28 years at the college.
The employees who retired during the 2023-2024 academic year were:
- Beth Martin Birky, Associate Academic Dean and Title IX Coordinator — 31 years of service
- DeLane Graber, Co-Controller — 36 years of service
- Craig Johnson, Physical Plant Grounds Supervisor — 34 years of service
- Linda Kimpel, Nursing Department Administrative Assistant — 11 years of service
- Merrill Krabill, Professor of Art, Department Chair — 23 years of service
- William Minter, Director of Land Management, Merry Lea — 33 years of service
- Jan Shetler, Director of Global Education — 25 years of service
- Joseph Springer, Mennonite Historical Library Curator — 38 years of service
- Rosalyn Troiano, CSA Strings Program Director — 20 years of service
Beth Martin Birky
Associate Academic Dean and Title IX Coordinator
31 years of service
Birky’s leadership in academic affairs and her dedication to Title IX compliance have been instrumental in fostering a safe and supportive learning environment. Her commitment to equity and justice has made a lasting impact on the college community.
“Beth is always willing to learn new things and improve Goshen College,” said Ann Vendrely, vice president for academic affairs and academic dean. “She has been involved in many decisions, both big and small. I’m grateful for how she expanded and improved the services of the Dean’s office and Title IX.”
Birky joined Goshen College on July 1, 1993, and retired on April 12, 2024.
DeLane Graber
Co-Controller
36 years of service
Graber’s expertise in financial management has been critical to the college’s fiscal health. Her attention to detail and commitment to excellence have ensured the college’s financial operations run smoothly.
“While her responsibilities have changed and grown over the years, the thing that hasn’t changed for 36 years is DeLane’s stable presence and immeasurable contributions to the accounting department and the greater institution,” said Ben Bontrager, vice president for finance.
Graber started at Goshen College on September 10, 1987, and retired on October 31, 2023.
Craig Johnson
Physical Plant Grounds Supervisor
34 years of service
Johnson has been a vital part of maintaining the college’s grounds, ensuring the campus environment is beautiful and functional. His dedication to the upkeep and landscaping of the campus has left a lasting impact on the community.
“Craig has been a calm and steady presence on the facilities team for the last 34-plus years,” said Brian Mast, director of facilities. “He has trained and supervised many students over the years, teaching them skills that have beautified the campus and will serve them after they leave GC.”
Johnson began his service at Goshen College on May 21, 1990, and retired on June 30, 2024.
Linda Kimpel
Nursing Department Administratyive Assistant
11 years of service
Kimpel has been an essential support for the Nursing Department, managing administrative tasks and ensuring the smooth operation of the department. Her organizational skills and dedication have been greatly appreciated.
“Linda has tirelessly done the job of making sure that all nursing students have the needed clinical paperwork turned in on time to our various clinical agencies and that preceptors in the MSN program get their hours of service certificates,” said Jewel Yoder, nursing department chair. “She is invaluable and is the backbone that has kept our department running so smoothly for all these years.”
Kimpel started her journey at Goshen College on August 12, 2013, and retired on June 30, 2024.
Merill Krabill
Professor of Art, Department Chair
23 years of service
Krabill has inspired countless students through his teaching and leadership in the Art Department. His commitment to fostering creativity and critical thinking has enriched the educational experience for many.
“Merrill has been an integral part of the art department for the past 23 years,” said Sara Method, assistant professor of art. “He built lasting relationships with students, alumni, staff and colleagues and his presence on campus will be missed.”
Krabill joined Goshen College on July 1, 2001, and retired on June 30, 2024.
William Minter
Director of Land Management, Merry Lea
33 years of service
Minter’s stewardship of Merry Lea’s lands has been instrumental in preserving its natural beauty and biodiversity. His efforts have ensured that Merry Lea remains a valuable resource for education and research.
“For the past 33 years, Bill has tended Merry Lea’s natural areas to create and maintain the diverse patchwork of native habitats that exist today,” said Jason Martin, executive director of Merry Lea. “Thanks to Bill’s work, countless children and adults have had the opportunity to immersively live and learn in these natural spaces and will continue to do so into the future.”
Minter began his tenure on August 19, 1991, and retired on June 30, 2024.
Jan Shetler
Director of Global Education
25 years of service
Shetler has played a key role in shaping the college’s international education programs, fostering global awareness and cross-cultural understanding among students. Her leadership has expanded opportunities for students to engage with the world.
“Jan is a tireless advocate for the importance of global engagement and reciprocal partnerships,” said Ann Vendrely, vice president for academic affairs and academic dean. “She is the type of person who raises serious issues, but doesn’t leave it there, she presents solutions and ideas to address those issues.”
Shetler started at Goshen College on July 1, 1999, and retired on June 30, 2024.
Joseph Springer
Mennonite Historical Library Curator
38 years of service
Springer’s stewardship of the Mennonite Historical Library has preserved the rich history and heritage of the Mennonite community. His work has been essential in maintaining and expanding the library’s collections.
“Joe committed himself fully to the vision of the Institute for the Study of Global Anabaptism, helping to make resources relevant to the global Anabaptist church accessible,” said John D. Roth, professor emeritus of history at Goshen College. “He fully embodies Goshen’s motto of ‘Culture for Service.’”
Springer began his service on May 1, 1986, and retired on June 30, 2024.
Rosalyn Troiano
CSA Strings Program Director
20 years of service
Troiano has nurtured young musicians through her leadership of the CSA Strings Program, fostering a love of music and helping students develop their talents. Her dedication has been instrumental in the program’s success.
“Rosalyn has been a part of transforming lives through music with her countless hours of private teaching, group lessons and ensembles,” said Brian Mast, director of the Community School of the Arts. “With her kind, patient touch, she has instilled the love of music in many students of all ages. She has been a great colleague and we will miss her daily presence in the Music Center.”
Troiano joined on July 1, 2004, and retired on June 30, 2024.