June 5, 2026, Klamath Falls, Ore. – Oregon Tech held its 46th Retirement Recognition event May 26 to honor employees for their dedication and achievements. The retirees’ commitment to Oregon Tech amounts to 113 years of service. Retirees include:

21 years: Lisa Shoults, Degree Coordinator, Registrar’s Office 21 years: Christine Sawyers, Parking Services, Campus Safety 19 years: Don McDonnell, Professor, Medical Imaging Technology (McDonnell also taught as an Adjunct for an additional 10 years) 12 years: Eileen Mudgett, Office Manager, Business Management 11 years: Mary Lou Nicholson, Accountant, University Advancement 11 years: Philip Howard, Associate Professor, Computer Systems Engineering Technology 9 years: Thom Darrah, Director, Facilities Management Services 9 years: Cliff Stover, Professor, Manufacturing and Mechanical Engineering and Technology

Notably, Don McDonnell has been awarded emeritus status, an honor granted to those who have served Oregon Tech for at least 10 years with distinction and who have applied for this status.

In addition to retirement honorees, the annual event honors employees for years of service in five-year increments. The following individuals were celebrated for years of service:

30 years of service

* Debbie McCollam

25+ years of service

Mateo Aboy Faletha Fowler in 2024 Rosalind “Rose” McClure Wangping Sun * Kenneth Usher

20+ years of service

Jennifer Bavarskas Mary Chivers in 2024 Mandi Clark Alisha Huntoon Alla Powers Matt Schnackenberg Christine St. Clair Greg Stewart * Alan Wallace

15 years of service

RaShell Carvalho Levi Lopez Raul Pizano Heather Smith Darryn Stevens Karissa Sultan * Dawn Taylor

10+ years of service

Jessica Barnett Jeannie Bopp Charisse Botsch Katie Cavendish Carrie Dickson Maria “Carmen” Galvan Ruelas Ronda Keating Jessica Luebbers Farooq Sultan Christy VanRooyen in 2023 Tiffany Virtue Rachel Winters

5 years of service

Cody Apple Heidi Bates Celia Green Maria Ibarra * Kelsey Petznick

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_Submitted by Ashley Van Essen, Public Affairs, Oregon Tech (541-885-1162, ashley.vanessen@oit.edu)._