For the past 11 years, Norma Sconce greeted hundreds of students as they entered the Allen Dining Hall at Baker University. And in nine short days, her time at Baker University will end.

Norma announced her retirement to The Baker Orange through a hand-written letter. Since her announcement, students and alumni have been sharing their thoughts with The Baker Orange via Facebook.

Words of encouragement, sadness for the announcement of Norma’s retirement and pure shock at the news have been posted as members of the Baker community prepare for the day that Norma will not greet them as they enter the cafeteria.

Because she is retiring at this time, 78-year-old Norma qualifies for an incentive from the university administration that was offered to all faculty and staff members who are older than 59 1/2.

Chief Operating Officer Susan Lindahl could not share whom the other two faculty or staff members who have taken this retirement incentive are, saying it’s something for them to do in their own way and in their own time.

For Norma, that was a hand-written note specifically addressed to the students at Baker. Some compare her to a grandmother. Some say she is what influenced them to choose Baker University over another school.

Others say their dining experience in Allen Dining Hall will not ever be the same and others say she is the sweetest person at the university.

So as Norma prepares for her final days, students should offer their good-byes and gratitude's of her 11 years of service to the university. <br/>