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Familiar faces, many from the School of Journalism, attended to a reception Thursday to say good-bye to long-time employee Judith Rossiter.
Rossiter, academic adviser for the School of Journalism, will retire this December after more than 30 years of service, 25 of those at SIUC. Her last official day will be Dec. 19.
Rossiter said she has mixed emotions about leaving. She said that although she will miss the people she has worked with and the students, she looks forward to spending time with her husband and family.
"I have 30 years in the retirement system, and I kind of figured 30 years is enough," she said. "I have some other things I'd like to do with my life, have time to do."
Rossiter has worked as an adviser for the School of Journalism for 14 years. During her career, she has also been a social worker at the Eurma Hayes Center, taught at many of the area community colleges and been a faculty adviser and teacher for the University.
Manjunath Pendakur, dean of the College of Mass Communications and Media Arts, said he would miss Rossiter's sharp intellect and experience in the position. He said her probing questions and advice in meetings has enhanced his job performance.
Pendakur said that although he is disappointed Rossiter will no longer be with the school, he is pleased she will have the chance to enjoy her retirement.
"She's going to be sadly missed here," he said. "She has done an incredible amount of great service for our students and our faculty and our school and University."
Although Rossiter will no longer be working at the college, she said she would stay involved as a Saluki Booster and lifetime member of the Alumni Association.
Ryan Tozer, a senior in journalism from Dawson, has known Rossiter for two years. He said she has been a great adviser and has always helped him when he needed it. He recalled an instance when she advised him to take a different class because it would fit him better.
"She knows all the classes," Tozer said. "She knows all the professors ˜ even the ones not in the School of Journalism."
Tozer said Rossiter has been more than an adviser and has helped him with personal subjects as well as class issues. He said her door was always open to students.
"It's going to be hard to replace her," he said. "Whoever they have, even if they're really, really good, they're not going to be able to replace Judy. She's hands down the best counselor there is."
The school has begun interviewing candidates to fill the vacancy. Valerie Brooks, Peg Kowalczyk and Joe Pineau were interviewed earlier this week. Jack Young will be interviewed today at 10:15 a.m. in room 1201 of the Communications Building. Journalism students were invited to attend the interviews and give their input on the selection. A decision will be made before the start of the spring semester.
