ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú

After 33 years of dedication, Mary Denney is ready to embark on her next chapter—retirement. Her journey at ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú University began in a part-time role with the ROTC program, and over the years, she held various positions across both administrative and academic departments. Her adaptable and committed career has left a lasting impact on the university, spanning roles in the Affirmative Action Department (now OEEO), the Senior VP Office, the Western Program, 12 years in the Comparative Religion Department, and, most recently, 11 years in the Educational Psychology Department within EHS.

One of Mary’s proudest moments was seeing both of her sons graduate from ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú—Matt with a degree in mechanical and manufacturing engineering, and John with a major in finance. Initially drawn to the flexibility the university offered, which allowed her to balance family and work, it was Mary’s dedication to students and the strong sense of community that kept her at ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú for over three decades.

Reflecting on her years, Mary fondly remembers the "ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú family" atmosphere that once defined the campus, a sense of unity and collaboration that, in her words, has evolved over time as the university has grown. While Mary has witnessed many changes—new buildings, technological advancements, and shifts in culture—her greatest fulfillment always came from supporting students and faculty. Through all the changes, Mary ensured that departments ran smoothly, offering her expertise and willingness to adapt. She emphasizes the importance of being adaptable and advocating for oneself, advice she offers to those starting out in similar roles.

As she steps into retirement, Mary looks forward to enjoying a life free from the constraints of an alarm clock, spending more time with her grandchildren, tending to her flower beds, and perhaps learning to quilt or knit. Although she humbly believes she will soon be forgotten, her colleagues and students will undoubtedly remember her dedication and the significant role she played in their success. "As Interim Dean of EHS Amity Noltemeyer shared, 'Having worked closely with Mary for 11 years, I've witnessed her impressive work ethic, integrity, dependability, and problem-solving skills. Mary's contributions have greatly impacted the department and college, and while I will miss her, I'm grateful she can now enjoy a well-deserved retirement!'"

Mary’s legacy is not just in the work she accomplished but in the relationships she built and the students she guided. Her 33 years of service are a testament to her unwavering commitment to ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú University, and her influence will be felt for years to come.

(AI tools Grammarly and ChatGPT 4.0, a language model developed by OpenAI, assisted in writing this article.)