For Professor of Art Lee Mann, the hardest part about leaving Baker will be finding a few students every semester who discover something they are really excited and passionate about.
Mann is among four faculty members retiring from Baker after the spring 2010 semester. Eugenia Askew, assistant professor of health, sport and human performance, Bruce Woodruff, associate professor of theater, and Lucy Price, professor of English, are also retiring.
"A lot of things will be missed," Mann said. "The campus is beautiful. (Catering Coordinator) Tanya's (Sieber) cooking, and the food at Baker is incredible."<br/>Mann said she will always consider Baker a large, extended family and will never forget the first graduation ceremony she attended.Mann said she will always consider Baker a large, extended family and will never forget the first graduation ceremony she attended. Mann said she will always consider Baker a large, extended family and will never forget the first graduation ceremony she attended.
“I will never forget the students walking by and the professors throwing those poppers at them,” Mann said. “I went right out on the Fourth of July and bought some.”
While Mann taught at the University of Kansas for 24 years prior to Baker University, she retired for seven years between her two positions. Mann plans to move back to the southwest where she has purchased a home. She also hopes to do some traveling by train.
"My friends used to tell me I failed at retirement," Mann said. "I guess I felt guilty I had all this experience and I wasn't teaching. I'm pretty sure I'll pass this time, though."<br/>Price said she will miss working with students in the classroom and out.Price said she will miss working with students in the classroom and out. Price said she will miss working with students in the classroom and out.
“I have a group of former students from way back in the mid ’80s,” Price said. “They have made me a part of their group over 25 years of time. We are talking about lifetime friendships.”
Price said she is hoping to work on some projects of her own during retirement. <br/>"I might be doing some teaching of some sort somewhere in the future," Price said."I might be doing some teaching of some sort somewhere in the future," Price said. “I might be doing some teaching of some sort somewhere in the future,” Price said.
Administrative Assistant Cheryl McCrary said the university will be holding its third annual faculty recognition celebration Tuesday at Maceli’s in Lawrence.
“It’s a really nice, really cool atmosphere,” McCrary said. “It’s a great opportunity to honor the faculty leaving us.”
McCrary said the celebration will include a roast of the honored guests by other members of the faculty. A social time will begin at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 6 p.m. and a program that will begin at 6:30 p.m.