retirement

When John Bonin first joined Wesleyan’s Department of Economics in 1970, he discovered a down-to-earth leader in President Colin Campbell, and an academic culture that was comparatively unusual. “I learned quickly that faculty at Wesleyan were encouraged to speak out and assert agency unlike what my contemporaries at other institutions were experiencing,” Bonin said. On May 26, Wesleyan’s retiring faculty members—Bonin, Chester D. Hubbard Professor of Economics and Social Science; Bernardo Antonio Gonzalez, professor of Spanish; and Jeffrey Schiff, professor of art—will receive emeritus status at the University’s 192nd Commencement Ceremony. Ahead of the occasion, Bonin, Gonzalez, and Schiff reflected…

With an eye towards a bright future, the graduates of Wesleyan University’s Class of 2023 took their first steps out into the world on Sunday. At its 191st Commencement, held on Sunday, May 28, Wesleyan University conferred 756 Bachelor of Arts degrees, 11 Doctor of Philosophy degrees, 39 Masters of Arts, one Master of Philosophy in Liberal Arts, 13 Masters of Arts in Liberal Studies, and four Bachelors of Liberal Studies. The University also recognized four inspiring leaders with honorary degrees—Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Annette Gordon-Reed, who delivered the Commencement address; Jennifer Finney Boylan ’80, award-winning author, professor, and transgender activist; Larry McHugh,…

For many of the faculty members retiring from Wesleyan this year, representing over two centuries of academic experience, the joy of their time at the University comes down to their work with students. Amy B. Bloom '75, Shapiro-Silverberg Professor of Creative Writing; Stephen Henri Devoto, professor of biology; Fred M. Ellis, professor of physics; Janice R. Naegele, Alan M. Dachs Professor of Science; Stewart E. Novick, Joshua Boger University Professor of the Sciences and Mathematics; Irina M. Russu, E. B. Nye Professor of Chemistry; and Peter Gordon Solomon, adjunct professor of physical education announced their retirements and will receive emeritus…

Jeremy Zwelling, director of Jewish and Israel Studies Certificate Program, associate professor of religion, is retiring from Wesleyan after 43 years. Zwelling came to Wesleyan’s Religion Department to teach a range of courses in Jewish studies in 1967. He established Wesleyan’s Program in Israel Studies, and helped create Wesleyan’s Certificate Program in Jewish and Israel Studies. Zwelling received a bachelor’s degree in religion from Columbia University and a bachelor’s degree in Hebrew literature from the Jewish Theological Seminary. He received a M.A. and a Ph.D. from the Department of Near Eastern and Judaic Studies at Brandeis University. At Wesleyan, Zwelling…

Shirley Lawrence celebrated her 34 years at Wesleyan with a retirement party Dec. 14 in the Mansfield Freeman Center for East Asian Studies. Lawrence began her Wesleyan career in a part-time position the Mathematics Department where she remained until 1977. Lawrence moved to the Center of Humanities where she worked until 1985, and she worked in Alumni Programs until 1987 when the Mansfield Freeman Center for East Asian Studies officially opened on Washington Terrace. She is retiring as a program coordinator. Over the years Lawrence has coordinated such events as tours of the Freeman Family Japanese Garden, lectures on U.S.-Japan…

For 25 years, Diane Kischell has cared for the children of dozens of Wesleyan employees and Middletown community members. This month, Kischell, director and head teacher at the Wesleyan-affiliated Neighborhood Preschool (NPS), is retiring. She started at NPS in 1983. "Diane's teaching, mentorship and commitment have guided the Neighborhood Preschool, fostering a school where children can be themselves and where they develop a firm foundation of self-esteem and communication skills that sustain them as they grow," says Suzanna Tamminen, director of Wesleyan University Press and mother of Hugh Barrett NPS '07, Fiona Barrett NPS '08 and Silas Barrett NPS '12.…

For Wesleyan’s Retiring Faculty, a Moment to Look Back

Wesleyan University Celebrates 191st Commencement May 28

Seven Faculty Members Announce Retirements

Colleagues, Friends, Family Honor Jeremy Zwelling

3 Staff Members Retire from Olin, Science Libraries

Shirley Lawrence Retires After 34 Years at Wesleyan

Kischell Celebrates 25 Years with Neighborhood Preschool