University News

Pestle Retirement Reception Jan. 31

January 12, 2018

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MACOMB, IL – A retirement reception to honor the nearly 35 years of service of Western Illinois University School of Agriculture Office Manager Donna Pestle will be held from 3-5 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 31 in Knoblauch Hall, room 239.

Pestle will retire from the University at the end of January.

"After 34.5 years of service to WIU and 29.5 years to the School of Agriculture, Donna Pestle has decided to finally find some time for herself," said WIU School of Agriculture Chair Andy Baker. "Over the 29.5 years, she has worked with five different administrators, co-advised the Ag Council student organization and Sigma Alpha Sorority and assisted with the annual Ag Expo and Bull Test Sale."

Baker said Pestle has been responsible for the School of Agriculture's Career Fair since it began more than 20 years ago.

"Donna was the Employee Council President for six years, which kept her active," he added. "She was the recipient of the Civil Service Community Service award and was also selected as the Civil Service Employee of the Month. She has guided, mentored, and assisted thousands of agriculture students over her tenure as office manager. Even though she is retiring, I will always consider her a friend and colleague that dedicated numerous hours outside her normal working day to the activities and students of this department. I know she will continue her connection with this department for many years to follow. She will be missed dearly, but will always be remembered for her dedication to our students."

Pestle said the memories she has of WIU and the School of Agriculture will always remain with her.

"It is so hard to believe that I have worked at WIU for nearly 35 years and I am going to begin a new chapter in my life," she said. "I have been blessed to work with so many amazing faculty, staff and students. I am very proud, and will continue to be, a Leatherneck and a WIU Aggie."

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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