Service, celebration, camaraderie and great food marked the University of Delaware’s annual Service Recognition Dinner, held Wednesday, May 11, in Clayton Hall.

Hosted by Acting President Nancy Targett, the event celebrated members of the University community for 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 and 45 years of service, as well as recent retirees.

Provost Domenico Grasso told the honored guests, “When we ask students what brings them to UD and what they value most about their time here, they talk about our robust academic programs, our extracurricular opportunities and our beautiful campus. All of those things share one thing in common: Dedicated people who work hard to make the University of Delaware such a special place, people like you.”

Tallying up the evening’s statistics, he said, “I’m told there are 217 employees celebrating milestone anniversaries this year, plus another 108 retirees. All those employees -- all their time with UD -- add it up, and you get somewhere around 6,000 years of service. Let me say that again: about 6,000 years.”

Acting President Nancy Targett said, “As always, it’s an honor and privilege to recognize employees celebrating a milestone anniversary, as well as those celebrating retirement. Congratulations to all of you, and thank you for your many years of service to the University. The experience and perspective that you bring to your job is incredibly valuable.”

Of the 11 UD employees celebrating 45 years of service, seven were in attendance, and Targett recognized each of them individually: Barbara Vaughn, Suzanne Deshong, Thomas Gaisser, Charles Link, John Bernstein, Lawrence Duggan and Daniel Rich.

To the University’s newest retirees, Targett said, “We’re indebted to you for your years of service, for your role in shaping the University and for adding to UD’s legacy of excellence.”

Tom LaPenta, chief human resources officer at UD, presented Targett with a bouquet of blue and gold flowers and thanked her for her years of service and dedication to the University, and at the conclusion of the event she received a standing ovation from all those in attendance.

For a complete list of those honored, please visit the Human Resources website.