Published: 12/09/2021
Gannon honors the legacy of great colleagues with retirement celebration
The Gannon community gathered to honor and celebrate the achievements of seven retiring members of our university family. “Gannon would not be where it is today without you,” shared Provost and Vice President of Student Experience Dr. Walter Iwanenko in opening remarks, “Thank you for your commitment - and I want you to know that we are so much better for having you with us here.” Dr. Iwanenko spoke in honor of each retiree, with a few of his sentiments shared below.
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Stephanie Barnhizer, leaves a legacy of inspiring students to respect philosophy, and makes the subject welcoming. “Anyone who takes the time to ask important questions, and who truly tries to answer them, is a philosopher.” She is a role model, for her female students in particular, discussing and sharing ideas on the roles of women in society.
Bernadette Hattjar is a warrior for the profession of occupational therapy, expressing a knowledgable passion for the subject to all she spoke with.
David Smith is a servant leader. He has found so many students jobs with Erie Insurance and other partners, and we’re grateful to his service to this university, the Erie community, and this country.
Michele Szymanowski retires from the College of Engineering and Business, where she works hard every day keeping things organized, known to be an absolute rock for the college. Michele makes you feel like home.
Eileen Jolls started her time with the Gannon University School of Education in 1989. She is a mighty force, lovingly referred to by Dr. Iwanenko as the “conductor of the school of education orchestra,” and has been a pivotal part of Gannon’s COVID experience/response.
Fr. Shawn Clerkin started his faculty role here in 1989, and leaves the School of Communication and the Arts at Gannon to take up pastorate in Franklin, PA. Known as many things to the University, he is truly Gannon Family, Mr. Gannon, The Irish Tenor. From a Gannon student, to faculty, Fr. Clerkin and his entire family are truly a part of the fabric at Gannon.
Duane (Rick) Prokop began his time at the Dahlkemper School of Business in 1981; Dr. Iwanenko referenced him as the “gentleman’s gentleman.” He has held a vast number of leadership positions in the School of Business, and has given so much to the university and the community.