“Reply all” responses to a general-announcement email are generally annoying, embarrassing or otherwise cringe inducing. But at Bentley this summer, the replies delivered an electronic group hug for a soon-to-retire colleague. Here are excerpts from the original message and the spontaneous tributes it inspired.
Thursday, June 13, 2014, 1:57:41 PM
From: Roy (Chip) Wiggins III
To: Faculty & Staff DL
After considerable procrastination, a period of abject denial, and several failed attempts at persuasion and bribery, I am ready, but not happy, to inform you that a true Bentley icon is retiring. Associate Dean Jane Ellis is relinquishing operational duties in the Office of Academic Services, effective June 30, after some 26 years of dedicated service.
As chair of the Academic Performance Committee, Jane oversees and implements committee decisions on student academic restrictions or suspensions. This arduous task often involves appeal letters, anxious students and parents, and making decisions that are not necessarily received in a positive manner. It is within this environment that Jane truly shines. She is honest, direct, caring and respectful in her dealings with all. ...
Countless students have acknowledged Jane’s good nature and her influence in helping them achieve their goals. ... I know you will want to join me and all of the Dean’s Council in sincerely thanking Jane for her contributions to Bentley.
Re: Jane Ellis is Retiring!
From: Marie Rock, Senior Lecturer in Management
Jane is simply “the best,” and knows how to bring out the best in others.
From: Ali Abdolmohammadi, Professor of Accountancy
Yes, she is. I personally have seen Jane in Bentley activities and meetings, where she was always prepared and contributed greatly. My son benefitted from her kind and caring academic advice when he was a student at Bentley.
From: Michael O’Halloran, Senior Lecturer in Management
She touched many and made a difference!
From: Titilola Adewale, Director, Center for International Students and Scholars
I concur. Jane is caring, friendly and selfless. I have been at Bentley for about three months. Jane reached out to me as soon as I arrived, introduced me to her home, the area and many on campus with the goal of integrating me to the Bentley community.
From: Barbara Paul-Emile, Professor of English
Jane Ellis is, indeed, an icon! Her kindness, her generosity and her professionalism are legendary. There is no counting the number of lives she has touched and improved and the ways she has made Bentley a better place. … Knowing and working with Jane has been a great privilege. [She] was an early guide to Harry Paul-Emile from Port-au-Prince, Haiti, who because of her early encouragement went on to complete his degree and now works at another institution of higher education.
From: Tim Anderson, Professor of Sociology
Whenever a colleague, faculty, staff or administrator, young or old, had a question regarding a student issue, I have always had the same answer: “Just ask Jane!”
From: Otgo Erhemjamts, Associate Professor of Finance
Jane is exceptional because she truly cares about students. We will miss you, Jane!