Farewell and Thank You!

Our team is bidding fond farewells to four embers of our team who are retiring.  Steve Archuleta (Campus Operations), Lily Hernandez (Augustus C. Long Health Sciences Library), Joan Hill-Golding (Facilities Customer Service Center), and Jeannine Jeannette (Department of Public Safety). Steve, Lily, Joan, and Jeannine, thank you for all that you have done and for the legacy that each of you has left with each of us!

Here's what several of their co-workers had to say about working with them.

Steve Archuleta 

Noel Pagan, director of Campus Operations, shared: 

I have known Steve for about eight years here at CUIMC. I would describe him as resourceful, compassionate, and caring. Steve has a good sense of humor and when it comes to his employees, he has always been a helpful and compassionate person. Steve’s background is in the food industry, and he always likes to talk about food and how passionate people who own restaurants are. They really step back and look at the services they provide. And they’re always ready to give you a new recipe. Steve is a real family man who would always talk about the unique moments in life and how short the time is that you spend with family. Steve taught me to really listen to the frontline employees to get the best performance out of them daily. Steve’s legacy is to always leave room for growth and offer help when you see that others are having a hard time with changes.  

Lily Hernandez

Debbie Serrano, Department Administrator for the Augustus C. Long Health Sciences Library, shared:

I’ve known Lily for 22 years. She is kind, caring, and considerate. She loves being a member of the 25-Year Club and attending the annual dinner. Everyone should know that Lily is a true friend and colleague. She taught me to put 100% into everything I do at work and in my personal life. Lily’s legacy to us is to get to know our patrons and their needs.  And to make sure to always be pleasant and smile! 

Alberto Fermin,  Library Assistant V at the Augustus C. Long Health Sciences Library, shared:

I have known Lily for 34 years - since I started working here. I would describe her as punctual, hardworking, and trustworthy. When I first started working for the library, Lily was one of the few people I really engaged with.  Our close friendship became noticeable to many in the library. Lily and I would always attend the 25-Year Club reunions and enjoyed the food and wine that was served. She is a great person with a big heart who cares very much for her family, friends, and other people. Lily has taught me to always look on the bright side of things. Her work ethic has also taught me to perform a job well until it's completed. Lily’s warmth and dedication to providing the best experience for her colleagues and users of the library will always be remembered.  

Joan Hill-Golding

Janet Salinas-Vasquez, Senior Procurement and Payables Analyst for Finance and Administration, shared: 

I have known Joan since the summer of 2000.  She is kind, outgoing and the nicest human anyone can ever meet. My earliest memory was meeting Joan over the phone.  She called me to schedule a job interview within the Facilities department. Her voice was so soft-spoken and professional.  When I met her in person, her demeanor helped put my nerves at ease.  I remember her being attentive to the front area while at the same time making sure I was ok.  Being a young mother, she gave me that confirmation that I needed to push forward and give that interview my best.   I have seen Joan go through so many challenges in life, she is a fighter, and she never gives up. Through working with Joan, I have learned to not take life so seriously, do the best that I can, and never give up. She is leaving behind a legacy of loyalty of over 34 years at Columbia!  

Jeannine Jennette 

Karla Buchting, Assistant Director of CUIMC Operations for the Department of Public Safety, shared:

I have known Jeannine for 18 years and three words I would use to describe her are: ambitious, tenacious, and unwavering. One of my fondest memories of Jeannine is from the construction of the ARB loading dock. She and I observed fish in a pool of flowing water and using debris in the area we captured several fish and brought them back and put them in a tank in her office. Jeannine also enjoys doing puzzles. She’s taught me how to maintain equanimity and I will miss working with her.