Service honors retirees

Shirley Boardman knew there would be a large graduating class.

Boardman has graduated from career to retirement and attended the “Long Service and Retiree Recognition Program” on Tuesday in honor of her 41 years of work at IU.

The event celebrated IU staff who have completed 25 to 45 years of service to the University, as well as individuals who retired in 2011.

“I’m here to celebrate my own milestone and others who retired, too,” Boardman said.
“It’s been a real privilege to be able to work with all parts of IU and value the work that each part provides.”

IU announced its Early Retirement Incentive Plan in June 2011, and Boardman credits this action to Tuesday’s graduation class size. More than 250 retirees were honored at the event.

“It makes me proud of the University that they understand that people are truly what’s important at any place of employment,” Manager of Recreation, Service and Human Resources Jane Suhr said.

Retirees received gold-set clocks, leather watches and framed pictures of the IU Sample Gates.

Suhr distributed these gifts and coordinated the event in honor of
employees’ legacy.

“It’s a way of honoring the dedication and service of the employees who make IU the great place it is,” Suhr said.

“It’s a way for the University to give back to its employees.”

Suhr estimated the service took about a year to coordinate. She had just started her position in human resources, and replaced Beth East when the planning began.

East retired after 44 years of work in the department.

“Overall, I think it’s pride in the institution. It’s a family,” Suhr said.

“The people appreciate the wage, benefits and everything the University offers them.”

Beth Muterspaugh is a human resources employee who worked the “name tag desk” Tuesday.

“I think they’re just a dedicated group of people who love what they do,” she said.

The program ended with a quote from Herman B Wells.

“‘The effectiveness of Indiana University depends upon its people, particularly those who make the University’s work a career,’” Associate Vice President of Human Resources Daniel Rives read.

Boardman said she lives in Bloomington now and sees her former coworkers often.

She plans to retire with the people she spent her career with and wants to enjoy her free time “sharing conversations with the treasure of people I met at IU.”