In a summer of many changes, the UTS staff said good-bye to several long-time friends and colleagues. Dr. William Brunhofer left for Boston so that he and Susan and the children could spend more time with Susan’s family. Dr. Brunhofer joined the UTS faculty in 1985 and served as Administrative Dean for the past two years. At a farewell gathering in July, President Shimmyo thanked him, in particular, for his efforts to secure MSA accreditation for the Seminary and invited Dr. Brunhofer to return for the anticipated celebration when this becomes a reality. Susan Brunhofer was also a colleague of many of the present staff members during her tenure as Controller, from 1986 until 1991.
Doug and Kerry Williams are another couple who have featured prominently in the recent history of UTS. Doug has been the security officer since 1986 and Kerry served as Dean of Students from 1989 until 1994. They too have responded to the call to hometown and are now in Doug’s hometown of Louisville, Kentucky.
This year’s budget cuts resulted in the closure of the Public Relations office. After more than 20 years of faithful service, Sarah Witt retired but will continue to reside at UTS and will continue to be an active member of the community. Debbie Truin, who had worked in the area of community relations, will now pursue the nursing career for which she has been studying for the past three years. She and her family will continue to live in nearby Tivoli.
The closure of the day-care center at Apple Cottage coincided with Mariko Brogan’s move to the Washington D.C. area with her husband Ray who recently completed his doctorate in psychology. Mariko and co-worker Theresia Kittel cared for scores of the community’s children during their years of service. The Kittels will remain in the area and Theresia will continue to offer day-care services in Red Hook.