Page 4 - CEMS Summer 2022 Newsletter

RETIREMENT
Retirement reflections
After 36 years in CEMS, staff member Jody Peper has retired.
Jody Peper (M.Ed. Business Education ’91) retired from her staff role as an executive accounts specialist in CEMS accounting effective July 15, 2022.
CEMS Beginnings
Jody initially interviewed for a six-month, temporary position as a secretary in the Corrosion Research Center (CRC) to cover a staff person’s maternity leave.
“Nancy Hamilton interviewed me for the position. I was hesitant to take the job since it was only for six months, but Nancy really encouraged me to accept the position because she knew that the job would allow me to get my foot in the door at the University and find longer term employment once the six month term was over. Nancy was my supervisor and the accountant for the Center (payroll was handled by CEMS accounting staff) with Professor Richard Oriani serving as the Corrosion Center Director,” said Jody.
She continued, “The woman I temporarily replaced decided not to return after her maternity leave. Several years later, Nancy left the department, leaving me as the only full-time CRC staff member. I worked in the CRC for about 23-24 years before the CRC funding ran out. Regents Professor Frank Bates (who was the CEMS Department Head at that time) decided to move me into payroll since (former CEMS staff member) Mary Nissen needed help in that area.”
“When I came to the University, I was still thinking of pursuing my college major/career as a teacher in business education. I taught a few years at the Minnesota School
of Business while working full time in the CRC. In the
late 1980s, I decided to take advantage of the Regent’s Scholarship offered by the University to get a post- graduate degree. I thought I would obtain my PhD to become Dr. Peper, but my advisor suggested I get my Master’s as he did not think a PhD was necessary for the career I was thinking of pursuing,” said Jody.
Jody concluded, “After teaching at the Minnesota School of Business, I realized that I was better off as a staff member at the University.”
Fond Memories
Jody recalled the friendships that she developed over the course of her time in CEMS.
“I remember meeting staff members Teresa Bredahl (former CEMS Main Office Supervisor) and Julie Prince, currently the Program
Associate for Graduate Studies, when I arrived in September 1986 and interacting with them, especially at our staff birthday gatherings. I even attended both of their weddings!”
Jody Peper
She continued, “I also enjoyed managing the CRC as the only staff member. Professor Emeritus William Smyrl had
a tradition of buying his group pizza whenever someone graduated or left his group, and included me in those celebrations, so we were able to socialize and get to know each other pretty well. At that time, I was close to the same age as the graduate students in the department, so I have lots of fond memories from that time. We had fun participating in lots of intramural sports, especially volleyball, and other social activities offered in the Twin Cities.”
“Easily, I will miss the people that I met and worked with in the department the most. I enjoyed my work too, so I will miss being helpful to faculty, staff and students,” she said.
Upcoming Plans
“I am looking forward to continuing working on improving my cancer status, improving my mobility with the electric impulse physical therapy that I have been receiving, and enjoying life. I hope to continue to stay in touch with my CEMS colleagues and will enjoy being around my family now that I have moved closer to them. I also enjoy my crafts including crocheting/knitting, card making, and cooking,” said Jody. Please share your well wishes for Jody: https://www.kudoboard.com/boards/utxqDMN9
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