Dr. Barry Lipscomb, 39 Years
Professor of Psychology
One of the original faculty members that established majors for Virginia Wesleyan, Dr. Barry Lipscomb says farewell to Virginia Wesleyan.
Lipscomb has done extraordinary things for the College during his tenure. He founded the psychology department, which boasted more than 50 students in the spring 2007 semester; helped write the department catalog which is still handed out to students today; and was the coordinator for the department for 17 years.
"I see everyone here as kin," he said. "For me, it's not been just working here, it's been a part of the life experience."
Emphasizing those four decades of teaching as being part of his life experience, Lipscomb has the same attitude towards retirement.
"Working is part of life's experiences and so is retirement," he said. "I look at retirement as rewirement – my mind and life have to be rewired on being retired."
Mrs. Eve Blachman, 33 Years
Assistant Professor of English
Mrs. Eve Blachman first started teaching at Virginia Wesleyan in 1974. Reminiscing about her three decades of teaching, Blachman said the close-knit community is just one aspect which kept her coming back.
"The strength of this College has been the connection between faculty, staff and students," she said, "and it's been both a privilege and my pleasure to teach."
With a passion for literature, Blachman's favorite subject has always been adolescent literature. She hopes that high schools will allow students to read more adolescent novels to help them understand the changes youth endure.
Over the years Blachman herself has gone through changes, weaving the things she's learned into her teachings.
"I cannot separate my professional persona from my personal and intellectual life," said Blachman in a Statement of Identity as a Teacher. "The human story informs the identity I bring to Birdsong 202 on Monday at 8:30 a.m."
Headed for retirement and looking forward to spending time with her grandchildren, Blachman said she's ready for the next thing in life.
Dr. Patrick Lang, 27 Years
Professor of Mathematics
Since 1980, Dr. Patrick Lang has taught at Virginia Wesleyan. In 1993, he became professor of mathematics, and students came to know him as a teacher who was always available. "Dr. Lang was always a caring teacher and always available to students outside of class," said colleague Mrs. Denise Wilkinson, associate professor of mathematics.
Lang served as division chair for the Mathematics and Natural Sciences division, completing his term in 2006. He taught a variety of mathematics classes from algebra to upper level courses. Outside of his field, Lang enjoys bridge, comics and playing racquetball.
Wilkinson worked with Lang for 20 years. The two developed a friendship and she has the utmost respect for his service to Virginia Wesleyan. "He is very level-headed and knowledgeable," she said. "When I took over as the coordinator position of the department (developmental mathematics), I never stopped using him as a sounding board for advice."
Mr. Stan Pearson, 26 Years
Instructor of Mathematics/Computer Science
Mr. Stan Pearson uses the word "freedom" to describe his experience.
"I had the freedom to design my own curriculum," said Pearson.
Teaching an array of subjects, Pearson enjoyed what he likes to call the "whole gamut" including statistics, algebra, linear algebra and calculus I, II and III.
Over the past 26 years, Pearson said he has made friends with many colleagues that he will greatly miss.
"I will miss the camaraderie with my colleagues the most," he said.
And even though Pearson may be retiring, his wife, Fayne, who is the assistant to the academic dean and student disabilities coordinator, will still be working.
As for his retirement plans, Pearson says he is looking forward to gardening, running, camping and traveling. He said he may also volunteer, teach on an adjunct basis or try technical editing.