Meryl Wieder, who has been the Department's top staff member for 26 years and has been with the University for 36 years, retired January 5, 2004. We held a retirement party at the Cliff House, a rustic facility on the bluffs of West Campus. Connie Padilla, Nancy Ponce, and Michelle Keuper worked hard to organize this momentous occasion. Thirty faculty, staff, past staff, and long-time friends attended.

A beautiful sunset inaugurated the party. Some chatted outside in the chilly air, watching nature's spectacular show. Before dinner was served, a group photo was taken. Table cloths and accents were in various shades of purple, Meryl's favorite color. True to traditional retirement parties, Meryl was "roasted" by several people — Keith Clarke, Michael Goodchild, Dan Montello, and Bill Norrington. Meryl treated us to her orchid slide show, with music. A good time was had by all! Best wishes, Meryl! We'll miss you!

Group Photo

Back row: Mike Goodchild, Richard Weinberg, Teresa Everett, Dave Folks, Silvio Di Loreto, Joel Michaelsen, Jim Proctor, Fiona Goodchild, Margot Clarke, Connie Padilla, Dan Montello. Middle row: Patsu Pommerening, Venus Nasri, Bernadette Weinberg, Val Norrington, Bill Norrington, Keith Clarke, Tracy Ruge, Mark Grosch, Heather Grosch, Robin Johnson, Waldo Tobler. Front row: Leal Mertes, Beilei Zhang, Howard Pommerening, Michelle Keuper, Mary MacDonald, Meryl Wieder, Nancy Ponce, Susanna Baumgart. Photos by Susanna Baumgart.