Celebrating 39 Years Of Dedicated Teaching

Join Dr. Charles Merrill in celebrating his retirement after 39 years of teaching and service at Sonoma State University, on Thursday, May 15 from 3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. in the Art Gallery. Please join us for hors d'ouevres, beverages and dessert.

Merrill completed his Ed.D. in Counselor Education and Psychology at the University of Florida in 1968, and was then hired in 1969 as Associate Dean for Counseling & Testing at Sonoma State. In this position he reorganized the Counseling center and taught one course a semester in the Psychology Department. In 1970 he collaborated with university faculty to develop the Master's in Counseling program.

In 1974, Merrill joined the Psychology Department, where he developed and taught courses in Counseling Theory and Methods, Group Processes, Humanistic Psychology, Jungian Psychology, Object Relations and Family Systems.

Merrill served as chair of the Psychology Department from 1984-1987. In 1986 he collaborated with Drs. Saul Eisen and Frank Siroky to design and co-found the Master's program in Organization Development; he taught a Group Process class in this program until 1994.

Merrill was chair of the Academic Senate in 1994-1995. From 1996 to 2005, he was graduate coordinator of the Psychology Department's graduate programs in Art Therapy, Depth Psychology, Humanistic Psychology and Organization Development. He also coordinated the Humanistic Psychology MA program at this time.

Merrill continues to be active in the Association for the Development of the Person-Centered Approach, which focuses on research and practice of person-centered, and Rogerian principles and practices in psychotherapy, education and groups for world peace.

Retirement Reception for Katie Pierce

The campus community is invited to a retirement reception for Associate Vice President for Academic Resources Katie Pierce on Wednesday, May 21, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., in the Art Gallery. Pierce began her career at SSU in 1982 as an accounting technician for Sonoma State Enterprises, and subsequently had positions in the Academic Foundation and Office of Research and Sponsored Programs. In 1998, she became the Budget Officer for the Division of Academic Affairs. For information, contact Cynthia Jowers, 4-2028, cynthia.jowers@sonoma.edu.

SAVE THE DATE

Rich Marks - A retirement party for Rich Marks is set from 2:30-4:30 p.m., Friday, May 16. Terrace Room Patio, Commons. The event is sponsored by the School of Education and the Mathematics Department. RSVP by 4-2132.

Richard Marker, Stephen Klein - Facilities Management is celebrating Richard Marker's 30 years of service and Stephen Klein's 32 years of service to the University on June 4 at 12:30 p.m. at the Corporation Yard. Those who wish to attend should RSVP by May 23 to Patty Bocalig at 4-2019 or patricia.bocalig@sonoma.edu.

Sue Foley - On Friday, June 20, Sue Foley celebrates her retirement at a party from 1-3 p.m. in the University Art Gallery. All are welcome to attend, but RSVPs are requested before June 13. E-mail misasi@sonoma.edu or call 4-2146.

LETTERS / Goodbye from Yvonne

Dear Friends,
When I arrived at Sonoma State six years ago, I felt I had come home. This has been such a special place to work, stimulating, filled with wonderful people; I will cherish my time here always. My son and my partner both graduated from here, and now I am retiring from SSU - today! Thank you to all, I have learned so much from so many of you. And I live in the neighborhood, so I'll be around. - Yvonne Clarke, University Affairs/Office of the President