The School of Education bid farewell to three of our own at the close of the 2011-12 academic year:

Dr. Bette Goldstone, Professor and Coordinator of the Art Education and Library Science programs, retired after 31 years of service to the University.  Goldstone has overseen many programs in the Department of Education during her time with us, most recently leading the Library Science and Art Education programs, which thrived under her leadership.  She also coordinated an innovative children’s author reading series, which brought well-known children’s literature authors and illustrators to our campus for public readings and lectures.

Goldstone designed and initiated a number of study abroad opportunities and led the honors program for many years. Arcadia, then Beaver, awarded Bette the Lindback Foundation Award for Distinguished Teaching. She is widely known for her graciousness, her devotion to her students, and her impressive ability to find common ground and build consensus. Her infectious laugh will be greatly missed in the halls of the School of Education.

Dr. Cindy Reedy, Assistant Professor and Coordinator of the Early Childhood Program, retired after 16 years of service to Arcadia, most recently in the capacity of coordinator for the Early Childhood program.  She is known within the School as someone who has extensive—and very useful—knowledge about Pennsylvania Department of Education standards and programs, knowledge that she used to benefit all of us in the Department.  She lends an air of grace and good humor to every initiative in which she participates, and we will miss her lively conversation, knack for knowing just what to say to brighten everyone’s mood, and, most especially, for her trademark mantra: “DO a good day!,” which has motivated and lifted the hearts of her students and colleagues for years.

Virginia (Ginny) Blaisdel, Administrative Assistant for the School of Education, also retired in May.  She served the University community for an astonishing 38 years, including 19 years in the School of Education.  For many years, she was an anchor for the department, particularly in her role as Dr. Steve Gulkus’s “right hand person” when he served as Department Chair.  Blaisdel is known for her trademark good humor and fabulous sense of style; her skillful coordination of special events, including the huge undertaking of our first Education Department Colloquium; and for her affable and helpful orientation. She is an expert ballroom dancer and instructor; she plans to spend her days actively engaged in this and other hobbies, as well as devoting more time to her cat, Ruby.

We will miss the contributions and kind ways of our colleagues, but know that their legacy of support for their students and fellow faculty and staff will stay with us for years to come.