Although former Director of Health Services Ruth Sarna retired from Baker in December, she recently received a new title from the university.

As University President Pat Long announced she had one final surprise for Sarna during the Faculty Appreciation Dinner on Feb. 14, Sarna let out a gasp that echoed across the room. She then looked at her husband Bob with a surprised expression and matter-of-factly stated, “you knew.”

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She still wasn’t fully aware of the honor she was about to receive, but she made sure to give her husband a quick kiss before she joined Long on stage.

After Sarna’s 25 years of service to the university, the Board of Trustees approved a recommendation to recognize Sarna as nurse emeritus.

“We could say so much about her … but she did a great job for our students and she did a great job for our community,” Long said. “She was at everything that our students did, she was our go-to when you needed a loving heart, loving hand, or if you needed someone to get in a student’s face and say ‘straighten up.’”

When Sarna approached the microphone, she held back her emotions as she thanked the faculty and administration for the work they have done for Baker.

“I’m deeply, deeply honored. And talk about being blessed – I’m the one that’s so blessed,” Sarna said. “I am so sold on Baker, I hope you know that.”

Former Director of Health Services Ruth Sarna celebrates with the football team at halftime of the men’s basketball game against Benedictine College on Feb. 13 in Collins Center. Players on the football team were presented with their 2013 HAAC championhip banner. Tera Lyons

Although Sarna retired at the conclusion of the fall semester, the university has remained close to her heart. In fact, just one night before receiving her new title, she joined members of the football team to hold a corner of their Heart of America Athletic Conference championship banner during halftime of the men’s basketball game.

“Baker has been such an important part of our lives that I will always be there,” Sarna said. “I love those hugs from students, and I do miss them terribly, but I am surviving in this retirement mode. But I won’t stay away from Baker … I do love you and I thank you. I just appreciate this so much.”

The formal presentation from the Board of Trustees read, “This recommendation is made in honor and recognition of (Sarna’s) years of service to students, to student-recruitment, to retention and university-wide commitment for the healthy mind, the healthy body and the soul.”

Rich Howell, chair of the Board of Trustees, said the Faculty Appreciation Dinner was just what the board loves to see.

“Dr. Ruth, what a great pleasure. I don’t know that I could ever call you nurse emeritus – You’re still going to be Dr. Ruth,” Howell said jokingly. “We love to see you back here on campus as much as you wish to be here.”