Retiree Awards
Honored Retirees
Jose Agosto, Susan Bailey, Margaret Bennion, Neil Blanchard, Dennis Bradford, Anna Crandall, Hong Dang, Mary Folts, the late Gerard Gouvernet, Jack Johnston, Ellen Kintz, Robert Lambert, Rhonda Leonard, William Leyerle, Deborah Wakefield, Laura Wrubel
Margaret Bennion joined the custodial staff in July of 1995, where she dedicated 13 years of service to our students, ensuring our campus facilities remained in pristine condition. Margaret completed her final year taking care of the Niagara residence hall, and the students who lived there. She was not only a cleaner for the facility, but a role model for the students, showing them that there was more to life than rock and rap music. Nee
dless to say, by the end of the first semester, the students were singing Alan Jackson country music songs alongside Margaret. She was affectionately known as grandma and was hugged everyday by her extended family.
Margaret is enjoying her retirement, but luckily she visits her friends at SUNY Geneseo frequently and brings her famous mac and cheese in to treat them for lunch.
We thank Margaret for her enthusiasm, quality of work and caring of the students. We wish you continued happiness in your retirement.in September of 1982 as a part-time Lecturer.
Susan Bailey began her career at Geneseo as a part-time instructor in the history department and followed with several periodic teaching appointments in multiple disciplinary areas at the college. In 1993, Susan was appointed as the assistant dean and director of transfer advisement. She was promoted to associate dean of the college in 1996. She served as interim dean of the college in 2002 and was appointed dean of the college in 2003.
Susan’s long term dedication to SUNY Geneseo’s mission was demonstrated by her commitment t
o teaching excellence, consistent academic leadership, and her focus on our students. She actively participated in or held leadership roles in many campus events, such as the hurricane Katrina teach-in, the teach-in for diversity awareness, deliberative dialogue workshops, and much, much more.
Susan and her late husband, Randy, contributed significantly to creating and sustaining the unique spirit that defines Geneseo. She is a part of the fabric that makes Geneseo what it is today. Currently, Susan has extended this spirit to her work with Livingston Habitat for Humanity and her work with the steering committee of the Livingston women democrats. She will return to the classroom this summer when she teaches a section of humanities. Susan is also enjoying time with her family, especially her new granddaughter, Lena.
We thank Susan for her ongoing support of the college and for the outstanding leadership she provided to Geneseo during her tenure.
Anna Crandall joined SUNY Geneseo in the early fall of 1986 as stenographer and keyboard specialist in the career planning and placement office. After six years of service, Ann was promoted to Secretary 1 in the Educational Opportunity Program. She continued along her career path and was promoted to Secretary 2 in the Admission’s Office in 1997. During the same period of time that Ann was advancing her career, she also earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology from SUNY Geneseo.
Ann was promoted to the position of Assistant to the President in January of 2001, where she continued to deliver high quality service to faculty, staff, legislators, campus leaders, campus dignitaries and most especially to our students.
In 2008 Ann received the Geneseo Pride Award, which focuses on the qualities and skills that Ann naturally demonstrated on a daily basis. Ann is well known for her contagious smile, friendly demeanor, and ability to get things done.
She is enjoying her retirement with her husband John, taking care of her two wonderful grandsons, and is looking forward to a lot of golf time this summer. We thank Ann for her many contributions to SUNY Geneseo and best wishes for a fulfilling retirement.
Rhonda Leonard served as an officer in the University Police Department from 1978 until her retirement at the end of December 2008. Rhonda’s work ethic and dependability in emergency situations are notable qualities identified by her supervisors and fellow officers. She is also known through the community for welcoming many first-time faculty, staff and visitors to campus, readily answering questions and helping people find their way.
Rhonda received the Geneseo pride award in 2008, signifying her intrinsic ability to continuously live the values of SUNY Geneseo. In 2008 she was also awarded the "Excellent Service Award," which is sponsored by the SUNY Office of the Vice Chancellor, for university police given to members who initiate or develop procedures that result in the improvement of campus or university police department operations or enhanced community relations.
During retirement, Rhonda plans to spend time with her family, move to a warmer climate, and continue her international travels.
We thank Rhonda for her many years of service and for protecting the welfare of the faculty, staff and students at Geneseo.
William Leyerle began his career at Geneseo in 1975, when he joined the faculty of the Music Department. He holds a Master’s in Music Education from Millikin University with a specialization in vocal music education. Professor Leyerle published a nationally known book Vocal Development through Organic Imagery and published significant musical collections titled Song Anthology 1 and Song Anthology 2, which received glowing reviews in the National Association of Teachers of Singing Bulletin. He also developed a groundbreaking invention, Leyerle Phonetic/Translation System.
Most notably, Bill Leyerle is recognized for his excellence in teaching. Numerous students note selecting Geneseo’s music program because of their desire to study with him. In 1994, Professor Leyerle received the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching. Professor Leyerle is credited with building the voice program at Geneseo. He enriched the campus with special department events such as the pre-St. Patrick’s Day and musical Americana concerts, all of which were enjoyed immensely by the Geneseo community.
Bill is dedicating his time in retirement to his own company, Leyerle Publications, where he serves as President and CEO.
We appreciate all Bill has given to Geneseo over the years and especially his contributions to vocal instruction.