Founders Day Breaks Record

From the Founder’s Day Committee:

This year’s Founders Day marked a new milestone for attendance. A total of 221 KSC employees – OS, PAT, and Complementary staff – registered for programs or meals to celebrate Founders Day 25th anniversary celebration on Wednesday, May 25. Founders Day began in the spring of 1987 to recognize staff as the foundation of the college.

The day included 24 programs of personal enrichment and professional development many of which resulted in positive team-building experiences. People involved in the rock climbing workshop reported that each individual was applauded by the group as he/she reached the top of an abutment. Those who participated in an afternoon of free bowling at Yankee Lanes have formed a Keene State bowling league. Suggestions are already pouring in for next year’s Founders Day, with many participants asking to repeat popular workshops such as digital photography and how to sell on eBay.

This year’s theme, “Founders Day Turns 25! Recalling the Past: Stepping into the Future” was explored by two guest speakers. Kim Harkness, director of Human Resources, spoke about the history of Founders Day in the morning and KSC alum Scott Ettl, the keynote luncheon speaker, recalled how college employees helped form his foundation for stepping into a rewarding career. Tim Garland, OS Council president, and Kim Schmidl-Gagne, PAT Council president, welcomed staff at the beginning of the day. KSC President Helen Giles-Gee thanked staff for all their hard work at the luncheon and stayed for the group photograph.

The Founders Day Committee has received positive feedback from participants who completed a short e-mail survey last week. One of the invited guest had this to say: “Great food, great company, great cupcakes, and the keynote speaker was terrific, too. He was obviously greatly influenced by KSC and those years have shaped his life in meaningful ways.”

The Founders Day Committee would like to thank all who participated in the May 25 festivities for contributing to a meaningful and memorable anniversary celebration. The committee would also like to thank the Keene State sponsors of this day: President Helen Giles-Gee; Emile “Mel” Netzhammer, Provost; Jay Kahn, Vice President for Finance and Planning; Andrew Robinson, Vice President for Student Affairs; Maryann Lindberg, Vice President for Advancement; the Operating Staff Council; and the Office of Human Resources.

In addition, Campus News would also like to extend many thanks and congratulations on an excellent day to the Founders Day 2011 Committee:

• Jackie Hooper and Ro Dettelback, Co-Chairs
• Kathy Bottomley
• Pat Hitchner
• Cheryl Martin
• Ann Whittle