Wilmington College recognized a dozen members of its faculty and staff for service milestones ranging from five to 40 years.

Chip Murdock, senior director of diversity and student programming, presented the honorees along with some almanac highlights from the years when they arrived at the College. The seven five-year employees came in 2019 when a McDonald’s Big Mac cost $4.39.

They are Heather Schneder, manager of campus properties and events; Tristin Durr, head track and field coach; Elizabeth House, Watson Library’s head of Reference & Instruction Services and the Quaker Collection; Bryan Wallingford, assistant professor of theatre and theatre production specialist; Daren Wright, assistant professor of equine business management and director of the equine program; Daniel Trevino, assistant men’s basketball coach and assistant director of athletic communication; and April Crank, office manager for Physical Plant.

Dr. Brianna Matzke, associate professor of music, is the lone 10-year employee. When she came to WC in 2014, gas was $3.23/gallon, the soundtrack from Frozen topped the charts, the San Francisco Giants won the World Series and a Big Mac set one back $3.99.

Registrar Sue Hutchens, was recognized for 15 years when combining her current stint, which began in 2016, and her original position that started in 1989 when “Batman” was the top-selling film, Madonna’s “Like a Prayer” the best-selling album and a Big Mac cost $1.65.

Dr. Kendra Cipollini, professor of biology, and Dr. Stephen Potthoff, professor of religion and philosophy, arrived at the College 20 years ago in 2004. Gas then was $1.92/gallon, “Dawn of the Dead” was a hit movie, Usher was the top-selling recording artist and a Big Mac went for $2.71.

Finally, Hal Shunk, emeritus professor of art, was honored for four decades at WC, While he retired as a full-time faculty member in 2023, he continues to teach courses and curate the Harcum Art Gallery. In 1984, gas was $1.20, the Sparky Anderson’s Detroit Tigers won the World Series and the venerable Big Mac was $1.35.

Becky Haines, 1972 WC alumna, theatre technician and fine arts assistant, continues as the College’s current longest-serving employee with 51 years of service.

President Corey Cockerill thanked the service milestone recipients for their years of service and dedication to the College and presented them with a distinctly Wilmington College gift, items such as jewelry and keychains made by Rebecca Bowman from polished chips of paint that fell off the Campus Rock.